Michael Vick's public apology regarding his involvement in an illegal dogfighting operation is raising skepticism among conservatives and the media.
While he took "full responsibility" for his actions, pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy and involvement in the killing of at least six dogs, the Falcons' star quarterback went further to say he has found Jesus.
"I'm upset with myself and, you know, through this situation I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God," he said in a statement on Monday. "I think that's the right thing to do as of right now."...
I also made the observation with the quote,"I think that is the right thing to do, at least right now." Only God can see the heart but we can hear the voice. If there is a chance someone has not accepted Jesus Christ then we must be diligent in presenting the gospel(who God is, who fallen man is, who Jesus Christ is and what He did).
I have heard about many conversions first hand and not one was this shallow. Also, each can testify of a complete life change although a daily mortifying of sin battle.
I have been concerned with all the public testimonies of "accepting Christ" in the sports arena. I can remember hearing a newsman speaking to a def. end for G.Bay and P.Eagles(Reggie White). It was playoffs and Christmas weekend and since he was a minister he was asked about the spirit of Christmas. This was a great oppurtunity for the gospel. However, his answer was something like,"lets forget about that and talk football." I remember staring at the t.v. aghast. Not one word about Jesus Christ at all. I then wondered if his salvation was genuine but realized only the Lord could read his heart. Sure enough at his early death in his 40's of a heart attack it was reported earlier that he had become a muslim. Can anyone here on S.A. confirm this?
Seems to me I remember reading something about someone named "Saul" who had a rather sudden conversion on a road trip and a lot of believers distrusted his conversation as well. Of course, his change of heart had nothing to do with the possibility of going to jail (he was on the "offensive," not the "defensive"), but time is a great test of "conversions." Why not wait and see and pray for the man in the mean time?
Is it my imagination or do most of these celebrities manage to 'find Jesus' when their lucrative careers are no the line? Anyway, how does one find Jesus? He's not the one thats lost. He finds us, doesn't He???? (Luke 19:10)
I don't know whether Mike Vick was sincere or not but I do know that Jesus spoke of how difficult it is for a rich man to enter heaven. Not because money is inherently evil but because lots of money makes men pround, haughty and self-sufficient. Being proud, haughty and self-sufficient will keep a man out of heaven.
Nothing humbles a man like losing all that he has and having to be dependent upon others.
That being said, this whole thing seems silly to me anyway. Mike Vick is a great athlete but hardly a good quarterback. He's been with the Falcons for over 5 years now and he has yet to figure out any of their offensive schemes. He can run like a scalded cat but that's because he has to-he cannot read a defense. He doesn't appear to be very smart and he cannot pass the ball accurately beyond about 20 yards. I think the Falcons would have put him in the backfield last year but they were scared to death of being considered 'racist'.
I know there is a wonderfull world of Disney, and now a wonderfull fully blown world of Christianity. Both in the enertainment business, where self-called, self-chosen, self-appointed artists can draw their views to the public. Both worlds are hosted and have many many followers.
Cbc, Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Those verses speak for themselves about self righteousness. A prayer is calling out to God for mercy. Michel Vick's exact words are not important because He only needs God’s acceptance and He has assured us in His Word that He will do that for new converts.
Sure there are shallow conversions, but our part is to pray for that new convert to grow and go on for Christ. Your snide remark when you said that I should have invited him to give a testimony in my church seemed that you doubted that God could use this man for His Glory. The most sensible thing you said was "let’s both give the man a chance to bring forth fruit." Amen
Ernie GI never said Mike V.wasn't saved.What I said was that this whole thing is suspect.My point was to point out the infatuation that people like you have with celebs and their Jesus status.It doesn't matter what they say or do,a simple, "I got Jesus" is enough for you folks!Even Jesus said that it took more than words. Tell you what,let's both give the man a chance to "bring forth fruits meet for repentance" before we go either way. You must,though,quote more than a couple of verses that talk abouot profession of faith because every NT writer concluded (by the inspiration of God) that a faith that does not result in a changed life is a dead faith.Saving faith and obedient faith cannot be divorced from one another! One other thing,your anger and judgment toward me is hypocritical considering that you expect me to pour out gushing love toward Mike V.Look in the mirror,man.Maybe you will see the beam!! From what I am seeing from numerous posters is that pastors are supposed to be nice guys who keep their mouths shut!Guess what,folks?Ain't gonna happen!The church in USA is impotent, lethargic,and apathetic.If it takes me being hated by you types,than so be it.My Jesus means to much to me for it to be otherwise!!Stick that in your sloppy agape agape and hug it!!
CBC, You are exactly right to doubt and make the questions you do about Michael Vick. We can only hope, and we do hope, that this would be a true conversion, but the way he stated it, leaves room for doubt. With so many people today who find themselves in tough situations, the easy out is to say what Michael said. CBC only shows a willingness not to be taken in like many many are deceived just by someone saying some words.
There was no statement in his "admission" that he was a sinner and that that was the reason he was needing Christ. It's more of "I'm in a tough situation and I need Jesus to help me out of it." Jesus isn't a means to an end--getting out of prison. He is the end--my life should be being lived right now for His glory, not mine.
If that's what Mike meant. Great. If not, it's not surprising. Your ok, CBC.
I'm surprised at the aggressive responses to Cbc. A few days ago an e-mail was read out on Fox: 'I wonder how long it will be before he finds God?' I make it about 3 days! Like it or not, the world is going to be cynical when these Damascus-like transformations take place at such strategic times. Of course we hope and pray that Vick has been found by Jesus, but the Church of Christ also has a responsibility to professing Christians to see that they make their calling and election sure. It would be a dereliction of duty to him and to the watching, unsaved world not to test his motives.
If Vick has truly found Jesus, then he will be very willing to accept all responsibility for his actions and fall on the chief cornerstone and be broken to pieces. If he hasn't, then he will continue right on looking for sympathy, and trying to save himself further loss.
William Tyndale has a good quote about what God does to (and with) the lives that are truly submitted to him:
"If God promises life, He slayeth first; when He builds, He casteth all down first. God is no patcher; He cannot build on another's foundation"
So if Vick truly found Jesus, he should get ready for more shaking, casting down and "killing". But at the end of all that is true joy.
Are you really a pastor? I see self rightousness and self judgment in your email. Who do you think you are that you can measure a heart of someone just because they are in the lime light.
Cbc, Some case you have made. There is a lot of hatred and anger toward Michael Vick because of his celebrity status on secular websites, but I never expected a man claiming to be a preacher on a Fundamental Christian site to post the worst one I have read. Any preacher that would deny Michael Vick the opportunity to call on Jesus Christ and denies the Holy Word of God because he knows the man’s heart better than God is a disgrace to the ministry.
You are only boasting and reeking with Pride with your "elected" church doctrine if you do not want to see the lost people come to Jesus and be saved. Shame on you or anyone else that preaches and/or believes otherwise!!!
Ernie G., I rest my case! If you hurry, maybe you can get him to come to your church and give his testimony! As a pastor, I wish people were half as interested in what the Bible has to say as they are in what the latest celeb is doing! No wonder the church in America is so impotent, folks liek you would rather have Vick and sensationalism than the Holy Spirit and holiness!
Cbc, Who died and made you the pope? Unless you are some infallible person here on earth, you have absolutely NO right to question what this man’s motives are. If Michael Vick has found Jesus and turned his life over to God, then that is between him and God, not you or anyone else. Salvation is of God and ONLY God knows this man’s HEART.
Rom 10:10 For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the Scripture saith, WHOSOEVER believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over ALL is rich unto ALL that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
MV made a public profession in front of millions, so I think that was a good start. These scriptures do not qualify ANYONE from doing this because Whosoever” and “All” mean just that. Where is the rejoicing when a sinner comes home? Your self righteous doctrine is not God's plan of salvation, but a mere man!
I wonder how many people are pointing fingers at him that have even worse sins in their own lives! "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." "There is NONE righteous, no not one!"
If I didn't know any better I would think all Jesus did was hang out in correctional facilities before parole time and court houses before verdict/sentencing time because that's where most people seem to find him. I won't question Vick's conversion, that's between him and God, but if the other celebs are any indicator, then Vick better really start reading the Bible if he wants to truly leave the decadant "thug" life behind.
Here's an observance, why would anyone who makes 22million dollars a year plus endorsements throw it all away for a penny ante dog fighting ring. To a guy like Vick the kind of money the fights brought in was a drop in the bucket, even if he did have a stable of cronies/leeches to support. The answer, like Solomon, happiness is not found in an abundance of things. All this world's goods are nothing but vanity.
Final thought, Vick is very young. There is still a good chance that he can turn his life around. This is NOT to make an excuse for him, but I'm 33 and I would have no clue what to do with a fortune like his...and I am a Christian. A young, worldly fellow gets that kind of cash and lackeys who never tell him no and trouble is sure to follow. He may turn it around and come out of this a good Christian role-model. We never know what good God will do
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