Lakeview Baptist Church

We had just left Pastor Mike's house after watching the Super Bowl, when Billy asked me about the difference in what our church believes compared to another denomination. I explained to him that the difference (in this instance) was the role sin plays in man's life and ultimately the effect of salvation plays concerning one's soul.

What did I say? Briefly this - that man is DEAD in his or her sin. Dead men cannot do anything; they cannot approach God on their terms. Sin corrupts us to the point that even the good deeds we think we have accomplished are as filthy rags - There is NOTHING good about man. Man's heart is wicked and cannot be trusted.

We talked about Christ dying for the ungodly. He knew the stories, but I reiterated that the Son of God HAD to suffer and die for his sake.

I explained that Salvation is the moving of the Holy Spirit on a person's heart, illuminating their spiritual senses by breathing life and pointing them to this fact: You must repent of your sin, beg Christ for mercy and thus be born-again in order to be saved from God's Holy Wrath on sin for eternity.

Salvation is not man or woman initiated. It is God's gift to give (Ephesians 2:8&9) The Spirit of God MUST be involved (John 6:44, 60-66) and man cannot dictate WHEN the Spirit shows up (contrary to some opinions).

Salvation is for God's GLORY first! Then we recognize it as GOOD for us!

Do you know Christ? Have you experienced Him in all His fullness? Sinner, if you come to Him, He will not cast you out. He will not turn you away. Repent of your sin and beg the Holy God of Glory to forgive you. He will DELIVER!

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Billy, sat stunned and told me that he needed Christ. I didn't want to push him into a decision (@ Lakeview we want the individual to come to God on God's terms - not ours). I told him to seek God and His face. I advised him that this is something he must do, that I can't take him to Christ...

He wanted to do it then. Right then. So Billy Jaynes bowed his head and asked God to forgive him of his sin, confessing his wretchedness, and threw himself at the mercy of Jesus Christ. (Side note - One of the most touching prayers I have heard in a while...)

And Jesus answered...