Life is too short

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones that don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a 2nd chance grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy. They just promised it would be worth it.

THE OPPOSITE OF A POSITIVE

THE OPPOSITE OF A POSITIVE

The opposite of a positive is always a negative. When the positive is stated it is understood that absent the positive, that the negative occurs or has occurred. Example: If a person is alive, that  is a positive. The negative is the opposite, which is, a person is dead.

Matthew 24:11-13.....13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

The positive stated: He who endures will be saved.

The negative implied: He who does not endure will not be saved.

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

The positive stated: He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved.

The negative axiom: He who has not been baptized will not be saved.

Luke 7:50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

The positive stated: Her faith saved her.
The negative inference: Without faith she would not have been saved.

Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, "Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sands of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved;

The positive stated: A remnant of Israel will be saved.
The negative understanding: The whole of Israel will not be saved.

John 10:9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

The positive stated: If anyone enters through Jesus he will be saved.
The negative implication: By not entering through Jesus you will remain unsaved.

Acts 2:41,47 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there added about three thousand souls. 47...And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The positive stated: The Lord was adding the saved to His church. (The saved were those who believed the gospel and were baptized.)
The negative implication: Those who did not believe Peter's message and were not baptized, were not saved, and they were not added to the church.

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

The positive: If you recognize the authority of the Lord and appeal to His authority you will be saved.
The negative implication: If you deny the authority of the Lord, and do not call on Him, you will be lost.

1 Peter 3:20-21...safely through 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.

The positive: Baptism saves you.
The negative axiom: Those who are not baptized remain unsaved.

THE OPPOSITE OF A POSITIVE IS ALWAYS A NEGATIVE!

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The positive stated: Remain faithful in order to receive the crown of life.
The implied negative : If you do not remain faithful you will not receive the crown of life.

THE OPPOSITE OF A POSITIVE?      

Remain steadfast in your givings to Him.

People ought to see what God is up to by what we do. Even thru your time of hardship (financially, emotionally, and spiritually), you must remain steadfast in your givings to Him. This giving includes your finances, time, dedication and belief in Him. When you give your all, you will hear Him say that you have given 'more than enough.' Remember, you can't beat His givings...no matter how hard you try.

QUALIFIED TO FISH

QUALIFIED TO FISH

What qualifies you to fish? Do you have to posses superior intellect and have unparalleled knowledge concerning God's plan for mankind? 

Mark 1:14-17.....And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Jesus called men to follow Him, not one of them had a degree from Harvard or Yale, none of them possessed complete knowledge of God.

A wise man once said, "God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

The qualifications to fish.

1. Be a Christian.

2. Have the desire to fish.

3. Be willing to admit that you are not smarter than God.

QUALIFIED TO FISH!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Always keep people in your life that charge your battery, not those who will drain it.

THE MASONIC LODGE AND CHRISTIANS

THE MASONIC LODGE AND CHRISTIANS

Is it possible to be a member of the Masonic Lodge and remain in good standing with God? Can a Christian be a member of two religions simultaneously? Many Mason reject the premise that the Masonic Lodge is a religion.

THE FACTS

1. Masons assemble in a Masonic Temple.

Temple Defined: An edifice or place dedicated to the service or worship of a deity or deities.

2. The presiding officer in each Lodge is called the "Worshipful Master."

No explanation needed.

3. Mason's teach freedom from sin.

Lexicon of Freemasonry, by A.G. Mackey, p.16 under the word ACACIAN: Acacian---term signifying a Mason who by living in strict obedience to the obligations and precepts of the fraternity is free from sin.

Is Masonic freedom from sin compatible with Christianity? 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.

4. The Masonic Handbook claims Mason's have their own Redeemer.

[From Kentucky Monitor, page XV] All antiquity solved the enigma of the existence of evil by supposing the existence of a Principle of Evil, of demons, fallen angels, Ahriman, a Typhon, a Siva, a Loki, or Satan, that, first falling themselves, and plunged into misery and darkness, tempted man to his fall and brought sin into the world. All believed in a future life, to be attained by purification and trails; in a state of successive states of reward and punishment; and in Mediator or Redeemer by whom the evil Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deity reconciled to His creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born  of a virgin  and suffer a painful death. The Hinus called him Krishna, the Chinese, Kiou-yse, the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhvanai; the Egyptians, Horous; Plato, Love; the Scandinvians, Balder; Chrisians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram.

CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE TWO REDEEMERS?

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.

TWO SAVIORS IS ONE TOO MANY!  

A Gift From God

Time is the most valuable commodity that we have in life. It’s more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. After you wake up, remember God gave you a present called “today.” And with that gift comes a responsibility. Therefore, evaluate how you are spending your time. Refocus your life. Let go of any distractions by shaking off self-pity, discouragement & disappointments of the past. Time is now!

THEY BELIEVE THE BIBLE.....?

THEY BELIEVE THE BIBLE.....?

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 assert that there any many contradictions and errors.

WHAT PARTS OF THE BIBLE DO THEY BELIEVE?

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

THEY 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. (John14)

THEY 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. (2Kings 5:1-14)

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

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

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

THE BELIEVE: That God destroyed all flesh on the earth with the waters of the great flood; except for Noah and his family. (Genesis Chapters 7&8)

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

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

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

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

THEY 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. (Roman 6:3-11)

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

THEY DON'BELIEVE: Jesus when He spoke of water baptism as being part of the new birth. (John3:5)

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

THEY DON'T BELIEVE: Being buried with Christ in water baptism results in forgiveness of all 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)

THEY DON'BELIEVE: That three thousand, on the Day of Pentecost, were baptized in water in order to have their sins forgiven. (Acts 2:37-38)

THE BELIEVE: That the Lord provided water without rain for Jehoshaphat. (1 Kings 3:16-17)

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

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

THEY 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)

THEY 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!

Let us not forget the Greatest Love of all.

Let us not forget the Greatest Love of all. In our culture, so many people are confused about what love is. We love pizza, movies, sports and other material things, but we also love our family, spouse, significant other or friends. If we look to the Word of God, we see God’s definition of love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that “love is patient and kind. It

does not envy, nor boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not seek its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love believes, hopes and endures. Love never fails.” This is how God responds to us, and this is how we should respond to the people in our lives — with patience, kindness, hope, humility and love. God is love, and His character never changes! Know that God loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is for you and has a good plan for you. Receive His perfect love today and let Him transform you from the inside out. His love is the greatest love and will last throughout all eternity! Oh, How I Love Jesus, because He first Loved me.

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CAN A PERVERTED GOSPEL SAVE?

CAN A PERVERTED GOSPEL SAVE?

Does it matter what men believe concerning salvation? Can men preached a gospel different than the one the apostles taught and still go to heaven?

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

The Judaizers, who were Jewish Christians, were deserting God by teaching that men had to keep some of the Jewish ceremonial practices to be saved. They were perverting the gospel.

Galatians 1:7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (NASB)

Today there are many different denomination that not are preaching a completely new gospel, they are just distorting the old one.

IS IT A SERIOUS OFFENSE TO PREACH A GOSPEL PLAN OF SALVATION OTHER THAN WHAT THE APOSTLES TAUGHT?

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! (NASB)

Galatians 1:9.......let him be eternally condemned! (NIV 1984)

Galatians 1:9.......that person should be condemned to hell. GOD'S WORD Translation 1995)

Galatians 1:9 ......let him be anathema. (ASV)

PERVERTING THE GOSPEL IS SERIOUS!

Is the doctrine, of saved by grace alone, a distortion of the gospel? The doctrine of, grace alone, stipulates that men have no responsibilities concerning their salvation. The teaching is, that God does it all.  

Hebrews 5:9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,

You have to believe in order to obey Jesus. Keep in mind, the words of the apostles were the words of Jesus.

Acts 16: 30-31 ..."Sirs, what must I do be saved?" 31 They said, "Believe in Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Paul and Silas did not answer the jailer by saying, "If you have been preselected for salvation; God will cause you to believe so you may be saved." The jailer and his household were not saved by grace alone. They believed and were baptized in water.

JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF SALVATION FOR ALL WHO OBEY HIM.

1. Obey by believing: John 3:16, John 8:24
2. Obey by repenting: Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38
3. Obey by confessing. Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37
4. Obey by be baptized in water. Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21

CAN MEN PREACH ANOTHER WAY OF BEING SAVED AND STILL GET TO HEAVEN?

THE APOSTLES DID NOT TEACH MULTIPLE PLANS OF SALVATION!  

Closer to your victory

Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you anticipated? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today; your answer is closer than you think! If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives.

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

When men attend Bible college or attend 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.

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

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

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

Have you ever heard of a person who attended a Quaker seminary preach Lutheran doctrine?

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

When have you ever been aware of a person who attended a Pentecostal Bible college who preached and taught the doctrines of Mormonism?

TRADITION TAKES PRECEDENCE

CHURCH TRADITION IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH THE TRUTH FOUND IN THE BIBLE .

Mark 7:7-9 '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." 9 He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandments of God in order to keep you tradition.

The scribes and Pharisees were experts at observing church tradition. The problem was, they the were traditions of men.

Men, today, are experts at keeping and teaching the man-made church traditions of their own denominations.

Church tradition not only takes precedence over the truth found in the Bible, it supersedes the Bible. HOW SAD IS THAT? 

IF ALL OF THE BIBLE COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES WERE TEACHING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AS FOUND IN THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE, THEN THEY WOULD ALL BE TEACHING THE SAME THINGS.

(Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE) 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "If we do the possible, God will do the impossible!"

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

POINT: Those who reject the Scriptures concerning the purpose of Christian baptism, readily accepts the Biblical account as to the purpose of water baptism performed by John the Baptist.

Christian Baptism: Men are told to believe in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and who has been baptized shall be saved..

Acts 2:38..."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.

 

John's Baptism: Men are told to repent and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and to believe in Jesus who was to come. (The Holy Spirit had yet been given).

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

Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus."

Christian baptism follows believing in Jesus, and repentance, (repentance means to make the commitment to turn away from sin and turn toward God).

The baptism of John followed repentance, (resolving to sin no more).

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?

Did you ever notice that the proponents of the "faith only" doctrine no not say that "for" in Luke 3:3 means "because of"?

John's baptism was not because their sin were already forgiven. Christian baptism preached on the Day of Pentecost was not because their sins were already forgiven. (Acts 2:38)

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

John's baptism in water was essential to spare them of the wrath to come.

Christian baptism in water is essential to spare us all, of the wrath to come.(Mark 16:16...baptized shall be saved....)

The baptism of John became obsolete on the Day of Pentecost.

CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS AVAILABLE UNTIL JESUS RETURNS.

Revelations 3:8

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...

EXTRA-BIBLICAL WRITINGS

EXTRA-BIBLICAL WRITINGS

Without extra-Biblical writings the 30,000 so-called Christian denominations would fall like a house of cards in a hurricane.

The question is would you be able to remain in your denomination if you based your religious doctrines on the Bible alone? Is the foundation and the building of your faith located in the Scriptures alone or is it in creed books, statements of faith, or other extra-Biblical writings?

2 Peter3:15-16 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 these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they also do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

The apostle Peter said the letters Paul wrote were Scriptures. Peter never said Paul copied the man-made creeds of the scribes and Pharisees nor any other extra-Biblical writings.

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 sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Extra-Biblical writings are not sacred writings. Where did Timothy get the information to practice his faith and make him wise to salvation? He got it from the words of the apostles, the apostles words were sacred writings (Scriptures). Paul did not say, one word about learning salvation from man-made creed books nor any other 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 man-made creed books nor teach them from other extra-Biblical writings.

Ephesians 3:1-5 For this reason I Paul...3. that by revelation there was made know 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;

The apostle Paul said the mystery of Christ has now been revealed. It was not revealed in the second century nor the twenty first century. There are no more apostles and prophets. Insights into the mystery of of Christ was made know to Paul by revelation, as it was to the rest of the apostles and prophets.They did not learn the mystery of Christ from catechisms nor other man-made extra-Biblical books.

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.

Can men study books written by the early church fathers; and then say, we did not receive it from man? When preachers attain their doctrine from creed books and other extra-Biblical writings; can they say we did not receive it from man? The apostle Paul did not attend seminary and study extra-Biblical dogma.

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.

You can only quote 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 truth...

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

The early church fathers were not guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit.

The writers of church catechisms were not guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit.

The writers of Bible commentaries were not guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit.

The writers of denominational creed books were not guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit.

The writers of EXTRA-BIBLICAL writings were not and are not guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit.

ALL TRUTH IS FOUND IN THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE!

THE QUESTION REMAINS CAN THE DOCTRINES OF YOUR DENOMINATION BE SUPPORTED BY SCRIPTURE ALONE?       

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

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

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE

WHAT I DON'T BELIEVE

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 who ever 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, sprinkling water on infants, is Christian baptism.

2. Jesus did not say water baptism precedes believing in Him.

3. Jesus did not say, to baptize unbelieving babies or unbelieving  adults and then teach them to have faith at a later date. ( If you can baptized non-believing babies, then why not baptize non-believing adults?)

4. Jesus did not say, infants who have been sprinkled are part of His body.

5. Jesus did not say, men are saved by "faith only."

6. Jesus did not say, men are saved by "grace alone."

7. Jesus did not say, men are saved before they are baptized in water.

8. Jesus did not say, water baptism is just a testimony of the believers faith and has nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins.

9. Jesus did not say, God has selected a few men to be saved and has appointed all others to burn in hell.

10. Jesus did not say, men did not have to repent to have have their sins forgiven.(Repentance means to make the commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God)

11. Jesus did not say, men do not have to confess Him, as the Son of God, in order to have their sins forgiven.

12. Jesus did not say that men do not have to confess Him as Lord and Savior in order to enter the kingdom of God.

13. 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.

14. Jesus did not say men will will be saved as long as they are sincere in what they believe.

15. Jesus did not say, I am just one of many ways to the Father.

16. Jesus did not say, there is not a literal hell where the lost will spend eternity.

17. Jesus did not say, you do not have to be born of water and Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God.

18. Jesus did not say, God will give, those He selects for salvation, the faith to believe, so they can be saved.

19. Jesus did not say, speaking in tongues is evidence that men have been saved.

20. Jesus did not say, if you were on on your death bed and wanted to believe, but died before you believed that He would saved you anyway.

21. Jesus did not say, if you believed, but died before you had time to be baptized in water, that you would sill be saved.

22. Jesus did not say, water baptism is not essential to have your sins forgiven.

23. Jesus did not say, you can be saved without faith.

24. Jesus did not say, you can be saved without confessing Him.

25. Jesus did not say, you can have your sins forgiven without repentance.
26 Jesus did not say, water baptism is just an act of obedience. 

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 DOCTRINE.

(Scripture quote from : NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE) 

Let go of your Past,

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

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS

Contrary to what men believe, only God can forgive the sins that have been committed against Him. Joseph Smith nor Brigham Young can 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.

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 9:98 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 the 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 scribes was they did not realize that Jesus was God in the flesh. Joesph Smith, Brigham Young, Catholic priests, Lutheran ministers, nor any other men, are or were, 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 apostles the power to grant forgiveness of sins to men on an individual bases, Jesus was not ordaining them as priests with that power. Jesus was giving Peter and the apostles the authority to proclaim the terms for forgiveness of sins. Peter and the apostles did just that on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:22-41...36 Therefore let 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 nor on any subsequent day. They declare God's terms for pardon.
FAITH: John 3:16
REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38
CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10
WATER BAPTISM: Acts 2:38

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 John1:5-9 ....God is light... 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness.)

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

The only priest standing between men and God is the high priest, Jesus Christ.  

NOTE: Confessing sins and asking God for forgiveness is only available to Christians. Non-Christians must have FAITH, REPENT, CONFESS JESUS AS LORD, BELIEVE IN HIS RESURRECTION AND BE BAPTIZED IN WATER IN ORDER TO THEIR SINS FORGIVEN.

ONLY GOD FORGIVES SINS!

( All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

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

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

STUDY TOOLS FOR TRUTH

STUDY TOOLS FOR TRUTH

What study tools are the most confusing, and most inaccurate, if you are looking for God's truth to mankind?

Extra-Biblical sources are the last place you should look if you are seeking the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

A LIST OF INACCURATE SOURCES FOR TRUTH.

1. Creed books.

2. Bible commentaries.

3. Made-made catechisms.

4. Books about the Bible.

5. Statements of Faith.

6. The writings of the early church fathers.

7. Books that claim to be new revelations from God.

8. Any book other than the Bible.

STUDY TOOLS THAT YOU CAN TRUST FOR THE TRUTH.

1. Prayer.

2. Comparative study, using various translation of the Bible.

AN EXAMPLE.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV 1984)

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

Mark 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB 1995)

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

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (God's Word --Translation)

It would take a highly skilled professional, on steroids, to convince someone that belief and water baptism do not precede being saved.

It would take a stack of extra-Biblical writings and a total disregard for prayer to make someone believe that unbelief will not cause men to be condemned.

THE MOST ACCURATE STUDY TOOLS, ARE PRAYER AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A relationship with God is the most important relationship you can have.

DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS?

DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS?

Are all babies born into this world as dirty little sinners?

BABIES ARE NOT GUILTY OF ADAM'S SIN

ORIGINAL SIN: Accord to the proponents of original sin, 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. They believe all babies are dirty little sinners.

Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant  and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Was Jesus saying the kingdom of God belongs to DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS, like these children?

Mark 10:15 Truly  I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Was Jesus saying in order to enter the kingdom of God you have to be DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS, like children?

If all babies are born DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS; that would have made Jesus a DIRTY LITTLE SINNER.

Hebrews 2:14-17 Therefore, since children share in flesh and blood, He Himself  likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.........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 the propitiation for the sins of the people.

Jesus was a descendant of Adam. He was made like His brethren in all things. According the original sin advocates that would make Jesus born as a DIRTY LITTLE SINNER. JESUS WAS NOT GUILTY OF ADAM'S SIN NOR ARE ANY BABIES GUILTY OF ADAM'S SIN.

1 John 3:5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.

Jesus was not born a DIRTY LITTLE SINNER.

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 spiritually for Adam's sin. Men do not inherit sin. Men are not born as DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS; they become sinners 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 unforgiven DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS? No, He was saying the kingdom  belongs innocents like these children.

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.

How could Job have been blameless and upright and be born as a DIRTY LITTLE SINNER? Job was not totally depraved, and inclined to do 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? Elijah was not 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.

Noah was a righteous man. 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 he trusted God and was obedient. Noah was not going to be sent to hell because of Adam's sin. Men will die spiritually because of their own sins; not Adam's.

Acts 10:1-2 Now there was 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 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 was totally depraved? Cornelius was not guilty of Adam's sin nor was he guilty any other man's sin.

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 good and honest heart. How can a man who was born as a DIRTY LITTLE SINNER and are totally depraved, and only incline do to do evil, have a good an 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.

Babies no not practice lawlessness in the womb.

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is carried away 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.

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

MEN WILL DIE PHYSICALLY BECAUSE OF ADAM'S SIN.

MEN WILL DIE SPIRITUALLY BECAUSE OF THE UNFORGIVEN SINS THEY THEMSELVES COMMIT.

BABIES ARE BORN INNOCENT OF SIN.

BABIES ARE NOT DIRTY LITTLE SINNERS!

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICA STANDARD BIBLE)

Great Leadership

A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.

SEEKING GOD

SEEKING GOD

Is it possible for men to seek God? If those of the "grace only" persuasion are correct; in that God selects a few to be saved and the majority of mankind, through no fault of their own, will be sent to hell for all eternity, then of course man's attempt to seek God would be futile. Are they right?

CAN MEN SEEK GOD?

Matthew6:25-33.......33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and these things will be added to you.

Why would Jesus say, seek God's kingdom? Men can seek God. Seeking God is not an impossibility.

Acts 15:13-18......16 'After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will restore it, 17 So the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,' 18 Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.

James answered, Simeon has related, and the Prophets have agreed that mankind may seek the Lord, however, those "grace only' advocates who believe in the doctrine of predestination, without qualifications, disagree.

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.

Men come to God. Men seek God. God does not force men into salvation. God does not force men to have faith. God does not compel men to repent. God does not overpower men and then force them to be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins. God does not force men to confess Jesus as the Christ the Son of God.

GOD IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM!

SEEK GOD-------IT IS POSSIBLE!   

Plan your day with God

Make plans to start your day right and set your thoughts in the right direction. Put God in first place in your life. Let Him guide you and order your steps. Even if it’s just five minutes each day, make spending time with Him a habit. Plan your day with Him because careful planning is the way to get ahead. Have a Blessed Day!

UNLESS THE FATHER DRAWS HIM

UNLESS THE FATHER DRAWS HIM

John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

What is the meaning of John 6:44?

1. Does it mean only a few, who have been selected by the Father, will be saved? No, it does not.

2. Does it mean that men only respond to the gospel because of irresistible grace? No, it does not.

WHO ARE THOSE THAT THE FATHER DRAWS?

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.

The Father draws all who hear and learn. The Father does not force anyone to hear or learn. Men have free-will. God does not impute faith into a few so they will believe and be saved. Faith does not come by injection.

HOW DO MEN HEAR AND LEARN?

Romans 10:13-14 for "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Men need to hear the gospel before they can learn and believe. The Father draws men by the gospel.

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

Faith comes from hearing the gospel. Faith does not come because the Father selected a chosen few, before the world began, to be saved. All who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior are the chosen and that includes whoever accepts God's terms for pardon. Faith does not come because of irresistible grace.

God the Father draws men to Jesus with the gospel.

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,

IT IS THE GOSPEL THAT DRAWS MEN TO JESUS!

IRRESISTIBLE GRACE IS NOT THE METHOD THAT THE FATHER USES TO DRAW MEN TO JESUS.

Romans 10:21 But as for Israel He says, "All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."

Israel as a nation reject the gospel. How would that be possible if irresistible grace were in play? Israel turned away from God.

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.

Jerusalem was unwilling to be drawn to Jesus by believing the gospel. They had a choice.

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.

The Jews had the opportunity to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they were unwilling. There was no irresistible grace in play. The Father draws all who are willing to believe the gospel.

John 6:40 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."

IF YOU ARE READING THIS BLOG YOU ARE ONE OF THE "EVERYONE" WHO HAS A CHANCE TO BE BELIEVE THE GOSPEL AND BE SAVED.

MEN REJECT GOD.

GOD DOES NOT REJECT MEN DUE TO NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.

THE FATHER DRAWS MEN TO JESUS THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. MEN ARE NOT DRAWN TO JESUS BECAUSE THEY WERE PRESELECTED FOR SALVATION! 

Don't forget to answer the door

When you wake up each morning, God sends you a special delivery of joy. It comes knocking at the door of your heart every day. The problem is that some people never answer the door. It’s right there, month after month, year after year saying, “Come on! Let me in! You can be happy! You can cheer up! You can enjoy your life!” Today, make up your mind to answer the door to joy! Get up every morning and say, “Father, thank You for another beautiful day. I’m going to be happy. I’m going to enjoy this day because You are faithful. I’m going to brighten someone else’s life. I am choosing to receive Your gift of joy and passing it on to others because I love You, and I know that I am called for Your purposes!”

I HOWEVER

I HOWEVER

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 men assert that they believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and then say, I however, do not believe you will die in your sins if you do not believe?  Can men deny the punishment for not believing and still be saved?

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 the Holy Spirit.

Some men say, yes, I was baptized, I however,  do not believe water baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins. Will those men still receive forgiveness from sins even though they deny the purpose of water baptism?

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;

If men say I personally have acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus and have claimed Him as my Lord and Savior, I however, do not think it is imperative for men to acknowledge the resurrection and confess Jesus as Lord in order to be saved; will those men 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.

(Repentance means, to make the commitment to turn from sin and turned toward God)

Is it possible for men to say, I have repented, I however, do not believe that repentance is essential to have sins forgiven; can the kind of repentance result in forgiveness of sins?

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.....

Can a man be saved if he says, I believe Jesus is the Christ, I however, do not believe His shed blood was required in order to receive pardon for my sins?

CAN "I HOWEVER" SAVE ANYONE?

IS BAPTISM A WORK?

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 10:48 AM PDT

IS BAPTISM A WORK?

The position of those who believe we are saved by faith only or grace alone, is that water baptism is a work, and therefore not required in order to be saved from the penalty of sin.

SALVATION IS A GIFT FROM GOD!

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.

We are not saved by works. What are the works   that do not save us?

Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus and not by works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.

The Jews living under the old covenant were not commanded to be baptized into Christ. Under the Law of Moses not one person was compelled to be baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christian baptism was not part of the Law of Moses. Christian baptism is not a work.

Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

When Jesus said you had to believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16); he was not saying Christian baptism was a work of the Law of Moses and therefore essential to be saved.

Romans 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Is water baptism a work of the Law of Moses? No, that would mean that baptism brings about the knowledge of sin. Baptism is in order to have sins removed, not to educated men as to the meaning of sin.

What did the apostle Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost? Did Peter preach salvation by keeping the Law of Moses? Of course he did not; Peter preached salvation by faith in Jesus Christ?

Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Acts 2:36) That was not a work of the Law of Moses.

Peter told them to repent and be baptized. (Acts 2:38) That was not a work of the Law of Moses.

WHAT MUST MEN DO TO BE SAVED?
1. Have FAITH: John 3:16. 
    Faith is not a work of the Law of Moses.
2. CONFESS: Romans 10:9-10
     Confessing is not a work of the Law of Moses.
3. REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19
    Repentance is not a work of the Law of Moses.
4. WATER BAPTISM: 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38
     Water baptism was not a work of the Law of Moses.

These are all essential to accept the grace of God; the free gift of salvation.

WATER BAPTISM IS NOT A WORK OF THE LAW OF MOSES!

BEING OBEDIENT TO GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON IS NOT BEING OBEDIENT TO THE WORKS OF THE LAW OF MOSES! 

BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD?

    

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 07:05 AM PDT

BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD?

What is the meaning of baptized for the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?

I am not the first, nor will I be the last to admit I do not know the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29, however, I do know what Paul was not trying to communicate. He was not implying that the dead can be baptized, by proxy, using a living person.

WHAT BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD DOES NOT SUGGEST.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I command you...

Jesus told the eleven disciples, to baptize, make disciples, and teach them to obey His commands. The eleven could not make disciples  out of dead men. The disciples could not teach obedience to the dead. Jesus was not saying that the eleven should baptize the dead by proxy.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism unto death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

The living are buried with Christ so they might walk in newness of life. The dead are not doing any walking.

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with , so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

Dead men do not have to be baptized by proxy, so they will no longer be slaves to sin. When men die their sinning days are over.

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

The apostle Paul was not talking to dead men. Dead men cannot be clothed with Christ.

Colossians 2:12-16 having been buried with Him in baptism...13...He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions....16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink...

It was the living that had their transgressions forgiven by baptism. The apostle Paul was addressing the living, the dead do not eat nor drink.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved....

If baptizing the dead by proxy was a Scriptural reality; then the living also would have to believe for the dead.

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 Holt Spirit.

The living can no more be baptized for the dead; than, can they repent for the dead. Repentance precedes baptism.

If surrogate baptism for the dead is a valid interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:29, then the living would have to believe for the dead, repent for the dead, confess Jesus as Lord for the dead, receive the Holy Spirit for the dead, and the be faithful until death for the dead.

What does being baptized for the dead imply? I do not know.

WHAT I KNOW IS THERE IS NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT RECEIVED BY THE DEAD, FROM PROXY BAPTISM!