Prayer changes people

How important is prayer? It's interesting that the disciples only asked Jesus to teach them one thing - "teach us to pray!"

One of the most important things we can do is to pray - and pray especially for the lost. Often we don't do this because we have lost focus on just how important salvation is.

First of all, there is the matter of eternity. The Bible clearly states that only those who have saving faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in heaven. If you have friends and family who aren't saved - this should drive you to your knees.

Second, there is power to live a victorious life right here and now. The Bible teaches, "Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world." The apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Who could not use more power in their day-to-day lives?

Third, there is the present knowledge of forgiveness. We've all done sinful things in our lives. But salvation means forgiveness - wiping the slate clean - not living with guilt!

The list could go on and on. But how can we pray for those who are lost? I came across an article which can help us in our prayers for the lost. This is easy to remember and can be incorporated into your daily prayer for your loved ones.

To remember how to pray for someone who is not a believer, you can use the acrostic HEARTS.

Pray for:
-- Hearts to be receptive. The Bible says God shines on people's hearts to give light to the knowledge of God's glory (2 Corinthians 4:6).

-- Ears to be open. Paul told his Jewish brothers that the saving work of God was sent to the Gentiles -- they also will listen (Acts 28:28). We need to pray that our friends and family will listen to the Gospel.

-- Attitudes to be changed. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6). Your unbelieving friend or family member's attitude toward sin and the Savior must change to receive God's salvation. Pray for it.

-- Repentance to occur. God calls people to repentance so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (Acts 3:19). Jesus told people to repent and believe in the Good News (Mark 1:15). This step is the surrendering of one's life to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

-- Transformation to begin. Transformation comes by the renewing of the mind so that someone can discern the will of God (Romans 12:2). Your prayer should be for your friend to experience God's transforming power so that he or she can become a committed follower of Christ.

-- Servants to be obedient. God's plan is for His followers to be witnesses all over the world (Acts 1:8). When praying for your friend or family member, pray for Christians to be obedient to Jesus' call. Pray that Christians will share the Gospel and live an authentic Christian life before an unbelieving world.

Lord, teach us to pray!
Pastor John

He was a good man?

Hundreds of Mormon faithful flocked to view church President Gordon B. Hinckley's body to begin three days of public mourning for their leader, capped by a funeral Saturday.

"He's recognized everywhere for being such a kind person and a good example of optimism."

A good person? Well, he may have been kind, he may have been nice, he may have had good morals. BUT!

Mark 10:17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."
21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

No one is good - except God along. That's what Jesus said. And if you want to have eternal life - the key is following Jesus.

Some may well think I shouldn't speak ill of the dead - but Gordon B. Hinckley did not follow Jesus. He lead an organization which teaches salvation by works, that if you are good enough, you will become God, that the god who rules this planet was appointed god here by a council of gods, and that your skin color is based upon the deeds you committed in heaven before you were born!

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life - no one comes to the Father but by me.

All roads may lead to God - but only one leads to the Father and that path is through faith in Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity.

Pastor John