gracEmails on knowing Jesus

Knowing Jesus

A gracEmail subscriber asks what I mean when I speak of a person who "knows Jesus as Savior and Lord."
We know
In this shaken world so full of uncertainties and fears, our souls long to grasp something solid and secure. We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know the large picture that encompasses earthly history and beyond. If you are trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord, let your heart feed on these eternal certainties and be comforted.
Jesus agenda
It is Thursday night before Easter. Eight adults and teenagers from our Sunday night support group meet at the Grace Theater in Houston to see "John, His Story," by Jeannette Clift George. In this play, which has been performed Off-Broadway as well as in this A.D. Players home arena, the ensemble cast of four actors and actresses play twenty-five different characters.
'Follow me'
Most likely, the earliest Gospel was written by John Mark of Jerusalem, helper to both Peter and Paul. The time was probably A.D. 65-67 and the purpose was to inspire believers in Rome against whom Emperor Nero had unleashed a wave of horrific persecution after having executed the two apostles mentioned above.
Inviting Jesus in
A gracEmail subscriber asks: "I often hear ministers speak of 'inviting Jesus into your heart' in order to receive God's forgiveness and grace. Others speak of 'praying the sinner's prayer.' Still other preachers say neither expression is taught in Scripture. Will you please comment?"
Confessing and believing
Romans 10:9-10 says that "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Since we can add nothing to Jesus' saving work, a gracEmail subscriber asks whether this is a formula for gaining access to heaven.