christian-with-a-view

WHOM DID JESUS DIE FOR?

2012-02-20T18:41:00.002-05:00

Romans 5:6-10 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly......8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

WHOM DID JESUS DIE FOR? He died for the greedy, the drunkards, the thieves, the fornicators, the murderers, the idolaters, the homosexuals, the liars, the swindlers, the adulterers, and yes, the pedophiles, the sorcerers, the prostitutes, the astrologers, the witches, the unbelievers, the worshipers of false gods, and the atheists. JESUS DIED FOR SINNERS!

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

The apostle Paul said he was the chief of sinners, the worst of all sinners, and Jesus came to save him. (1 Timothy 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all.)

IF JESUS DIED FOR THE CHIEF OF SINNERS, THEN HE ALSO DIED FOR US ALL!

(All Scripture quotes from:NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

2012-02-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

Will men receive God's blessings, protection and His free gift of salvation even if they are in error, as long as they are sincere in what they believe and practice?

Numbers 21:6-9 .....8 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live." 9 And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.

If the Israelites had taken the position that to look on a bronze serpent was nothing but works; and they sincerely believed they would have lived, if they only had faith in the Lord, would they have still lived? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

Acts 19:1-7 .....2 He said to them , "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, 'Into John's baptism."4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them , and they began speaking with tongues.......

If the twelve men at Ephesus had refused Christian baptism, sincerely believing that John's baptism was sufficient, would they have received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

Exodus 12:1-13........12 For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I will execute judgment---I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

What if the Israelites had sincerely said "We will put blood on our houses as a testimony of our faith, for the community to see, however, that blood is not essential for the Lord to pass over our houses? HOW DO THINK THAT WOULD HAVE WORKED OUT FOR THEM? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

If men sincerely believe that Jesus was not talking about water baptism, will they be able to reject baptism and still be saved? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

Acts 2:38 ......"Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins....

If men sincerely believe that water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins and reject it or teach others that it is just a meaningless symbol, will they still have their sins forgiven? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

Galatians 1:9 As we have said before , so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

The Judaizers were adding some legal requirements from the Law of Moses, to the gospel of Christ, as being requirements for salvation. Can men today add to or subtract from God's requirements for salvation, as long as they are sincere? IS SINCERITY ENOUGH?

SAVED BY FAITH ALONE OR FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE?

2012-02-18T11:17:00.000-05:00

The belief of many denominational churches is that all men are saved by, only, believing in Jesus Christ, espousing the doctrine of "faith only."

ARE MEN SAVED BY FAITH ONLY OR BY FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE?

Are men saved by faith? Yes.
Are men saved by faith only? No, they are not.
Are men saved by keeping the Laws of Moses? No.
Are men saved because of their good deeds? No.

FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE

FAITH: John 3:15 So that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. (Faith in Jesus is essential to salvation but faith is not keeping the Law of Moses nor is it a good deed.)

FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Repentance means to make a commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God. Repentance is not keeping the Law of Moses nor is it doing good deeds. Christian baptism is not a good deed and obviously is not a Law of Moses.)

FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE: Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Confessing Jesus as Lord is not in keeping with the Law of Moses nor is it a good deed.)

FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Believing in Jesus is not keeping the Law of Moses nor is it a good deed. Being baptized into Christ is not part of the Law of Moses nor is it a good deed.

Acts 5:32....so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."(SEE: Acts 2:38)

GOD DOES NOT DO EVERYTHING FOR MAN WHEN IT COMES TO HIS SALVATION.

God provides us the Savior in Jesus Christ. God provides the grace in order that we might be saved.(John 3:16,Titus 3:4-7, Ephesians 2:8)

Men are required to do their part. Men have to believe-to repent-to confess-and be immersed in water.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE---NOT FAITH ONLY!

FAITH PLUS OBEDIENCE CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2 HOURS MORE OR LESS. (NO LAW KEEPING OR GOOD DEEDS ARE REQUIRED)

(All quotes are from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

CALLED AND CHOSEN

2012-02-17T09:49:00.001-05:00

Matthew 22:14 For many are called , but few are chosen."

Definition of called: invited or summoned.
Definition of chosen: those who are eligible or suited for selection. Elected and chosen are synonymous.

WHO ARE THE CALLED?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Every person who has heard the gospel preached has been called. THE CALL IS NOT LIMITED TO A SELECT FEW WHO HAVE BEEN PREDESTINED FOR SALVATION.

WHO ARE THE CHOSEN (THE ELECTED)?

The chosen are the ones who are obedient to the call of the gospel. The chosen are those who 1. HAVE FAITH John 3:16 2. REPENT Acts 2:38 (repent means to turn from sin and turn toward toward God.) 3. CONFESS Romans 10:9-10 4. AND ARE BAPTIZED IN WATER 1 Peter 3:20-21.

THE CHOSEN ARE NOT THOSE WHO WERE SUPPOSEDLY, UNCONDITIONALLY SELECTED, FOR SALVATION.

THERE ARE CONDITIONS FOR THE CALLED AND CHOSEN.

Matthew 22:1-14
Verse 2 The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.
Verse 3 And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come.

Many have had the gospel preached to them, but simply have rejected Jesus as God's Son and as their Lord and Savior. MANY ARE CALLED. Those, who reject Jesus, do it of their own free-will. God does not force anyone to ignore the gospel.

Verses 11-14 "But when the king came to look over the dinner quests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, 12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

This wedding quest was disinvited. He was not chosen (elected) because he was not eligible, he was not suitable to be chosen.

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.(THE WEDDING CLOTHES)

When you stand before the KING OF KINGS are you going to be speechless when He asks you, where are your wedding cloths? What will you say when He asks why you rejected water baptism?

CALLED AND CHOSEN

( ALL QUOTES FROM; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THE FALLACY OF "NO MAN CAN SEEK GOD"

2012-02-16T18:48:00.000-05:00

The doctrine of unconditional election is that a select few have been preordained for salvation and all others will suffer eternal damnation. A tenet of this belief is that no man can seek God, because God unconditionally seeks out His elect and gives them the faith to believe and be saved.

CAN MAN SEEK GOD?

Matthew 6:32-33...your heavenly Father know that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Jesus said to seek God's kingdom and seek God's righteousness. Jesus not say you will be unconditionally granted His kingdom and His righteousness. YES, MAN CAN SEEK GOD!

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

1. Why would the writer of Hebrews say it is impossible to please God without faith if God unconditionally gives faith to the elect so they may be saved?
2. It says he who comes to God. It does not say he who has been unconditionally elected.
3. It states that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. It does not say He is a rewarder of those He has unconditionally elected. YES, MAN CAN SEEK GOD!

THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE IS FOUND ONLY IN CREED BOOKS AND OTHER EXTRA-BIBLICAL BOOKS. SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE IS NOT TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE!

WE ARE SAVED BECAUSE OF GOD'S GRACE, BUT WE ARE NOT SAVED BY GRACE "ALONE."

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

MISCONCEPTIONS

2012-02-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Do all men understand the doctrines of God or are there some who have misconceptions? The following is an examination of some of the misconceptions.

THE MISCONCEPTION: The doctrine of irresistible grace, which proclaims that when God calls His elect to salvation they cannot resist the Holy Spirit.

THE REALITY: Acts 7:51-52 "You men who are stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 Which one of the prophets did your fathers not perescute?....... (REF:NASB)

The Jews were God's chosen people, however, many of them resisted the Holy Spirit.

THE MISCONCEPTION: That purpose of water baptism is for a testimony of your faith to the community.

THE REALITY: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(REF:NASB)

There is no verse of Scripture that says the purpose of water baptism is for a testimony of faith.

THE MISCONCEPTION: That men do not have free-will. That God is a puppet master. That God forces men to accept His salvation. That God compels others to reject Him. That God forces men to serve Him.

THE REALITY: Joshua 24:15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua had free-will and he chose to serve the Lord.

Matthew 23:37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.(REF.NASB)

The Lord wanted to take Jerusalem under His wings, but they rejected Him. MEN HAVE FREE-WILL.

THE MISCONCEPTION: That the elect of God cannot fall from grace.

THE REALITY: 2 Peter 1:1-10...To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ........10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;(REF. NKJV)

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (1984): 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make you calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (2001): 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore , brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (1995): 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

GOD'S WORD Translation (1995) Therefore, brothers and sisters, use more effort to make God's calling and choosing of you secure. If you keep doing this, you will never fall away.

The apostle Peter instructed the ELECT OF GOD how they could keep from falling away. They were not once saved always saved.

THERE IS NO BIBLICAL DOCTRINE THAT STATES "ONCE MISCONCEIVED ALWAYS MISCONCEIVED"---ALL MEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH!

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS?

2012-02-15T09:18:00.002-05:00

Is the doctrine of "perseverance of the saints"the doctrine of Jesus Christ or the teaching of John Calvin? Are Christians once saved always saved? Is eternal security based on Scripture or is it derived from misinterpretations of the Bible.

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS?

Revelation 3:1-6 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write....4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.........

Jesus said there were only a few Christians in Sardis that would not have their names erased from the book of life. I GUESS JOHN CALVIN FORGOT TO READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

Matthew 24:9-13....10 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many, 12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

I do not believe Jesus was preaching "eternal security."

Luke 8:13 Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

When Jesus said "they believe for a while and fall away," I do not think He was championing the doctrine of " PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS."

1 Timothy 4:1-3 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods....

The apostle Paul was quoting the Holy Spirit when he said "some will fall away from the faith." I guess the fact that Paul had not read the FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM lead to his confusion.

Hebrews 6:4-7 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7........it ends up being burned.

Why would God inspire (2 Timothy 3:16) the writer of Hebrews to warn against falling away if it was an impossibility?

2 Peter 3:16-17 ...which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.

The apostle Peter warned the church they could fall from their own steadfastness.
Why would they fall? They would fall by listening to unprincipled men who were untaught and unstable and had been distorting the Scriptures.

THE QUESTION?

The T.U.L.I.P. doctrine is T-Total Depravity, U-Unconditional Election, L-Limited Atonement, I-Irresistible Grace, P-Perseverance of the Saints. If the T.U.L.I.P doctrine is a reiteration or explanation of the teachings of Jesus Christ, then why, is it referred to as "THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM"? Why is it not referred to as the "THE FIVE POINTS OF CHRISTIANITY"?

BEWARE OF MAN-MADE DOCTRINE!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANARD BIBLE)

STUDY TOOLS

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The most accurate way to study God's word is with two tools.
1. Prayer
2. Comparative study, using various translations of the Bible.

A FEW EXAMPLES

The message of Mark 16:16.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(1984)-Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION(2001)-Mark 16:16 Who ever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(1995)-Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

KING JAMES BIBLE (Cambridge Ed.)-Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

GOD'S WORD Translation(1995)-Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

It would take a highly skilled professional, on steroids, to convince someone 1. that, belief and water baptism do-not precede-being saved. 2. that, those who do not believe will-not- be condemned.

The message of Acts 2:38.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(1984)-Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION(2001)-Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(1995)-Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

KING JAMES BIBLE (Cambridge Ed.)-Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

GOD'S WORD Translation(1995)-Acts 2:38 Peter answered them, "All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.

It would take a stack of creed books to convince anyone that Acts 2:38 does not teach that repentance and water baptism are essential in order to receive forgiveness from sins and that receiving the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit is not received after the forgiveness of sins.

The message of Romans 10:9.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(1984)-Romans 10:9 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.

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION(2001)-Romans 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(1995)-Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

KING JAMES BIBLE (Cambridge Ed)-Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

GOD's WORD Translation(1995)-Romans 10:9 If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved.

You would have to be suffering from an optical illusion, if while reading Romans 10:9, you see, "say the sinner's prayer and you will be saved, because men are saved by faith only."

THE MOST ACCURATE STUDY TOOLS ARE, PRAYER AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE!

THE PINNACLE OF ARROGANCE AND PRIDE

2012-02-14T05:45:00.002-05:00

Predestination per John Calvin means that God willed some men to be preselected for salvation and all others selected for eternal damnation.

The pinnacle of arrogance and pride is to believe that God selected you for salvation but chose your next door neighbor to spend eternity in hell.

WHO WAS PREDESTINED FOR SALVATION?

Ephesians 1:1-14 ...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,.....

WHOM DID GOD PREDESTINED FOR SALVATION?

He predestined those who listened to the message of truth and believed. (Ephesians 1:13)

He predestined "whoever" believes in Jesus the Christ. (John 3:16)

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

TRUTH: All those who accept God's grace are selected for salvation.
FALSEHOOD: God selects a few to receive His grace so that they may be saved.

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him"

All men have, free will, to believe in Jesus or disobey Him.

John 6:40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

The will of the Father is not that most men will spend eternity in hell.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies;

Jesus said he who believes will live. Jesus did not say he who has been preselected will live.

Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Jesus died for everyone. If you believe John Calvin's doctrine of predestination, then, you would have to believe that Jesus only died for a select few.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

TRUTH: God desires all men to be saved.
A LIE: God has predestined (preselected) most men for eternal damnation.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Taking Calvin's position, on predestination, to its logical conclusion, would mean that God wants those not selected for salvation to perish.

Romans 5:18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

TRUTH: As the result of Adams sin, all men have sinned and stand condemned.
TRUTH: As the result of the sacrifice of Jesus, all men can obey the truth and be justified before God.

Acts 17: 30 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,

If most men have been preselected for eternity in hell, why then, would God command all people to repent?

Romans 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

It is not, WHOEVER has been predestined (preselected) will be saved.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"

Why would the apostle Peter tell them to be saved if they did not have a choice in the matter?

MEN ARE NOT SAVED BY GRACE ALONE.

GOD DOES NOT FORCE MEN TO HAVE FAITH SO THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.

GOD DOES NOT PREDESTINED SOME MEN TO SALVATION BY A PRESELECTION PROCESS.

GOD DOES NOT PREDESTINED SOME MEN, BY A PRESELECTION PROCESS, TO DAMNATION IN HELL.

ALL MEN HAVE FREE WILL.
MEN CAN CHOSE JESUS AND ETERNAL LIFE OR REJECT JESUS AND INHERIT ETERNAL DEATH.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS, HEAVEN OR HELL.
GOD DOES NOT MAKE THE CHOICE FOR YOU!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

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The good news is that God sent His only Son that all men might be saved. The bad news is that men reject and pervert God's good news.

THE GOOD NEWS: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

THE BAD NEWS: Most men reject Jesus as Lord and Savior. They do not believe that Jesus is God's only begotten Son.

THE GOOD NEWS: Is the warning, to Christians, not to fall away from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12-14)

THE BAD NEWS: Is that many believers in Christ put Christians at risk of losing their salvation, by telling them that once they are saved they can never be lost.

THE GOOD NEWS: Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

THE BAD NEWS: Is that many, not only do not fear and respect God, but they do not even believe He exists.

THE GOOD NEWS: Is that God has warned mankind of indulging in occult practices. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Revelation 21:8, Galatians 5:20, Acts 7:42-43, Revelation 22:15, Revelation 9:21)

THE BAD NEWS: Is that many believers in Christ read their horoscope on a daily biases and consult psychics.

THE GOOD NEWS: Titus 3:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.......

THE BAD NEWS: Is that, there are men teaching, the false doctrine, that God has predestined a select few to be saved and has predetermined that most men will spend eternity in hell through no fault of their own.

THE GOOD NEWS : Is that Jesus has given Christians a heads-up, that a sinful lifestyle can cause those who claim Jesus as Lord to be lost. (Matthew 7:21-23 ....DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.')

THE BAD NEWS: Those who reject the fact that sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.) PRACTICE is the key word.

THE GOOD NEWS: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness , but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

THE BAD NEWS: Is that many have bought into the false Calvinistic doctrine of election. Many have given up on salvation, believing God has not selected them for salvation.
THE TRUTH IS, GOD ELECTS ALL OR ANYONE WHO IS OBEDIENT TO HIS TERMS FOR PARDON!

THE GOOD NEWS: Jesus is coming again.(1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

THE BAD NEWS: Jesus is only coming for His church. (Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.)

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

ARE RUTH, MARY AND JANE QUALIFIED?

2012-02-13T06:45:00.000-05:00

What are elders-bishops and do Ruth, Mary and Jane meet the qualification to hold the office?

Elders-bishops are the pastors, shepherds, overseers of the their local church.

Acts 20:17,28 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

THE ELDERS-BISHOPS WERE OVERSEERS, SHEPHERDS, (shepherds are pastors) OF LOCAL CHURCHES.

ARE RUTH, MARY AND JANE QUALIFIED TO BE ELDERS-BISHOPS, THE PASTORS, THE OVERSEERS, THE SHEPHERDS?

1 Timothy 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, (some translations translate overseer as, bishop) it is a fine work he desires to do . 2 An overseer, then, must must be above reproach, the husband of one wife......

Ruth, Mary and Jane are not men nor can then be the husband of one wife. THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED!

Titus 1:5-9 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife.....

RUTH, MARY, AND JANE ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO BE ELDERS-BISHOPS, OVERSEERS, PASTORS, SHEPHERDS OF ANY LOCAL CHURCH. THEY ARE NOT MEN NOR ARE THEY THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE!

(All Scriptures are quoted from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

DID YOU EVER WONDER?

2012-02-12T19:10:00.001-05:00

Did you ever wonder what seminaries and Bible colleges would produce if they only taught from the Scriptures?

Why do Catholic seminaries only produce Catholic priests?
Why do Baptist seminaries only produce Baptist pastors?
Why do Methodist seminaries only produce Methodist pastors?

If seminaries and Bible colleges taught from the Bible and the Bible alone they would produce Christian evangelists, Christian (elders-pastors-bishops), Christian preachers and teachers.

The teachings of Jesus did not produce Catholic priest Peter, Methodist pastor Paul, Nazarene evangelist Timothy, Baptist pastor John, nor Mormon elder James. The teachings of Jesus produced Christian leaders and Christian leaders only.

DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT BE PRODUCED IN SEMINARIES AND BIBLE COLLEGES IF THEY THREW AWAY THEIR CREED BOOKS AND TAUGHT FROM THE BIBLE ALONE?

DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT KIND OF INFLUENCE THE LORD'S CHURCH WOULD HAVE IN THE WORLD IF THEY BELIEVED AND TAUGHT, THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE?

GET ON BOARD THE CHRSTIAN SIN TRAIN

2012-02-11T10:18:00.002-05:00

There are countless religious leaders who preach the doctrine "GET ON BOARD THE SIN TRAIN" it is headed for heaven. The reasoning behind this doctrine, is do not judge fellow believers in Christ, because we all sin. Does not God forgive Christians?

DO ALL CHRISTIANS SIN? YES, ALL CHRISTIANS SIN!

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

DO ALL CHRISTIANS MAKE SIN AN UNREPENTANT PRACTICE? NO, THEY DO NOT!

1 John 3:4-10.....9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

If you are a Christian who makes a practice of sin, then by all means"GET ON BOARD THE CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN". Where do you think that train is headed?

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A TICKET ON THE CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN?

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?........
TICKET QUALIFICATIONS:
1. fornicators
2. idolaters
3. adulterers
4. effeminate
5. homosexuals
6. thieves
7. the covetous
8. drunkards
9. revilers
10. swindlers

Galatians 5:19-21....those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
TICKET QUALIFICATIONS:
1.immorality
2. impurity
3. sensuality
4. idolatry
5. sorcery
6. enmities
7. strife
8. jealousy
9. outbursts of anger
10. disputes
11. dissensions
12. factions
13. envying
14. drunkenness
15. carousing

Ephesians 5:5 For this you know with certainty that no....has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
TICKET QUALIFICATIONS:
1. immoral person
2. impure person
3. covetous man, who is an idolater.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BUY A TICKET FOR THE "CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN"?

Colossians 3:5-6 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed , which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GET ON BOARD THE CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN?

Romans 8:12-13 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh---13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The doctrine of "GET ON BOARD THE CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN", because we all practice sin, is one more lie that Satan likes to champion.

DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN HEADED FOR HEAVEN? IF YOU BELIEVE THAT, THEN BY ALL MEANS "GET ON BOARD THE CHRISTIAN SIN TRAIN"!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

2012-02-10T10:24:00.001-05:00

Faith only, believers in Christ believe that water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins. One of their favorite arguments is to propose, that,"WHAT IF" a person believed in Jesus, as the Christ but died before he had a chance to be baptized?

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

"WHAT IF", Jesus refused to die on the cross as a sacrifice for mankind? Would men still be saved?

Ephesians 1:In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

"WHAT IF", someone was on the verge of believing that Jesus was the Son of God, but died before he actually believed?

John 8:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

WHAT IF, someone intellectually accepted the fact that Jesus is God's Son, but died before he had time to repent (repentance means to turn toward God and commit to turn from sin) would he still be saved?

Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

WHAT IF, someone confessed Jesus as Lord, but died before they believed that God raised Him from the dead?

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead , you will be saved;

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

WHAT IF, someone believed the Jesus was the Son of God, confessed Him as Lord and Savior, believed that God resurrected Him from the grave, and repented; but died before he was baptized in water?

Mark 16:16 ...has been baptized shall be saved...
John 3:5...unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:38 ...be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins..
1 Peter 3:21...baptism now saves you....
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Romans 6:3-11 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?.....
Ephesians 5:25-27...Christ also loved the church...26 ...cleansed her by washing of water with the word.....
Colossians 2: 12-15 ...buried with Him in baptism...13...having forgiven us all our transgressions.......
Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'
Titus 3:5 He saved us...by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

CAN "WHAT IF" SAVE ANYONE?

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE!

2012-02-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

I believe every word of the Bible. I believe every verse of Scripture. I believe everything God says in His book.

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS WHAT THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY!

I believed Jesus when He said in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS WHAT JESUS DID NOT SAY IN JOHN 3:16.

1. Jesus did not say men are saved by "faith only".
2. Jesus did not say men are saved by "grace alone".
3. Jesus did not say men are saved before they are baptized in water.
4. Jesus did not say water baptism is just a testimony of the believers faith and has nothing to do with forgiveness of sins.
5. Jesus did not say God has selected a few men to be saved and has appointed all others to burn in hell.
6. Jesus did not say men did not have to repent in order to be saved. (repentance is the commitment to turn toward God and turn away from sin).
7. Jesus did not say men do not have to confess Him as the Son of God.
8. Jesus did not say that men do not have to confess Him as Lord and Savior.
9. Jesus did not say men do not have to believe in His death, His burial, and His resurrection from the grave in order to be saved.
10. Jesus did not say all men will be saved as long as they are sincere.
11. Jesus did not say I am just one of many ways to the Father.
12. Jesus did not say there is not a literal hell where the lost will spend eternity.
13. Jesus did not say God will give, those He selects for salvation, the "FAITH" to believe and be saved.
14. Jesus did not say speaking in tongues is evidence that men have been saved.
15. Jesus did not say if you were on your death bed and wanted to believe, but died before you believed that He would save you.
16. Jesus did not say if you believed but died before you were baptized in water you will be saved.

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS WHAT JESUS DID NOT SAY.
WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS DOCTRINE NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE.

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS MAN MADE DOCTRINES!

(Scripture quote from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THEY BELIEVE THE BIBLE..........

2012-02-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

THE QUESTION: Do you believe the Bible to be the inerrant word of God?

THE ANSWER: Far too many believers in Christ say they believe the Bible is God's word, however, they believe parts of it have been mistranslated and they believe there are many contradictions and errors.

WHAT PARTS OF THE BIBLE DO THEY BELIEVE?

THEY BELIEVE: God created the heavens and the earth.(Genesis 1)

DON'T BELIEVE: That God is smart enough to guide men to accurately translate the Bible.

THEY BELIEVE: The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.(John 1:14)

DON'T BELIEVE: The Word when He said, " has been baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16)

THEY BELIEVE: Naaman had his leprosy washed away by dipping in the water of the Jordan river, seven times.(2 Kings 5:1-14)

DON'T BELIEVE: That Saul had his sins washed away by being baptized in water, one time. (Acts 22:16)

THEY BELIEVE: Jesus walked on the water.(Mark 6:45-48)

DON'T BELIEVE: That Jesus washed the church using water with the word, sanctifying, cleansing her, making her holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

THEY BELIEVE: That God destroyed all flesh on the earth, except for that flesh on the ark with Noah and his family. (Genesis Chapters 7&8)

DON'T BELIEVE: That God saves us with the waters of baptism. (1 Peter 3:20-21)

THEY BELIEVE: That God made an axe head of iron float in water. (2 Kings 6:1-7)

DON'T BELIEVE: That being baptized into Christ refers to water baptism. (Galatians 3:26-27)

THEY BELIEVE: That the Lord parted the water of the sea so the sons of Israel could cross on dry land. (Exodus 14:21-22)

DON'T BELIEVE: That believers were crucified with Christ when they were buried in the watery grave of baptism. They don't believe that the body of sin was done away with at the point of water baptism. (Romans 6:3-11)

THEY BELIEVE: That Jesus performed a miracle by turning the water into wine. (John 2:1-11)

DON'T BELIEVE: Jesus when He spoke of water baptism being part of the new birth. (John 3:5)

THEY BELIEVE: God gave the power to Moses to strike the rock at Horeb to make water flow from it. (Exodus 17:1-6)

DON'T BELIEVE: Being buried with Christ in water baptism results in forgiveness of all their transgressions.(Colossians 2:12-13)

THEY BELIEVE: That God split the hollow place that is in Lehi so that water came out and Samson could drink. (Judges 15:16-19)

DON'T BELIEVE: That three thousand on the Day of Pentecost were baptized in water in order to have their sins forgiven. (Acts 2:37-38

THEY BELIEVE: That the Lord provided water without rain for Jehoshaphat.(2 Kings 3:16-17)

DON'T BELIEVE: That God uses water for the washing of regeneration. (Titus 3:5-7)

THEY BELIEVE: That all Scripture is inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

DON'T BELIEVE: That God's word endures forever as recorded in the Bible. (1 Peter 1:23-25)

THEY BELIEVE: That man shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.(Matthew 4:4)

DON'T BELIEVE: That man should live by every word in the Bible because it is filled with errors, contradictions, and has been corrupted by man's biases in various translations.

YOU CAN EITHER TRUST GOD TO PROVIDE AN INERRANT TRANSLATION OF HIS WORD OR YOU CAN TRUST NONE OF THE BIBLE.

THE BIBLE IS NOT A THEOLOGICAL BUFFET FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE THE DOCTRINES THAT SUPPORT YOUR OPINIONS!

RELEASED BY HIS BLOOD

2012-02-05T17:07:00.001-05:00

Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood---

Christians are released from sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. At what point do Christians contact the blood of JESUS THE CHRIST?

IS THE CONTACT POINT GRACE? NO!
Grace is available to all men, but only accessible through faith.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Grace is accessed through faith. There is no Scripture that states we are saved by "grace alone". GRACE IS NOT THE CONTACT POINT OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.

IS THE CONTACT POINT FAITH? NO!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world , that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Jesus said faith in Him was essential for salvation.(John 8:24) Jesus did not say men are saved by "faith alone". FAITH IS NOT THE CONTACT POINT OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST.

(Act 2:22-38) Peter preach the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus. Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Christ. The three thousand who believed this message were not saved the minute they believed, they were still in their sins, they still had not been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. They asked what shall we do? Peter answered, (Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.)

They did not contact the blood of Jesus until they were immersed in water. Baptism is the point when men are washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO CONTACT THE BLOOD OF JESUS?

1. GRACE: Ephesians 2:8 (but not grace alone)
2. FAITH: John 3:16 (but not faith alone)
3. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10 (but not confession alone)
4. REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38 (but not repentance alone)
5. WATER BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:20-21 ( but not baptism alone)

WATER BAPTISM IS THE POINT WHERE MEN CONTACT THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST!

Acts 2:40-41...."Be saved from this perverse generation!"41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

They were only added to the church after they were saved and they were only saved after they believed Peter's preaching and were baptized in water. (The Lord adds the saved to the church Acts 2:47)

RELEASED BY HIS BLOOD! Men can contact the blood of Jesus in an hour, more or less. (good works are not required)

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

GENERIC STATEMENT OF FAITH!

2012-02-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

Many believers in Christ have intellectually subscribed to the GENERIC STATEMENT OF FAITH (GSOF). GSOF Article 1. We believe the Bible to be an accurate account of God's word; except where it teaches the administration, the purpose, and qualifications for water baptism. Article 2. We believe the Bible to be the rule for faith and practice insofar as it does not contradict our catechisms, our creed books, Bible commentaries, new books of so-called revelation from God, or any other books written about the Bible. Article 3. We believe the Bible to be trustworthy, unless our particular denomination has deemed certain verses or words to have been mistranslated or misinterpreted. Article 4. We believe the Bible to be an inferior and a secondary source for God's truth. Article 5. We believe that reading and quoting Scripture should be practiced by all believers.

THE BIBLE VERSUS GSOF

BIBLE: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

GSOF: "For the forgiveness" has been mistranslated and should read, we repented and were baptized "because" our sins have already been forgiven; forgiveness happened the minute we believed.

BIBLE: Acts 8:36-37 And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

GSOF: No man has to confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God before he is baptized. Belief before baptism contradicts creed books. How would it be possible to sprinkle water on babies and call it baptism if we trust the Bible and the Bible alone for the truth? Creed books always trump the Scriptures.

BIBLE: 1 Peter 3:20-21 ...safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

GSOF: It is a gross misinterpretation to believe that "baptism now saves you" means "baptism now saves you." That is contrary to our man-made written creed.

BIBLE: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

GSOF: MARK 16:16 has been omitted from some transcripts of Scripture so you really cannot believe water baptism is required for salvation. If you choose to believe that Mark 16:16 is Scripture, then you should know that "and" is not a conjunction.
And, only means "believed" (not baptized) because "and" is not a conjunction.

BIBLE: Acts 22:12,16"A certain Ananias...16 Now why do you delay ? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' (Acts 22:1-16 Acts 9:1-19)

GSOF: Ananias was probably ignorant of the fact that Saul believed that Jesus was Lord three days ago while on the road to Damascus. The second possibility is that Acts 22:16 was mistranslated. One thing that is certain, Saul's sins were forgiven the moment he believed and that occurred three days prior to being baptized in water. (NOTE: Creed books never contradict the Bible, but the Bible is incorrect, occasionally.)

BIBLE: Romans 6:2-4 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

GSOF: 1. Men die to sin the minute they believe, water baptism is not a factor. 2. The word buried in conjunction with water baptism was mistranslated, it should read "buried, sprinkled or poured with Him." 3. We were raised to walk in newness of life the minute we believed, not after we were baptized in water.

BIBLE: Ephesians 5:25-27 ...just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

GSOF: To say that Jesus sanctified, and cleansed the church with water is a mistranslation, or at best a misinterpretation of Scripture. Water does not mean water.

BIBLE: The Bible does not state that only certain people are qualified to baptize.

GSOF: Only pastors or priests are qualified to perform the rite of water baptism.

TWO CHOICES

1. Believe that the Bible and the Bible alone is the accurate source of God's plan for salvation and living the Christian life.

2. Believe the Generic Statement Of Faith is God's plan for YOU.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD.(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

THE GENERIC STATEMENT OF FAITH is not inspired by God!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG

2012-02-03T09:13:00.001-05:00

The Bible teaches that God loves everybody but that salvation is conditional. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!

Acts 4:10-12 ....Jesus Christ the Nazarene....11 He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.

The Bible say Jesus is the only savior for mankind. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!
It would be wonderful if God really did promise universal salvation.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

The Bible teaches that men can fall from grace. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG! It would be great, that after becoming a Christian you could live a life of sin and unbelief and still be guaranteed salvation.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Jesus said if you believe and are baptized you will be saved. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG! My wish is that all men have to do to be saved is to live life to the best of their ability.

Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do"? 38 Peter said to them, "Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter said repent and be baptized so your sins may be forgiven and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG! My preference is that those who believe that men are saved by "grace alone," are correct and that men do not have to do anything to be saved, because God does it all or forces them to comply.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS MEN MUST DO TO BE SAVED.

1. FAITH (John 3:16) I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!
2. CONFESSION (Romans 10:9-10) I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!
3. REPENT (Acts 2:38) I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!
4. WATER BAPTISM (1 Peter 3:20-21) I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!

The Bible teaches that there are conditions for salvation. I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!

I wish God would offer universal salvation.
I wish all men who live a good moral life, (in their own eyes), would be saved.
I wish that all you had to do to be saved from the penalty of sin is be be sincere in what you believe.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

I HOPE I READ THAT WRONG!

(All Scripture quotes are from: NEW AMERICA STANDARD BIBLE)

DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS?

2012-02-02T11:18:00.004-05:00

Are all babies born into this world as "dirty little sinners"? Are babies innocent of sin until proven guilty?

BABIES ARE NOT GUILTY OF ADAM'S SIN!

ORIGINAL SIN: According to the proponents of original sin all men are born with hereditary depravity and corruption of nature and liable to God's wrath. They think all men are inclined to do evil, and that continually. They believe every person born into this world deserves God's wrath and damnation due to the sin of Adam. They believe all men are guilty of sin at the moment of birth.

Psalms 139:13-14 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

Did David believe God made him, wonderfully made, because God made him totally depraved and a "DIRTY LITTLE SINNER"?

Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

Men will not be punished for their fathers' sins nor will they be punished for Adam's sin. Men are not born "DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS" they become that way by choice.

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Was Jesus saying the kingdom of heaven will be filled with "DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS" like these children or was he saying these children are innocents?

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.

Does Job sound like a man who was born a "DIRTY LITTLE SINNER", totally depraved, inclined to evil continually?

2 Kings 2:1 And it came about when the Lord was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven...

Did the Lord take Elijah to heaven because he was born a "DIRTY LITTLE SINNER" and deserved His wrath and damnation because of Adam's sin? Was Elijah totally depraved?

Genesis 6:8-9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.

How is it possible for Noah to be born "A DIRTY LITTLE SINNER", only inclined to do evil, be guilty of hereditary depravity, and find favor in the eyes of the Lord? Noah was saved because of his obedience to God. Noah was not going to be sent to hell because of Adam's sin. Men are only guilty of their own sins.

Acts 10:1-2 Now there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually.

Cornelius was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he feared God and gave alms to the poor. How would it be possible for Cornelius to act in this manner if he was born a "DIRTY LITTLE SINNER", inclined only to do evil, and totally depraved? Cornelius was not guilty of Adam's sin nor is any other man.

Luke 8:15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

Jesus said some men have a honest and good heart. How can a man who was born a "DIRTY LITTLE SINNER" and is totally depraved, only inclined to do evil, have a good and honest heart?

MEN ARE GUILTY OF THE SINS THEY COMMIT, NOT THE ONE ADAM COMMITTED.

1 John 3:4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

Sin is committed, it is not inherited.

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is carried way and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived , it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Adam and Eve sinned when they were enticed by their own lust. Men today sin because they are enticed by their own lust. Men will be held accountable for their own sins, not Adam's sin.

MEN WILL DIE PHYSICALLY BECAUSE OF ADAM'S SIN. MEN WILL DIE SPIRITUALLY BECAUSE OF THE SINS THEY THEMSELVES COMMIT!

BABIES ARE BORN INNOCENT OF SIN. "BABIES ARE NOT DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS."

IN RESPONSE TO ABSOLUTION BLOG POST

2012-01-31T15:14:00.000-05:00

My statement, "Joseph Smith and Brigham Young cannot forgive sins. Catholic priests cannot forgive sins. Lutheran ministers cannot forgive sins", (blog post of January 29, 2012) has elicited a couple of questions.

QUESTIONS:

1. Does Mormon doctrine teach Joseph Smith and Brigham Young have the power to forgive sins? YES.

"I tell you, Joseph holds the keys, and none of us can get into the celestial kingdom without passing by him.....Then if Joseph shall say to a man, or if brother Brigham say to a man, I forgive you your sins, 'Whosoever sins ye remit they are remitted unto them;' ......I have given the power to forgive sins, and when the Lord gives a gift, he does not take it back again."
(REF: Apostle Orson Hyde, Journal of Discourses, v.6,p. 154)
(SEE: www.mormonthink.com/QUOTES/salvation.htm)(Mormon Think)

2.Does Catholic doctrine teach priests can forgive sins? YES.

May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you; and by His authority I absolve you from every bond of excommunication (suspension) and interdict, so far as my power allows and your needs require.[making the Sign of the Cross:] Thereupon, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.Amen. (Ref:en.wikipedia.orgwiki/Absolve) (Absolution-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Absolution proper is that act of the priest whereby, in the Sacrament of Penance, he frees man from sin.(Ref:www.newadvent.org/cathen/01061a.htm) (CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA:Absolution)

3.Does Lutheran doctrine teach that the pastor can forgive sins? YES.

The second form of confession and absolution is know as "Holy Absolution", which is done privately to the pastor (commonly only upon request). Here the person confessing (known as the "penitent") confesses his individual sins......."In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.....
(Ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolve) (Lutheran Church-Absolution-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

I STAND BY THE CLEAR TEACHING OF THE BIBLE-ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS!

THE BIBLE AS A SUPPORT REFERENCE?

2012-01-30T18:43:00.004-05:00

Many religious denominations, cults, and independent churches like to use the Bible as their reference to support their doctrinal teachings for faith and practice.

If you do not believe the Bible and the Bible alone to be the ultimate authority of the church, it would be irrational to quote Scripture to support doctrinal teachings.

If for some inexplicable reason men do not believe the Bible to be the inerrant word of God, it would be absurd for them to quote Scripture to prove their point. Why would anyone quote from a book they do not deem to be trustworthy? How could they quote any Scripture, to prove a doctrinal point? How would they know which verses of Scripture to trust?

If men believe the Bible to be trustworthy, the ultimate authority, decisive in doctrinal matters, conclusive on the gospel plan for mankind, the absolute truth, the irrefutable word of God, the unquestionable authority; THEN IT WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE FOR THEM TO USE THE BIBLE AS A REFERENCE TO SUPPORT THEIR DOCTRINAL POSITIONS.

If men believe the church, their catechism, their creed book, their book of new revelation, their church leaders to be the final authority in faith and practice; THEN IT WOULD BE IRRATIONAL, ILLOGICAL, ABSURD, NONSENSICAL, AND ANTITHETICAL TO THEIR DOCTRINAL POSITION TO REFERENCE THE BIBLE TO SUPPORT THEIR VIEWS.

If you do not believe the Bible to be the final authority for faith and practice, you might as well use the Farmer's Almanac, the Dictionary, Siddhartha, To Kill a Mocking Bird, War and Peace etc. as support reference books for your doctrinal positions.

IF MEN DO NOT BELIEVE THE BIBLE TO BE GOD'S WORD AND THE FINAL AND ONLY AUTHORITY FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE; IT WOULD BE IRRATIONAL FOR THEM TO USE THE BIBLE AS A SUPPORT REFERENCE!

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS

2012-01-29T06:26:00.002-05:00

Contrary to what men believe, only God can forgive the sins that have been committed against Him. Joseph Smith and Brigham Young cannot forgive sins. Catholic priests cannot forgive sins. Lutheran Ministers cannot forgive sins. There are no men dead or alive who can forgive the sins that men commit against God.

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS!

Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins. ( New American Standard Bible 1995)

Isaiah 43:25 I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions for my own sake. I will not remember your sins[anymore]. (God's Word Translation 1995)

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity ....

Only God pardons iniquity. Joesph Smith, Brigham Young, Catholic priests, nor Lutheran ministers have the authority to pardon iniquity.

Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;

Mankind has rebelled against God and He alone can grant forgiveness.

THE SCRIBES UNDERSTOOD ONLY GOD COULD FORGIVE SINS!

Mark 2:6-11 ..the scribes..7..He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?".......10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"---He said to the paralytic, 11 I say to you , get up, pick up your pallet and go home."

The problem with the scribes was they did did not realize that Jesus was God in the flesh. Joesph Smith, Brigham Young, Catholic priests, Lutheran ministers, nor any other man, was, or is God in the flesh.

DID JESUS GRANT THE APOSTLES THE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS? NO HE DID NOT!

Acts 8:18-22....20 But Peter said to him.....22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.

The apostle Peter did not grant forgiveness to Simon, he told Simon to pray to God for forgiveness. NOTE: Simon was already a Christian.

THE PROOF TEXT.

John 20:19-23....23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."

Jesus was not giving Peter and the rest of the apostle the power to grant forgiveness of the sins to men on an individual basis, Jesus was not ordaining them as priests with that power. Jesus was giving Peter and the apostle the authority to proclaim the terms for forgiveness of sins. Peter and the apostles did just that on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:22-38......36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ---this Jesus whom you crucified."37....Peter and the rest of the apostles.....38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter and the apostles did "not" forgive sins on the Day of Pentecost or any subsequent day. They declared the terms for pardon:FAITH (John 3:16) REPENTANCE (Acts 2:38) CONFESSION (Romans 10:9-10) WATER BAPTISM (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:20-21)

CHRISTIANS ARE NOT ASKED TO CONFESS TO JOESPH SMITH, BRIGHAM YOUNG, CATHOLIC PRIESTS, LUTHERAN MINISTERS NOR ANY OTHER MEN IN ORDER TO HAVE THEIR SINS AGAINST GOD FORGIVEN!

Christians are to confess their sins to God in order to receive forgiveness.( 1 John 1:5-9 ...God is light...9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from unrighteousness.) NOTE: Confessing sins and asking God for forgiveness is only available to Christians. Non-Christians must have FAITH, REPENT, CONFESS JESUS AS LORD, AND BE BAPTIZED IN WATER IN ORDER TO HAVE THEIR SINS FORGIVEN.

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS!

( All Scripture, unless noted, was quoted from:NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE!

2012-01-27T11:22:00.002-05:00

Why are many believers in Christ carried about by every wind of doctrine?

Ephesians 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

James Warren Jones, founder of the "Peoples Temple" led 900 followers to a mass suicide on November 18, 1978. Prior to that event, he ripped the Bible in half, threw it on the ground and declared, "you do not need the Bible, all you need is me."

Today many denominational and cult leaders, in effect, make the same proclamation when they say the ultimate authority for faith and practice is found in their catechisms, creed books, statements of faith, or new books that they claim are God's modern day revelation.

The Bereans knew the antidote for "every wind of doctrine" they searched the Scriptures daily for the truth. (Acts 17:10-11)

If you accept the Bible alone as the rule for faith and practice you will not be at the mercy of every wind of doctrine.

Catechisms, creed books, statements of faith, new books of revelation, Bible commentaries, and books about the Bible are not the remedy for every wind of doctrine, they are the main reason why men are carried away by every wind of doctrine.

THE ANTIDOTE, THE REMEDY, THE ANTITOXIN, THE VACCINE, FOR EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, IS THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE.

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN?

2012-01-25T13:11:00.001-05:00

What is the unforgivable sin? Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin. There are in reality two unforgivable sins.
1. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. It is an eternal sin.
2. Unrepented sins are unforgivable, however, the opportunity to repent is always available.

BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Mark 3:22-30 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, "He is possessed by Beelzebul" and "He casts, out demons by the ruler of the demons." ........28 :Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but who ever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" ---30 because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."

The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, was that they were saying Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Satan, rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit.

UNFORGIVABLE SIN TWO.

UNREPENTED SINS OF NON-CHRISTIANS .
Sins not repented, of, cannot be forgiven.(Luke 24:47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations , beginning from Jerusalem.)(Acts 2:38..Repent...)This repentance means to turn from sin and make the commitment to turn toward God.

John 8:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Jesus said men have to repent of their unbelief or they would die in their sins. UNREPENTED SIN IS UNFORGIVABLE!

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved.....(John 3:16, 1 Peter 3:21)

To refused to believe and be baptized so you can be saved, is sin. UNREPENTED SIN IS UNFORGIVABLE!

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

To not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus is sin. UNREPENTED SIN IS UNFORGIVABLE.

These unrepented sins can be repented of in a hour or less.

UNREPENTED SINS OF CHRISTIANS.

Men are saved at the point of water baptism, if faith, repentance, and confession precede baptism; however, repentance does not end at baptism. Salvation is not a licence to sin.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

UNREPENTED SIN IS UNFORGIVABLE!

(Scripture quotes from:NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

IS SEXUAL IMMORALITY A VICTIMLESS SIN?

2012-01-24T09:54:00.002-05:00

Is sexual immorality among Christians a victimless sin? If unmarried Christians are cohabiting. If Christians are involved in homosexual activity or other acts of fornication, are these victimless sins?

THE PRIMARY VICTIMS OF SEXUAL SIN are the participants themselves.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicator,....nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals.....will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

The apostle Paul was warning Christians not to return to their sinful lifestyle. Paul said it could keep them from inheriting the kingdom of God. SEXUAL IMMORALITY IS NOT A VICTIMLESS SIN!

THE CHURCH IS A VICTIM OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

1 Corinthians 5:1-6 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst.....5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may me saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

SEXUAL IMMORALITY IS NOT A VICTIMLESS SIN, it can destroy the whole church.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world.....11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler---not even to eat with such a one.

The apostle Paul say not to associate with immoral Christians.
Far too often the church makes excuses for the immoral behavior of fellow Christians.

Excuses for sexual immorality.

1. For unmarried Christian who are living together to marry, might impose a financial hardship or be inconvenient.
2. Homosexuality is biological, it is not a choice.
3. Christians have no right to judge the fornication of unrepentant Christians.

SEXUAL IMMORALITY IS BY CHOICE, IT IS NOT BY CHANCE.

CHRISTIAN SEXUAL IMMORALITY IS NOT A VICTIMLESS SIN!

( Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE?

2012-01-20T11:43:00.001-05:00

Are modern day apostles duplicating the signs, wonders and miracles of the first century apostles? NO, they are not!

2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

Acts 5:1-11...9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well. 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last.....

Peter predicted the immediate death of Sapphira because she lied to the Holy Spirit. Are the so-called modern day apostles replicating the apostle Peter's predictions? No, they are not!

Acts 9:36-41 ...Tabitha...37...she fell sick and died....40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise."....41 ....he presented her alive.

Are the contemporary apostles going to funeral homes and praying the dead back to life? No, they are not!

Romans 1:11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

The apostle Paul had the power to give spiritual gifts to others.
Do the so-called modern day apostles have the power and authority to give other Christians the gift of miracles and other supernatural gifts. No, they do not!

2 Peter 3:15-16 ...our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.....

The apostle Peter said that the letters the apostle Paul wrote were Scriptures. If there were, and are now, apostles after the first century, then their oral and written word would be equal to Scripture and should be added to the Bible as the 28th book of the New Testament, following Revelation. THERE ARE NO MODERN DAY APOSTLES LIKE PETER, PAUL AND THEIR FELLOW APOSTLES.

TEST FOR APOSTLES.

Revelation 2:2 I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance. and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles , and they are not, and you found them to be false;

HOW WOULD YOU TEST FOR A TRUE APOSTLE?

Acts 2:43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

1.(Acts 5:1-11) If you cannot predict the immediate death of Christians, YOU MIGHT NOT BE AN APOSTLE.
2.(Acts 20:9-12) If you cannot bring men back from the dead, YOU MIGHT NOT BE AN APOSTLE.
3.(Acts 3:1-8) If you cannot heal a person immediately who has been lame from birth, YOU MIGHT NOT BE AN APOSTLE.
4. (Acts 13:9-12) If you do not have the power to strike men with temporary blindness, YOU MIGHT NOT BE AN APOSTLE.
5. (Acts 28:3-6) If you cannot be bitten by a viper with no ill effects, YOU MIGHT NOT BE AN APOSTLE.

BEWARE OF MODERN DAY APOSTLES!

2 Thessalonians 2:9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,

2 Corinthians 13-14 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

ARE THERE MODERN DAY APOSTLES? I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY PASS THE TEST!

THE PASTOR?

2012-01-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

Does a study of New Testament Scripture reveal that each local church should have a single pastor as its authority and spiritual caretaker? NO IT DOES NOT!

Acts 14:19-23....Paul....20... The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 ....they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch...23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church. They did not appoint THE PASTOR, they appointed more than one elder in every church.

Titus 1:1-7 Paul...4 To Titus...5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city......7 For the overseer must be above reproach...( some translations translate overseer as bishop)

The apostle Paul told Titus to appoint elders(plural) in every city. Notice the words elders and overseer are used interchangeably. Paul did not tell Titus to appoint A PASTOR in every city.

Acts 20:16-17,28 ...Paul...17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Paul sent for the elders which were, the overseers, to shepherd the church. Paul did not send for THE PASTOR.

1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder...2 shepherd the flock of God among you....

Note two things: 1. Peter was a fellow elder, he was not the chief elder, he was not THE POPE. 2. Peter called them elders (plural), he did say THE PASTOR.

1 Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement:if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. (some translations translate overseer as bishop)

Ephesians 4:11And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

There were elders appointed to every local church. The elders, were overseers, they were bishops, they were pastors, they were shepherds of their local churches.

ELDERS-OVERSEERS-BISHOPS-PASTORS-SHEPHERDS are all one and the same.

THERE WAS NEVER A SINGLE PASTOR APPOINTED TO OVERSEE A LOCAL CHURCH.

THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN READ ABOUT A "THE PASTOR" AS THE AUTHORITY AND SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IS IN MAN-MADE CREED BOOKS!

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

DON'T MENTION JESUS

2012-01-16T06:43:00.003-05:00

The secular world is fine with talking about Jesus as long as it is confined in the church building, one hour on Sunday morning. The sad thing is many who claim to be Christians take the same position. I heard a person who claimed to be a believer in Christ, admonishing Tim Tebow for mixing religion and football. It is one thing for secularists to berate Tim Tebow for expressing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but for believers to do the same, says something about their commitment and faith.

FOR RELIGIOUS MEN TO TRY TO SILENCE TALK OF JESUS IS NOTHING NEW.

The priests, Sadducees, elders, and scribes wanted to keep the apostles Peter and John from mentioning Jesus. Acts 4:1-20 ....13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus......16 saying, "What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name."

The secular world and some believers of Christ are content to have the name of Jesus mentioned inside the church building as long as they DO NOT MENTION HIS NAME IN PUBLIC.

THE SECULAR RULES: 1. Do not include Jesus in politics. 2. Do not blend education and Jesus. 3. Exclude Jesus from all secular functions. 4. Most of all do not mix Jesus with football.

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THE BIBLE----IS IT TRUSTWORTHY?

2012-01-15T13:41:00.002-05:00

Is the Bible the inerrant word of God? Is the Bible trustworthy? Should the Bible be the rule for faith and practice for Christians?

Have you ever noticed that those who believe the Bible to be filled with errors and contradictions often quote from the Bible to support their denominational doctrines? Is it not disingenuous for them to state the that the Bible is not trustworthy and then use Scripture as proof of their religious beliefs?

EVEN THE DEVIL QUOTED SCRIPTURE AS BEING TRUSTWORTHY: Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command His angels concerning You'; 'On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' "

The devil knows God written word is true. Jesus rebuked the devil for misusing Scripture, not for denying the written word of God as being untrustworthy.

John 20:30-31 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

If the Bible is filled with errors and contradictions, then it has been written in vain. The apostle John said it was written that men might believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God and for salvation, through believing in His name.

YOU CAN EITHER TRUST ALL OF WHAT WAS WRITTEN OR NONE OF IT. YOU CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!

THE BIBLE IS TRUSTWORTHY!

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

GODHEAD

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Is there Jesus only? Is Jesus the Father? Is Jesus the Holy Spirit? Some believers have concluded that Jesus is the Father.

The Bible teaches that there is one God in three persons the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:16:17 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is heaven.

There is God the Father and God the Son.

Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

There is God the Holy Spirit.

John 17:20-23 I do not ask on behalf of these alone , but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

Jesus said that believers should all be one, that does not mean that all Christians are the same individual. Christians are all one in Christ, but different persons. Christians should be one in unity and purpose.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all one God but different persons. They all have the same divine nature, they are all God.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, why would you do anything else?

JESUS UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE ARE THREE PERSONS IN THE GODHEAD.

OBEDIENCE NOT REQUIRED???

2012-01-11T15:24:00.002-05:00

Professional "Faith Only" theologians have convinced many that obedience to God is not essential to the forgiveness of sins. The first casualty of the faith only doctrine is water baptism. The faith alone position is that water baptism is an act of obedience, therefore not essential to salvation.

HAS FAITH ALONE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO GOD OR HAS HE REQUIRED OBEDIENCE?

Hebrews 11:By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out , not knowing where he was going.

Abraham received an inheritance by faith + obedience. NOT FAITH ONLY!

Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

The walls fell down by faith+obedience. The walls did not fall down as soon as Joshua believed, it took 7 days of obedience.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

Rahab did not perish because of her faith+obedience. Faith alone did not saved her.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things yet not seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of righteousness which is according to faith.

Noah saved himself and his household by faith +obedience. Had he not built the ark he would have died in the great flood. Faith alone did not save Noah!

CAN "FAITH ONLY" SAVE CHRISTIANS?

Hebrews 5:8 -9 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of of eternal salvation,

Jesus was made perfect by His obedience to the Father. Salvation is available to all of those who obey Him.

Acts 5:32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.

Faith+obedience is required to receive the Holy Spirit.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 .....when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.9........

OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL IS REQUIRED!

What obedience is required?
1. FAITH: (John 3:16) Faith is an act of obedience that is essential for salvation.
2. REPENTANCE: (Act 2:38) Repentance is an act of obedience and is required for salvation. Repentance is the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God.
3. CONFESSION: (Romans 10:9-10) Confession is an act of obedience and it is essential for salvation.
4.WATER BAPTISM: (1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16) Baptism is an act of obedience and it is essential for your salvation.

THIS ACT OF OBEDIENCE CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AN HOUR MORE OR LESS. THERE IS NO WORK INVOLVED.

SAVED BY FAITH ONLY IS A DOCTRINE INVENTED BY SKILLED PROFESSIONALS---- SAVED BY FAITH ALONE IS NOT FOUND IN SCRIPTURE!

PROMISE OF SALVATION?

2012-01-10T09:07:00.001-05:00

God has promised to all who are alive and obey His plan of salvation, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven with Him.

WHAT IS GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION?

FAITH: John 3:16
REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38
CONFESSION Romans 10:9-10
BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16

God's plan of salvation under the new covenant was implemented on the Day of Pentecost, 33 AD (Acts chapter 2). It will remain in effect until Jesus comes again.

Jesus had to die in order for the new covenant to be in effect.
Hebrews 9:15-17 For this reason He (Jesus) is the mediator of the new covenant, so that , since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.

It is not possible for those alive today to be saved like those who were save before the new covenant was validated. In order to be saved today, men have to believe that Jesus is the resurrected Son of God, repent (that is make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn to God), confess(Romans 10:9) and be baptized (immersed in water).

Mankind cannot be saved like the thief on the cross today. Luke 23:42-43 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

WAS THE THIEF SAVED? YES!

Did the thief believe in his heart that Jesus had been resurrected by God. NO, because the resurrection had not even occurred.
Was the thief baptized in water? NO.

CAN MEN BE SAVED LIKE THE THIEF TODAY? NO.

WAS ELIJAH SAVED? YES!

Did Elijah confess that Jesus was God's resurrected Son? NO.
Was Elijah baptized in water? NO!

CAN MEN, TODAY, BE SAVED LIKE ELIJAH? NO.

WAS MOSES SAVED? YES!

Did Moses confess that Jesus was the Son of God and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead? NO!
Was Moses baptized in water for the forgiveness of his sins? NO!

CAN MEN, TODAY, BE SAVED LIKE MOSES? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

WAS NOAH SAVED? YES!

Noah did not confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Noah did not believe in his heart that God had raised Jesus from the dead.
Noah was not baptized into Christ.

CAN MEN, TODAY, BE SAVED LIKE NOAH? NO!

WAS ABRAHAM SAVED? YES!

Did Abraham hear the gospel preached and believe that Jesus was the Christ and believe in his heart that God had raised Jesus from the dead? No.
Had Abraham been baptized in water so he could be saved? No.

CAN MEN, TODAY, BE SAVED LIKE ABRAHAM? NO!

Those living today can only be saved according to the new covenant plan of salvation.

GOD DOES NOT OFFER A SMORGASBORD PLAN OF SALVATION FOR MEN LIVING TODAY.

FAITH-REPENTANCE-CONFESSION-BAPTISM---JUST ONE PLAN----!

(Scripture quoted from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

TESTIMONY OF FAITH?

2012-01-09T08:09:00.001-05:00

Is the purpose of water baptism a testimony of faith? Many believe that baptism is a profession of faith, but is not essential to the forgiveness of sins.

Peter told the three thousand on the Day of Pentecost to repent and be baptized in order to have their sins forgiven and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) PETER DID NOT TELL THEM TO BE BAPTIZED AS A TESTIMONY OF THEIR FAITH.

Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Is confessing Jesus as Lord just a testimony of faith or is it essential to salvation? IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION.

Is confessing Jesus as Lord a work of the Law or a good deed? NO, IT IS NOT.

Is submitting to water baptism just a testimony of faith. NO, IT IS NOT, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION.

Is water baptism a work of the Law or a good deed? NO, IT IS NOT.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he he who disbelieved shall be condemned.

To believe and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior is essential to be saved. IT IS NOT JUST A TESTIMONY OF FAITH.

To be baptized (immersed in water) is essential to be saved. IT IS NOT JUST A TESTIMONY OF FAITH.

THE QUESTION OF THE SINNER'S PRAYER

2012-01-07T16:55:00.004-05:00

Is there anywhere in the Bible that tells men to say the "sinner's prayer" and they will be saved? No, there is not. The "sinner's prayer" is used in order to represent salvation as being possible without getting wet, that is to take water baptism out of the plan of salvation.

ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES OF THE SINNER'S PRAYER

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayers. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

The Bible does not tell anyone to say the "sinner's prayer" in order to be saved.

Jesus said: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Jesus did not say "he who has believed and has said the sinner's prayer shall be saved."

The apostle Peter said: Acts 2:38 ...."Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Evidently Peter forgot to say, "Repent, and say the sinner's prayer in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

BLOOD BOUGHT CHRISTIANS CAN PRAY FOR THEIR FORGIVENESS----NON-CHRISTIANS CANNOT RECEIVE FORGIVENESS BY SAYING THE SINNER"S PRAYER NOR ANY OTHER KIND OF PRAYER.

The two things you will find in the Christian conversions in the Bible are BELIEF and WATER BAPTISM.

Christian conversions found in the Bible do not link BELIEF and the SINNER'S PRAYER to salvation.

SATAN WANTS BELIEVERS TO THINK THEY CAN BE DRY CLEANED!

WHOSE CHURCH DID JESUS DIE FOR?

2012-01-06T05:43:00.005-05:00

Jesus died on the cross for the church. Whose church did Jesus die for, was it the Baptist church, the Lutheran church, the Pentecostal church, the Catholic church, the Community church, the non-denominational independent church, the Mormon church, the Methodist church?

Jesus died for His church. If you have been added to the body by Jesus, you are a member of His Church. You can join a denomination or an independent church, however, that does not make you a member of the Lord's church.

Acts 20:28 ....the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Ephesians 5:23....as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.
Acts 2:47...And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

JESUS DIED FOR HIS CHURCH.
JESUS IS HEAD OF HIS CHURCH.
JESUS IS THE SAVIOR OF HIS CHURCH.
JESUS ADDS THE SAVED TO HIS CHURCH.

How do men become saved, so Jesus can add them to the church?

The apostle Peter told men how to become saved on the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:40-41And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying , "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.(NOTICE THEY WERE ADDED AFTER WATER BAPTISM, NOT BEFORE)

WHAT WORD DID THE THREE THOUSAND RECEIVE?

Acts 2:22-38 ....Jesus the Nazarene...23 ...you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death....31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of Christ....36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--- this Jesus whom you crucified."

Peter preached the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Peter explained that Jesus was both Lord and Christ.

The three thousand responded to Peter's message. Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, "Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The three thousand on the Day of Pentecost were saved and added to the Lord's church because they received Peter's word and were baptized (immersed in water).

Men today are saved the exact same way, nothing has changed.

HEAR THE GOSPEL---Romans 10:17
FAITH---John 3:16
REPENTANCE---Acts 2:38
CONFESSION---Romans 10:9-19
BAPTISM---1 Peter 3:20-21

IF YOU HAVE BEEN OBEDIENT TO THE GOSPEL, JUST AS THOSE ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST WERE, YOU ARE SAVED AND THE LORD HAS ADDED YOU TO HIS CHURCH.

JOINING A DENOMINATION OR A NON-DENOMINATION
CANNOT SAVE ANYONE NOR DOES IT MAKE YOU A MEMBER OF THE LORD'S CHURCH.

JESUS DIED FOR HIS CHURCH!

(Scripture from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

EXCEPTION TO THE RULE?

2012-01-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

If your hope of salvation is that God will make an exception to the rule; are you not skating on thin ice?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

It not a risky assumption to believe that there are other ways to the Father. EXCEPTION TO THE RULE?

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

If you believe that Jesus will make an exception to the rule, for those who refuse to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins or died before they could get to the water; are you not relying on unrealistic expectations?

John 8:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Can you deny that Jesus is the Son of God and not die in your sins? Can you anticipate that God will grant an exception to the rule?

Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.(Also see Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47))

Is it possible that men can refuse to make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God and be granted forgiveness from sin because of an exception to the rule?

Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us,........5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Galatians 5:19-21....those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God........

The apostle Paul is talking about unrepentant Christians who will not inherit the kingdom of God. If you honestly believe the doctrine"once saved always saved," will God grant an exception to the rule?

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Should those who deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ presume to get an pardon based on the exception to the rule clause?

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BASE THE HOPE OF YOUR SALVATION, ON THE POSSIBILITY OF THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE ?

WOULD YOU STAY OR COULD YOU?

2012-01-04T16:06:00.007-05:00

Would you be able to remain in your denomination if you based your belief on Scripture alone? Is the foundation and the building of your faith located in the Bible alone or is it in creed books, statements of faith, or other extra Biblical writings?

THE BIBLE!

2 Peter 3:15-16 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of theses things , in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

The apostle Peter said the letters the apostle Paul wrote were Scriptures. Peter never referred to man-made creed books or other extra Biblical writings as Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the scared writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation though faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Where did Timothy get the information to practice his faith, and make him wise to salvation? He got it from the apostles, whose words were Scripture, and from the scared writings (Scripture). Paul did not say one word about learning salvation from man-made creed books or extra Biblical writings.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

When Paul, Silvanus and Timothy delivered the word of God to the Thessalonians, they did not hand them a man-made creed book or teach from extra Biblical writings.

Ephesians 3:1-5 For this reason I, Paul.....3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

Insights into the mystery of Christ was made known to Paul by revelation and to the rest of the apostles and prophets as well. They did not learn the mystery from man-made creed books, catechisms or other extra Biblical writings.

1 Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father....)

I what part of the Bible would you look for the names of the so-called modern day apostles and prophets?

1 Galatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul did not attend seminary and learn the gospel from a man-made creed book or any other books written by men. It was direct revelation from Christ.

1 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation. 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Is it possible to find a man-made denominational creed book with the prophecy by the Holy Spirit spoke from God? No, you can only speak true prophecy by quoting the Bible.

John 16:5-15....13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth......

The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth. The apostles had all the truth. All the truth men need is found in the Bible.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.

God's word, the Bible, is a lamp to light man's path. Do you really want to use extra Biblical writings, and man-made creed books, and catechisms as a light in the darkness?

Can you honestly affirm that you could have arrived at the doctrinal positions of your denomination without relying the things written in your creed books or other extra Biblical writings?

CAN YOU REMAIN IN YOUR DENOMINATION BY USING SCRIPTURE ALONE?

(Scripture from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

SAVED LIKE PAUL

2012-01-03T15:14:00.001-05:00

Is immersion in water essential to the forgiveness of sins? God's word affirms it, but men deny it.

Where are the masses of water baptism deniers who want to be saved like the apostle Paul?

THE CONVERSION OF PAUL

Act 9:4-6 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."

Jesus did not tell Saul he was saved the moment he believed.

Jesus did not instruct Saul to say the sinners prayer and be saved.

Jesus did not explain to Saul that his sins were washed away when he believed, but that he was to be baptized as a testimony of his faith.

THREE DAYS LATER--Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Acts 22:12-16......Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name!

Saul believed in Jesus three days earlier when he was confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, yet his sins were still unforgiven until he was baptized in water.

WHAT JESUS TOLD SAUL THROUGH ANANIAS IS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT HE SAID IN Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

The apostle Paul was saved after the New Covenant was in force.
The birth of the Lord's church was on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts chapter two)

TO BE SAVED LIKE PAUL YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED, JUST AS JESUS SAID!

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE?

2012-01-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

Is God competent enough to give mankind a translation the Bible that men can trust? Many say, yes, He is, and it is the 16ll translation of the King James Version. There are a few problems with that assumption. 1. The King James Version found in your local book store is not a copy of the original 1611 KJV. 2. God did not say I will translate my word and it will be in the KJV version only.

Why do men believe that God was intelligent enough to created the heavens and the earth, but is not capable of giving multiple translations of the Bible that are trustworthy?

Far too many like to point to what they believe to be errors and contradictions instead of taking God at His word.

1 Peter 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

For God to proclaim that His word is enduring and not give us a translation we can trust does not make a lot of sense.

COMPARISON OF TRANSLATIONS: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE- 1995-(NASB) The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION 1983 (NIV) KING JAMES VERSION (KJV)

FAITH

NASB John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
NIV John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
KJV John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

All three translation say the same thing!

REPENTANCE, BAPTISM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

NASB Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
NIV Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
KJV Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

All three translation say the same thing, forgiveness of sins follows repentance and baptism and the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit follows repentance, baptism and the forgiveness of sins.

BAPTISM

NASB 1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh , but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
NIV 1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also---not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
KJV 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure where unto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answerer of a good conscience toward God.

All three translation agree that water baptism is one of the things that saves us.

CONFESSION

NASB Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
NIV Romans 10:9 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.
KJV Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

All three translation are in agreement.

God has no problem directing men in writing His truth in various and sundry translations, the real problem is mankind accepting God's truth as it is written!

SOME THOUGHTS!

2011-12-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

COMPROMISING YOUR FAITH IN THE SPIRIT OF UNITY IS NO VIRTUE.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I exhort you , brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgement.

Agreeing to accept, ignore or condone false doctrine for the sake of unity is not a righteous act.

IGNORING SIN IN THE CHURCH IS NOT A DEMONSTRATION OF CHRISTIAN LOVE.

1 Corinthians 6:8-10 .....You do this even to your brethren. 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

It is not an example of love to keep silent if an unrepentant Christian brother or sister is in danger of losing their salvation.

James 4:19-20 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

GOD LOVES EVERYBODY, HOWEVER, SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL.

GOD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR SALVATION.

FAITH John 3:16
CONFESSION Romans 10:9-10
REPENTANCE Acts 2:38
BAPTISM 1 Peter 3:21

Water baptism is the last act of a sinner--IT IS NOT THE FIRST ACT OF A CHRISTIAN!

(Scripture from NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THE "ONLY" FALLACY

2011-12-30T10:52:00.003-05:00

To insert the word "only" in verses of Scripture where it does not exist is not only flawed hermeneutics, but is a flirtation with intellectual dishonesty.

EXAMPLES OF THE ONLY FALLACY!

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Are men saved because of God's grace? Yes. Are men saved by grace only? No. There is no verse of Scripture that states men are saved by grace"only." If men were saved by grace only, then all men would be saved.

Acts 16:31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Do you have to believe in the Lord Jesus to be saved? Absolutely! Did Paul and Silas say believe "only" and you will be saved? No, they did not.

Romans 10:13 for "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Is summoning the authority of the Lord a requirement of salvation? Yes. Does Paul say call on His name "only" and you will be saved? No.

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Is confessing Jesus as Lord and believing that God resurrected Him from the grave essential to salvation? Yes it is. Did the apostle Paul use the word "only" anywhere? No, he did not.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Is repentance and immersion in water essential to have sins forgiven? Yes, however, Peter did not use the word "only" when referring to repentance and baptism.

1 Peter 3:20-21 ...safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Does baptism save us? Yes. Does baptism "only" save us? No, and Peter never said that it did.

Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name!

Are sins washed away when men are baptized calling on His name? Yes. Is the word "only" spoken by Ananias? No.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Do you have to believe and be baptized to be saved? Yes. Did Jesus say believe and be baptized "only?" No, He did not.

TO BE SAVED YOU HAVE TO.....

1. ACCESS GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH.
2. HEAR THE GOSPEL.
3. HAVE FAITH.
4.CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
5. REPENT (make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God)
6. BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.
7. BE BAPTIZED (be immersed in water)
8. CONFESS JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR.
9. BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON.

You can be saved in 20 minutes or less, however, "only" is not a factor.

DO NOT INSERT THE WORD "ONLY" WHERE IT DOES NOT EXIST!

(Scripture from NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

IF THE SHOE FITS

2011-12-30T07:27:00.004-05:00

Why are some without the knowledge of God's truth? Why do men preach false doctrine? Why do men reject the truth? Why do men fail to confess Jesus as the Christ? Why do men pervert God's plan of salvation?Why do men believe lies concerning the gospel?

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest, Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Some are void of God's knowledge simply because they have rejected it. IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ...activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

Some men believe what is false because they traded pleasure in wickedness for the love of the truth. IF THE SHOE FITS!

2 Timothy 3:1-7 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers.....lover of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.......7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

It is difficult to come to the knowledge of the truth without true repentance. IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away theirs ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Seeker friendly preaching that includes, a candy coated message, a water-down gospel or no gospel at all, is simply a sign of the times. IF THE SHOE FITS,WEAR IT!

Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

Some men rebel against God teaching and preaching false doctrine simply for the money. IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you......3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words....

Are men following false prophets today? IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!

HOW CAN YOU KNOW THE TRUTH AND NOT BE EXPLOITED?
YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE TRUTH IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY A LIE.

KNOW THE TRUTH( Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica,  for they received the word with great eagerness, EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO SEE WHETHER THESE THINGS WERE SO.)

(Scripture from NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

2011-12-29T08:20:00.009-05:00

Did you ever notice that "faith only" advocates readily accept the purpose of John's baptism as written in the Scriptures, but deny the purpose of Christian baptism as commanded by Jesus Christ?

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.

If the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's purpose by failing to be baptized by John the Baptist. What will be the consequences for those who reject the baptism commanded by Jesus Christ? (Matthew 28:19)

Luke 3:3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;

Did you ever notice that the proponents of the "faith only" doctrine do not say that the "for" in verse Luke 3:3 means "because of"? John's baptism was not because their sin were already forgiven and Christian baptism preached on the Day of Pentecost, by the apostle Peter, was not because their sins were already forgiven.(Acts 2:38)

Luke 3:7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Is is not ironic that "faith only" believers accept John's statement that men could avoid the wrath of God by being baptized and deny the words of Jesus who said "has been baptized shall be saved and unless one is born of water he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven?" (Mark 16:16, John 3:5)

It is an opportunity of convenience to accept the Scriptures, as being true, concerning John's baptism since John's baptism became obsolete on the Day of Pentecost.

THE BAPTISM JESUS COMMANDED IS NOT OBSOLETE.(Matthew 28:19)
BAPTISM IS IN ORDER TO THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.(Acts 2:38)
BAPTISM IS SO WE CAN BE CLOTHED WITH CHRIST.(Galatians 3:27)
BAPTISM IS SO WE MIGHT BE SAVED.
(1 Peter 3:20-21)
BAPTISM IS IN ORDER TO SANCTIFICATION.
(Ephesians 5:25-27)
BAPTISM IS SO THAT WE MIGHT BE SAVED.
(Mark 16:16)
BAPTISM IS SO WE CAN WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.
(Romans 6:4)
BAPTISM IS SO WE CAN HAVE OUR TRANSGRESSION FORGIVEN.
(Colossians 2:12-13)
BAPTISM IS SO WE CAN BE BORN AGAIN.
(John 3:5)
BAPTISM IS SO WE CAN HAVE OUR SINS WASHED AWAY.
(Acts 22:16)

WHY ACCEPT THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING THE BAPTISM OF JOHN AND THEN REJECT THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING CHRISTIAN BAPTISM? CHRISTIAN BAPTISM WAS COMMANDED BY JESUS CHRIST!

TRADITION RULES

2011-12-28T10:35:00.001-05:00

When men attend Bible college or seminary they do not go there to learn the truth found in Scripture, they are there to be taught the traditions of their church or denomination.

Have you ever seen person who attended a Catholic seminary and then preach Baptist doctrine?

Have you ever heard of a person study at a Quaker seminary and then preach Lutheran doctrine?

When have you been aware of a person who attended a Pentecostal Bible college and then preach and teach the doctrines of Mormonism?

CHURCH TRADITION IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH GOD'S TRUTH.

Traditions are fine if they God's traditions and not man-made doctrines.

Mark 7:7-9 But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men! 8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." 9 He was also saying to them, You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."

The Pharisees and scribes were observing the traditions of the elders (man-made traditions).

How can it be possible that all denominations are teaching different doctrines concerning salvation and living the Christians life and still be preaching and teaching God's commandments?

IF ALL BIBLE COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES WERE TEACHING GOD'S COMMANDS, FOUND IN THE BIBLE, THEY WOULD ALL BE TEACHING THE SAME THINGS!

TRADITION RULES---BUT SHOULD IT!

A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL!

2011-12-27T13:57:00.001-05:00

It takes a skilled professional to convince people that water baptism is not in order to the forgiveness of sins. It is impossible to make anyone believe that men are saved before water baptism unless there is an accomplished master of deception assigned as their instructor.

IT ONLY TAKES GOD'S WORD TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH!

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

When studying the Scriptures, about water baptism, try using the Holy Spirit as your guide. Put those preconceived views aside and prayerfully study God's word.

WATER BAPTISM: Colossians 2:12-14, Mark 16:16, Galatians 3:27, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:40-41, Romans 6:3-6, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16, Acts 8:26-40, Acts 8:5-12, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:16-34, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:3-5, Matthew 28:19.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, who would you rather trust to teach you the truth? (A.) A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL OR (B.) THE HOLY SPIRIT?

WHAT DID CHRIST DO FOR HIS CHURCH?

2011-12-26T19:37:00.001-05:00

Jesus Christ loved the church, what did He do for her?

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. (New American Standard Bible 1995)

A. Christ gave Himself up for the church.
How? Revelation 1:5 ...released us from our sins by His blood---(Only because of the shed blood of Jesus does the church have the opportunity for forgiveness of its sins.)

B. Christ cleansed the church by the washing of water with the word.
How did Christ cleanse the church? Water baptism according to God's word. (1 Peter 3:20-21.... the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.)

C. Christ presented to Himself the church, having no spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless.
How did Christ do that? He did it by the washing of water according to the word of God.(Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins , calling on His name!)

Many deny that God is referring to water baptism in Ephesians 5:26.

English Standard Version (2001): Ephesians 5:26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.

If God was not referring to water baptism, then what?

International Standard Version (2008): Ephesians 5:26 so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word.

If God was not referring to water baptism, then what?

God's Word Translation (1995): He did this to make the church holy by cleansing it, washing it using water along with the spoken words.

If God was not referring to water baptism, then what?

King James: Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

If God was not referring to water baptism, then what?

Weymouth New Testament: Ephesians 5:26 In order to make her holy, cleaning her with the baptismal water by the word.

If God was not referring to water baptism, then what?

WHAT DID CHRIST DO FOR HIS CHURCH?

THE CONJUNCTION DENIERS

2011-12-23T11:26:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to deny the meaning of certain words in the Bible and maintain a honest interpretation and clear understanding of Scripture?

Many deny the clear meaning of the conjunction-and.

THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD- AND. And, is a conjunction used to connect grammatically coordinate words, phrases, or clauses, along or together with; as well as; in addition to; besides; also; moreover.

THE CONJUNCTION DENIERS.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

The conjunction, and, connects believed and baptized with, shall be saved. THE CONJUNCTION DENIERS DISAGREE WITH THE MEANING OF-AND.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The conjunction, and, connects repent and be baptized. If repentance is essential for the forgiveness of sins then so is water baptism.

The conjunction, and, connects the forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit.

THE CONJUNCTION DENIERS OPPOSE THE MEANING OF THE CONJUNCTION, AND, BOTH TIMES IT IS USED IN ACTS 2:38.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

THE CONJUNCTION, AND, CONNECTS THE NEW BIRTH OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT. WITHOUT WATER BAPTISM AND BEING BORN OF THE SPIRIT YOU CANNOT INTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

THE CONJUNCTION, AND, CONNECTS TWO THINGS, NOT JUST ONE. AND, CONNECTS, 1. THE WASHING OF REGENERATION (WATER BAPTISM) AND 2. RENEWING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Acts 2:38, John 3:5, and Titus 3:5 all connect salvation with water baptism and the Holy Spirit.

CAN MEN DENY THAT, AND, IS A CONJUNCTION AND MAINTAIN A HONEST APPROACH TO STUDYING THE BIBLE?

THE---BECAUSE OF--- MYTH

2011-12-22T06:05:00.001-05:00

In order to discredit what the apostle Peter said about water baptism on the Day of Pentecost some in the "Faith Only" tradition have proclaimed the word "for" in Acts2:38 has been mistranslated and should have been translated as "because of".

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH!

If there were a translation, as the "Faith Only" proponents assert, it would be translated like this: Acts2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ ---BECAUSE OF---the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The problem is, there is not one translation that translates the word"for" as ---BECAUSE OF.

For those who proclaim that water baptism is not essential in order to have sins forgiven, the --BECAUSE OF MYTH--is their fabrication, a creation of convenience.

WHAT DO GOD'S TRANSLATIONS OF ACTS 2:38 SAY?

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(1995) Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

GOD'S WORD Translation (1995)Acts 2:38.....each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven.......

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION Acts 2:38....be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins......

THE---BECAUSE Of--MYTH not translated.

WEYMOUTH NEW TESTAMENT Acts 2:38...be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins.....

THE---BECAUSE OF ---MYTH not translated.

YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION Acts 2:38...be baptized each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to the remission of sins....

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

NEW KING JAMES Acts 2:38....let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

THE BETTER VERSION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT by Chester Estes (1975) Acts 2:38.....be immersed, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of your sins......

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (1983)....Acts 2:38.....be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.....

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

THE AMPLIFIED NEW TESTAMENT (1975) Acts 2:38 .......be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins.....

THE---BECAUSE OF---MYTH not translated.

THE NEW TESTAMENT IN MODERN ENGLISH by J.B. Phillips (1967) Acts 2:38.....every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, so that you may have your sins forgiven.....

THE---BECAUSE OF ---MYTH not translated.

After viewing 40+ translations of the Bible not one translated the Greek word "eis" as BECAUSE OF in Acts 2:38.

WOULD YOU RATHER TRUST TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE FOR THE MEANING OF ACTS 2:38 OR WOULD YOU RATHER TRUST A MYTH, CREATED OF CONVENIENCE, TO SUPPORT THE DOCTRINE OF "FAITH ONLY."

THE BIRTH

2011-12-21T15:39:00.000-05:00

Luke 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

I BELIEVE IN JESUS,BUT?

2011-12-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

When believers in Christ are declaring their views about Christianity, how many "buts" can be enumerated and still become saved or remain saved?

I BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT?

1 Corinthians 15:13-14 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith is also vain.

Can men say they believe Jesus was a good man, a prophet of God, but was not resurrected from the dead?--- IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Acts 4:10-12 ...by the name of Jesus Christ....12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

Can men say they believe in Jesus, but think there are many avenues to salvation?--- IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Acts 8:36-37 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, :If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

Can men say they believe in Jesus, but do not think believing in Jesus is a prerequisite for baptism, because then, infants could not be baptized.--- IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Can men profess they believe in Jesus, but do not think it is necessary to acknowledge Him as Lord in order to be saved.---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

Can men say they believe in Jesus, but do not believe the Holy Spirit when He says some will fall from the faith; because their denomination teaches once saved always saved? ---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Is it permissible to say I believe in Jesus, but I think Jesus was wrong when He said water baptism precedes salvation?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

Can men say I believe in Jesus, but I do not think that all men who do not repent of sins and turn to God will be lost? I believe God will saved some non-believers if they have lead a good and productive life.---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Can believers say I believe in Jesus, but I do not think men can seek God? Can they say we believe God forces a select few to have faith and be saved?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Can men declare that they believe in Jesus, but assert that water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Acts 24:37-39 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. 38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."

Is it possible to affirm a belief in Jesus, but deny His the bodily resurrection from the grave?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

1 Peter 3:20-21 ...through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Can men assert they believe in Jesus, but deny that water baptism is essential to salvation?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

Luke 8:13 Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

Is it possible to claim to be a believer in Jesus, but say Jesus never said some men will believe and then fall away?---IS THAT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD?

I BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT?

DOCTRINAL ISSUES

2011-12-18T09:01:00.001-05:00

If you have to add an adjective in front of the word Christian to describe your Christianity you might have doctrinal issues.

If every denomination is teaching different ways to be saved and various other conflicting doctrines, then, someone is in error. You cannot teach multiple ways to secure salvation and all be correct. God only taught one way.

Acts 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

They were called Christians in Antioch. They were not called Baptist Christians, Catholic Christians, Lutheran Christians, Quaker Christians, Pentecostal Christians, etc.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you all be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

As long as denominations are using their own creed books as the rules for faith and practice, there will be divisions.

What would Jesus think if you were to say I am a follower of Martin Luther, The Pope, John Wesley, Alexander Mack, John Calvin, Alexander Campbell, or Dwight L. Moody, etc?

CHRISTIANS SHOULD FOLLOW CHRIST ALONE. CHRISTIANS SHOULD USE THE BIBLE ALONE FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE!

HOW IS FAITH ACQUIRED?

2011-12-17T12:43:00.002-05:00

Those who believe men are saved by grace alone say God grants faith to the few He has selected in order that they my have faith and be saved. Is that fact or fiction?
The faith that saves men is the access to grace. Grace does not endow men with faith so they can be saved.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Men come under grace after faith. Grace is only granted to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Faith comes by hearing the gospel preached. Faith is not allocated to a select few chosen by God.

John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Would a loving God condemn men for not believing and then only select a few to have the faith to be saved?

Grace is accessed through faith. Faith precedes men obtaining grace.

GOD DOES NOT GRANT FAITH TO A SELECT FEW. GOD IS NOT AN ALLOCATOR OF FAITH. GOD IS NOT IN THE FAITH ENDOWMENT BUSINESS.

THE FAITH THAT SAVES MEN IS A MATTER OF INDIVIDUAL CHOICE. CHOOSE JESUS FOR LIFE OR REJECT HIM FOR PUNISHMENT IN HELL.

AN ANALYSIS OF WATER BAPTISM AS A WORK

2011-12-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Is water baptism a work and therefore not essential to salvation? Those who claim that baptism is a work use Ephesians 2:8-9 as their frame of reference.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

This Scripture is clear that we are not saved by works. What are the works that do not save us? 1. The works of the Law of Moses. 2. Our good deeds (works).

THE LAW OF MOSES: Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified.

Is it stated in Jewish Law that men have to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in order to be saved? NO, it is not; therefore Christian water baptism cannot be a work of the Law of Moses.

GOOD DEEDS---WORKS: Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

If a person allows someone to baptize them in water, the one being baptized is not performing a good deed.

Being baptized in water is not a work of the Law nor is it a work of good deeds.

If water baptism is a work, then, why is not believing in Jesus as the Christ a work? Believing is something that the individual does.

If water baptism is a work, then, why is repentance not a work? Repentance is what people have to do in order to be saved.

If water baptism is a work, then, why is confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior not a work? No one confesses Jesus as the Christ for you.

THE TRUTH IS WATER BAPTISM IS NEITHER A WORK OF THE LAW OF MOSES NOR IS IT A WORK OF GOOD DEEDS!

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM?

2011-12-15T12:25:00.000-05:00

Did you ever notice when many believers of Christ give their reasons for believing that Jesus is the Christ, was resurrected from the dead, that He is coming again for His church, that they quote Scriptures from the 27 books of the New Testament.

WHY DO MANY BELIEVERS NOT QUOTE SCRIPTURES TO SUPPORT THEIR VIEW OF WATER BAPTISM?

1. Many assert that water baptism is merely an act of obedience, but has nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins.

WHERE IS THAT SCRIPTURE FOUND?

2. Some say that water baptism is a prerequisite to become a member of a particular denomination, however, is not necessary for salvation.

WHAT BOOK OF THE NEW TESTAMENT WAS THAT QUOTE TAKEN FROM?

3. Far too many believers proclaim that water baptism is administered after a person has been saved.

CAN THAT SCRIPTURE BE PRODUCED?

4. More than a few say water baptism is a public affirmation of faith, but is not essential to salvation.

IS THERE A SCRIPTURE THAT MAKES THAT STATEMENT?

5. A multitude of believers teach that Jesus did not mean that water baptism was essential to be saved. They deny that Peter meant baptism was for the forgiveness of sins.

WHERE ARE THE SCRIPTURES WHERE JESUS SAID "BAPTISM IS NOT ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO BE SAVED?" WHERE IS THE VERSE THAT PETER SAID "BAPTISM IS NOT FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS?"

WHAT JESUS DID SAY!

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

WHAT PETER DID SAY!

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

DO YOU WANT TO BASE YOUR BELIEF ABOUT BAPTISM ON WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS OR WHAT THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY?

COMMENTARIES AND CREEDS

2011-12-14T13:14:00.001-05:00

As a general rule I am not comfortable quoting commentaries and creed books. The problems with the writings of men is that they are far too often grounded in opinion, rather than simply the truth found in Scripture.

A COMMENTARY OF TRUTH-TERTULLIAN

Tertullian 203AD "Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life...a viper of the Cainite heresy, lately conversant in this quarter, has carried away a great number with her most venomous doctrine, making it her first aim to destroy baptism--- which is quite in accordance with nature, for vipers and asps...themselves generally do live in arid and waterless places. But we, little fishes after the example of our Fish, Jesus Christ, are born in water, nor have we safety in any other way than by permanently abiding in water. So that most monstrous creature, who had no right to teach even sound doctrine, knew full well how to kill the little fishes--by taking them away from the water!" (Baptism1).

Tertullian knew that an easy way to destroy believers in Christ was to pervert the purpose of water baptism or deny it altogether.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Tertullian believed Jesus when He said you must be born of water (baptism) in order to enter God's kingdom.

COMMENTARY OF TRUTH-CYRIL

Cyril 345 AD "The Lord...has granted repentance at Baptism, in order that we may cast off the chief-nay rather the whole burden of our sins, and having received the seal by the Holy Ghost, may be made heirs of eternal life." (Cyril of Jerusalem, "On Baptism, " Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7 pg.16)

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Cyril believed the preaching of the apostle Peter.

COMMENTARIES AND CREEDS?

If you are depending on commentaries and creed books as your source for the truth you should spend a considerable amount of time in prayer and in studying the Bible to confirm that the commentaries and creed books contain the truth.

THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY SAFE REFERENCE FOR THE TRUTH!

SATAN WANTS YOU DRY OR A DENIAL OF WATER BAPTISM FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS!

IS IT A SIN TO OPPOSE RELIGIOUS ERROR?

2011-12-12T15:53:00.001-05:00

Is Satan pleased when men point to the religious errors of others? Is is sinful to oppose the doctrinal teaching of men if it is contrary to the word of God?

2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Was the apostle Paul guilty of sin because he revealed that there were false apostles? Was this message celebrated by Satan. Was Satan doing cartwheels?

John 8:42-45 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God....44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father....45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.

Jesus was pointing out the errors of certain Jews. Was this pleasing to Satan?

Galatians 2:11-14 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision, 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like the Jews?

When the apostle Paul confronted the apostle Peter with the practice of religious error, was that music to Satan's ears? Did that make Satan one happy devil?

Acts 7:51-60 "You men who are stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murders you have now become, 53 you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.....60.

Was Stephen guilty of sin, because he pointed out their religious errors. Did Satan rejoice after hearing Stephen's message?

Mark 7:1-9 The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him....6 And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men."8 Neglecting the commandments of God , you hold to the traditions of men."9.....

Was Jesus committing sin by exposing the errors of the Pharisees and scribes? Were these comments of Jesus pleasing to Satan?

WHAT MAKES SATAN HAPPY? Preaching and teaching religious error. What is pleasing to Satan? Preaching a seeker friendly gospel that is filled with half-truths and errors that offends no one.

WHAT MAKES SATAN SAD? Preaching the gospel found in the Scriptures and the Scriptures alone. Preaching and teaching all of God's truth. What makes Satan sad? Opposing religious error.

TERMS OF SALVATION?

2011-12-11T21:45:00.003-05:00

What are terms of salvation under the new covenant? Many assert that men are saved by faith alone. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, apart from anything else, will you be saved?

JESUS GAVE THE TERMS FOR SALVATION.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

A true believer repents, and confesses Jesus as the Christ before men.
A true believer is baptized.

The terms of pardon under the new covenant, which began on the Day of Pentecost, are simply: FAITH-John 3:16 REPENTANCE-Acts 2:38 CONFESSION- Romans 10:9-10 BAPTISM- 1 Peter 3:20-21

THE DEBATING POINTS OF THE PROPONENTS OF FAITH ONLY SALVATION:

The thief on the cross was not baptized and he was saved.

Was the thief saved by faith only?

Luke 23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"

Criminal, number 1, obviously believed that Jesus was the Christ, but he was not saved. Simply believing that Jesus is the Christ did not save that criminal and it will not save anyone in the 21 century.

Luke 23:40-43 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Was the second thief saved? Yes he was saved. What did the thief do become saved?
A. He feared God.
B. He admitted he was guilty of sin.
C. He believed Jesus was the Christ.
D. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom.

Are these four steps the terms for salvation for the 21 century? No, they are not. While Jesus was alive He forgave men of their sins as He wished. After the Day of Pentecost, the new testament was in effect, there was a new agreement.

In order to be saved like the thief on the cross you would have to be on the cross next to Jesus before He died. Only one thief was saved.

Matthew 9:2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, " Take courage, son; you sins are forgiven."

What were the requirements for the paralytic to have his sins forgiven?

A. His sins were forgiven because of the faith of friends.

Was this one of many plans of salvation Jesus gave to men for the 21 century? No it was not.

In order to be saved like the paralytic you would have to have friends, with faith, present you to Jesus. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, I do not think your friends can make that trip.

Luke 7:44-47,50 Turning toward the woman. He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little. 50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."

What were the reasons the woman's sins were forgiven?

A. Her good deeds.
B. She loved much.
C. Her faith.

Was Jesus giving all of mankind another way of being saved? No He was not.

When Jesus walked the earth He forgave the sins of whom He wished, however, by doing that He was not implementing multiple plans of salvation to be used under the new covenant.

The church of Jesus Christ began on the Day of Pentecost. The new covenant was in force. Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Christ. Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. When the 3000 believed Peter's message, they asked him what to do, he said repent and be baptized. (Acts 2:22-41)

THERE ARE NOT MULTIPLE TERMS OF SALVATION!

THE BOOK OF DENOMINATIONS

2011-12-10T10:59:00.005-05:00

The 28th book of the New Testament is not included in any translation of the Bible that I am aware. Many do like to quote from the book of Denominations, which is the 28th book.

SOME QUOTES FROM THE BOOK OF DENOMINATIONS.

Denominations 3:5 Water baptism is performed as a testimony of a believers faith.

Denominations 12:6 Men are saved by faith only.

Denominations 35:23 Jesus is God the Father, therefore all men should be baptize using the words, in the name of Jesus Christ. To baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would be an invalid baptism.

Denominations 7:56 Thou shalt use creed books containing the traditions of men. Men's opinions are equal to all Scripture.

Denominations 33:115 The angels who abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, however, men who have been saved are "once saved always saved."

Denominations 15:3 Jesus is one name by which men may be saved, however, do not judge others who advocate other avenues to salvation.

Denominations 9:59 God predestined a select few to be saved and all the rest He selected to burn in hell.

Denominations 17:1 Water baptism has absolutely nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins.

Denominations 67:9 Infants need to be baptized because when Adam and Eve sinned that made them all guilty of sin.

Denominations 10:99 Men do not have to believe in Jesus to be baptized. It is written; baptize first, then hope they believe at a later time.

Denominations 4:88 Obedience to the gospel is not required in order to be saved. Those who are saved, are saved by grace alone. If men believe in Jesus it is because God caused them to believe. God forces men to believe, he causes them to repent, and immersion in water has nothing to do with salvation because it is something man does.

Denominations 76:5 A loving God has declared that all men will be saved. There are no requirements for salvation.

Denominations 13:59 It is God's will that men offer prayers to dead Christians, because God is not a jealous God. God said, do not reserve worship for me alone, pray to those of your choice.

Denominations 59:30 If men strive they can reach entire sanctification, at which point they will no longer sin.

Denominations 91: 7 Select the religion of your choice because all roads lead to God.

Denominations 81:33 Sins are forgiven the very moment a person believes in Jesus Christ.

Denominations 19:67 It took God billions of years to create the heavens and the earth.

Denominations 17.22 God said let there be many denominations, teaching sundry and various ways to be saved. Let each denomination write their own creed book.

IF YOU ARE USING THE 28th BOOK OF DENOMINATIONS AS A GUIDE FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE I WOULD SUGGEST YOU BURN THAT BOOK AND USE THE BIBLE ALONE!

GONE:PROPHECY-TONGUES-KNOWLEDGE. REMAIN: FAITH-HOPE-LOVE

2011-12-09T06:22:00.005-05:00

When are the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge to be done away with? When do faith, hope, and love remain?

DONE AWAY WITH.

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will done away.

REMAIN.

1 Corinthians 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

When will the supernatural gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge be done away with?

PERFECT=COMPLETE: New American Standard Bible (1995) 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

The perfect in verse 10 means complete. The church in its infant stage did not have God's complete revelation. The twenty first century church has God's complete revelation, the Holy Bible. The church does not need new prophecy, tongues, or supernatural knowledge to be complete, it only needs God's written word, the Bible.

COMPLETE: God's Word Translation (1995) 1 Corinthians 13:10 But when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will no longer be used.
COMPLETE: World English Bible 1 Corinthians 13:10 but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.

Some argue that the perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 is Jesus and it refers to the time when Jesus returns and takes the church to heaven. Jesus is not "the perfect". Jesus is "the Christ." Jesus is "the Son of God."

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE REMAIN.

When did faith, hope, and love remain? Answer: After the church had the completed Bible. After the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge had vanished.

Many proclaim that faith, hope and love remain when the church is in heaven.

Faith: Christians will not need faith in heaven, we will see Jesus face to face. No faith required. If you are in heaven the trust in Jesus is a reality.

Hope: Christians will not need hope in heaven, the hope of eternal life will be realized. No more need to have a future hope.

Love: Love is the only thing we will take to heaven. Love is forever.

The church needs faith and hope NOW. Not when we get to heaven.

GOD HAS GIVEN US THE BIBLE FOR A REASON. THE BIBLE HAS ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION THAT THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST NEEDS IN ORDER TO BE HIS CHURCH!

SUPERNATURAL KNOWLEDGE AND PROPHECY?

2011-12-07T12:21:00.004-05:00

Are contemporary Christians still receiving the supernatural gift of knowledge? The gift of knowledge was equal to Scripture. Do we need or are we receiving direct revelation from God in the form of God's knowledge; that being Scripture? Is there new prophecy?

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

2 Peter 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

The apostle Peter wrote, in A.D. 66, that they already had the knowledge of everything pertaining to life and godliness. Contemporary Christians do not need new knowledge, they just need to read the knowledge found in the Bible.

John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and will disclose to you what is to come.

The Holy Spirit told the apostles all the truth and that all of what was to come would be made know to them. There is not any new truth or new prophecy. If the apostles knew all the truth, then, what would you call new revelation that conflicts with the teachings of the apostles?

Acts 20:20,27 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.

The apostle Paul taught the Ephesians the whole purpose of God. How would that be possible if these so-called modern day prophets are receiving new revelations? If you want to teach the whole purpose of God read the book that God wrote, it is completed.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

The apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy about A.D. 66, the Scriptures were already profitable and able to equip men to every good work.No new revelation was needed, nor is needed. Has God revealed a new righteousness to these so-called modern day apostles?

Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

Jude wrote to the churches in A.D. 65 that they should contend for the faith. They already had the faith in A.D. 65. There is not any new faith, there is not any new revelation from God.

MEN HAVE ALL THEY NEED FOR FAITH AND THE PRACTICE OF THAT FAITH CONTAINED IN GOD'S BOOK---THE HOLY BIBLE!

WASTED SCRIPTURES?

2011-12-05T12:28:00.004-05:00

Calvinism teaches that once men believe that Jesus is the Christ that they can never be lost. Is once saved always saved a Biblical concept? Scriptures are wasted if not believed.

DID GOD FORGET TO CONSULT THE PROMULGATORS AND GUARDIANS OF THE DOCTRINE OF ""ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED" BEFORE HE INSPIRED HIS WRITTEN WORD?

2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the the last state has become worse for them than the first.

If once saved always saved is true, Peter was giving a false warning, or at best a meaningless admonition.

2 Peter 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have know the way of righteousness, than having know it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.

If you accept the doctrines of Calvinism, you would have to consider Peter's words irrelevant because it would be impossible to know the way of righteousness and then turn away.

2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,

Had Peter read John Calvin's writings he would have known that it was impossible to fall from steadfastness. Have to wonder why Peter was so confused.

Revelation 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

According to those who believe in eternal security, Christians can take away from God's prophecy in Revelation and still be saved. John was writing to seven churches of Christ, he was not addressing non-believers

Galatians 5:1-4 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery....4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Was Paul lying or just confused when he told those Jewish Christians to stand firm. Was he having a senior moment when he said they had fallen from grace.

James 5:19-20 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

James had not been informed of the doctrine of "once saved always saved."

Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.

Points of the writer of Hebrews 3:12 1.The writer was taking to brethren, they were Christians. 2.He warned of an evil and unbelieving heart, that could cause them to fall away.
3.The Hebrew writer had not yet read the creed book of Calvinism.

1 Corinthians 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

If the apostle Paul had been offered the opportunity to read the doctrines of Calvinism, then, he would not have had to worry about living the Christian life.

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED IS A VALID DOCTRINE ONLY IF CREED BOOKS WRITTEN BY MEN INVALIDATE THE BIBLE!

SCRIPTURES ARE WASTED IF NOT BELIEVED.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WHOEVER?

2011-12-04T19:51:00.001-05:00

There are many who believe that God preselected a few men to be saved and the rest, a majority of mankind, to burn in hell.

Jesus said whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.
What is the meaning of whoever?
DICTIONARY DEFINITION: anyone that, whatever person.

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

Those who proclaim that God predestined only a few to be saved would have to interpret John 3:16 as such: "For God so loved a selected few of the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever He has chosen, to believe beforehand, shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Does God just love those He foreordained to be saved or does God love the whole world?

Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

Jesus said whoever denies Him, then He will deny them. Jesus did not say that His Father had preselected most men to deny Him so He might deny them in heaven.

John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Jesus explained that everyone who lives and believes in Him will never die. Jesus did not say everyone who has been predetermined to believe in Him will never die. Jesus gives all men a choice to believe. Jesus does not read off the names of those who have been preselected for salvation.

Acts 2:21 And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Peter did not say everyone who has been predestined to be saved will call on the Lord.

Acts 10:43 Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

It is not everyone that has been selected in advance, but everyone who believes in Him that will receive forgiveness of sins.

1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

Whoever confesses Jesus, God abides in Him.

IT IS WHOEVER, WHOEVER, WHOEVER, THAT BELIEVES; IT IS NOT WHOEVER IS PREDESTINED, FOREORDAINED, PRESELECTED, CHOSEN BEFOREHAND, SELECTED IN ADVANCE, OR PREDETERMINED TO BE SAVED.

Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

If your name is not written in the book of life it is not because you missed out on God's lottery. WHOEVER BELIEVES CAN HAVE THEIR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, IT IS A PERSONAL CHOICE---- YOU WILL NOT BE LOST BECAUSE GOD PRESELECTED YOU TO BURN IN HELL!

THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH?

2011-12-01T21:57:00.001-05:00

If you are searching for the absolute truth about God and His plan for mankind you should read the book He wrote, the Bible.

If you are looking for the absolute truth in catechisms, creed books, denominational statements of faith, books about the Bible, Christian blogs, the book written by the preacher of the year, Bible commentaries, and the works of great theologians, then, you are looking for the absolute truth in all the wrong places.

THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Jesus said God's word was the truth. Jesus never said that about creed books written by men or Bible commentaries, etc.

Titus 1:1-3 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandments of God our Savior.

Paul, as well the other apostles were entrusted with God's absolute truth. The absolute truth has been written in the Bible for us all to read.

WHY WOULD ANY MAN LOOK FOR THE ABSOLUTE ANYWHERE BUT THE BIBLE?

SITUATIONAL SALVATION?

2011-12-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Does God offer SITUATIONAL SALVATION? If your situation when you die is not in line with God's plan of salvation will God give a pass and send you to heaven. Does man's lack of compliance negate God's commands?

BELIEF: John 8:24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins"

What if a man believed that Jesus was a good man, and was on the verge of believing that Jesus was the Christ, but died before he had time to believe, would God grant him salvation because he did not have time to believe?

Does man's time schedule nullify God's requirements for salvation?

BAPTISM: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them , "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If a man has rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior all his life, but believes on his deathbed, but does not have time be baptized will God rescind the requirement of water baptism for forgiveness of sins and send him to heaven?

Does man's time schedule invalidate God's instructions for salvation?

CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived;....nor drunkards...will inherit the kingdom of God.

If a Christian was very nearly to the point of repenting of his drunkenness, but died in a drunken stupor before he had time to repent, would God give him a pass on repentance and send him directly to heaven?

Does man's time schedule abolish God's qualifications for entrance into His kingdom?

Did God appoint men to judge others and send them to heaven even though it is in opposition to His instructions?

DO MEN HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO NEGATE, NULLIFY, ABOLISH, ANNUL, INVALIDATE, CHANGE, ALTER OR RESCIND GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION?

AN EXEGETICAL LOOK AT MARK 16:16

2011-11-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

In determining what men must do to be saved you need not look any further than what Jesus said in Mark 16:16. To properly analyse what Jesus was saying, hermeneutics requires that all relevant Scriptures be examined.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Jesus said what you need to do to be saved. Two requirements: belief and water baptism.

WHAT DOES BELIEVED ENTAIL?

Acts 8:34-37...36....."Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37And Philip said, :If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

BELIEF INCLUDES confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.(belief and water baptism are inexorably linked together).

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead , you will be saved;

BELIEF INCLUDES confessing Jesus as Lord.
BELIEF INCLUDES believing that God resurrected Jesus from the grave.

Luke 24:47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

BELIEF INCLUDES repentance. Repentance is the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and to turn to God. A belief that does not include repentance is not the saving belief Jesus spoke of in Mark 16:16.

WHAT DOES BAPTISM ENTAIL?

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

BAPTISM INCLUDES immersion in water.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

BAPTISM INCLUDES the forgiveness of sins.

1 Peter 3:20-21...safely through the water...21...baptism now saves you...

BAPTISM INCLUDES salvation.

BELIEF AND WATER BAPTISM ARE INEXORABLY LINKED TOGETHER. THEY CANNOT BE SEPARATED.

Acts 2:22-41,47 .......41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 47 ...the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

BELIEF AND BAPTISM. The Lord was adding the saved to the church. The saved had two things in common, they had believed and had been baptized in water.

Acts 8:4-12......12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike;

BELIEF AND BAPTISM are unalterably linked together.

Acts 9:5-6 And he said, "Who are You Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do"

BELIEF: Saul believed in Jesus.

Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.

BELIEF AND BAPTISM: Saul believed in Jesus and was obedient to water baptism so his sins could be washed away.

Acts 18:8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized.

BELIEF AND BAPTISM cannot be separated even though Satan wants men to remain dry.

Acts 16:14-15 ....and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized....

BELIEF AND BAPTISM are unalterably linked.

Acts 10:43-48 Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."......48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

How could anyone believe Peter told Cornelius to be baptized as a testimony of his faith or in order to join the local Baptist church?

BELIEF AND BAPTISM are both essential to receive forgiveness from sins.

Acts 16:31-34 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."......33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately was baptized, he and all his household..........

BELIEF AND BAPTISM: Was the Jailer baptized as an example to the community or was it because it was essential for him to be saved? Jesus said you shall be saved after baptism, not before.

Acts 9: 34-38 ...35 he preached Jesus...37 "If you believe...38 they both went down into the water...

BELIEF AND BAPTISM: The eunuch believed and was baptized. Do you honestly believe the eunuch was interested in being baptized as a testimony of his faith? Philip and the eunuch were the only ones present. Philip already understood that the eunuch believed.

Acts 19:3-5 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

BELIEF AND BAPTISM: These Ephesians were re-baptized because they were baptized into John's baptism after Christian baptism had been instituted on the Day of Pentecost. John's baptism was invalid.
Christian baptism was essential for them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness from sins.
If believing in Jesus was all that was needed to be saved, they would have already been saved.

JESUS SAID HE THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED. WHY WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO BELIEVE THAT?

When Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved, He was giving the complete plan of salvation.

BELIEF INCLUDES: Faith (John 3:16) Repentance (Acts 2:38) Confession (Romans 10:9, Acts 8:37)

BAPTISM INCLUDES: Baptism ( Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12-14, Romans 6:3-7 Ephesians 5:25-27)

JESUS WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED!

SATAN WANTS YOU TO BE AN UNBELIEVER OR A BELIEVER WHO REJECTS WATER BAPTISM AS BEING ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION!

BORN OF WATER---JOHN 3:5---NOT OF AMNIOTIC FLUID

2011-11-28T23:20:00.002-05:00

When Jesus told Nicodemus he had to be born of water in order to enter into the kingdom of God, did Jesus mean Nicodemus had to be born of amniotic fluid to enter the kingdom of God?

John 3:4-5 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?' 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you , unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Many who proclaim that water baptism is not essential to be saved, state that the water Jesus spoke of was during child birth. The problem is that the fluid present at child birth is not water, it is amniotic fluid.

AMNIOTIC FLUID IS NOT WATER!

What is amniotic fluid? At first it is mainly water with electrolytes, but about the 12-14 week the liquid also contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, and urea, ....(Ref. Wikipedia)
What is amniotic fluid? It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the primary substance.(Ref.American Pregnancy Association)

When Jesus said you must be born of water He meant water, He did not mean amniotic fluid. Jesus was the creator of all things, He knows the the difference between water and amniotic fluid.

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was baptized in water, H2O, He was not baptized in water with electrolytes, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, and mostly fetal urine.

If Jesus had meant to tell Nicodemus that he had to born of amniotic fluid to enter the kingdom of God; then Jesus would have said it in John 3:5 ..."Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of amniotic fluid and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

JESUS KNEW THAT AMNIOTIC FLUID WAS NOT H2O!

IMMERSION IN WATER IS STILL ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

NOTE: Not one translation of the Bible has translated the word, water, in John 3:5 as amniotic fluid.

A HEARING PROBLEM

2011-11-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

Why do so many reject Jesus as the Christ? Why do the majority fail to recognize God's plan of salvation? Why do others simply twist, distort, and pervert the gospel? Why? Because they have a hearing problem!

A HEARING PROBLEM.

The majority of the Jews had a hearing problem.
Matthew 13:13-14 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;

WHY DID THE MAJORITY OF THE JEWS HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM?

Matthew 13:15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE, THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.'

A dull heart causes hearing loss. Yes, a dull heart causes vision problems as well.

HOW CAN YOU INSURE YOU DO NOT HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM?

Luke 8:15 But the seed in the good soil , these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

A good and honest heart will do wonders for your audio ability.

Luke 9:35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One, listen to Him!"

God said listen to Jesus. Why do so many refuse to hear?

JESUS SAID: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved ; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Why do so many refuse to hear Jesus when He says you have to believe and be baptized in water in order to be saved? Is that an indication of a heart problem?

JESUS SAID: John 3:5...."Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Why do so many not hear what Jesus said, and then distort and twist the words of Jesus by stating that the water in this verse does not refer to baptism? Has a dull heart caused a hearing deficiency?

JESUS SAID: Luke 24:47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

What kind of hearing problem can be attributed to those who do not understand that Jesus was talking about the Day of Pentecost?

Acts 2:22-41....36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified.".....38 ... Peter said to them,"Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

How is it possible to have a good and honest heart and not hear what the apostle Peter said? Peter said Jesus was both Lord and Christ, and was resurrected from the grave. Peter said if you believe this you should repent and be immersed in water so that your sins can be forgiven and that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Rejecting Jesus as the Christ and perverting the gospel plan of salvation are not possible unless you have acquired a hearing problem.

A GOOD AND HONEST HEART IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THE TRUTH!

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, "what shall we do?"

The 3000 on the Day of Pentecost were ready to listen after their heart condition was cured!

THE ELEMENTS OF SALVATION

2011-11-26T12:38:00.005-05:00

What are the components of salvation? What are the elements?
1.GRACE
2.HEARING
3.FAITH
4. REPENTANCE
5. CONFESSION
6. BAPTISM

How do you remain saved?
7. FAITHFULNESS

THE ELEMENTS OF SALVATION.

1. GRACE: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Salvation is the gift that God gives to all who are obedient to the gospel. There are requirements to accept this gift. Just as the local retail store offers a gift to you if you go to the store on a certain date to collect your free gift, God likewise has requirements for your free gift of salvation.

2. HEARING: Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

You cannot accept God's free gift of salvation without faith and you cannot have faith without hearing the gospel preached.

3. FAITH: John 3:14-15 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

Without believing in Jesus as the Christ no man can accept God's free gift of salvation.

4. REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

In order to receive God's gift of salvation all men must repent. Repentance is turning from sin and turning toward God.

5. Confession: Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

In order to accept God's free gift you have to confess Jesus as Lord and acknowledge His resurrection from the dead.

6. BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:20-21...water...21 Corresponding to that , baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Yes, immersion in water is essential to receive the gift of salvation

The gift of salvation from God is given to all who are obedient to His terms for pardon. Grace is free, hearing the gospel is free, faith is free, repentance is free, confession is free, immersion in water is free. There is no work involved. Being obedient to God's terms of salvation is not a lifetime of good works. Being obedient to God's plan for salvation can be accomplished in 20 minutes or less.

There are many who claim water baptism is a good work and is not essential in order to be saved.

THE QUESTION IS: If baptism is a good work. Why is hearing the gospel not a good work. Why is believing in Jesus not a good work. Why is repenting not a good work. Why is confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior not a good work. NO ONE HEARS FOR YOU. NO ONE BELIEVES FOR YOU. NO ONE REPENTS FOR YOU. NO ONE CONFESSES FOR YOU.

Accepting God's free gift of salvation, is obedience, it is not good works.

2 Thessalonians 1:8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ACCEPT GOD'S GRACE.

HOW TO REMAIN SAVED?

Matthew 24:11-13 Many false prophets will arise and mislead many. 12 Because lawless is increased, most people's love will grow cold, 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

How to remain save? THE ANSWER----- FAITHFULNESS.