Outside, Looking In

Outside,
Looking
In
A Very
Short Story
. . . with Long Lasting Implications

DEAR DIARY:
March 16,
Today I trusted Christ as Saviour and got saved. I'm now going to Heaven when I die.
This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. I'm trying to find the right words, but I can't. It just feels great!

March 19,
This was my first day in church as a saved person. The people now seem friendlier and I'm looking forward to being baptized and becoming a member. The pastor gives us memory verses and I think I'm going to try to memorize them. The one he gave us goes like this:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17

March 23,
Finally got baptized. Hooray! I'm part of the membership now. The pastor had me read a little book on baptism before getting dunked. I found it interesting, but I'm not sure why I was supposed to read it. The memory verse this time is: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14

March 26,
We had a missionary in today. He spoke real well, although a little too loud at times. The slide presentation was great. I wish he would have spent more time showing slides than on his message. Memory verse: "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." John 8:47

April 2,
Sometimes I wish the pastor wouldn't ask for testimonies after services. They can get lengthy and drag on a little. Many times I want to get home early so I can get some important things done. Memory verse:
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

April 13,
During today's sermon, the pastor talked about friendship and it reminded me of Lisa Newman. We were best friends in high school and I haven't seen her in years. I think I'm going to call her and get together like in the good old days. I might even tell her about my church. Memory verse: "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough [plow], and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

May 4,
Today's message talked about centering one's life around Christ. I feel bad since I only have so much time, due to my job and other activities. I'm sure God will understand. Memory verse: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Mat. 16:24

May 12,
My parents came with me to church today (they were concerned!). They were a little put off by the message. I told them that's the way our pastor speaks, but he's really a nice person once you get to know him. They said they might not ever visit again and that worries me. I don't want my salvation to come between me and them. I'm praying that it doesn't. Memory verse: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Mat. 10:37

June 8,
After services today, a fellow church member and I went to her friend's house. We talked to her friend about the Lord. It didn't go very well. Frankly, I thought the church member was a little too pushy. She brought up repentance and it seemed like her friend didn't think it was very tasteful. I can't say I blame her. Memory verse: "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." 1 Pet. 2:25

June 22,
Today I was a little put off by the pastor's message. He referred to other religions that don't teach according to the Bible. I thought he was too judgmental. Who's to say that most of the members in another religion aren't saved? Who's to say? M.V.: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Cor. 13:5

July 2,
Today I got brave. I briefly talked with the pastor after services. (It was the first time I did.) He said something about Biblical standards. But I think God is big enough to accommodate. After all, Winter is coming and it gets too cold up here to be wearing skirts. M.V.: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3

August 20,
I think God is leading me to join another church. I already have one picked out. Their messages don't make me feel guilty and they're not as demanding on my time. Therefore, this will be my last memory verse. (I never saw how they applied half the time anyway): "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." 1 John 2:19

IF you were to die today, are you 100% SURE
you would go to Heaven? The Bible says
YOU CAN BE SURE (1 John 5:13).
BUT FIRST, you must realize that what keeps you from going to Heaven are your sins, because:
"...your iniquities [sins] have separated between you and your God," Isa. 59:2.
In fact, in God's eyes YOU ARE A SINNER: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Rom. 3:23.
And Jesus, referring to sinners, said that He:
"shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity [sinners];
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Mat. 13:41-42
SECONDLY, you must realize that there is NOTHING you can do to save yourself and earn Heaven: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9 Baptism, good deeds, church membership, self-righteousness are all examples of good works that cannot save you, because: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he [Christ] saved us," Titus 3:5.
THE ONLY WAY you can get saved is through Jesus Christ. He said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) THAT'S WHY: "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8-9) THEREFORE: You must REPENT (change your mind); admit that you are a Hell deserving sinner and can't save yourself. And call upon Christ, and Him alone, to save you.
"if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus [REPENT], and shalt believe in thine heart [TRUST] that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:9
SEND THE LIGHT
P.O. Box 815
Fargo, ND 58107

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