A RESPONSE

Dallas Berry recently said something that got me thinking (Dallas, if I miss quoted you hollar at me!).  He said, "Christian heritage will not get you into heaven.  Your parents name will not save you.  It is up to the individual's response to Christ whether or not that person spends eternity in Heaven with The Lord."

I agree with your statement.  However, I would like to add-on to it.

Dallas, your statement led me to a time of gratitude before God.  It is true, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  However, my Christian Heritage cultivated me to the point of making that life decision.  Not to say that God does not work in non-Christian homes to draw individuals into His Kingdom.  No.  That has been done many times over, including our own head pastor.  But the Christian Heritage is an environment that I grew-up in and have come to be thankful for in this day and age.  The lifestyle that it brought did not shield me from everything, but shielded me enough to get my roots well established in The Sure Foundation - The Word of God.

Now, allow me to share my Christian Heritage.  Having a mother, father, and grandmother in the home that showed me Godly love, gave me Holy discipline (yes, even I was set apart unto my room a couple of times), and taught me by word and example Christ's lifestyle was just the beginning of my Christian Heritage.  Also going for me - my Grandfather was a preacher, I had uncles who were preachers, my dad would fill-in for these uncles from time-to-time, and now dad is officially ordained as a Pastor/Preacher at the church he attends.  In addition, my family has a rich, Christian, music history.

I say all this not to boast over any one person or group of people.  I say this after reflecting on your words Dallas and coming to a place of gratitude and thankfulness.  Family is where it all starts.  And whether every individual in the world recognizes it or not - everyone starts off with God too!  My environment was more conducive to an acceptance of the Salvation message.  However, I did not accept Christ as my personal Savior until I was 9 (1979).  There was no forcing my hand to make The Decision.  The Holy Spirit in my home and in the lives of my parents along with the always-present Love was enough to convince me - Jesus and His Kingdom are where I want to spend eternity. My whole life reminds me of a good-ole Southern Gospel song that I hope I get to sing one day with three other men in a quartet for I truly am...So Blessed.

http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/greater-vision/album/my-favorite-place/track/we-are-so-blessed

We Are So Blessed (by Bill Gaither, 1982)

Verse 1
We are so blessed
By the gifts from Your hand
I just can't understand
Why You've loved us so much
We are so blessed
We just can't find a way
Or the words that can say
Thank You Lord for Your touch

Chorus
When we're empty
You fill us 'til we overflow
When we're hungry
You feed us and cause us to know
We are so blessed
Take what we have to bring
Take it all ev'rything
Lord we love You so much

Verse 2
We are so blessed
By the things You have done
The vict'ries we've won
And what You've brought us through
We are so blessed
Take what we have to bring
Take it all ev'rything
Lord we bring it to You

Chorus