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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT BAPTISM?

    The word “baptize” is found 63 times in the NT; the word “baptized” 45 times; and the word “baptism” 26 times. The Greek word is baptizo which is not simply translated into English but is transliterated. This means that a new English word was formed instead of merely employing an already existing English term, as is normally the case in translation. 

    Here are some other important concepts that the NT teaches concerning baptism.

  1. The Greek word baptizo, according to Thayer, means, “immersion or submersion.” Our knowledge of Greek is unnecessary to make this determination as the Scripture clearly reveals that baptism is by burial (see Rom. 6:4 and Col. 2:12; also notice Jn. 3:23; Mk. 1:5; 1:9-10; Acts 8:36-39). Sprinkling and pouring simply aren’t baptism, by definition or example. 
  2. The first time baptism is found in the NT is in regard to the baptism of John (see Mt. 3:6). This was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (see Mk. 1:4) in which one confessed his sins (Mt. 3:6) in preparation for Christ and His kingdom (see Mt. 3:1-3). It is important to note that this baptism did not place one into the church since Christ had not yet established His church (see Acts 19:1-5). 
  3. Baptism was a part of the message that was to be preached to the whole world beginning in Jerusalem when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit (see Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). 
  4. While baptism is not merely a symbol of Christ’s death, it certainly does represent that. In baptism one conforms to the likeness of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (see Rom. 6:1-6). 
  5. Baptism is necessary for salvation, just like belief (Jn. 3:16), repentance (Lk. 13:3), and confession (Rom. 10:9-10).
  6. The motive for being baptized is seen and commanded in passages like Acts 2:38 where repentance and baptism are stated to be “for the forgiveness of sins.” The motivation for baptism is designated in the word “for.” Some, projecting their belief back into this passage have suggested that the word “for” should be translated “because.” This can’t be discussed at length here, but suffice it to say that no reputable translation uses the word because here, and one can compare the very same grammatical structure found in  Matthew 26:28 and see that the rendering of the word “for” in that instance, would make no sense. Additionally, other passages clearly state the connection between baptism and the remission of sins and salvation (see Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Pt. 3:21). 
  7. The point of baptism is when God adds a precious soul to the body of Christ, or the church (see Acts 2:41, 47; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 12:13). 
  8. When one is baptized for forgiveness of sins, he or she receives “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; also see Acts 5:32). This should not be confused with a miraculous ability of the Spirit given to the apostles when they were baptized in the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 or the household of Cornelius in Acts 10. 
  9. Finally, we see that by the time Paul wrote the book of Ephesians, there was but “one baptism” (see Eph. 4:5). We are forced to conclude this was the baptism the apostles were to proclaim to the whole world (see Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47; Acts 1:8), a baptism in water (see Acts 8:38), of a penitent believer (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38), for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), that adds one to the Lord’s body (see Acts 2:41, 47) and in        which one receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

Daren Schroeder

Friday, December 27, 2019

Common questions about baptism

Getting Baptism Right

For your baptism to be as God has commanded it, the following must be understood and accepted:

1.   Baptism is a burial in water in which you are spiritually buried with Christ into His death, and raised to walk a new life in Christ, just as Christ was raised from his death and burial. In other words, in baptism one is born again.

2.   Baptism as burial is why baptism must be immersion, which is what the Greek for baptism means.

3.   The idea that saving baptism, as referred to in places like Romans 6; 1 Corinthians 12:13 and Galatians 3:27, is a Spirit baptism and not water baptism, is proven totally false by reading Matthew 28:19; Acts 22:16, 8:36-39 and 10:47-48 and Galatians 3:2-9,22-4:7,28-29. The Spirit is given by God when the repentant believer is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ.

4.   It’s the Holy Spirit who puts the Christ into Christianity. John 1:29-34; 3:3-7; 6:63; 7:37-39; 16:7-15; 20:17-23; Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-39; Romans 8:1-11; 15:13; Galatians 3:13-14; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Ephesians 2:11-22.

5.   Water baptism brings about the new birth of water and the Spirit. The water terminates the old; the Spirit germinates the new. Compare John 3:5 with 1 Peter 1:3,18-25 and 3:18-22 and you see that being born again happens when you obey Jesus in water baptism - Christ then baptizing you in the Holy Spirit. “The washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5.

6.   Baptism is for believers only – not for little babies who do not understand what they’re doing.

7.   Baptism can only be legitimate if the person being baptized is committed to repentance – a change

       in the direction of one’s life. See Acts 2:37-41.

8.   Baptism is where God saves you through faith; it is not a symbol of salvation by faith before

    baptism. If you compare Romans 5:1-2 with Romans 6:3-7, you will see that being justified by faith happens when baptism frees you from sin. The word “freed” in Romans 6:7 is actually the same Greek word as “justified” in Romans 5:1. A few translations render Romans 6:7 with the word “justified.” See ASV, ERV, Darby and Douay Rheims. “Freed” in Romans 6:18,22; 8:2,21; John 8:32 is a common Greek word for free. The justified are those legally freed from sin! As one of God’s true teachers of His truth, you will understand this if you “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. Too many so-called preachers will not be approved of God because instead of putting in the work to properly understand God’s word, they are merely passing on the traditions of their denominations – traditions that contradict God’s word. See Matthew 15:1-14. The Brethren Movement (Gospel Hall) use the Darby version that has “justified” in Romans 6:7, but they do not teach the truth on baptism!! Thus they contradict what their own Bible version teaches!!

9.When you are being baptized, you must have faith that in your baptism God is causing you to be born again spiritually. You should know and trust what God is doing in the water of your baptism.

10.      Assuming that any baptism, for whatever purpose, is legitimate – just as long as you are baptized -  is a false assumption because such a view would legitimize every false teaching on baptism.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore

and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the

end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

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

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:26-29

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this

crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about

three thousand souls. Acts 2:37-41

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:1-7

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:11-15

And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying[i]. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Acts 19:1-7

… one Lord, one faith, one baptism…  Ephesians 4:5

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around

me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8

And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well-spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:6-16

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be

born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead … knowing that you were

ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or

gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown

before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass  and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:3,18-25

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:18-22

There is no Scripture that says that baptism is a symbol of your previous salvation by faith alone, otherwise explained as the outward sign of an inward grace. This is a lie Satan is using to deceive millions.

There is no Scripture that authorises the baptizing of babies. “Household baptisms” in places like Acts 10 and Acts 16 refer to those households in which all the householders baptized were able to understand the gospel and obey the command to be baptized.  Read those chapters in Acts yourself to see this.

The water-baptized, born again believer, spiritually accesses God and Christ in the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8; Acts 11:15, 10:47, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 12:13, Ephesians 2:18.

If you don’t believe all of this, then your baptism is worthless. Wake up and see the light!!

for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:14-17

Note that in the earliest days of the church in Ephesus (see Acts 19:1-7 above), the disciples there had to have their understanding of baptism corrected so that they could receive the Spirit when they were properly baptized. They had previously been wrongly baptized under the influence of Apollos’s teaching that misunderstood the one baptism that was appropriate in the New Covenant. Many of today’s so-called Christian preachers misunderstand and even distort God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:14-18.

Believing in the death and resurrection of Christ will lead to being saved by that death and resurrection, Romans 10:9-10, when, in faith, we connect to His death and resurrection in the waters of baptism and thus receive the gift of God: eternal life in Chri

 



[i] The speaking in tongues and prophesying that accompanied this baptism was God’s way of confirming the legitimacy of this salvation of the Gentiles through faith and baptism. Notice how such confirmation was also promised by Jesus in Mark 16:15-20. As Ephesians 4:5 points out, there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. All people being saved are saved in the same way. We make disciples of all nations the same way for each disciple.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Should We Celebrate Christmas As a Religious Holiday?

Since Christmas is recognized by most people as a religious Holy Day, it would be good for us to study its meaning. Considering Christmas has the word Christ in it, it should have some connection with the Lord. If there is a connection with the Lord, we should be able to turn to the New Testament and read of this observance. However, upon a careful examination, we fail to find a single reference to this day in the word of God.
 

When did men first start observing this special day?

To answer this question, we have to go outside the New Testament. Historians tell us it was nearly three centuries after the death of Christ before a day was set aside for a special observance for His birth. "Christmas was for the first time celebrated in Rome in 354, in Constantinople in 379, and in Antioch in 388." (Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Norval Geldenhuys, p. 102). A well known preacher during this time mentioned the late origin of Christmas. "Chrysostom, in a Christmas sermon, A.D. 386, says, 'It is not ten years since this day was clearly known to us...'" (Unger Bible Dictionary, p. 196). "Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church, and before the fifth century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether January 6th, March 25th, or December 25th." (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 5, p. 641).

 

When was Jesus born?

It comes as a shock to many individuals that the Bible does not tell us when Christ was born; but we are reasonably certain He was not born in December.

Nearly everyone remembers reading about the appearance of an angel to the shepherds. In Luke 2:8 we read, "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night." This rules out the birth of Christ as a winter event. "According to this statement, Jesus cannot have been born in December, in the middle of the rainy season, as has been since the fourth century supposed ... According to the Rabbins, the driving forth of the flocks took place in March, the bringing in of them in November..." (Critical and Exegetical Handbook To The Gospels of Mark and Luke, H.A.W. Meyer, p. 273).

Adam Clarke makes this observation: "It was a custom among the Jews to send out their sheep to the deserts, about the Passover, and bring them home at the commencement of the first rain; during the time they were out, the shepherds watched them night and day. As the Passover occurred in the spring, and the first rain began early in the month of Marchesvan, which answers to our part of October and November, we find that the sheep were kept out in the open county during the whole of the summer. And as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, our Lord was not born on the twenty-fifth of December, when no flocks were out in the fields." (Adam Clarke's Commentary, p. 857).
 

Who decided to make December 25 the birthday of Christ?

This credit goes to the Roman Catholic Church. They explain it like this: "Numerous theories have been put forward through the last 2,000 years to explain Dec. 25 as Christmas Day. The most likely one, however, the one most generally accepted by scholars now, is that the birth of Christ was assigned to the date of the winter solstice. This date is Dec. 21 in our calendar, but was Dec. 25 in the Julian calendar which predated our own ... The solstice, when days begin to lengthen in the northern hemisphere, was referred to by pagans as the 'Birthday of the Unconquered Sun'. During the third century, the Emperor Aurelian proclaimed Dec. 25 as a special day dedicated to the sun-god, whose cult was very strong in Rome at that time. Even before this time, Christian writers already had begun to refer to Jesus as the Sun of Justice. It seemed quite logical, therefore, that as Christianity begun to dominate the religious scene in the Roman Empire, the date of the 'new-born sun' should be chosen as the birthdate of Christ. Apparently, it bothers some people that the date for Christmas has its roots in a pagan feast. Be that as it may, it's the best explanation we have for the choice of Dec. 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus." (The New Question Box, p. 28-29).

This December observance originated with pagans as a feast day to their sun-god, Mithra. It was changed into a "Christian holy day" by the Roman Catholic Church.
 

Don't you think we need to observe the birth of Christ?

People often ask this question, but I usually ask this in return, "Why should we?" 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness." Everything I need to know of a religious nature has been revealed in the Bible. 1 Peter 4:11 says that if I speak, I must speak "as the oracles of God." If God would have wanted us to observe the birth of Christ, he most assuredly would have told us!

How should I remember Jesus? God has left three memorials to Christ -- all of which point to His death and resurrection.
 

  • First, water baptism reminds us of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:3-4).
  • Second, the Lord's supper is a constant reminder of His death. As we partake of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, we "proclaim the Lord's death till He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
  • Third, our worship on the Lord's day, the first day of the week, reminds us of His resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10).

 
God does not want His Son remembered as a baby lying in a manger, but as the suffering Saviour and now resurrected Redeemer.

- by David Padfield

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Reader's Digest

The Hand

From the editors of Reader's Digest comes this true and inspiring story:

When Mrs. Klein told her first graders to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful,
she thought how little these children, who lived in a deteriorating neighborhood, actually had to be
thankful for. She knew that most of the class would draw pictures of turkeys or of bountifully
laden Thanksgiving tables. That was what they believed was expected of them.

What took Mrs. Klein aback was Douglas's picture. Douglas was so forlorn and likely to be found
close in her shadow as they went outside for recess. Douglas's drawing was simply this: a hand.

A hand, obviously, but whose hand? The class was captivated by his image. "I think it must be the
hand of God that brings us food," said one student.

"A farmer," said another, "because they grow the turkeys."

"It looks more like a policeman, and they protect us." "I think," said Lavinia, who was always so
serious, "that it is supposed to be all the hands that help us, but Douglas could only draw one of
them."

Mrs. Klein had almost forgotten Douglas in her pleasure at finding the class so responsive. When
she had the others at work on another project, she bent over his desk and asked whose hand it was.

Douglas mumbled, "It's yours, Teacher."

Then Mrs. Klein recalled that she had taken Douglas by the hand from time to time; she often did
that with the children. But that it should have meant so much to Douglas.

Perhaps, she reflected, this was her Thanksgiving, and everybody's Thanksgiving - not the material
things given unto us, but the small ways that we give something to others.*

From the hand of God comes every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

"For the LORD is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land."
-- Psalm 95:3-5

Our salvation and the gift of eternal life is a gift from the hands of God, for Jesus, God's Son,
had nails driven through His hands and His feet onto the cross where He died for your sins and mine.
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for
righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24 NIV).

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). God will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

How much does God love us? Look at what His hands have done for us.

Won't YOU accept His offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms?

-- David A. Sargent

* From "This Teacher's Story Will MAKE Your Thanksgiving,"
https://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/thanksgiving-story/

David A. Sargent, Minister

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Paul Brand

Paul Brand was a brilliant medical doctor who did pioneering work in the treatment of leprosy. He
received the Albert Lasker Award, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the
Queen, served as the only Westerner on the Mahatma Ghandi foundation, and had medical procedures
named after him.

Brand grew up in India, where his parents were missionaries. At the age of nine he was sent to
boarding school in England. Five years later, while a 14 year old student there, he received a
telegram informing him that his beloved father had died of blackwater fever. Brand cherished fond
memories of his father, a man who had a great love for people and a great love for the natural world
around him.

A short time after he received news of his father's death Paul Brand received a letter from his
father. It had been posted prior to his father's death but took some time to reach Brand as it came
by ship. Its words impacted deeply upon the young son. Paul's father described the hills around
their home and then finished with these words: "God means us to delight in His world. It isn't
necessary to know botany or zoology or biology in order to enjoy the manifold life of nature. Just
observe. And remember. And compare. And be always looking to God with thankfulness and worship
for having placed you in such a delightful corner of the universe as the planet Earth." *

There is another letter from a Father concerning which I want to encourage you to read and reflect
deeply. It's a letter from the Father who put YOU "in such a delightful corner of the universe, the
plant Earth." Actually, He created the world and the universe (Genesis 1:1).

This "letter" - the Bible - is actually a volume of 66 books with one central theme: the salvation
of man through Christ to the glory of God. Every book of this "letter" contributes to that theme.
It tells how:

God created man and woman in His own image but how we have marred that image through our sin
(Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23).

Even though we have sinned, God still loves us. He loves us so much that He gave His one and only
Son to die for our sins so that we can be saved and become His children (John 3:16; Romans 8:15-17).

Here's a wonderful statement from the Letter: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

In His letter we learn how to have our sins forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life: place
your faith and trust in Christ (Acts 16:30-31), turn from your sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31),
confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the
forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then, continue to walk in the light of His "letter" (His Word) and
the promise is that He will continue to cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7-9).

The Father sent you a letter. It's worth reading, studying, and doing what it says. It reveals the
Father's love and how you can abide in His love for an eternity.

-- David A. Sargent

* Source: Reported in Philip Yancey, Soul Survivor (Hodder & Stoughton, 2001) as cited in
www.storiesforpreaching.com on "thankfulness."

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Socialism and Christianity

Is socialism right? Is communism right? What about socialism and the Bible? Check out https://godsway.abiblecommentary.com/index.html for answers to these questions.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Hardship and Prayer: what should we pray for when calamity strikes?

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. James 4:1-3

Are we praying for the wrong thing? DON’T PRAY FOR RAIN; PRAY FOR REVIVAL!! National revival. Pray for a much more righteous nation. Proverbs 14:33-35. We’ve had it too good for too long, and have been living in a fool’s paradise.

In Revelation God used economic hardship in an attempt to bring Rome to repentance. Revelation 6:5-6; 9:3-6,18-21.

                       God used Daniel to bring Babylon to its knees (its king even munching on the grass like the animals), then restored when Nebuchadnezzar recognized that it is God who rules the nations. Humbling and humiliation led to Nebuchadnezzar seeing the light. Then God restored him.

At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven  and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendour returned to me. My counsellors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:29-37

IS GOD BRINGING AUSTRALIA TO ITS KNEES, WHILE CHRISTIANS are to ENDURE FOR they know the HIGHER, ETERNAL values? See Psalm 34:17-19; Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:18,28,35-39; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 12:9-10; Philippians 4:11-13; James 1:2-4; 5:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 12:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Revelation 3:10

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

God’s plan with hardships:

•    They turn us toward God.

•    They make us love one another more and thus become more like God.

•    There’s too much love of pleasure. Too much materialism. Too much selfishness.

•    Evangelistic: we Christians can talk with the world about why it’s happening.

Our devastating fires should remind us of the serious reality of God's ultimate, fiery judgment, the brevity of life, and the folly of trusting in the things of the world. Turning to Christ and trusting in the Lord is the best preparation anyone can make for the many calamities that can bring an end to our earthly possessions and cut short our lives. Matthew 4:4; 6:19-34; Luke 12:15; John 6:27; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 4:13-16; 2 Peter 3:1-12.

David Carr

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Minnesota runner with 'Jesus Saves'

Jesus Saves

Tyler Moon, a 25-year-old runner in Minnesota, found a unique way to share his faith. When he
entered a 10-mile race earlier this month, his own name was originally on the bib that he was to
wear in the race for identification. In order to honor Christ and share the Good News, he changed
the wording on his bib to "Jesus Saves." He says he "changed it to 'Jesus Saves,' so that another
runner or someone in the audience would see it ... that Jesus saves us for eternity."

Little did Tyler know just how true that message would be for him.

On October 6, Tyler began the 10-mile race wearing an orange Wheaties t-shirt with his bib pinned to
his shorts. Suddenly, in the eighth mile, he collapsed due to cardiac arrest.

Running behind Tyler in the race was a registered nurse anesthetist who quickly responded to Tyler's
needs. Alongside another colleague and other medical professionals, the nurse anesthetist performed
chest compressions and assisted with his breathing until an ambulance arrived. The actions saved
Tyler's life.

The name of the nurse anesthetist was Jesus "Jesse" Bueno.

For Tyler, "Jesus Saves" is true in more ways than one. He says his bib had a message that became
"very fitting" after the events of that race day. "When I originally put 'Jesus Saves,' I was
hoping that it would help people at the race and in Minneapolis," he said. "I had no idea how far it
would go and how it would impact the world."

"Jesus Saves." It's true! Jesus "Jesse" Bueno helped save Tyler's life in a time of crisis. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, can save ALL of our lives for an eternity.

"The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a). That's bad news for each of us because "all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). But the Good News (the Gospel) is that "the gift
of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b). Jesus Christ, the sinless Son
of God, died on the cross for our sins so that we might have forgiveness and receive the gift of
eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus Saves those who place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed)
into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who
continue to walk (or "run," Hebrews 12:1-3) in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Here's another application from Tyler's experiences: God uses human messengers to share the Good
News that Jesus Saves. (Tyler has a unique perspective on that truth, thanks to Jesus "Jesse"
Bueno!) The Scriptures reveal that God has chosen to proclaim His Gospel that Jesus Christ saves
for eternity through human messengers (see Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 1:16). See Acts 8:26-40 for an
example.

Won't YOU embrace the Good News that Jesus Saves through your trusting obedience? Then, won't YOU
share the Good News with others?

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from "Minnesota runner with 'Jesus Saves' bib saved by nurse named Jesus after
collapsing during race" by Caleb Parke of Fox News, www.foxnews.com.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Friday, November 8, 2019

What does "Believe in Jesus and be saved" really mean?

 

1.    Believe what Jesus claimed about Himself?

2.    Believe His miracles and signs.

3.    Believe what He promised?

4.    Believe what He commanded?

5.    Obey what He commanded?

6.    Be committed to following Him, to the end, in whatever ways He directs us through His word.

7.    All of the above, and more?

Study the following Scripture, and then answer the questions that follow:

So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honour my Father, and you dishonour me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:28-59

1.    What does verse 30 say about certain people?

2.    In verses 31 and 32, what does Jesus say to those same people?

3.    From what follows in the discussion in John 8, how do they react when Jesus says His truth will set them free?

4.    Did they really believe in Jesus?

5.    What didn’t they believe?

6.    As they continue, is there anything else that shows they didn’t really believe in Jesus at all?

7.    How does the meeting conclude?

 

The next time someone tells you they believe in Jesus, ask a few questions to see what they really believe!

When you next baptize someone, make sure the person believes the essentials connected with salvation!

There are plenty of people who say they believe in Jesus, but who actually deny he is God. Will they be saved?

You and I will know quite a few who claim to believe in Jesus, but who would never set foot in a church building to worship, and never mention Jesus to others. Will their faith save them?

What is the implication of the following Scriptures:


Matthew 6:24-34

Matthew 10:32-33

Luke 13:1-9

John 8:24

John 15:14

Luke 9:22-26

Galatians 2:20

James 2

1 Peter 2:1-17

1 Peter 3:15-22


Believe in Jesus and you believe who Jesus claimed He was, what He promised, what He commanded,  how He lived.

If you’re a believer, we’re thrilled, and we would encourage you to live up to your belief. It’s a high calling!

David Hunter

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

How do I become a Christian?

 

 

From: Brad [mailto:Brad@abiblecommentary.com]
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 5:22 PM
To: Aa <a@abiblecommentary.com>
Subject: Fwd: Hugh's News & Views (God's Gracious Plan . . .)

 


GOD'S GRACIOUS PLAN OF SALVATION

 

From time to time, perhaps at least twice a year, I want to present to my readers God's gracious plan of salvation as set forth in the New Testament.  A number of my readers have never obeyed the gospel of Christ and are therefore in a lost state (II Thessalonians 1:6-10).  I have a deep and sincere love for them and their souls and a compelling desire to share God's wonderful plan of salvation with them.  I want all of them to hear and understand the pure gospel of Christ, as opposed to a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and I want all of them to know God's simple plan of salvation as opposed to corruptions of that plan by the doctrines, commandments, and traditions of men (Matthew 15:8-9; II Timothy 4:3-5).  I urge all to read all the passages cited in this essay.

 

Salvation begins with the recognition that one is a sinner, and therefore lost and in need of salvation (Romans 3:23; Titus 3:3).  God, in His matchless grace (His graciousness), gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as the atonement for our sins (John 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ died, was buried, and was raised from the dead that we might be saved.  This is the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-5).  And it is this gospel that is God's power to save those who will believe and obey it (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 6:16-18).  Now follow these Bible steps.

 

HEAR THE GOSPEL.  Christ commissioned the teaching and preaching of the gospel in all nations to every creature until the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).  No one can be saved without hearing the gospel.

 

BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.  The gospel is God's power to save those who will believe it (Romans 1:16).  Without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  Christ declared, "For if you do not believe that I am He (the Messiah, the Savior of the world, hf) you will die in your sins" (John 8:24).

 

REPENT OF ALL SIN.  God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).  To repent means to change one's mind, leading to a change of actions and a change of spiritual direction in one's life.  If one is in Nashville, TN and wants to go to Knoxville but finds himself on I-40 West headed toward Memphis, he must turn around and head in the opposite direction.  Spiritually, one must do this with reference to the direction of his/her life.  That is repentance.

 

CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST.  One must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37 [KJV]).

 

BE BAPTIZED FOR THE REMISSION OF SIN.  Christ made baptism a condition of salvation from sin.  He said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16a).  In the New Testament sinners were told, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin" (Acts 2:38).  Baptism is an immersion in water (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).  Those who have only been sprinkled or had water poured on them (either as infants or as adults) have not been scripturally baptized.  Those submitting to human substitutes for God's divine ordinance and those being immersed to "unite with the church" but not in order to receive the remission of their sins (or some biblically synonymous reason) need to make their calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10-11).

 

LIVE A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE.  Add to your life the Christian graces (II Peter 1:5-9).  Avoid the works of the flesh and manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).  Always abound in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58).  Be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

 

These are the divine actions that every accountable being must take in order to be saved from sin, enter into a right relationship with God, be added to the one church (body) of Christ, and maintain a right relationship with Him.  Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). If I can study with you and assist you in obeying the gospel of our Lord, please feel free to contact me by responding to this message via email.  I want all to understand and obey God's gracious plan of salvation.  Remember this: "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man given in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

 

Hugh Fulford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, September 27, 2019

Why Not?

Why Not?

Steve Higginbotham recalls: One day, my daughter and I were sitting outside of a bank waiting on my
wife, who was inside the bank, when an armored truck pulled up next to us. At the time, my daughter
was probably four or five years old, so I thought I'd have a little fun with her.

I explained to my daughter what an armored truck was, and then said, "I think I'm going to go over
there and bop one of those men on the head and take some of that money." My daughter immediately
told me that I shouldn't do that, so I asked her, "Why not?" While this conversation occurred more
than 25 years ago, I am still challenged by the profundity of my daughter's response. She said,
"Daddy, you can't take that money because that would make God sad."

I was floored! I expected her to say something like, "Daddy, you can't do that because you'll get
shot...get arrested...or go to jail," but she cut through all those pragmatic, lesser reasons and
offered the only one that really mattered, "Daddy, you can't do that because that would make God
sad."

I hope that for as long as I live, I will never forget her response, and I will allow her answer to
serve as a guide for all of my decisions. I hope the same for you, too.*

The bad news is that we've all made God sad by our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). At times, we may have been unconcerned as to how our thoughts and
actions affected God. At other times, we may have only stumbled. But, we've all sinned, and as a
result, we've broken the law and the heart of God.

Here's the Good News: God loves us anyway. He loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son to
die on the cross for our sins so that we can have the forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift
of eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:23).

God will forgive and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

Going forward, we will stumble along the way, and we'll make God sad again. But if we'll respond
with Godly sorrow and repent (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) and confess that sin to God, then the blood of
Jesus will cleanse us again (1 John 1:7-9).

I don't want to make God sad. I hope you don't either. Because God loves me so much that He would
give His Son to die for me, I don't want to disappoint Him anymore. Like Paul, I want to "make it
my aim to be well-pleasing to Him" (2 Corinthians 5:9). I know I will "miss the mark" from time to
time, but my aim is to please the One who gave His life for me.

It pleases God when we humble ourselves and come to Him for forgiveness. It pleases God when our
aim is to follow in the steps of Jesus.

Don't YOU want to please God by responding to His love in these ways?

-- David A. Sargent

* "The Only Reason that Matters" by Steve Higginbotham in MercyMail, September 19, 2019.

Friday, September 20, 2019

And What is Saving Faith Anyway, and Why does it Matter?

 

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:6-7

 

The person who takes God seriously must “believe that he exists” and also believe “that he rewards those who seek him.” What rewards?  Forgiveness of sins, righteousness and the gift of eternal life.

 

The rewards are only for those “who seek” God.

 

Noah “in reverent fear” constructed the ark that saved his household. His genuine faith was shown in his obedience when God told him to build the ark. His “reverent fear” was shown in his obedience.

 

Then the word says: “By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

 

The rest of the world didn’t follow Noah’s example of faith, and were condemned.

 

Those who have the kind of faith Noah had inherit the righteousness that comes by faith. Those who don’t will be condemned because of their unrighteousness, and there is not one righteous person without faith. Romans 3:10,23.

 

Saving faith and reverent fear go together.

 

Let’s examine another example – this time from the ministry of Jesus:

 

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:44-50

 

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”        “And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.””       “Your faith has saved you …”

 

This was no casual faith on the part of the prostitute. This was reverent fear. Deep respect. She loved Jesus.

 

Jesus could see into her heart, and saw she had the kind of faith that can be rewarded with divine forgiveness … that would inherit the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

God does not hand out forgiveness simply because of some casual, momentary, mental spasm that is often mistaken for real faith.

 

When the Philippian jailer asked what he must do to be saved, and Paul told him to believe on the Lord Jesus, the jailer needed to hear some of the gospel story about Jesus so that he had something solid to believe in.

Then they took him and baptized him the same hour of the night.

 

Noah hadn’t been baptized. The prostitute hadn’t been baptized. Why then was the jailer baptized?

 

Because after Jesus’ death and resurrection, baptism became the means whereby a sinner could in faith identify with that death and resurrection as the way to salvation. Before Jesus left the earth for heaven at the end of his ministry, he gave His requirements for salvation:

 

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

 

To confirm that this was what Jesus meant, although Jesus himself hadn’t baptized the prostitute at that salvation episode, the gospel message was accompanied by signs and wonders throughout the first century. See Mark 16:17-20; Acts 2:1-43; 5:12; 8:4-13; 10:22-48; 11:15-18. Every conversion in the Book of Acts

included baptism, along with repentance and faith. It was a salvation package!

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27.

There can be no salvation without the baptism of a penitent believer.

 

But let’s back up a bit and ask why faith is so important? What’s the point of faith? Why want it? A few minutes of reflection will convince most of us that there’s more to reality than what we can see. Where did it all come

from?

          A New Testament Scripture assures us that what is seen was not made out of what is seen. Hebrews 11:3. The universe did not create itself. Something or someone unseen created what can be seen.

          But because we can’t see the unseen creator, what gives us the conviction about the unseen? Faith does. Faith allows us to see the unseen because Jesus brought it all from His Father to produce faith in us.

 

At the other end of this we have the unseen future. We all hope for something better. But what we can see is all we’ve got, isn’t it? Without faith, yes! But the unseen creator has prepared a future for which we hope – a future that will never end. But is believing this credible? An excellent question!

 

Faith becomes convincing when we realize that Jesus came into our world from that unseen world to tell us all about it. Faith is not built on wishful thinking and maybes. Everything that depends on faith can be believed because Jesus was in a position to know the facts and produce faith in us.

 

·    I believe in God because of Jesus.

·    I believe in the hope of heaven because of Jesus.

·    I believe in salvation, forgiveness and eternal life with God because of Jesus.

·    Jesus brought the unseen to earth, proved it was real,

  and made it believable. John 5:19; 6:62-69; 8:24-28; 10:10,24-30; 12:44-50; 14:1-12; 16:27-28

 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

      9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.” John 14:1-11

 

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:24-38

 

But what if I don’t want any of this or am just not interested or I’m not smart enough to work it all out? The problem is that there is an unseen eternal reality that we will all face one day, whether or not we are interested.

 

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:18

 

Jesus said, “ … unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” John 8:24

 

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honour the Son, just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:21-29

 

No one’s forcing anyone to have faith in Jesus, but the consequences of rejecting Him, if true, are eternally horrendous, and why risk such a calamitous end to your life when evidence undergirding faith and the unseen is so convincing. Study John 19:30-20:-31 closely to see what we mean. What Jesus did is historically verifiable.

 

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