I went out to coffee today to get some work done. I decided to drive to Java G's. Even though there are a lot of coffee shops between my home and there, they are the one shop in Des Moines that has put it all together: great espresso drinks, nice ambiance, and free internet. A lot of shops have one or maybe two of these, but Java G's is the only shop with all three. I'm very sad to say that I just finished my last drink from them. Today is their last day of business. I remember when I first went to Java G's 5 years ago on a visit to Des Moines with Heather. We were excited that upscale coffee had finally made it to Iowa. The coffee scene here in Des Moines has grown by leaps and bounds since that day 5 years ago, but it is taking a turn for the worse with the loss of Java G's. They did everything right. I guess that is why they are going out of business. It seems most people would rather go to Starbucks and pay for internet, sit in an artificially transferrable environment, be covertly barraged with marketing schemes, and be charged too much for bad coffee. (Come to think of it, replace the word "coffee" with "theology" in the above sentence and that is what it seems a lot people in America want out of church.) I'm really disappointed. It is just a reminder that nice, well-run, local establishments like Java G's are an endangered species in America. More generally, it is a sad reminder that doing things right doesn't necessarily guarantee success.
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CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD
CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD?
What is the meaning of calling on the name of the Lord? Many assume that believing in Jesus and saying a form of a sinner's prayer constitutes, calling on the name of the Lord. The problem with that theory is none of the conversions under the New Covenant support that assumption. Not one time is anyone ever told to believe and say the sinner's prayer in order to be saved.
The apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost quoted the prophet Joel, Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (NKJV)
The apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon under the New Covenant. Peter did not tell the 3000 converts to believe and say the sinner's prayer.
Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He preached Jesus as both Lord and Christ. When they heard this they asked Peter and the rest of the brethren what they should do?(Acts 2:22-37) Peter told them what to do. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NKJV)
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost call on the name of the Lord and become saved?
1. They believed that Jesus was both Lord and Christ.
2. They believed that God raised Jesus from the grave.
3. They repented. Repentance is a change of heart. Repentance means to be converted so that God may forgive your sins. Repentance is to make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God. (Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38)
4. They were immersed in water (baptized) so that their sins could be forgiven.
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost not call on the name of the Lord?
1. They did not say a sinner's prayer.
2. Not one person was asked to pray for forgiveness.
3. Not one single man was told to be baptized as a testimony of his faith.
4. No one was told that water baptism was a just an act of obedience.
5. No one was informed they were saved the very minute they believed.
6. Not one person was told that water baptism was not essential for the forgiveness of sins.
7. Not one person was told to be baptized so they could join a denominational church.
Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16"16) Jesus did not say he who believes and says a sinner's prayer shall be saved.
YOU ARE INVITED TO READ MY BLOG POSTINGS ___Steve Finnell-a christian view
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