KCU/03/Team Lambo

Topic 18: Blessed are the poor in spirit?

Question: Based on what you know from the Bible & other sources (including the How People Grow reading), what role do you think spiritual poverty plays in Christian growth? (Be sure to do more research into the issue. If the group cannot come to a consensus, feel free to have different group members each express their own opinions.)

Andre Brooks's contribution: The question “How can you be sure you are saved?” is a common one. It is not an easy one to answer either. However, this paper will make an attempt at helping people understand the complex and intricate problem of assurance of salvation. Opinions of this topic range in many ways. For instance, some believe that it is as simple as a prayer. Yet, there are those who feel they must work their entire life to attain salvation. These are obviously large differences. Also, many religions believe different things, and since this topic is involved with religion it is automatically difficult to explain and understand. For instance, the Christian belief is that salvation comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ who dies on a cross. And to receive this salvation all that is required is repentance, baptism, and a life long commitment to a Christian lifestyle and faith. This is contrasted by what Muslims believe about salvation. To them, salvation comes with a life full of strict rules and prayer to their prophet Mohammed. Also, their view of God is much different from Christians in that they believe that God is malicious, and unsympathetic, whereas the Christian God is a loving, caring, and gracious God who gave his son to save the souls of sinners.