Salvation

A few Sunday's ago, my bible study class discussed the topic of salvation. It is an interesting subject about how or when a person becomes a Christian. Basically salvation is a process that involves "our hearing the gospel call, our being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, our responding in faith and repentance, and God forgiving us and giving us membership in his family, as well as granting us growth in the Christian life and keeping us faithful to himself thoughout life. At the end of our life, we die and go into his presence, then when Christ returns, we receive resurrection bodies, and the process of acquiring salvation is complete." (Grudem ,1999).

Process is the key about how a person becomes a Christian. Many people in North America have heard of the Sinner's Prayer. It's basically a prayer of recognizing sin, knowing the need of a Saviour who is Jesus, asking for repentance, being forgiven, and allowing Jesus to enter one's heart. I have found the Sinner's Prayer to be the ultimate decision maker in becoming a Christian. I think there is way too much emphasis on this one act rather than the actual process of knowing God. I know of many Christians who have prayed this prayer and then fell off the map in their relationship with God. The problem here has become pray this prayer and you'll become a Christian and if you don't you're not a Christian. We live in a society that follows a magic pill formula. But Christianity is not setup that way.

In my own life, I don't know when I crossed over to become a Christian, but I do know at some point I did. It was a process that involved learning about Jesus and following Him. I believe someone who claims to be a Christian should be one who follows Christ. It's that simple.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole word, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." (Matthew 16:24-27)

Peace.

Today, we are all Hokies.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected at Virginia Tech and their families during this difficult time.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Random Updates

I guess it's time for an update eh? Well lately, I've been contemplating about going to Korea in October for 3 weeks. I figure it's about time to meet some family I haven't seen in 22 years. It'll be nice to be able to appreciate my background and see where my parents came from. I just mailed my passport application and I didn't realize how much work it involved. I wish it wouldn't expire in 5 years since it costs $87 everytime to apply plus the hassle. It's pretty lame.

Next week, I'll be attending an information session on the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration program. It's basically the first year of an MBA. It's a great option for those who don't have a business background and also doesn't make you commit to do an MBA. I figure it's a good idea to invest in developing new skills and as an employee, tuition is free.

I was asked to join the men's softball team at church, but I declined. The fellowship was good, but the sport is way too boring for me. I'm also more into leisure activities like snowboarding, hiking, and golfing. But I did join the Praise and Worship team as a background vocalist and started practice last Sunday. The group likes my voice so that is a good sign.

Last Friday, I went snowboarding at Grouse. It was hot and sunny so I went in my t-shirt. I saw a number of hikers doing the Grind which was a funny sight to see as I laced up my snowboarding boots. One would wonder how snow can still be around, but there is and still lots of it at the top.

I may not update in a while since my team, the Vancouver Canucks, are starting their playoff round with the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. I can't wait and this post season is gonna rock just looking at all the teams involved. The New York Islanders win in a shootout over the New Jersey Devils to capture the last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference was intense. That win put the Leafs out of the playoffs, and so it will be a dark Spring for many a fans in T dot.

Peace.