Biblical Conversion To Christ: What Does It Look Like?

 In these last days that we live in, we are witnessing the fulfillment of many biblical prophecies and prophetic words of God and His ministers. One prophetic word given by Paul is clearly coming to pass in this generation.

Paul said this in 2nd Timothy 4:3 

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

How can you reach a person who has turned away from listening to the truth? You can't! Even Jesus couldn't do many works in His hometown because of unbelief, when there is unbelief in the hearts of the hearers there is absolutely nothing anyone can do, including God! Remember God allowed a whole generation of His own people to perish in the desert for unbelief.

So with all the multitudes of people preaching and teaching on 'how to be saved', how can one know the true way to eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of God? Our only true source of Godly direction and answers comes from the scriptures contained in what we call the 'bible'.

Let me start by clarifying what we really should be saying in regards to the salvation of our souls. The scriptures teach us that we are 'converted' to Christ not instantly 'saved' the moment we confess that Jesus is Lord or repeat a so-called 'sinners prayer'. So to say that 'I'm saved', 'I got saved', or 'I've been saved' etc..., is not correct according to the scriptures and therefore a doctrine of man.

The scriptures teach that salvation is an ongoing process once a soul is converted to Christ and enters the kingdom of God. When we read a passage like Romans 10:9 we MUST put the scriptures in context of who is speaking and who is being spoken to!

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Taken out of context this scripture has been used erroneously for decades to make people think that they are instantly 'saved' when they profess their belief in Jesus. But look carefully at the words of the text 'you WILL BE saved', that's future tense is it not? Indeed it is, and there is no instant salvation taught anywhere in scripture.

Conversion means: to turn, turn around

Matthew 18:1-4

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Acts 3:17-20

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,"

John the baptist was sent to prepare the way of the Lord and he was also sent to baptize people with water for repentance, John's baptism in water was the start of a transition period from the Old Covenant, into the New Covenant.

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Question: What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire?

The answer is found in Acts 1:4-5,6-8, & Acts 2:1-4

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

"So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Question: Can we receive this same baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire today?

The answer is found in Acts 2:36-39

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise (Holy Spirit) is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

The first century Christians experienced a life of power, spiritual gifts, boldness and a love for one another that turned the world upside down! I pray that we will also see days like they did and even greater as this age comes to a close.

In Jesus,
Tyrone

How He Loves Us - David Crowder (Matt Chandler & John Piper)

 

Romans 5:6-11

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

In Jesus,

Tyrone

Glory In Suffering - Britt Merrick

 

John 16:33

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Phillipians 1:29 

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, "

2nd Corinthians 4:17 

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,"

In Jesus,

Tyrone 

 

The Holiness Of God - Francis Chan

 

  “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”

In Jesus,

Tyrone

My Sheep HEAR My Voice!

John 10:27-30

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

 How many of you read this scripture and say to yourself, I hear the voice of Jesus because He speaks to me through the scriptures? Or I've heard the voice of Jesus because He speaks to my heart and I feel a leading of the Spirit?

Before I was truly converted to Christ I used to think that I heard the voice of Jesus through the Scriptures, but after I was baptized with the Holy Spirit I literally HEARD the voice of Jesus speaking to me for the first time in my life. To say it was life changing is an understatement, it was earth shattering!

Jesus meant exactly what He said when He spoke the words, "My sheep hear my voice", and He wasn't talking about the scriptures when He said those words to His listeners over two thousand years ago. Understand that the first recorded gospel of the New Testament, (Mark) was not written until at least FIFTY years AFTER the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Before one word was written down it was SPOKEN and experienced first!

It should be absolutely common place and normal for the Lord's sheep to hear His voice speaking to them through His Spirit and in their minds as often as He wills, but instead when those who say they literally HEAR the audible voice of God speaking to them, they are looked at as loons, and insane!

But don't we read in scripture of the apostles and disciples of Jesus seeing and HEARING the risen Lord speak to them? Of course we do! So what's the difference between now and then?

I have heard many say that 'we have the bible now, so God doesn't speak audibly to His people anymore'. But doesn't Hebrews 13:8 say this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Jesus said: "MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE"

The question is, have you heard the audible voice of Jesus? If not, what does that tell you?

In Jesus,
Tyrone 

Are You Ready For God's Answer?

Matthew 19:16-22

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

How many times have you prayed to God and asked Him for answers to your problems? How many times have you cried out to God in despair and desperation, asking Him to heal you, help you, deliver and bless you?

And how often was God's answer to your prayers and questions much different than you thought they would be?

More often than not, when God gives you answers to your problems and prayers, it's NOT the way you thought God would answer! (His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts)

And more often than not, His answers cut right through your soul and pierce your heart, we all know the cliche, 'the truth hurts!', indeed it does, and the rich young ruler felt the scalpel cut of the Great Physician Jesus!

The young ruler was bold enough to tell Jesus that he had obeyed all the commandments since his youth and was quick to ask Jesus what he still lacked, and Jesus knows ALL of our hearts! He knew what would challenge the heart of the young ruler, that's why Jesus said to him, 'sell ALL you have and GIVE to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; AND come, follow me'.

Jesus answered the young man's question, but it wasn't what he wanted to hear, was it? NOPE!

And that's how it is with most of us in these days of excess, and live your best life now. To be perfect in Christ, to be a true disciple of Jesus, and to follow Him, takes DEATH TO SELF, death to your fleshly desires and carnal thinking. We must be willing to give up ALL to follow Jesus, we must be ready to leave everything behind and not look back if He calls us to do so. And we must be ready to suffer loss, affliction, persecution, and even physical death if that's the will of God.

Are you ready for God's answer to your questions? Are you really ready for the truth that will set you free?

In Jesus,
Tyrone

Uma Voz Clamando No Deserto (Joao, O Batista)

This message can also be found in or blog named as : A Voice Crying In The Desert (John, the Baptist) on 10/13/2013 escrita por: Tyrone D. Palmer Traducao: Cynthia R. Palmer

Joao 1:19-27

E este foi o testemunho de João, quando os judeus lhe enviaram de Jerusalém sacerdotes e levitas para que lhe perguntassem: Quem és tu? 20 Ele, pois, confessou e não negou; sim, confessou: Eu não sou o Cristo. 21 Ao que lhe perguntaram: Pois que? És tu Elias? Respondeu ele: Não sou. És tu o profeta? E respondeu: Não 22 Disseram-lhe, pois: Quem és? para podermos dar resposta aos que nos enviaram; que dizes de ti mesmo? 23 Respondeu ele: Eu sou a voz do que clama no deserto: Endireitai o caminho do Senhor, como disse o profeta Isaías. 24 E os que tinham sido enviados eram dos fariseus. 25 Então lhe perguntaram: Por que batizas, pois, se tu não és o Cristo, nem Elias, nem o profeta? 26 Respondeu-lhes João: Eu batizo em água; no meio de vós está um a quem vós não conheceis 27 aquele que vem depois de mim, de quem eu não sou digno de desatar a correia da alparca.

Joao, o Batista era uma voz solitaria clamando no meio da escuridao e da cegueira religiosa. Uma grande Luz estava vindo e Joao foi enviado por Deus para preparar o caminho do Senhor. A mesma coisa esta acontecendo hoje como aconteceu antes; os fariseus e judeus liam a lei e os profetas todo sabado em suas sinagogas e memorizavam as escrituras e achavam que por causa de seu entendimento intelectual delas eles sabiam que era Deus. Mas aqui veio Joao, o Batista, o profeta de Deus que foi morto como os outros profetas que vieram antes dele! Voce ve o que o modo dos homens fazem? Ate os lideres religiosos de hoje!

Eles estavam aguardando outro Elias ou o Messias, os dois vieram e a maioria das pessoas nao perceberam!

Mateus 17:10-13

10 Perguntaram-lhe os discípulos: Por que dizem então os escribas que é necessário que Elias venha primeiro? 11 Respondeu ele: Na verdade Elias havia de vir e restaurar todas as coisas; 12 digo-vos, porém, que Elias já veio, e não o reconheceram; mas fizeram-lhe tudo o que quiseram. Assim também o Filho do homem há de padecer 13 Então entenderam os discípulos que lhes falava a respeito de João, o Batista.

Lucas 1:13-17

Mas o anjo lhe disse: Não temais, Zacarias; porque a tua oração foi ouvida, e Isabel, tua mulher, te dará ã luz um filho, e lhe porás o nome de João; 14 e terás alegria e regozijo, e muitos se alegrarão com o seu nascimento; 15 porque ele será grande diante do Senhor; não beberá vinho, nem bebida forte; e será cheio do Espírito Santo já desde o ventre de sua mãe; 16 converterá muitos dos filhos de Israel ao Senhor seu Deus; 17 irá adiante dele no espírito e poder de Elias, para converter os corações dos pais aos filhos, e os rebeldes ã prudência dos justos, a fim de preparar para o Senhor um povo apercebido.

Jesus disse que nao havia um homem maior do que Joao o Batista nascido de mulher, mas hoje o menor dos que entram no Reino de Deus sao maiores do que ele era!

O tempo esta sobre nos em que novamente os verdadeiros apostolos e profetas diante da face do Senhor serao enviados para preparar o povo remanescente que Deus escolheu para salvacao. Os verdadeiros ministros de Deus sairao na ultima hora no espirito e poder do Filho do Homem, Jesus! E voce ouvira a mesma mensagem que Joao e Jesus pregaram, ARREPENDAM-SE! Pois o Reino de Deus esta perto!

Lucas 1:76-80

E tu, menino, serás chamado profeta do Altíssimo, porque irás ante a face do Senhor, a preparar os seus caminhos; 77 para dar ao seu povo conhecimento da salvação, na remissão dos seus pecados, 78 graças a entrenhável misericórdia do nosso Deus, pela qual nos há de visitar a aurora lá do alto, 79 para alumiar aos que jazem nas trevas e na sombra da morte, a fim de dirigir os nossos pés no caminho da paz. 80 Ora, o menino crescia, e se robustecia em espírito; e habitava nos desertos até o dia da sua manifestação a Israel.

Lucas 3:7-9, 15-18

João dizia, pois, 8 Produzi, pois, frutos dignos de arrependimento; e não comeceis a dizer em vós mesmos: Temos por pai a Abrão; porque eu vos digo que até destas pedras Deus pode suscitar filhos a Abrão. 9 Também já está posto o machado a raiz das árvores; toda árvore, pois, que não produz bom fruto, é cortada e lançada no fogo.

15 Ora, estando o povo em expectativa e arrazoando todos em seus corações a respeito de João, se porventura seria ele o Cristo, 16 respondeu João a todos, dizendo: Eu, na verdade, vos batizo em água, mas vem aquele que é mais poderoso do que eu, de quem não sou digno de desatar a correia das alparcas; ele vos batizará no Espírito Santo e em fogo. 17 A sua pá ele tem na mão para limpar bem a sua eira, e recolher o trigo ao seu celeiro; mas queimará a palha em fogo inextinguível. 18 Assim pois, com muitas outras exortações ainda, anunciava o evangelho ao povo.

Voce conhece os caminhos de Deus? Muitos hoje estao aguardando pelos Davis, Elias, Joaos o batista, os fihos de Deus, a noiva de Cristo, mas quando eles vierem, voce estara prepardo para a palavra de Deus que fluira de suas bocas? Eu te digo, eles ja vieram, mas o mundo nao os conhece!

Em Jesus,

Tyrone