Get God's Free Gift Of Eternal Life: August 2025

Suffering Is As Much A Part Of The Christian Life As Faith

Philippians 1:29-30, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

This is a remarkable passage of Scripture. The Bible teaches that it is God's will, not only for us to BELIEVE to be saved, but also to SUFFER to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:24-29, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

I absolutely love the preceding passage of Scripture? The Apostle Paul says we are saved by hope (faith in something that we cannot perceive with the five human senses). Paul explains that if we were already in Heaven, then why would we still hope to go to Heaven? That certainly makes good sense. So we hope, day by day, patiently waiting to someday go to Heaven in God's time to be with Jesus our blessed Redeemer.

I recently learned something beautiful about Fanny Crosby (1820-1915). Fanny was born able to see, but became infected with an illness. While the family doctor was away, another doctor who pretended to be a legitimate doctor was later proven to be a quack. That incompetent doctor applied hot mustard poultices (a thickened paste) to Fanny's eyes, which blinded her just six weeks after being born. When a preacher commented that it was a pity that she was blind, Miss Fanny gave the most astounding wise response:

"I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you," remarked one well-meaning preacher.

Fanny Crosby responded at once, as she had heard such comments before. "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?" said the poet, who had been able to see only for her first six weeks of life. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior." SOURCE: Christianity Today

Isn't that lovely? Sure it is. What a great attitude Miss Crosby had! One of my favorite preachers, Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, preached a wonderful MP3 sermon titled: 'The Call To Suffer.' I wrote this helpful article of the same title: 'The Call To Suffer.' ...

Romans 8:16-18, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

The Holy Spirit (who is God in us), bears witness (testifies) with our human spirit that we are saved. Sometimes people ask me how they can verify that they have the Holy Spirit. Listen friend, if you have God's Holy Spirit living inside you, YOU KNOW IT! The Apostle John penned the Epistle of 1st John for this specific purpose, to help us individually as believers to KNOW that we are saved (1st John 5:13; 3:24).

I love Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Dear friend, I encourage you when you begin to sink into the Sea of Galilee in fear, as did Peter; and when you begin to falter in your faith, as did the apostles when Jesus was arrested; and when you begin to doubt Christ altogether, as did John the Baptist in prison—“Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22b).

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“God has something He wants to give you. It is eternal life. He wrapped it in the most wonderful package you ever heard of. He put it in Jesus. People looked at Jesus. He had no form or comeliness; there wasn't anything about Him to be desired. And they didn't realize what was wrapped up in that package. They put Jesus on a cross. They nailed Him there. They killed Him. Then He rose from the dead, and He has been scarred ever since that time. If you could see Jesus today, the glorified, risen Son of God, you would find scars on His brow and scars in His hands. If you could look at His side you would find a wound there. His feet are scarred. But, say, He has wrapped in Himself a wonderful gift. God gives you eternal life when you take Him. Eternal life is wrapped up in Christ.” —Dr. Bob Jones Sr., “Things I Have Learned: Chapel Talks,” pages 222-223; Bob Jones University Press, ©1945

FAITH ALONE = SALVATION

FAITH + WORKS = SERVICE

We're Saved By God's Righteousness, Not Ours

Before salvation we are known by our sins, but after salvation we are identified with the righteousness of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ took all our sin at the cross and now we have the privilege to have His righteous record placed on our account by childlike faith!

Enjoying The Journey Daily Broadcast

Repentance unto salvation is turning to Jesus, not turning from sins.

Sneaking "Works" Through The Back Door Versus Free Grace Forever (This Will Step On Toes)

Repent of sins is NOT part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Inspiring Preacher Quotes

“The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” —Evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935)

“The only thing you contribute to salvation is the sin that made it necessary.” —Pastor Curtis Hutson (1934-1995)

“I never thought, I'd see a day when Baptist preachers would not preach the true Gospel. Tonight, all across this nation, Baptist preachers have succumbed to the heresy of John MacArthur. I said the heresy of John MacArthur! I said the heresy of John MacArthur! And somebody that's got several thousand people to hear 'em, who can go across this country, has got to alert Baptists that we have false teachers in our midst who are no longer teaching and preaching salvation by grace through faith plus nothing. Folks, we're fighting for our lives tonight!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, "A Vote For Preaching"

“The ‘whosoever wills’ are the elect and the ‘whosoever won’ts,’ the non-elect.” —Pastor Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899)

“Salvation is one thing and service is another, and never the two goes together. No man is saved because he serves, and no man has to serve because he is saved. Gotta keep them separate. And if you don't do it, the Scriptures will be confusing to you. You'll not rightly divide what God has to say.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Why Lordship Salvation Is Wrong"

“It is 'Good News' if no one must have good works before salvation, or after salvation. For salvation to truly be by grace, it must not have any stipulations of any kind at any time. Works before, during or after; works cannot be evidence of my salvation.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Does Calvinism Change The Gospel?"

"The LAW and the GOSPEL are two keys—the law is the key that shuteth up all men under condemnation, and the Gospel is the key which opens the door and lets them out. Remember this, if you're depending upon your own good works to get you to Heaven, you're lost! Your salvation had to be purchased with something that was incorruptible, with the precious blood of Jesus Christ!” —Pastor Ralph 'Yankee' Arnold, Bibleline Radio Show, "The Precious Blood Of Christ"

“Works cannot be the evidence of salvation. If works are required as evidence, then they will prove that you are not saved. Your good works cannot prove you're saved; they can only prove that you're not, if you go by works. Why? Because you have to be perfect. So your works can only prove you're not saved. You have to live a perfect life. 'Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.' You have to fulfill everything that is commanded, that you have to do them. You know that good works did not save you!” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, "Once Saved Always Saved: The Final Word"

“If all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, then why would you use those rags to prove that you're saved?” —Pastor Ralph 'Yankee' Arnold, sermon quote: "How Do I Know God Really Loves Me? - Part 2"

“The mistake the church has made, is we have taught people how to quote Scriptures, we haven't taught people how to love people!” —Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. (a beautiful quote from the sermon titled: "Developing A Process of Evangelism To Reach The Lost With The Gospel"

“May I ask you, reader, 'Are you a soulwinner?' Remember that a soulwinner is a salvager—one who leads a sinner to choose Christ and one who leads a saint to choose the will of God, the work of God and the plan of God.” ―Pastor Jack Hyles, "What Is Salvation?"

“Redemption is a work of God the Son. Regeneration is the work of God the Holy Spirit. Justification is the work of God the Father as He declares the sinner righteous in the Son. Conversion then becomes the work of the church as we change the use and purpose of a life.” ―Pastor Jack Hyles, "Conversion And Salvation" (chapter 3) from his book: "Salvation Is More Than Being Saved"

“If you do not put a difference between justification wrought by the man Christ without and sanctification wrought by the Spirit of Christ within, you are not able to divide the Word aright; but contrariwise, you corrupt the Word of God, and cast stumbling blocks before the people.” —Evangelist John Bunyan (1628-1688)

“I'm as happy as a June Bug on the 31st of May!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, "The Rapture Comes Before Armageddon"

“Many people are finding the broad way, because they listen to the wrong message. There is few that find the truth. And what's the difference between true Christianity, and all the religions of the world? If it's by Christ alone, it's GRACE. If you have anything to do with it, it's WORKS. And God says, 'For by Grace (Christ) are ye saved, and that not of yourselves (that would be works), it is the gift of God (not of works), lest any man should boast. So any person who depends upon themselves, can always lose their salvation. Check it out! Anybody who teaches you can lose it, it's because their salvation depends upon their works. That's them! That's works! If I depend upon Him, that's grace! I'm saved by grace, Christ. You don't earn it! You don't work for it. 'For by grace are ye saved through faith, that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.' Salvation is the gift of God!” —Pastor Ralph "Yankee" Arnold, a quote from the sermon titled: "The Damnable Doctrine Of The Devil"

“The pastors have destroyed the churches, and they've been trained by people that have never built churches, and they have no compassion.” —Pastor Jack Hyles, "Many Pastors Have Destroyed My Vineyard"

“America needs preaching!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, "Many Pastors Have Destroyed My Vineyard"

“Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.” —Dwight L. Moody

"Salvation is not doing your best, it is having Christ's best put to your account through receiving Him by faith.” —Pastor Max Younce

God will not save anyone who is trying to be saved, He will only save those who are trusting to be saved.

“The darker the night the brighter the stars.” —Pastor Bob Gray Sr.,“She Sojourned Seven Years”

Without Christ you have a hopeless end; with Christ you have an endless hope (Titus 1:2).

The false teaching of "Lordship Salvation" is not the SAME as "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31).

Religion is man trying to reach God through human effort, but Christianity is God trying to reach man by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son on the cross.

“Now you listen to me folks! We're living in a world of compromising Christianity. I call it, 'The yuppie generation building yuppie churches!' Brother, we need the old-time Gospel, the old-time religion, the faith of our fathers, and the standards that America used to have!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, a quote from the sermon, “She Sojourned Seven Years”

“Every word in this Bible is inspired by God almighty!” —Dr. Jack Hyles, a quote from the sermon, “A Friend At Midnight”

“A man doesn't get better to get saved; he gets saved to get better.” —Pastor Curtis Hutson (1934-1995), “Salvation Crystal Clear”

“The greatest enemy you have is a church that doesn't teach the Bible!” —Pastor Max D. Younce, “#1 Salvation THROUGH The Blood”

“Lordship Salvation is the unsupportable and unbiblical belief that the performance of good works, the promise of good works, or the evidence of good works, must accompany faith in Christ to establish or provide evidence that such faith has resulted in eternal life.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, “Jesus Versus John MacArthur”

“If you're not being persecuted, you're not living right!” —Pastor Danny Castle, “How To Behave In Perilous Times”

“You know what you need to do with your life? You need to get on the ball and take as many people out of here to Heaven with you as you can possibly round up. That's what you need to do.” —Pastor Danny Castle, “How To Behave In Perilous Times”

“God had no children too weak, but a great many too strong to make use of.” —Pastor Dwight L. Moody (1836-1899)

“More people will die and burn in Hell, because they're trusting too much!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, a precious quote from the MP3 sermon, “Yea, Yea, And Nay, Nay!”

“Everything that's hard and complicated about salvation is God's side of it!” —Pastor Jack Hyles, a precious quote from the MP3 sermon, “Yea, Yea, And Nay, Nay!”

The true Gospel always points you to CHRIST; a false gospel always points to YOU.

Salvation is not a reward for the righteous, it is a gift for the guilty!

“See, when you trusted Christ, He delivered you from the PENALTY [of sin]. You never have to pay for it again. Now that you are saved, He wants to save you from the very POWER of sin in your life. And then one day, He's going to deliver us from the very PRESENCE of sin.” —Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold, “Sanctification Explained”

“We ought to realize our standing with God as sons and daughters. He will not "un-child" His children. God has not only adopted us, but we are His by birth; we have been born into His kingdom. The children of God are not perfect, but we are perfectly His children.” —Pastor Dwight L. Moody

Bible repentance is a change of mind from denying THE TRUTH “to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2nd Timothy 2:25-26).

“Faith without works is DEAD FAITH; and works without faith is DEAD WORKS.” —Pastor Steven Anderson, “Repentance And Faith”

“Which comes first, repentance or faith? In Scripture we read, 'Repent ye, and believe the gospel.' Yet we find true believers exhorted to 'repent, and do the first works.' So intimately are the two related that you cannot have one without the other. The man who believes God repents; the repentant soul puts his trust in the Lord when the Gospel is revealed to him. Theologians may wrangle over this, but the fact is, no man repents until the Holy Spirit produces repentance in his soul through the truth. No man believes the Gospel and rests in it for his own salvation until he has judged himself as a needy sinner before God. And this is repentance.” (Except Ye Repent, p. 16)

Suffering Is As Much A Part Of The Christian Life As Faith

The Gift Of Eternal Life Is Wrapped In The Wonderful Package Of Jesus