Friday, August 31, 2012

PHARISEEISM---IS IT LEGALISM?

A favorite defense for those who do not want to obey God's terms for pardon, is to label strict obedience to God as Phariseeism. Is Phariseeism keeping God's law to the letter?

LEGALISM DEFINED: Strict and literal adherence to law.

Were the Pharisees guilty of legalism? No they were not. The Pharisees practiced illegalism. They were not legal.

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so they might put Him to death.

Is obtaining false testimony an example of strict adherence to God's law?

Matthew 28:11-13...the chief priests...12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers. 13 and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and sole Him away while we were asleep.'

Is conspiring to bribe men to lie, strict adherence to God's law?

Matthew 23:14[ Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.]

Was devouring widow's houses an example of legalism or illegalism? Were the Pharisees literally following God's law by devouring widows' houses?

Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law; justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

Jesus did not reprimand the Pharisees for their strict compliance to God's law? No, it was the exact opposite. The Pharisees were neglecting strict obedience to the law.

THE LEGALISM OF THE PHARISEES?

The legalism of the Pharisees was because they followed man-made traditions, not because they followed God's law to the letter.

Mark 7:1-7 .....5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the traditions of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?" 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 for doctrine the precepts of men.'

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for teaching the traditions of Men. Jesus did not scold them for literal obedience to God's laws.

Mark 7:8 Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men."

The Pharisees were not practicing legalism by strict obedience to God's law. They were illegal for neglecting God's commandments and keeping man-made traditions.

Is teaching what Jesus said in, Mark 16:16, being Pharisaical.
(Mark 16: He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved....)

Would it be a tradition of men to say that "has been baptized shall be saved?" No it would not; it would the words of Jesus Christ.

To claim that Christians are practicing the legalism of the Pharisees because they say you have to be obedient to God's terms for pardon in order to be saved, is factually incorrect.

GOD WANTS US TO BE HIS LEGAL CHILDREN

ILLEGAL CHILDREN WILL BE LEFT WITHOUT AN INHERITANCE.

WHAT MUST MEN DO TO BECOME LEGAL?

A. FAITH: John 3:16
B. REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38
C. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10
D. WATER BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:20-21

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The ONE BAPTISM

The apostle Paul said there is one baptism. What is that baptism? (Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,) What is that one baptism?

There is one baptism. Is it water baptism or baptism with the Holy Spirit?

The 12 apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. What was the purpose of their baptism?

Acts 1:4-8 ....but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence...8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witness both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

The purpose of the apostles being baptized with the Holy Spirit was so they could receive power to witness to the world.

There no mention of being baptized with the Holy Spirit and a connection to being born again. The apostles baptism with the Holy Spirit was not their new birth.

The apostles were not baptized with the Holy Spirit so their sins could be forgiven.

The apostles were not baptized with the Holy Spirit so they could be saved.

The apostles were not baptized with the Holy Spirit as a baptism into Christ.

Being baptized with the Holy Spirit is not the ONE BAPTISM that the apostles Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4:5.

THE ONE BAPTISM IS IMMERSION IN WATER.

Jesus said ( 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,

Was Jesus telling the eleven disciples to Spiritually baptize disciples of all nations? The disciples did not have the power nor the authority to baptized anyone with the Holy Spirit. They baptized people with water.

On the Day of Pentecost after Peter preached the gospel to them; the 3000 asked what they should do. Peter did not tell them to wait until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit so they could have their sins forgiven. Peter commanded them ( 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.) Peter commanded the ONE BAPTISM, water baptism.

Was the apostle Peters instruction to the 3000, to be Spiritually baptized? Of course not, you cannot command someone to be Spiritually baptized. On the Day of Pentecost 3000+ were immersed in water. (Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

The conversion of the eunuch. (Acts 8:26-38....36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?".....

The eunuch did not ask what prevents me from being baptized with the Holy Spirit. If Phillip was going to Spiritually baptized the eunuch, why would he need water. There is ONE BAPTISM and it is water.

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

Ananias did not tell Saul to get up and be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Why would Saul have to get up to be Spiritually baptized. Saul was baptized in water, the ONE BAPTISM.

IS THE HOLY SPIRIT PRESENT DURING WATER BAPTISM? YES!

Although Jesus was without sin and did not have to be born of water and the Spirit; the example was given at His baptism. (Matthew 3:16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him.) This was symbolic of the new birth.

THE NEW BIRTH

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.

This parallels the example of the baptism of Jesus is that, there is a water and Spirit connection.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not 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,

Two things happen that saved them 1. The washing of regeneration (water baptism). 2. Renewing by the Holy Spirit. You cannot separate water baptism and the Holy Spirit when taking about being born again (The New Birth).

Acts 2:38 ....be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When you are baptized with water you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You are born of water and the Spirit. That is being born again, it is the new birth.

There is only one baptism that you can comply with; and it is to be immersed in water.

If you have been obedient to the terms for pardon, you have been immersed in water, you have been born again of water and the Spirit.(Of course faith, repentance and acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing His resurrection, must precede water baptism)

THE ONE BAPTISM IS IMMERSION IN WATER. (Ephesians 4:5)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF DENOMINATIONS WHO BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST AND RELIGIOUS CULTS IS?

Virtually all denominations and religious cults deny that the Bible is the infallible word of God. They do not believe the Scriptures are absolutely trustworthy. Many question that the Bible is the final authority for faith and practice. Most deny that the Bible is the incontrovertible written truth of God. More than a few believe that the Bible has been mistranslated; rendering it to be an unreliable source for God's inerrant word. Too many agree that the Bible is not a trustworthy account of history, the gospel of Christ, and instructions for living the Christian life.

WHAT DO MOST DENOMINATIONS AND CULTS RELY ON FOR THE TRUTH AS THEY SEE IT?

1. They trust, supposed, new revelations from God in the form of catechisms and other completed books. They do not accept the Bible, as the final authority of God. This supplants the Bible as the inerrant authoritative word of God.

2. They use creed books, and statements of faith to supersede the teachings of Scripture.

3. Bible commentaries and books about the Bible are considered to be accurate accounts and explanations of Scripture, however, the Bible itself is not consider to be the infallible word of God.

AN EXAMPLE OF THE DENIAL OF THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF 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 shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.)

More than a few say that "for" has been mistranslated and actually means "because of". That changes the meaning of Acts 2:38 to mean "repent and be baptized because your sins have already been forgiven.

You cannot say that "for" has been mistranslated and claim that you believe the Bible to be the infallible word of God. How could you, then, assert that the Bible is absolutely trustworthy.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

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

Can men deny that believing, Jesus is God's only begotten Son, is essential to salvation, and then claim that they believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God?

REPENTANCE: 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 reject the fact that repentance (repentance is making the commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God) is essential to having sins forgiven and then assert that they believe the Bible to be trustworthy?

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.

Can men deny that they must acknowledge Jesus as Lord in order to be saved and then say we believe the Bible is the incontrovertible written truth of God?

WATER BAPTISM: 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 deny that water baptism is essential to salvation and then claim that they believe the Bible is the authoritative, irrefutable, inerrant word of God?

YOU EITHER BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS THE POWER TO GIVE MANKIND AN ACCURATE, INERRANT, TRUSTWORTHY, AUTHORITATIVE, RELIABLE, INCONTROVERTIBLE, INFALLIBLE, COMPLETED, TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE OR YOU DO NOT.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

CONJUNCTION DENIERS

Who are the conjunction deniers? That would be those who deny that "and" is a conjunction.

What is a conjunction? A "conjunction" is used to connect grammatically coordinate words, phrases, or clauses. Example: 5 and 5 equal 10.

Denying that the word "and" is a conjunction in order to support a doctrinal position is either disingenuous, duplicitous, or a honest misunderstanding of the English language.

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

To deny that and does not connect, has believed and has been baptized shall be saved, makes that person a CONJUNCTION DENIER.

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.

To deny that and does not connect repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, makes you a CONJUNCTION DENIER.

ONE THING IS CLEAR, IN ORDER TO BE SAVED, YOU NEED TO BELIEVE AND REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED IN WATER!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

Monday, August 27, 2012

ONE MEDIATOR

How many mediators are there between God and men? Who is qualified to act as a mediator between God and men?

What is a mediator? A mediator is one who mediates. Definition of mediate: To bring about an agreement, accord, truce, peace, as an intermediary between parties.

THERE IS JUST ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN!

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

If you believe there is one God, then, why would you not believe there is one mediator?

The Virgin Mary nor any dead saint is qualified to be a mediator between God and men. No priest, preacher, elder, pastor, pope, nor Christian dead or alive can mediate between God and men.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR!

(Scripture quote from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

Sunday, August 26, 2012

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jesus is the Lighthouse that will lead us towards the hope of Heaven.

WATER BAPTISM AND FAITH

Can you imagine believers in Christ saying the same things about faith that they say about water baptism?

BAPTISM: (Acts 2:38 ...baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins....) If a believer says "I was baptized, however, it had nothing to do with the forgiveness of my sins;" would that be a valid baptism?

FAITH: If a believer says, "I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son Of God, however, it has nothing to do with the remission of my sins;" would that be a faith that saves?

BAPTISM: (Mark 16:16...has been baptized shall be saved...) If a believer says, " I was baptized as a testimony of my faith, however, I was already saved before I was baptized," would that be a valid baptism?

FAITH: (Mark 16:16 He who has believed...shall be saved....) If a believer says,"I believe in Jesus, however, I was already saved before I believed;" would that be a faith that saves?

BAPTISM: If a believer says, "I was baptized because Jesus commanded it, however, it was not essential for my salvation;" would that be a baptism that saves?

FAITH: If a believer says, "I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, however, I only believe because Jesus commanded it, faith has nothing to do with my salvation;" would that be a faith that saves?

Does what you believe about water baptism and faith, effect your salvation? Does it matter what you think, as long as you are baptized and claim to have faith?

CAN YOU DENY THAT WATER BAPTISM AND FAITH ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN AND STILL BE SAVED?

Saturday, August 25, 2012

John 8:12

'Whoever follows Me...will have the light of life'. John 8:12

FREE-WILL IS A SCRIPTURAL REALITY

Does God control who is saved and who is lost? Is it man's choice or is it God who dictates man's decisions concerning salvation and the Christian's lifestyle?

FREE-WILL

John 5:39-40 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me, 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

Jesus was speaking to certain Jews who were trying to kill Him. Jesus said they were unwilling to come to Him. They had free-will; they just rejected Him.

Luke 6:46 "Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord,' and do not what I say?

Why would Jesus ask, why they disobeyed, if they did not have free-will? If they did not have a choice, Jesus would have commanded them to do His will. They would have had no option, but to obey.

Acts 7:51 "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.

These men resisted the Holy Spirit . You cannot resist the Holy Spirit if you do not have free-will.

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

The Lord does not want any to perish. If men do not have free-will, everyone would have already repented. All mankind would be saved. Without the free-will of man the Lord would not need patience.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober of spirit, be on alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

It would be a hollow warning to tell Christians to resist the devil, if men do not have free-will. Resisting the devil would be impossible without free-will.

Without free-will , there would be no sin that could be resisted.

Without free-will, no man could resist the gospel, and all who heard it would be saved.

SATAN WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE.

ALL MEN HAVE FREE-WILL!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Psalms 18:2

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalms 18:2

EXCUSES FOR CHRISTIAN BOOZERS AND SO-CALLED SOCIAL DRINKERS

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

EXCUSES FOR CHRISTIAN BOOZERS AND SO-CALLED SOCIAL DRINKERS

Christians who like to drink alcohol have comprised an excuse list of Scriptures.

HERE IS A PARTIAL LIST OF EXCUSES FOR DRINKERS.

John 2:1-11....and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."

EXCUSE 1. Jesus turned the water into wine, therefore, it is just fine for Christians to drink alcohol. There are no honest Bible scholars who believe that Jesus produced a highly fermented wine for the wedding in Cana. New wine had a very low alcohol content. The Bible is clear that unrepentant drunkards cannot enter the kingdom of God. (1Corinthians 6:9-11). Do you honestly believe Jesus waited until the wedding party was in a drunken stupor and then turned water into highly fermented wine? Jesus would have been contributing to theirs sins. Jesus does not facilitate nor encourage sin. God does not temp men to sin.

1 Timothy 5:23 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent aliments.

EXCUSE 2. Christians need to drink wine, for water purification and medicinal purposes. How do you thing that excuse will work out for you.

THE ANTITHETICAL EXCUSE LIST FOR DRINKERS.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

Not a strong endorsement for alcohol consumption. Drinking wine can cause a loss of wisdom.

Luke 21:34-36 "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness....

Alcohol is not your friend.

Proverbs 23:31-36 Do not look to the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper....

God makes it clear men are not to drink the highly fermented wine that most people drink today.

Galatians 5:21....drunkenness... that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul says the downside is that Christians who are drunkards will be kept out of the kingdom of God.

Genesis 19:30-36 So they made their father drink wine that night, and the firstborn went in and lay with her father; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose...

The downside of drinking wine can be getting drunk and committing incest.

Wine causes confusion. (Isaiah 28:7)

Wine causes red eyes, eyes that see strange things, and a mind that utters perverse things. (Proverbs 23:29-35)

Wine takes away men's understanding. (Hosea 4:11)

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, do you want to fill it with wine? (1 Corinthians 6:19-10)

Wine can cause you to forget what is right. (Proverbs 31:4-5)

Too much wine can bring you to poverty. (Proverbs 23:20-23)

Drinking wine can cause your fellow Christians to stumble. (Romans 14:21)

THERE WOULD BE ZERO DEMAND FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IF IT WERE NOT FOR ITS INTOXICATING EFFECT.

DRINKING ALWAYS PRECEDES DRUNKENNESS!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Daily Bible Quotes

‎"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Psalms 124:8

ARE THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS A RELIABLE SOURCE?

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

ARE THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS A RELIABLE SOURCE?

What is the most reliable source for the truth about God and His plan for mankind. Is it the Bible? Is it the early church fathers? Is it twenty first century Bible commentators?

Are the early church fathers more reliable than the 21st century Bible commentators because they lived in the 1st century, and walked among Jesus and the apostles? No, they are not.

PROXIMITY TO JESUS AND THE APOSTLES IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF TRUTH AND RELIABILITY.

The Pharisees passed the proximity test, but failed as a reliable source for the truth.

Mark 7:7-8 'But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the precepts of men.' 8 Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men."

Do you really want to use the early writings of the Pharisees as a truth source?

The Judaizers passed the proximity test, but failed as reliable sources for truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;

The Judaizers passed the proximity test, but failed the reliability test for the truth. The Judiazers were perverting the gospel by preaching that Christians had to keep some of the Jewish customs to be saved.

Do you really want to use the early writings of the Judiazers as a source for the truth about God.

Hymenaeus and Alexander passed the proximity test, but fail the reliability exam for the truth.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will learn not to blaspheme. 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; but the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

Do you really want to consult the early writings of Hymenaeus and Alexander, as a source for the truth when it comes to faith and practice.

Being in proximity to Jesus and the apostles did give the Pharisees, the Judiazers, Hymenaeus, nor Alexander, a trust factor, concerning the truth about God, and His plan for mankind.

Neither the early church fathers nor the 21st century Bible commentators, are absolutely trustworthy.Their books are not the infallible word of God. Their writing are not Scripture nor are they equal to Scripture.

THE ONLY RELIABLE SOURCE OF GOD'S TRUTH, TO MANKIND, IS THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE!

THE LESS MEN RELY ON THE BIBLE FOR TRUTH; THE MORE CONFUSED THEY GET!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Revelations 3:8

Marcus D Smith

Revelations 3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close...

WHY DO MEN REJECT THE TRUTH?

Do men reject God's truth because they cannot understand it or is it because they make a considered choice?

2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, be cause they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

Men perish because they do not love God's truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12......11 For this reason God will send a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

Those who reject the truth concerning the saving grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, will be judged. Trading the pleasure of wickedness for the love of God's truth is a bad deal.

John 8:43-44 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word? 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.....

Jesus said some of the Jews rejected the truth because they simply choose to serve the devil. We all have a choice to make, serve God or reject Him.

Romans 1:28-32 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper....32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practices such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Men reject God's truth because of considered rebellion. It is not, that do not know the truth. They know God's ordinance (authoritative law), they just ignore it.

John 12:42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;

The rulers believed the truth, and then rejected it, because they did not want to be put out of the synagogue. Are their Christians today who know the truth, that is found in the Bible, but will not confess it because they do not want to be put out of their denominations or be ostracized by family or friends.

REJECTING THE TRUTH IS A CONSIDERED CHOICE!

(All Scripture is quoted from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Today’s Quote:

Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalms 31:24

NAAMAN AND FAITH ONLY BELIEVERS

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

NAAMAN AND FAITH ONLY BELIEVERS

Have you ever noticed the parallels between Naaman's cure of his leprosy and faith only believers doctrine of forgiveness of sin?

Naaman wanted his leprosy washed away, but he did not want to follow the plan of God's man, the prophet Elisa.

Faith only believers want to have sins washed away, but they do not want to follow the plan of the man Jesus selected to implement that plan, the apostle Peter.

2 Kings 5:10-11 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean. 11 But Naaman was furious and went away and said, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper'

Naaman thought calling on the name of the Lord and waving of Elisha's hand would cure his leprosy. Naaman did not want to get wet. Naaman did not want to baptize himself seven times. Naaman thought "faith only" would cure his leprosy.

Acts 2:37-38....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.

Faith only believers do not want to get wet. They do not want to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. They want to call on the name of the Lord and say the "Sinner's Prayer."

Naaman's servant convinced him to follow Elisha's plan.

2 Kings 5:14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean.

Naaman's leprosy was not removed by faith only. Naaman's leprosy was removed and his flesh was restored only after he baptized himself seven times in the Jordan. Naaman did not sprinkle himself seven times in the Jordan . Naaman did not pour himself seven times in the Jordan. Naaman dipped (baptized) himself in the Jordan seven times. Naaman had faith in the God of the prophet Elisha, however, obedience was required in order to have his leprosy cured.

UNDER THE NEW COVENANT faith is essential in order to have sins forgiven, however, obedience in water baptism is also required in order to have sins forgiven.

NAAMAN HAD A DIFFERENT VIEW OF HIS LEPROSY CURE; THAN FAITH ONLY BELIEVERS DO OF THEIR BAPTISM.

Naaman did not say dipping in water had absolutely nothing to do with his being cleansed of leprosy.

Naaman did not proclaim that his leprosy was cleansed the minute he believed God had the power to cure his leprosy.

Naaman did not assert that dipping in the Jordan was an outward sign of his cure that had taken place before he entered the water.

Naaman did not say he baptized himself because his leprosy had already been cured.

Naaman did tell others that he baptized himself because Elisha command it, and it was just an act of obedience.

Naaman did not proclaim that his leprosy was cured by faith only.

Naaman did not say dipping in the Jordan was "a work of righteousness" and works cannot wash away leprosy.

Naaman failed to assert that baptizing himself was a testimony of his faith, but was not essential to having his leprosy cured.

QUESTION: Can "faith only" believers reject what God's man, the apostle Peter, said about repentance and water baptism and

have their sins forgiven? (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21)

THERE IS NO VERSE OF SCRIPTURE THAT STATES, THAT MEN ARE SAVED BY "FAITH ONLY."

Monday, August 20, 2012

Daily Bible Quotes

‎"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

THE INHERITANCE

All Christians are promised an inheritance, however, the inheritance can only be collected in heaven.

1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Peter said the inheritance is reserved in heaven, Christians need to go to heaven to collect their inheritance.

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.

The apostle Paul was addressing the Galatian Christians when he said, "You will not inherit the kingdom of God."

CAN CHRISTIANS GO TO HEAVEN AND CLAIM THEIR INHERITANCE WITHOUT REPENTING?

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Daily Bible Quotes

‎"Delight yourself also in the LORD and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

THE OCCULT

God condemns all occult practices. Sorry, Harry Potter fans, there is no such thing as good wizards and witches.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 "When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you.

God does not approve of any occult practices!

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:.......20...sorcery....21 those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

There is no white witchcraft in God's world. All occult practices are denounced by God.

Revelation 21:8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murders and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN OCCULT PRACTICES NEED TO REPENT; AS DO ALL WHO MAKE SIN A PRACTICED ART-FORM.

NOTE: DID YOU EVER NOTICE MOST CHURCHES WILL NOT TOLERATE THEIR MEMBERS TO ENGAGE IN OCCULT PRACTICES, BUT WELCOME THOSE CHRISTIANS INTO THE FELLOWSHIP, WHO ARE INVOLVED IN SEXUAL IMMORALITY?

THE UNREPENTANT SORCERERS AND UNREPENTANT IMMORAL PERSONS WILL BE TOGETHER IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Daily Bible Quotes

When you are feeling down, let God be your rock to stand on. "The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down." Psalms 145:14

THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY?

Perseverance of the saints, commonly referred to as, once saved always saved, is a major tenet of Calvinism. The question is can a Christian fall from God's grace and be lost?

APOSTASY, IS IT POSSIBLE?

John 15:2-6.....If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up, and they gather them, cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Being cast into a fire does not sound like, once saved always saved.

Hebrews 2:1-3 For this reason we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift from it....3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation......

Why would the writer of Hebrews warn of drifting from salvation if it was an impossibility?

Galatians 5:1-4 It was for freedom that Christ set us free....4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

The apostle Paul said that some Christians had fallen from grace. Falling from grace was a reality for them.

Colossians 1:22-23 yet He has reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach---23 if you indeed continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul was made a minister.

The apostle Paul said the Colossians would be holy and blameless on the condition that they continued in the faith. Paul said nothing of "once in grace always in grace."

Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.

Blood bought Christians were warned to, not, stop believing. Apostasy means, to cease to believe.

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 them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

If Christians fall away (deny the gospel), they will not repent. Those Christians who deny the benefits of the shed blood of Christ simply will not repent; not because God prevents them. They have just lost the will and desire to repent.

1 Timothy 4:1-4 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....

The Holy Spirit says some will fall away. Calvinism teaches apostasy is impossible. Who do you believe the Holy Spirit or the professors of Calvinism?

Galatians 1:2-9....To the churches of Galatia...6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel....9....if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Paul stated that some of the Galatian Christians were falling away. They were practicing the teachings of the Judaizers. Some of the Jewish Christians were perverting the gospel by incorporating the Old Testament ceremonial practices with in gospel of Christ.

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS IS A MAN-MADE DOCTRINE.

Two things have to occur in order to convince men that the doctrine of, once in grace always in grace, is a Biblical truth.
1. You need a willing student.
2. A skilled professional is needed, with a doctorate in MAN-MADE TRADITIONS.

What is impossible? It is impossible to prayerfully search the Scriptures for the truth and still hold the view that apostasy is impossible.

A TULIP NOTE: Some say, "I believe in the doctrine of ,Perseverance of the Saints, however, I reject the other four points of Calvinism."

1. T--Total Depravity
2. U--Unconditional Election
3. L--Limited Atonement
4. I--Irresistible Grace
5. P--Perseverance of the Saints

You cannot separate any of the five points of Calvinism and keep the tulip from wilting. You you either believe them all or none of them.

Friday, August 17, 2012

The task of a great leader

Marcus D Smith

The task of a great leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.

WHAT IS YOUR SOURCE FOR THE TRUTH?

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

WHAT IS YOUR SOURCE FOR THE TRUTH?

If you are searching for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, who and what are you going to consult? If you are looking for advice, information and instruction on how to be saved from sin and how to live the Christian life, where can you find God's inerrant truth.

Are you going to consult books written by:
Clement of Rome
Irenaeus of Lysons
Tertullian
Augustine of Hippo
Polycarp of Smyrna
Bishop Fulton Sheen
Martin Luther
John Calvin
John Knox
George Whitefield
Charles "Chuck" Colson
Cotton Mather
Jerry Falwell
Billy Graham
John Piper
Max Lucado
Alexander Campbell
T. D. Jakes
Oral Roberts
Dwight Moody
Joesph Smith Jr.
Mary Baker Eddy
Charles Taze Russel
Sun Myung Moon
L. Ron Hubbard

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO TRUST YOUR SALVATION TO THESE MEN?

As for me I trust the book written by these men:
Moses
Daniel
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Paul
Peter
Jude

I trust the book that was inspired by God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God....

WOULD THERE BE THOUSANDS OF DENOMINATIONS, IF ALL MEN WOULD JUST CONSULT GOD AND HIS VIEW FOUND IN, HIS BOOK, AND HIS BOOK ALONE?

THE BIBLE SHOULD BE YOUR MANUAL FOR THE TRUTH!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Marcus D Smith

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.

INHERITED SIN (ORIGINAL SIN)

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

INHERITED SIN (ORIGINAL SIN)

Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. Does all mankind inherit Adam's sin?

The doctrine of "Inherited Sin" (Original Sin) is as follows: The guilt of Adam's sin is imputed to all men. Man is by nature totally depraved. Even infants in their mother's womb are infected, which produces in man all sorts of sin. Original sin is forgiven only by baptism, hence when an unbaptized baby dies it cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Is inherited sin taught in Scripture or is it a man-made tradition?

If all men are born sinners, that would make Jesus guilty of sin.

WAS JESUS GUILTY OF SIN?

Hebrews 2:9-17 .......17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Jesus was made like us in all things. According to the advocates of inherited sin, that would make Jesus guilty of sin.

Hebrews 7:24-26 but Jesus....26 For it was fitting for us to have a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Jesus was not guilty of original sin or any other kind of sin.

There are only two kinds of sin mentioned the Bible sins of omission and committed sins.

SINS OF OMISSION

James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Matthew 25:41-46 'Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared foe the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink..................

Are infants guilty of the sin of omission? Obviously not.

COMMITTED SINS

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

Do babies, in their mother's womb, practice sin? I do not think so.

John3:19 This is the judgement, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.

Do infants love the darkness because their deeds are evil? I know of not one infant committing evil deeds.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

Are babies in the womb committing sins, therefore making themselves slaves to sin? No they are not.

Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

Did the apostle Paul mean they were engaged in evil deeds when they were in the womb, infants, or small children? No.

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."

It the proponents of inherited sin (original sin) are correct, Jesus was saying; the kingdom of heaven belongs to these totally depraved little sinners.

When we all stand before Jesus on Judgment Day, if we are condemned, it will be because of our own unforgiven sins. We will not be sent to hell because of Adam's sin.

INHERITED SIN (ORIGINAL SIN) IS MAN-MADE DOCTRINE.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Let go of your Past

Marcus D Smith

Let go of your Past, so God can open the door of your Future!

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

If you are seeking "The Truth-The Whole Truth-and-Nothing But The Truth" what should you do, where should you look? The complete truth is found in God's word alone. If you are seeking the truth by searching God's word to confirm the established positions held by your particular denomination, chances are that the complete truth will elude you. Only God has the complete truth. How would you expect to find the truth without asking God to show you His truth, that is found in the Bible?

Praying for God to show you His truth, through His written word is the key to finding "The Truth-The Whole Truth-and -Nothing But The Truth."

If you are content to seek a partial truth, a fractional truth, a limited version of the truth; then you should look to creed books, catechisms, and books written by men.

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.

Jesus is the truth. Jesus did not say creed books, catechisms, and other books written by men are the truth.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Creeds , catechisms, and other books written by men do not have the effect as does the word of God.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Men can only be sanctified by God's truth. The opinions found in creeds, catechisms, and other books written by men cannot sanctify anyone, because they only contain fragments of the truth, along with man-made traditions.

Psalm 119:151 You are near, O Lord, And all your commandments are truth.

God's commandments are the truth and they are found in the Bible from cover to cover. Books written by men are imperfect, limited truth, and perversions of the truth.

Jesus said to His disciples (John14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.)

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

CREEDS BOOKS, CATECHISMS, BOOKS WRITTEN BY MEN DO NOT HAVE ALL TRUTH, they have partial truth, imperfect truth, perverted truth, fractional truth. THEY ARE NOT SCRIPTURE NOR ARE THEY EQUAL TO SCRIPTURE.

THE TRUTH-THE WHOLE TRUTH-AND-NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH-CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE.

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Today’s Quote:

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.

Romans 12:12

WATER BAPTISM, DO INFANTS QUALIFY?

A CHRISTIAN VIEW

WATER BAPTISM, DO INFANTS QUALIFY?

Are infants proper candidates for baptism? Do babies meet the requirements to be baptized? The short answer is no.

Acts 8:26-40 ....36 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."]

Unlike the Ethiopian eunuch; babies cannot believe with all their heart. Infants cannot make the confession, that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. Babies do meet the requirements for water baptism.

DAY OF PENTECOST

Acts 2:22-37 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?"

There were no infants baptized on the Day of Pentecost. Why not?

1. They could not believe in Jesus the Nazarene.

2. Infants could not believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

3. Babies could not realize that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ.

4. Infants could not be pierced to the heart, nor could they ask, " Brethren, what shall we do?"

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

Infants do not need to repent; because they have no sin to repent from. Repentance means to turn from sin and turn toward God. Infants are not candidates for water baptism.

Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

There were no infants added to the church that day. Why not? Because babies could not receive Peter word. Infants are not capable of understanding the gospel. Infants are not qualified to be baptized in water.

THE JAILER AND HIS HOUSEHOLD SAVED

Acts 16:31-34 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.....33.....and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. 34 ....having believed in God with his whole household.

The jailer and his whole household believed before they were baptized. There were no babies baptized. Infants are not capable of believing. Infants are not qualified to be baptized.

THERE IS NO BIBLICAL RECORD OF ANY CHRISTIAN THAT WAS BAPTIZED BEFORE THEY BELIEVED.

INFANTS CANNOT BELIEVE THE JESUS IS THE CHRIST. THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO BE IMMERSED IN WATER.