With it being the Christmas season, I really wanted to share something to do with the birth of Jesus and the prophecies that He fulfilled.....but God had other plans.

I was included in some great facebook conversation the other day and felt compelled to share it with all of you.

We’ve taken up some extra room this month but hope you’ll take the time to read the opinions of these folks.

And remember, this isn’t meant to cause any arguments, just some great views shared in love. (Thank you, Amy Laymon for a great topic!)

Amy LaymonRecently I have had two short discussions with some of my close friends. About salvation and falling from grace. My convictions say once saved always saved and some of us do wrong and back slide or maybe our relationship with Christ is not what it ought to be but you are adopted into the family of God and you cannot be unadopted so to speak!

Many people I know say no you can fall from grace and if your not living for the Lord, if you would perish, you would be eternally separated. Then where is the fine line of falling from grace? And also I feel if you think that you can fall then when Jesus said “it is finished” then you are taking away from what HE did.

I really think either you are saved or not. I know you bear fruit if you are saved and for the longest time I did not and I still have a long way to go. I would love to hear others thoughts on this. And would be a good discussion...share scripture too.

Beverly Read We ALL risk falling from grace. Keeping our soul, heart, mind pure is our part of the saving. Anyone can turn from what God intended even though we ‘believe’ in him. It is a daily intention of living with Him as our priority. Of course God’s love and mercy are endless and all the more reason to not turn from those graces by our willful and wrongful acts.

Nicole Davis Your correct. We all backslide even a little. That’s where Mercy comes in.

Beverly Read Of course we don’t earn salvation...it is a gift. But it is a gift given to the humble of heart...not the proud. Believing is ONLY the first step.

Repenting and confessing are a requirement for forgiveness. This is our part and then the mercy flows.If we aren’t sorrowful then.............

Becky Morehouse Boll Well, Amy,I am Catholic, so you know my opinion will differ, lol, but you know I love you, and respect you and your unwavering love of our Lord! This is what I am taught. Jesus says in Mark 13:13 that IF WE ENDURE TO THE END, we WILL BE SAVED (future tense, not past). Paul says we WILL be saved (future tense, not past) by fire on the day of our judgment in 1 Corinthians 3:15.

Christa ConwayI believe once saved, always saved. That being said, if you are really truly saved and to put in simple terms “Jesus is in your heart,” then conviction will be present when making choices against God’s will. The flesh can suppress the convictions, but we always have a choice and we all sin - even after we’re saved. I agree, Amy, who is to say where the line is? As Nicole said, that is where Mercy comes in. The prodigal son was still a son in the father’s eyes. The father was waiting for the son’s return to include him, not to have him earn his place back at the father’s table. Just my thoughts:)

Lindsay Devoll I don’t believe you can “fall” from grace in an unintentional manner just by messing up. But I do believe you can choose to lose your salvation if you CHOOSE to turn and purposely reject Christ and go another way.

This doesn’t mean like falling into addiction to drugs or alcohol, or even dealing with some really ugly things. If we lost it when we got into porno or drugs or alcohol or anything that we consider “really bad” then the Holy Spirit wouldn’t be able to bring conviction. But He does and He helps us out of those traps set by satan.

However, if we at some point, purposely choose to renounce our salvation and love sin more than God then yes, we are seperating ourselves from Him and will continue to be seperated for eternity if we die in that state. It’s a fine line, but it has to do with the heart. We can’t earn salvation by good deeds, therefore we can’t lose it by bad deeds. It was given to use freely when we were already in sin and didn’t deserve it. But you still have to choose to receive it, therefore you can also choose to deny it.

I hope that makes sense A lot of people spend their lives worrying about the surety of their salvation. I mess up almost daily. God’s grace covers all. The Bible tells us that Love covers a multitude of sins. That verse has more than one meaning but it’s most powerful is that Love is God and He has covered our sin.

Beverly Read Agree Becky and Christa....On Christa’s nothing we can do earns our salvation as it is a gift...but I do know keeping the heart loving that the Lord looks upon to give mercy to is a full time job for me lol. The Prodigal’s earning was his’repentence’.

Becky Morehouse Boll James 2:24 PLAINLY says - You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Matthew 5:16 commands us all to do good works as a way to let our light shine before men, so as to give glory to God. In Matthew 25, at the final judgment, only the people who performed good works got into heaven (Matthew 25:31-46). The people who did not were banished into hell. In those verses, Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of our brethren, we do to HIM! Matthew 7:21 says “Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (In other words, one has to do the good works prescribed in Matthew 25:31-46!)

In the book of James, God declares through Scripture that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17). Who wants dead faith? Dead faith is no faith at all. True faith in Jesus has good works embedded in it. Paul says that scripture makes you complete by equipping

Once Saved, Always Saved?CHRISTIAN COWBOY COLLECTION w/ Christa Conway

you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul also says in Colossians 1:10 that good works are the fruit of our faith; This is so important because Jesus cursed the fig tree in Matthew 21:19 because it did not bear any fruit, and in Matthew 7:19 Jesus says that every tree that does not bear good fruit is to be cut down AND THROWN INTO THE FIRE. Jesus says that we will do greater works than He did (John 14:12). The only useless kind of works are old Jewish works of the law (Galatians 3:10), like circumcision, ritual hand washing, and dietary laws. These useless works of the law are certainly not good works, which we have to do as a result of our faith in Jesus Christ, and which we were created for (Ephesians 2:10). Hebrews 10:24 says to stir up one another to “love and good works”, which indicates that love and good works GO TOGETHER. 1 Timothy 6:18 says that the rich are to also be rich in good deeds, so that they can attain heaven. Titus 3:8 says that those who believe in God must do good deeds, because they are excellent and profitable.

Catholics, just like Jesus Christ and his apostles, don’t do good works in order to be saved; rather, we do good works because that is what Jesus expects us to do if we truly have faith in Him. Doing good deeds is the imitation of Christ’s life on earth, who raised the dead, healed the crippled, and made the blind see. St. Paul says that there are three things that abide; faith, hope, and love, and THE GREATEST of these is LOVE, not faith (1 Corinthians 13:13). Faith in Jesus Christ and the resultant good works go together like heat and light from a flame! Pretty hard to separate those 2!

Paula Bailey Yaussi This is all good stuff!!

Beverly Read Bravo Becky....works has been given a bad rap incorrectly. We are the hands, feet, mouth of Christ.People who are told that all you have to do is Believe are not being told the whole truth.

Kimi Brown Royer There is a learning...a maturing. Just because people are FOLLOWERS of CHRIST does not mean they are CONVERTS. Sounds confusing but Christ told Peter....tonight all will be offended. Peter said ....NO WAY, I won’t....I would die before I would deny you!!!

Christ replied...YOU WILL DENY ME....3 times before the cock crows. BUT when you are converted...you will strengthen men. (did you catch that? When you are converted???)

Peter was a follower...he LOVE Jesus....was zealous for him....but DENIED him 3 times...just like Jesus said he would.

Judas on the other hand betrayed him also...but he was not converted...he killed himself.

There is a lot to be understood about the maturing of a Christian. There are lots who claim to be followers...JUDAS himself was a follower. BUT the heart condition is what is the most important. The flesh will stumble...but if the SPIRIT of GOD is in a person...(Peter received the HOLY SPIRIT) he will be converted. The flesh may sin...but the SPIRIT can not. SO...like Jesus himself...who was born a BABE and had to grow and mature...SO is the FIRST BORN in each of us. There is a time for every season under heaven. GOD gives us this time to mature...if we are following.

Becky Morehouse Boll Again, I want to emphasize the vast amount of respect I have for each of these faithful ladies posting. I believe many faiths will be at the tabe! But I love this discussion and sharing of our mutual love of our Lord. I only want to deepen my faith and the faith of those around me!

Christa Conway One more quick thought along that line....I also believe that with “true” salvation also comes the conviction and desire to do good works and be a light for Christ as Becky is saying. The Holy Spirit is present and we have to choose to listen....and we should know our Shepherd’s voice. Yes - Good stuff!!

Kimi Brown Royer Beverly Read is correct...because even the demons believe but that is not a belief unto Salvation because it does not create obedience...but rebellion. A belief unto Salvation grows a strong desire to live in obedience to the VOICE of the SPIRIT that lives in the TRUE BELIEVER.

Amy Laymon I have been taught by reading the bible that works come from salvation it is not part of salvation. We are saved and then the fruit we bear is shown in our works. As well as baptism is a symbol of our new life in Christ not part of salvation. If we are saved then the first act of obedience is baptism and then works are added as we want to serve because of what Christ did.

But back to the main point. All sin is sin. Whether big or small. So where is that line where something is bad enough that you lose your salvation???? That is what does not make sense to me. For example. I know someone that is a Christian. They are living for the Lord but maybe they say eat too much (sin) they shop too much and waste money (sin) so have they fallen from grace? Ok, someone is smoking an drinking a little and they are saved

are they really? How perfect do you have to be??? I just don’t get it. To me either you’re saved or you’re not and Jesus covers it or He doesn’t. Good discussion. And I am having this discussion because I struggle with working and not doing enough for the kingdom! With horses my days always turn into long ones with little time to do those extra things Jesus wants us to do. And I try to share my faith, but then days go by where I don’t. And I don’t pray and read my bible enough....not near enough...and I feel stuck in this horrible spot of no growth. And this goes on year after year.

Kimi Brown Royer That is what I was meaning about Peter and Judas. BOTH betrayed Christ....but one had the heart of repentance and one did not....but both were followers.

Beer....cigs...etc is not different than overeating. IT is legalism that has drawn the line. When the BIBLE says NOTHING IN EXCESS. When we are in Christ...we are FREE INDEED...and every thing should be in moderation...even shopping. BUT...the “church” has a “SIN-O-METER” that they want to use to measure and judge sin. This is the same as the Pharisee’s. BUT....the sin that is most damaging to the church is not those things with they pick and choose to call sin....but COVETOUSNESS! The little couple that have never drank or smoked may be just as far from GOD because of their covetous lifestyle as those who are blatantly rebellious.

God is the only one that can convict us of our TRUE SIN....and it may not be what OTHER people think sin is.

Sabrina Miller Christa what a good way to put it. I grew up in the Catholic School system. Went to church every day before school & then walked across the street to school. One morning sitting in the church I was touched by the holly spirit. It is a feeling I will never forget & have never felt again. I was in grade school but let me tell you it was such a joyous high. It’s something that I hope everyone gets the chance to experience. I do not go to church much but attend every cowboy service that we can when we are gone for the weekend. Not sure about the falling from grace but just thought I would share my experience.

Becky Morehouse Boll I know what you mean, Amy, but truly, I see your “works” all over the place. Our family for one thing, is part of our vocation. Being moms, and grandmoms. You are doing God’s works! Remember NONE of us are worthy, and that IS where His grace comes in.

CHRISTIAN COWBOY COLLECTION

By Brother Brad Curtis of Mountain Top Cowboy Church

Former rodeo cowboy Brad Curtis of Vilonia, AR pastor of Mountain Top Cowboy Church in Heber Springs, AR and author of On The Trail “Christian cowboy poems and proverbs” as well as a new book “He Holds the Reins” available at www.authorhouse.com Contact cowboypoet@windstream.net for book orders or for speaking en-gagements - Bro. Brad Curtis, Vilonia, AR Copyright 2010-2013Looking for a unique gift for you favorite Cowboy or Cowgirl?You can order Brother Brad’s books on Amazon.com!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the campAll sure’nuff cowboys, not a single saddle tramp The stock was all fed and handled with care,In hopes that the Ramrod soon would be there; The cowboy a` sleep, the ground for a bedAs for a pillow, a saddle was use to rest their head; Cookie in his apron, I in the saddleAs the night hawk, had to watch the cattle When out in the herd there was a great clatter,I drew my pistol to see what was the matter.

Away to the herd, on my trusty steedOver rocks and cactus, through the tumble-weed

The moon was full, givin much needed lightAs I topped the hill, the herd was now in sight When, what to my won-dering eyes should appear,But a ol`fat man, tryin` to rustle a steer Ol` fats well he wasn’t much of hand,I knew in a moment he wasn’t ridin` for the brand. When I got to him, said reach for the skyRustlin` steers is a good way to die Fats said cowboy I not here to steal or fightBut I need a few of these steers just for tonight My last stop was the triple 6 spreadThey took my reindeer but left me my sled

Cowboy I’m in a terrible wayI need somthin` to pull my sleigh Ol` fats stood there with tears in his eyesSaid these toys have to be delivered by sunrise I said look here fats you need some real handsBoys that can ride throughout the lands Give me that bag and get out of the wayMe and the boy will save the day Rode into camp shouted, and called them by name;“Now, Davie! now, Dan! now, Pete and Skip!On, Coy! on Chuck! on Tom, and Rip! Get to your feet, saddle your hossThe Ramrods not here but fats is our boss

Whoop and ride boys, time to cowboy upNo time for your morning` cup Grab you a bag of toys and hit the trailLike the pony express but this ain’t mail Fats handed us bags and all a long listHe’d been clinchin` it tight in his fist Lookin at fats, said now I have a wordWhile we’re out doin` your job, you watch the heard With that I said boys ride hard and fastNot sure how long ol` fats can last Fats said thanks for savin` the dayAnd next year I’ll avoid the triple 6 when I come this way

So we hit the trail toy deliver the toysGoin` to all of the good girls and boys Shouted back at Cookie don’t be rudeI know his over weight but give him some food That’s when I heard fats exclaim, ere we rode out of sight,“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.” By: Bro. BradVilonia, AR

COW-CAMP CHRISTMAS

On the TrailCHRISTIAN COWBOY COLLECTIONChrista ConwayI love the way Kimi broke it down - even the demons believe in Jesus. So it can’t be only about believing. Accepting Him as your saviour is where the change begins. Like with Peter vs Judas. Conviction is then present and leads to repentance. And best part of all - He knows our hearts:) Really enjoying this post, Amy!

Becky Morehouse Boll I know exactly what you mean, Sabrina Miller! I had that same feeling as a youth. Most my young life, till I fell away from the sacraments. I went through some ups and downs. Never really “left” the church, just wasn’t living my life in the sacraments, like I had been taught.

I let the world, take over, and quite frankly, let myself become lazy, where my faith was concerned. I have since renewed my faith life and try not to miss Mass, and started back to regular confessions. I have had many of those youthful Holy Spirit encounters again!!

I went to a confirmation retreat as my nieces sponsor. There was a charamatic Priest who laid hands on me. I have never been so enflamed with the Holy Spirit in my life as from that experience! I weeped and walked around glowing for weeks!! I must do that again! But Satan does try to ensnare us, and keep us from the flame. That is why we MUST do works and be diligent every single day!

Christa Conway I also understand where you’re coming from Amy...but you need to know that even though I have never met you in person, but you have lifted me up through facebook many times<3

Beverly Read It’s all about the heart...which is what God looks at. I do know that loving some people is truly a ‘work’ for me. I can give away all the riches for the poor that I have but ...if I do not love.... I do love these discussions...thank you ladies!

Clarissa Kopchak The translation for salvation is that it is continual. Meaning that it’s a work in progress so if you think just saying the words then living any way you want to then its not a true conversion. My pastor says he hates that phrase “once saved always saved “ because it’s so misleading. We are all sinners and are going to slip sometimes.

Beverly Read One day I was in the barn just gazing at my horses and I thought ...do I love them more than God? I knew that was idolotry. Don’t want that to happen. I told God if that is so..you can wipe them off the face of the earth.

(I have spent many an our of weeping over dead horses, pets). Then that wee small voice said..... I know you love them... I gave them to you as joy for your heart..... Use them for ME! I think you do that, Amy, very well good and faithful servant!

Beverly Read Agree Clarissa.

Kimi Brown Royer My husband and me were discussing this just yesterday. My husband is always worried that he loves his horses more than People...and that worries him that he loves them more than GOD. He said...I wonder about my LOVE for GOD sometimes because I have such a difficult time LOVING other people.

Again we fall back into the FLESH because the NATURAL man is opposed to the things of GOD. OUR FLESH will never love the way GOD loves. BUT...we let are to allow GOD to love thu us. It is only when we learn to walk in the SPIRIT that we learn to LOVE people...in spite of how we FEEL about them. Am I making any sense? We live in a BROKEN VESSEL...and that vessel does not know TRUE LOVE. BUT...we have (each and every one of us) a TREASURE that was breathed into us. AND this TREASURE in earthen vessels is what we must submit to because the VESSEL is weak...but the Treasure is the SPIRIT of GOD. WAITING to be conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is there. That is why we have the example of Marriage. WE are EACH the BRIDE...and we are to BIRTH...thru TRAVAIL the TREASURE...which is conceived thru the HOLY SPIRIT and is this TREASURE that is waiting to be BORN. THUS we are BORN AGAIN...of the SPIRIT.

Look at what MARY SAID to the ANGEL when he said she would conceive a child...of the HOLY SPIRIT....

Mary said...”BEHOLD THY HANDMAID, DO UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD.” I can not even write such a phrase without tears...as this is what GOD is waiting to hear from ALL HIS BRIDE. This TREASURE in EARTHEN VESSELS have been giving to us in example after example...and it is waiting...and once it is BIRTHED...the labor pains will be forgotten.

Loving others is part of the LABOR PAINS. It is hard...because we are in the FLESH...and we have conflict. BUT when this BIRTH takes place...we learn to LOVE thru the TREASURE. It wants more for us than we can HOPE OR IMAGINE.

Joyce Roston I don’t have scripture right now but our pastor teaches that the only way to fall from grace is to reject God and become so hard hearted

that you cannot be reached. But it has to be a complete rejection, not just getting angry or upset with God.

Beverly Read Here’s the scripture you were wanting, Amy.

The Bible speaks of believers as having eternal life now (1 Jn 5:11-13). This proves “once saved, always saved.”

Sometimes Scripture speaks of believers possessing eternal life now, but it also talks about it as something in the future.

When eternal life is described as a present possession of Christians, this is an example of what theologians call “realized eschatology.” This means that Christians participate now in a limited way in what they will experience more fully in the Kingdom of God to come. It doesn’t necessarily imply those who have so partaken of the Kingdom and its gifts can’t be lost (Heb 3:14; 6:4-6).

The Bible speaks of eternal life as something future (Mt 19:29; Mk 9:43-47; Ti 1:2; 3:7; Jude 21) and based upon our fidelity, by God’s grace, to his commandments (Mt 19:16-17; 25:46; Jn 3:36; Rom 2:6-10; 1 Tm 6:18-19; Jas 1:12; 2 Tm 2:12).

Linda Thomison-Fletcher I was born to Mr, and Mrs Fletcher I live by there rules when I live in there home. I will never be born to any other dad and mom. but if I choice to leave and never speak, or see them again. Do I have the right to ask them for anything “NO” but if I did come back would they let me. “YES” remember the Prodigal Son. God dose not turn away from us we do the turning away. Salvation is more then saying “ I believe In God, and I believe Jesus is the Son of God. It’s giving your life to God. Living for God, Talking to God, Listening to God. It a every day thing . So many times people think going down in front and telling the preacher you believe, and getting baptized is all it takes to get to heaven. Will if that is true then after you do that , you can go back to living the way you want saying the things you always say going the places you always go You don’t have to do anything for God. How would that work if you got marred and then you never talked to your spouse again how long would you stay marred. God Loved US so much He gave us His Son. What can we give Him for His Love. AS we do to others we do to God. do we fall short YES dose He still love us Yes.

Amy Laymon Linda Thomison-Fletcher great analogy!

Food for thought...Happy Trails & God Bless! Christa

www.racintoeternity.com

Merry “Christ”mas to ALL of our readers!

By Brother Brad Curtis of Mountain Top Cowboy Church

Former rodeo cowboy Brad Curtis of Vilonia, AR pastor of Mountain Top Cowboy Church in Heber Springs, AR and author of On The Trail “Christian cowboy poems and proverbs” as well as a new book “He Holds the Reins” available at www.authorhouse.com Contact cowboypoet@windstream.net for book orders or for speaking en-gagements - Bro. Brad Curtis, Vilonia, AR Copyright 2010-2013Looking for a unique gift for you favorite Cowboy or Cowgirl?You can order Brother Brad’s books on Amazon.com!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the campAll sure’nuff cowboys, not a single saddle tramp The stock was all fed and handled with care,In hopes that the Ramrod soon would be there; The cowboy a` sleep, the ground for a bedAs for a pillow, a saddle was use to rest their head; Cookie in his apron, I in the saddleAs the night hawk, had to watch the cattle When out in the herd there was a great clatter,I drew my pistol to see what was the matter.

Away to the herd, on my trusty steedOver rocks and cactus, through the tumble-weed

The moon was full, givin much needed lightAs I topped the hill, the herd was now in sight When, what to my won-dering eyes should appear,But a ol`fat man, tryin` to rustle a steer Ol` fats well he wasn’t much of hand,I knew in a moment he wasn’t ridin` for the brand. When I got to him, said reach for the skyRustlin` steers is a good way to die Fats said cowboy I not here to steal or fightBut I need a few of these steers just for tonight My last stop was the triple 6 spreadThey took my reindeer but left me my sled

Cowboy I’m in a terrible wayI need somthin` to pull my sleigh Ol` fats stood there with tears in his eyesSaid these toys have to be delivered by sunrise I said look here fats you need some real handsBoys that can ride throughout the lands Give me that bag and get out of the wayMe and the boy will save the day Rode into camp shouted, and called them by name;“Now, Davie! now, Dan! now, Pete and Skip!On, Coy! on Chuck! on Tom, and Rip! Get to your feet, saddle your hossThe Ramrods not here but fats is our boss

Whoop and ride boys, time to cowboy upNo time for your morning` cup Grab you a bag of toys and hit the trailLike the pony express but this ain’t mail Fats handed us bags and all a long listHe’d been clinchin` it tight in his fist Lookin at fats, said now I have a wordWhile we’re out doin` your job, you watch the heard With that I said boys ride hard and fastNot sure how long ol` fats can last Fats said thanks for savin` the dayAnd next year I’ll avoid the triple 6 when I come this way

So we hit the trail toy deliver the toysGoin` to all of the good girls and boys Shouted back at Cookie don’t be rudeI know his over weight but give him some food That’s when I heard fats exclaim, ere we rode out of sight,“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.” By: Bro. BradVilonia, AR

COW-CAMP CHRISTMAS

On the Trail

Salvation is a gift and a choice......

Jesus died on the cross as the final sacrifice for our sins. He was resurrected on the 3rd day and he defeated death and Satan for us. All we have to do is believe that He beat death, acknowledge it with our words and and accept Him as our personal savior. That’s when the rebirth happens and we are changed! He then promises us eternal life with Him in Heaven! You can’t earn your way into Heaven; you have to accept His gift of salvation. So many people think they “aren’t good enough” to get to Heaven… But… Salvation is a GIFT from God and you don’t earn a gift. Gifts are given to you and for the gift to be yours, you have to accept it. All we have to do is accept this wonderful gift. I know I have…won’t you? But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many. Romans 5:15

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10: 9-10

One Last (& most important) thought…