Pastor's Corner
5 Reasons Why Roman Catholicism Is Not Christian
—Dr. Ian R. K. Paisley. M.P. M.E.P.
Edited by Bishop, Bruce E. Varner
(Under the acronym TIARA, Dr. Paisley offers instances of 5 Roman Catholic usurpations that demonstrate that Romanism is not Christianity.) To usurp is to unjustly and wrongfully assume a position of power or authority or to arrogate to oneself someone else’s position of power and authority “illegally or by force." (OED)
T. I. A. R. A.
Trinity—Intermediation—Authority—Remission—Assurance.
“Take thou the tiara adorned with the Triple Crown and know that thou art the Father of Princes and of Kings, and art the Governor of the world.”
- Coronation Service of the Roman Pontiff.
ROMAN CATHOLICISM USURPS THE AUTHORITY AND NAMES THAT BELONG TO GOD ALONE.
1. The “Pope” usurps the authority and name of GOD, THE FATHER. The “Pope” is called by name or referred to in word or print as The Holy Father or Holy Father. According to the Bible, this is the unique name of God, The Father.
John 17:11, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”
Holy Father is the title and name reserved for God, the Father by the Lord Jesus Christ and the Scripture.
2. The “Pope” usurps the authority and name of GOD, THE SON. The “Pope” claims he is "The Head of the Church." According to the Bible, this authority and title belongs to Jesus Christ alone.
Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18, "And He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead that in all things He might have the preeminence."
3. The “Pope” usurps the authority and name of God, the Holy Spirit. The “Pope” claims he is "The Vicar of Christ." According to the Bible, this is the office of the Holy Spirit alone.
John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
The “Pope” even usurps the very name of God.
The New York Catechism calls the “Pope,” "…the arbiter of the world, the supreme judge of heaven and earth, the judge of all, being judged by no one, God himself on earth."
ROMAN CATHOLICISM USURPS THE SACRIFICE AND MINISTRY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The Bible states, "There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:5,6). The Lord Jesus Christ and the entire Godhead is involved in our salvation. However, Jesus Christ alone intervened and offered the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He became our only mediator. Roman Catholicism claims that their priests, as mediators, can also intervene between God and man and offer Jesus’ literal flesh and blood in sacrifice for sins. Their false claim usurps the singular mediation and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Roman Catholicism usurps the mediation of Christ by claiming that in the mass the priest can repeat the sacrifice of the cross, change the wafer and wine into the very body and very blood of Christ, and gain absolution for sins. It claims that the mass perpetuates the sacrifice of the cross (Eucharisticum Mysterium, Intro C, 1). Again, "In the sacrifice of the Mass our Lord is immolated" [killed as a victim] (bid, C, 2).
Christ said on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30). This means there is nothing left to do. Jesus Christ’s Atonement for sin was completed and there is no need for another mediator.
Hebrews 9:25-26, "Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
Hebrews 10:12, "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."
2. Roman Catholicism usurps the mediation of Christ by elevating Mary to the place of a mediatrix. John Paul II states that "in Mary is effected the reconciliation of God with humanity." (On Reconciliation and Penance, St. Paul Editions, p. 139).
No Christian can accept "The cult of the Blessed Virgin" (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium, VII para. 66). It is idolatrous and an insult to our Lord Jesus Christ.
ROMAN CATHOLICISM USURPS THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE THROUGH FALSE CLAIMS OF DIRECT EXTRA-BIBLICAL REVELATIONS FROM GOD (ORAL TRADITIONS OF ROMANISM) AND A DIVINELY APPOINTED ROMAN “MAGISTERIUM” (AN INFALLIBLE BODY OF TEACHERS).
Romanism has usurped the authority of the Bible by redefining “God’s Word” and claiming that extra-biblical sources are also “God’s Word.”
The Roman Catholic church claims that it is the only organization that can define what is and what is not “God’s Word.” The Church of Rome can never establish its convenient claims of being the only Divine illuminator and preserver of God's Word and the ultimate possessor and teacher of truth. But this is characteristic of Roman propaganda. Rome publishes marvelous, unsubstantiated claims, while hurling curses and charges of heresy on anyone who rejects them.
Rome’s usurpation of the Bible as “God’s Word” exclusively is evident by its many additions to it.
The command and warning of God is crystal clear that the Bible must not be added to.
Deuteronomy 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
Deuteronomy 12:32, "What thing so ever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it."
Proverbs 30:6, "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
Jeremiah 23:28, "He that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully."
Revelation 22:18, "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book."
1. Rome adds to God's Word by adding more books to the Canonical Scriptures, known as apocryphal books (or writings). These books were never received by the Jewish Church (Romans 3:2); they were never quoted by Christ; they were rejected by the Christian Fathers; and they are not written in the Hebrew language. They are no part of Jewish Hebrew Scripture; yet, they were added to the Canon of Rome’s Bible.
2. Rome also adds alleged apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions (oral stories and oral teachings) to the Bible. Rome’s oral tradition is alleged to have evolved into written tradition, but this is more folklore and fable. Rome's stories of extra-biblical revelations or extra-biblical oral traditions are like those of the Mormons and Joseph Smith; myth, legend, and fable.
New Testament truths were committed to writing and preserved for the generations to come by the Holy Spirit. We believe this as Christians and claim to have these writings preserved for us in the New Testament. Nothing can be added to these Scriptures. I Think the Holy Spirit of God would know that a written instrument would better preserve the truth than “oral tradition.” The unreliability of oral tradition is exposed in John 21:22,23 and several other places in the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 15:3, 6, 9, Christ warned against tradition and stated, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Thus, have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
3. Rome also adds dogmatic interpretations to the Bible. Allegedly, only Romanism has the correct interpretation. Rome’s adherents must only read and understand the Scriptures as interpreted by Romanist teachers. They allege that all interpretations must be in harmony with the unanimous consent of the “church fathers.”
4. Rome also adds the pronouncements of church councils, credal statements, holydays, rituals, offices, titles, terms, and a myriad of Canon Laws to the Bible.
5. Rome stands out as a self-incriminated liar (see Proverbs 30:6, above) and as a target of the judgments of Almighty God by her deliberate adding to the Holy Scriptures of Truth.
ROMAN CATHOLICISM USURPS THE BLESSINGS OF DIVINE ETERNAL FORGIVENESS BY CLAIMING THIS POWER FOR ITSELF AND ITS PRIESTS.
John Paul II states, "It would be foolish and presumptuous ... to claim to receive forgiveness while doing without the sacrament" of penance (On Reconciliation and Penance p.15).
He further insists that the individual confession to a priest to receive absolution from him "constitutes the only ordinary way in which the faithful who are conscious of serious sin are reconciled to God." (Ibid, p. 32).
The Bible shows us that the way to true and permanent remission of sins is clearly contrary to that of the way of Popes, earthly priests, absolutions, and penances:
Psalm 32:5, I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The Lord Jesus never put any earthly priest between Himself and the sinner.
ROME USURPS THE CERTAINTY OF SALVATION BASED UPON THE FINISHED WORK OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND MAKES SALVATION DEPENDENT ON SACRAMENTS, THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND GOOD WORKS.
Rome has put its curse on the Bible way of salvation. "If any man says that it is by the righteousness of Christ itself that men are formally justified - let him be accursed" (Council of Trent, Session 6, Canon 10).
"Sins must be expiated. This must be done in this earth through the sorrows, miseries, and trials of this life and above all through death. Otherwise, the expiation must be made in the next life through fire and torments of purifying punishments" (Indulgentiarum Doctrinal, 1 para. 2).
Rome removes all assurance and certainty that a sinner can have eternal life and know it by implying that faith in Christ Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for salvation is insufficient by itself.
The Bible paints for us a very different picture in the simplest and most sublime of verses,
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 3:22, Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Colossians 1:14, In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Romans 5:9, "Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
Purgatory is not found in the Bible. There is no future wrath for justified sinners.
You can be saved right now and have full assurance of faith that you have eternal life. You require no priest but Christ alone (Hebrews 4:15). You require no sacrifice but Christ alone (John 1:29). You require no mediator but Christ alone (1 Timothy 2:5).
Rome’s "good news" (gospel) points you to Purgatory–a fictitious gospel and a fictitious place where human suffering atones for sin. Whereas the Lord Jesus Christ's good news (gospel) points you to Heaven and Eternity based on simple faith in Himself and His completed Atonement for all sin, sins, and sinners.
Remember what Peter said in Acts 4:17:
"Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Be warned! Rome's Catholicism is not Christian. Repent and believe the gospel. Here’s how.
This message was adapted from the tract of Ian Paisley's entitled, 5 Reasons Why Roman Catholicism Is Not Christian.
Atheism is a belief system. There are no unbelievers in the world. You will die a believer in one thing or another. Repent and believe the gospel.
10 Reasons Why I Am Not an Atheist
1. Atheism requires too much faith.
Which requires more faith, to believe that God created or that matter created?
2. Atheism is not reasonable.
Does disorder produce order? Does uncontrolled and undirected energy produce control and direction?
3. Atheism implies amorality.
Belief that there is “no God” removes the basis for the standard of right and wrong, good and evil, and it implies there is no one to whom anyone will give account. It implies that there are no standards of conduct and no one to whom man will be accountable.
4. Atheism offers no benefits.
Heaven, forgiveness, relief from sorrow, purpose for suffering, eternal life and new heavens and earth are all benefits that are erased by Atheism.
5. Atheism is “unscientific.”
The propositions that there is no God and that God didn’t create and come to redeem man are “unfalsifiable.” (“Unfalsifiable” is a “ten dollar” word and litmus test of “Science.”)
6. Atheism is a “crutch.”
Atheism assures its adherents that there is no sin, no judgment by God, no eternal guilt, no Heaven and no Hell. This is a comfort and “crutch” to an impenitent sinner.
7. Atheism postulates the improbable.
The possibility that man spontaneously developed over billions of years is highly improbable.
8. Atheism assumes the impossible.
The assumption that life spontaneously generated out of inanimate matter is forced upon the Atheist. Unless, they speculate that life came from “aliens.”
9. Atheism “deifies” matter.
In the beginning God created is simply altered to in the beginning matter created. This belief raises matter to the level of “God.”
10. Atheism destroys human hope.
Atheism removes the hope of Heaven, forgiveness, relief from sorrow, purpose for suffering, eternal life and the new heavens and earth. Life is then reduced to purposelessness and ultimately suffering.
No thanks. I’ll take Jesus and the Bible any day.
Repent and believe the gospel.
WHY WE BELIEVE THE KING JAMES BIBLE IS THE PRESERVED WORD OF GOD.
(This is a preaching outline; not a doctoral dissertation. The notes underneath are not complete.)
1. BECAUSE OF THE GEOGRAPHIC ANCESTRY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· The Bible book of the Acts identifies Asia Minor and Antioch as the geographic centers of New Testament Christianity.
· There are primarily two lines of Bibles. One stems from Antioch and Asia Minor (the line underlying the King James Bible) and the second stems from Alexandria, Egypt (the line underlying all Catholic and new versions).
· Antioch (Asia Minor, N.T. Christian focal points)
· Alexandria (Egypt, Focal point of Apostate Greeks and Jews)
2. BECAUSE OF THE ANTIQUITY OF THE READINGS OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· The King James readings are historically found much earlier than the alternative readings.
· AV readings - Greek, Latin, Syriac, 150 AD
· New Version readings - Traced primarily to Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, or Alexandrinus 350 AD. The claim that the “oldest manuscripts” support such and such a change is misleading at best and at worst it’s false.
3. BECAUSE OF THE QUANTITY OF MANUSCRIPTS THAT VERIFY THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· 95-98% of 5,300 manuscripts witnesses support, agree, and corroborate the AV 1611
· 2-5% of 5,300 manuscript witnesses are antagonistic to AV readings
4. BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY OF EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· Manuscripts, lectionaries, translations, quotations, inscriptions
· Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, and Alexandrinus are the primary sources for the alternate readings
5. BECAUSE OF THE HISTORICAL CONTINUITY OF THE SUPPORTING EVIDENCES OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· There are more consistent and continuous witnesses to AV readings than the readings of New Versions.
· Vaticanus 350 AD, ------Gap------, 1881 English RV, 1901 American ASV.
6. BECAUSE OF THE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· Asia Minor, Waldenses, Albigenses, Paulicians, etc., associated with AV readings
· Roman Catholicism, Apostate Modernism, Theological Liberalism, etc., associated with New Version or alternate readings.
7. BECAUSE OF THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· Translated during a time when people were burned alive for “translating,” a time when translation was needed, a time when translation helped the body of Christ
· New Versions translated during a time when wealth and position are offered for translating, a time when translation is not needed, a time when translation is hurting the body of Christ. New versions are not dividing the Roman Catholic church; they are however, dividing the body of Christ.
8. BECAUSE OF THE CHARACTER OF THE TRANSLATORS OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· Humble, confessed that they were poor instruments, Honest (used italics when additional words were required), different level of integrity in the translators of the AV.
· Proud, over-confident, falsely claim textual “advancements,” no acknowledgement when words are added to their translations, etc..
9. BECAUSE OF THE ABILITY OF THE TRANSLATORS OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· AV Bible translators had superior education, abilities and principles (Scholarship based, Separation, Non-Romanist)
· New Version translators reflect inferior education, abilities and principles (Politically based, ecumenical, pro-Catholic)
10. BECAUSE OF THE METHOD OF TRANSLATION USED TO PRODUCE THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· AV used voluminous committees and translators, consulted previous versions and language sources, used checks, and balances and aimed for formal equivalence
· New Versions used an assumed corrective view and approach
11. BECAUSE OF THE HONESTY OF THE TRANSLATION COMMITTEE OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· AV translation was public, open, upright, clear, and openly Protestant
· RSV 1881-4, ASV 1901, Was clandestine, covert, dishonest, underhanded, subversive, Roman Catholic
12. BECAUSE OF THE UNITED OPPOSITION TO THE KING JAMES BIBLE.
· Relativists, Atheists, Humanists, Skeptics, Infidels, Agnostics, Criminals, Roman Catholic Hierarchy all claim the AV Bible is not the very preserved word and words of God.
· I wouldn't trust these people with any decision that involved the words of God. Would you?
10 Reasons Why Bible Believers Reject the Apocryphal Books (writings) of Romanism (Tobit, Judith, I and II Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch)
In 1546, the third session of the Roman Catholic Council of Trent canonized 7 apocryphal books as holy and inspired Scriptures and added them to the Roman Catholic Old Testament Canon. Additionally, the council cursed anyone who did not accept their decision about these spurious apocryphal writings. The Roman Catholic Church did give the world a Bible, but it is a Bible that contains writings and statements of dubious authenticity.
Here are 10 reasons why you should reject Rome’s decision regarding the Apocrypha.
1. The apocryphal books were never acknowledged, referenced, alluded to, or quoted by the Lord Jesus Christ or the Apostles. The Lord Jesus Christ defined the three sections of the Jewish Scriptures and their content making reference to each section and to many individual books but He made no reference to any of the 7 spurious writings endorsed by the Council of Trent (Tobit, Judith, I and II Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch).
2. The apocryphal books were never acknowledged, referenced, alluded to, or quoted by any New Testament author. Not one author of the Bible, Old Testament or New Testament, makes reference to, quotes, acknowledges, or alludes to any of the Council of Trent's spurious writings (see list above).
3. The apocryphal books are rejected and excluded from the Hebrew Masoretic Scriptures by orthodox Jews. If anyone would know what books comprised the Jewish Scriptures, the Jewish people would.
4. The apocryphal books were not written in the Hebrew language. The New Testament Scripture, ironically, the Book of Romans, states emphatically that the oracles of God were entrusted to the Jews (Romans 3:1). The language of the Jewish people and Scriptures was clearly and definitively Hebrew. However, none of these 7 apocryphal books were written in the Hebrew language.
5. The apocryphal books (if they existed at the time) were never accepted or acknowledged as Scripture by the early Jewish believers and church (the Hebrew church). If these books existed when they claim to have existed and were authentic, then surely there would be some acknowledgment by Jewish believers, but this is not the case. Early Jewish believers never made any reference to or acknowledgement of these apocryphal books.
6. None of the apocryphal books were found in any Bible manuscripts before the fourth century (350 AD) Vaticanus (Codex B) Manuscript. These books are called Apocrypha and described as apocryphal because they are of dubious authenticity. Yet, the Roman Catholic Church declared these books Holy Scripture and added them to their Bible cursing everyone who didn't accept them. Bear in mind there is no evidence that the Lord Jesus Christ ever acknowledged or accepted these alleged writings. Could the Roman Catholic Church be the only professing Christian organization that has officially cursed the Lord Jesus Christ?
7. The apocryphal books were first imposed upon the local churches by Emperor Constantine in approximately 350 AD. using the work of Origin (Hexapla) and Eusebius. Vaticanus is believed to be one of the 50 Roman Catholic bibles that Constantine ordered to be kept in churches (approximately 350 AD). The mythological BC Septuagint is accepted by tradition and exists only in Origin’s Hexapla (185-253 AD).
8. The apocryphal books contain the anti-Biblical teachings of prayers for the dead, sinless perfection, and purgatory. If these books were authentic, wouldn't you expect them to harmonize with the teachings of the Old and New Testament Scriptures?
9. The apocryphal books justify the immoral actions of lying and assassination. These are two conducts that from the time of Damasus have been associated with Roman Catholicism and the Roman Bishopric in particular. Could this simply be a coincidence? Might the Roman Catholic system manufacture a source that justified deception and assassination in light of the conduct of Damasus? Note: When investigating Damasus, don't just use pro-Catholic sources. This is a dilemma for Catholics and why many of them will never find the truth; they are forbidden to use sources not approved by their "Magisterium" (ten-dollar word for Rome's teaching hierarchy).
10. The apocryphal books (writings) were officially added to the Roman Catholic Version of the Old Testament Canon in the third session of the Council of Trent in 1546. The Roman hierarchy didn't officially declare these books were Scripture and curse anyone and everyone not accepting their decision until 1546. That's about 2000 years too late. The Hebrew Canon of the Jewish Scriptures, what we New Testament believers call the Old Testament, was completed approximately 500 years before Christ was born.
This is one way that Roman Catholicism perpetuates itself. Rome simply makes unsubstantiated statements and then pronounces a curse on anyone who disagrees with them. While Rome’s curses go unheeded by the average non-Catholic person, Roman Catholic adherents are captured and held hostage by these pronouncements.
Reader, there has always been a Bible version issue. From the time of Paul onward there has been an authentic line of Bible transmission and a counterfeit and corrupted line of Bible transmission (II Corinthians 2:17 and 4:1,2). Rome did give the world a Bible (see Constantine and Damasus), but it was a corrupt Bible (See Vaticanus, Codex B and Jerome’s Latin Vulgate). The version of the Bible and Canon that Rome gave to mankind contains dubious additions that teach doctrines that are not found in the Authorized (King James) Version.
What Bible do you believe? And why do you believe it?
Lost sinner. Repent and believe the gospel. Here’s how.
The Greatest Act of Repentance Possible
Mark 1:15, "...REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel."
The greatest act of repentance possible is not to undergo moral reformation. For many of us who were saved as adults, moral reformation is certainly necessary to live and demonstrate a separated Christian life, but it is not the greatest and most necessary act of repentance possible. The greatest act of repentance possible is for a sinner to place or exercise faith in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In doing so the sinner repents of the root sins that defile and distort mankind. Paul said, "...with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness" and no human philosophy or opinion can change or improve that statement. To believe the gospel of Jesus Christ with the heart is the greatest act of repentance possible. Here's why.
1. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sin of self-will (John 20:25: John 5:40). God commands man to believe the gospel. The will must yield to God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Will that is in opposition to God’s will is root sin; it is the root sin of the devil (Isaiah 14:12-15).
2. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sin of pride (Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 28:25).The gospel strikes the pride of humanity by declaring that man is unable to save, morally clean, or redeem himself. Pride is another root sin. Pride was one of the root sins of Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49).
3. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sins of rebellion and stubbornness (I Samuel 15:23; John 12:48; Deuteronomy 9:23). Rebellion and stubbornness were at the root of Saul’s rejection of God’s word. Rejection of God’s words is the root of unbelief (see John 12:44,48), so rebellion and stubbornness are the root sins of unbelief. These sins are equated with two of the most satanic sins listed in Scripture: witchcraft and idolatry. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sins of rebellion and stubbornness.
4. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sin of disobedience (I John 3:23; II Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 10:16; 16:26). It is a clear command of God for man to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. When man believes on Christ Jesus, he is exercising obedience to this command. Disobedience is THE root sin of mankind (Romans 5:19).
5. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sin of ignorance of the True God (Acts 17:29, 30; II Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 1:19, 20). In the Scriptures, man is accountable for THIS ignorance and God commands a person to repent of it. When man accepts and believes on Jesus Christ, he is repenting of this ignorance.
6. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the sin of dishonesty (see II Corinthians 4:2; II Timothy 2:25). In the Bible, the acknowledgement of the truth is an act of repentance. Believing the gospel is an act of honesty and it is a repentance from dishonesty. Dishonesty is a root sin of Satan (John 8:44).
7. By believing the Gospel a person repents of the most hideous sin in the universe—the sin of unbelief (Romans 10:10). Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only action that can produce true “righteousness” in an individual’s life (Romans 10:10); conversely, unbelief is the spring, fount, and flood of all sin and wickedness (John 16:9). By believing the Gospel, a person repents of the vilest sin of all, the sin of unbelief.
Note: Acts 20:21; and Mark 1:15 are not step one, step two "programs." Compare Scripture and learn that the conjunction "and" is often used to join phrases that describe different aspects of the same subject (see Mark 1:15; II Samuel 23:1; James 1:27; Titus 2:13; Joshua 7:11, etc.). In other words, "repentance toward God," and "faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" could be two parallel descriptions of the same action. And "believing the gospel" could be the "repentance" called for in Mark 1:15 (see Acts 19:14). From the completed revelation of the New Testament, we know these two possible readings are correct; for New Testament salvation (justification) is contingent upon faith alone (Romans 5:1).
We know from the completed New Testament that salvation is "by grace through faith" (a single action or condition, see Acts 16:30, 31; Romans 4,5, and 10). Thus, we can Scripturally conclude, that in the context of the Gospel, "faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," is "repentance toward God."
Faith in Christ Jesus, or faith in the Gospel (Romans 1;16) is the greatest act of repentance that man can render.
"...REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel."
10 Reasons Why You Should Not Use Alcohol
Deuteronomy 32:33, Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
Isaiah 28:7, But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
Proverbs 20:1, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Habakkuk 2:15, Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him....
1. Alcohol is a drug.
Ethanol is listed as a psychoactive drug. A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance that crosses the blood–brain barrier and acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it affects brain function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and/or behavior. Lupulin is an additional psychoactive drug found in beer. Lupulin is a hypnotic and sedative.
• Most psychoactive drugs are controlled substances in the United States because of their potential for abuse.
• Most psychoactive drugs are issued by prescription of a Medical Doctor.
• Alcohol alters mood, perception, consciousness, cognition, and behavior and creates euphoria.
• Ethanol and Lupulin can be powdered and ingested in capsules, absorbed through the nasal membrane ("snorted"), they can also be injected intravenously, or smoked.
• Alcohol's first listed effect is creating a feeling of happiness. This feeling of happiness creates other subtle, psychological changes (feelings of confidence, friendliness, and talkativeness). A person's feeling of alcohol-happiness is artificial and temporary.
• Alcohol is listed as a depressant drug but by altering dosage it can act as a stimulant or a narcotic. It possesses some of the characteristics of a sedative, a hypnotic, an analgesic and a narcotic.
• Alcohol is not a harmless substance it is a powerful mind altering, psychoactive drug. (Ethanol, Lupulin)
2. Alcohol is addictive.
Most psychoactive drugs are illegal to use without a prescription and Doctor's supervision because they are highly addictive. Ethanol and Lupulin are both addictive drugs.
• Alcohol is psychologically addictive. This is a very subtle and dangerous form of addiction. Drinkers unconsciously become dependent on the psychological changes that Alcohol produces (feelings of happiness, sense of well-being, confidence, friendliness, talkativeness).
• Alcohol creates an emotional addiction by altering mood and creating euphoria. The sales gimmick of Bars and Restaurant-bars is to advertise "Happy Hour." Literally hundreds and thousands of people are emotionally addicted to the false "happiness" that is the initial effect of Alcohol.
• Alcohol is physically addictive. In time the body becomes accustomed to metabolizing Alcohol and becomes dependent upon it. Like other drugs, the amount ingested in order to achieve the desired result continually has to increase. This gradually creates a physical addiction.
3. Alcohol is damaging.
• Alcohol damages brain cells, the liver, stomach, esophagus, lungs, and heart.
• Through the blood stream, Alcohol reaches every system of the body.
• Alcohol is physically damaging, emotionally damaging, and psychologically damaging.
• Alcohol is damaging through the addictions it creates.
4. Alcohol is costly.
Billions of dollars are spent each year on:
Alcohol itself (Fathers and mothers spending hundreds of dollars a month on booze that could provide children's clothing, medicine, food, etc.)
• Lost time at work
• Unemployment (People losing job because of Alcohol use)
• Sicknesses (STD)
• Law enforcement costs
• Deaths, and physical injuries
• Medical costs
• Insurance premiums
• Auto accidents, DWI, DUI
• Legal fines
• Jail
5. Alcohol is dangerous.
There is a risk involved in every single drink consumed because Alcohol impairs and distorts judgment and perception, lowers inhibitions, and slows reaction time. These effects can result in:
• Violence
• Crime
• Automobile accidents and fatalities
• Aberrant sexual and other irrational behavior
• Adultery, fornication
• Birth defects
6. Alcohol is degenerative.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions; silences the conscience; impairs judgment; slows response.
Through Alcohol people can be enticed into:
• Adultery, fornication
• Crime
• Other drug use
• Violence
• Deception
• Aberrant sexual and other irrational behavior
7. Alcohol is wasteful.
Through Alcohol use and abuse people waste their:
• Youth
• Virtue
• Future
• Fortunes
• Health
8. Alcohol is unnecessary.
• There are ways to be happy without drinking.
• There are ways to feel friendly without drinking.
• There are ways to have a good time without drinking.
• There are ways to socialize without drinking.
• Social drinking, moderate drinking, and recreational drinking are all ADDICTIONS. Drinkers cannot have a good time or enjoy themselves or their company without Alcohol.
• These are addictions that make millions of dollars for special interest groups, so they are socially acceptable and politically correct.
• The more you use Alcohol to "break the ice"; the more you'll need to use Alcohol to break the ice.
• The more you use Alcohol at "Happy Hour"; the more you'll need Alcohol at "Happy Hour."
• The more you use Alcohol because of the confidence it gives you; the more you will need Alcohol to be confident.
• Alcohol makes dependents. It creates dependencies that are unrealized or denied.
10. Alcohol is deadly.
(Poisons body, Proverbs 23:32) When enough Alcohol is ingested, the human body shuts down and dies. You should not drink a drop of this poison.
At the following blood-alcohol levels death occurs:
• BAC .35 some people die
• BAC .40 more people die
• BAC .80 everyone dies
Add this information to the multiplied deaths due to Alcohol-related auto accidents, murders, rapes, and crimes and it becomes obvious that you should not drink Alcohol.
Are you addicted? Jesus Christ Saves Sinners. He saved me from a life of wasted Alcohol-years. He can do the same for you.
Eternal life is a free gift. Please read the following tract and accept Jesus Christ. He can deliver you from the world's most dangerous drug - Alcohol.
Physicians of No Value!
The Bible book of Job, chapter 13, verse 4, reads, "But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value."
This verse has particular application to Science, Religion, and Education. These are just three of the many false gods of Americans.
The Bible says, "...It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment...." Hebrews 9:27
It is a fact that you will die, and according to the Bible it is a fact that you will face the judgment of God. The Bible has charged you with "sin" and "sins." It is a fact that you will be found guilty as charged.
· Science will not be able to help you.
· Religion will not be able to help you.
· Education will not be able to help you.
ONLY The Lord Jesus Christ CAN HELP YOU. HE CAN PARDON YOU, NOW. NOW, HE CAN DISMISS ALL CHARGES because He has already been tried for your offences and executed in your place. Jesus Christ has satisfied the law of God on your behalf and rose from the dead. He can do this simply because He is God.
He doesn't ask you to kill anybody for Him; He doesn't ask you to join any group; He doesn't ask you for a dime or dollar; He simply asks you to TRUST HIM and to BELIEVE HIS WORDS. On the cross He said, "It is finished."
What is left for you to do? Call on His Name, NOW! Plead guilty to Him, NOW! Ask Jesus Christ to save you from the Judgment, NOW! This is repentance. Repent, NOW!
Eternity incarcerated in Hell fire will be the real "hard-time" and it will be too late to do anything about your condition then. There is no place of temporary punishment called "Purgatory," and there are no "priests," "payments," or "prayers of saints" that will help you, either now or after you die. You must repent now. You must trust in Jesus Christ now. No one can do this for you. Salvation is your choice and your decision.
Jesus Christ PAID FOR ALL SIN, SINS, AND SINNERS. That includes you and me.
Won't you call upon (ask in faith and prayer) Jesus Christ to save you, NOW? Please receive Christ today.
Jesus Christ is alive and can save you right now.
Don't follow these three physicians of no value: Science, Religion, and Education. They will lead you to the eternal "reaper" of souls depicted here. He is holding a clock awaiting your time.
Man sees himself AS HE ISN’T
Man lies to himself and then believes the lie.
The lies of Intellectualism are endless: We're objective, We're critical thinkers, We're rational, We're "scientific," We're REALISTS, We're factual, We're unbiased, We're empirical, We're honest, We're thorough, We don't need the "crutch of faith," We don't force what we believe on others, etc. Most "Intellectuals" don't possess enough intellectual honesty to publicly admit their own beliefs and belief systems. (Evolution, Atheism, Agnosticism, and Humanism are all BELIEF SYSTEMS.)
Every intellectual has his or her own "apostles," authoritative writings, "churches" (bars, therapy groups," societies," "associations," college campuses), and beliefs. But man will not admit this. He continues to lie to himself. He continues to see himself as "he isn't."
The Bible says, "...There is NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE: There is NONE THAT UNDERSTANDETH, there is NONE THAT SEEKETH AFTER GOD. They are ALL GONE OUT OF THE WAY, THEY ARE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; there is NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE." (Romans 3:10-12)
1. Man sees himself as RIGHT; God sees that man is WRONG (See above).
2. Man sees himself as UNDERSTANDING; God sees that man is IGNORANT.
3. Man sees himself as GOD SEEKING; God sees that man is SELF-SEEKING.
4. Man sees himself as ON THE RIGHT PATH; God sees that man is "OUT OF THE WAY."
5. Man sees himself as DOING GOOD; God sees that there are "NONE THAT DOETH GOOD."
6. Man sees himself as "GOOD"; Jesus said, "There is NONE GOOD BUT...GOD" (Mark 10:18).
7. Man sees himself as RELIGIOUS; God sees that man "MUST BE SAVED" (Romans 10:1-13).
Jesus came to SAVE US, because Man needs to be saved!
People have misunderstood their true condition. Diagnosis is part of healing. A person will not seek a remedy for a condition that he/she doesn't know exists. Someone must tell you your true condition. This is what Jesus Christ did. This is why Jesus Christ was rejected, hated, and crucified (John 7:7).
Religion tells people that they are or can be "good enough"; in contrast, Jesus told people that their true condition was spiritually and morally lost and condemned, and that only "faith" in Him could save them (John 3:16-18).
People reject the Bible view of man because it is negative. They comfort themselves by accepting their own view to their own destruction. Man sees himself AS HE ISN'T!
How about you? Will you repent (take your place as a sinner in need of the Saviour) and call upon Jesus Christ right now, in faith asking Him to save you? Jesus will SAVE YOU, but you must first see yourself AS YOU ARE.
The Fool's Pursuit
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
1. Man pursues fortune.
2. Man pursues attention.
3. Man pursues popularity.
4. Man pursues pleasure.
5. Man pursues power.
6. Man pursues the success of this world and loses his soul.
The cost of this world’s “riches” are all extremely high. You may gain wealth, attention, popularity, respect, security, accomplishment, power, earthly knowledge, success, and satisfaction, and in the process lose your soul. Choose carefully. Eternity is always sacraficed upon the altar of the immediate and temporal.
Would you like to know that your sins are forgiven and that God has given you eternal life?
The Offensive Book
Examine the Holy Scriptures closely and you will see that although God’s offer of forgiveness of sins and eternal life is free and simple, it is also very offensive to mankind. God’s offer is offensive to human pride, intellect, will, morality, self-esteem, self-righteousness, self-image, and religion. Persons of philosophy, theology, science, business, psychology, psychiatry, religion, government, and education find the offer offensive (Galatians 5:11; I Peter 2:6-8) for the following reasons:
1. The Bible asserts that all men and women are morally ruined, and filthy (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-12; Ecclesiastes 7:10; Psalm 53:3).
2. The Bible asserts that all men and women are condemned sinners and need to be “saved”—forgiven and given eternal life (Romans 3:19, 5:18; John 3:16-21, 36).
3. The Bible asserts that all persons are completely incapable of meriting or earning mercy, forgiveness, or eternal life (John 10:27-29, 17:2; Romans 3:10-23, 10:1-4; I Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 7:25).
4. The Bible asserts that unless Jesus “saves” a soul, that soul will be damned forever in a lake of fire (Revelation 20:15, 21:8; II Thessalonians 1:8,9).
5. The Bible asserts that man’s religion is corrupted and incapable of helping him (Matthew 23:9; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:11; Titus 3:5; Philippians 2:1-9; Romans 10:1-4). Historically, man’s religion has been used for enslavement, manipulation, oppression, thievery, persecution, and the subversion of governments. It is laden with hypocrisy, murder, and war.
6. The Bible asserts that every person is mentally fallen—human thoughts and thought processes are corrupted and alienated from God and must repent and yield to the Holy Spirit of God (Colossians 1:21; II Timothy 3:7, 2:24-26; I Timothy 2:4; I Corinthians 2:11,14; John 15:26,27, 16:7,8).
7. The Bible asserts that Jesus Christ must do for man what man cannot do for himself; that man is helpless and needs a Savior (Hebrews 10:10-12; I Peter 2:21, 3:18; I John 2:2, 4:8,9; Romans 5:6).
8. The Bible asserts that man’s salvation is completely dependent upon the work, authority, mercy, and pardon of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:11-12, 3:16-18, 8:24, 14:6).
9. The Bible asserts that every person must repent—acknowledge his/her ruined condition, believe the Gospel, and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation—or perish (I Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 10:9-13).
For these and other reasons, God’s offer is offensive to mankind. People are unwilling to see themselves as the Bible describes us—sinful, ruined, guilty, condemned, helpless, weak, incapable, needy, and completely dependent. This is just too humiliating and humbling. Simply put, people reject the free offer of forgiveness of sins and eternal life because in order to accept God’s offer and to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior, they must first acknowledge that they are ruined, guilty, condemned, hell-bound sinners, and that ONLY Jesus Christ is able to forgive them and give them eternal life—“save” them. This is an act of repentance and the sinful, deceitful, religious, and rebellious heart of man finds this too offensive and refuses God’s offer (Romans 10:1-4). How about you? Does the Bible offend you? Or will you repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Will you bow before Jesus Christ right now and in prayer to Him ask Him to save your soul? The Bible assures you that, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus) shall be saved" (Romans 10:9-17). Please call on Him NOW.
10 Reasons Why Contemporary Man No Longer Believes in Hell Fire
Contemporary man no longer believes in hell fire because of :
1. A prejudiced mind. The mind is unable to form any correct judgment on the subject of hell when the Bible has been prejudicially disqualified, disregarded, and rejected.
2. Ignorance of the Bible (AV 1611). A person who does not read the Bible cannot know what it says about hell and is therefore incapable of making an intelligent decision regarding it.
3. Negligent preachers. Modernistic liberal Preachers have ceased to proclaim the truth about hell and the fact that Jesus Christ came to save souls from it.
4. False teaching on hell. Some teachers have declared hell is only temporary, symbolic, or imaginary. Others have taught it is death or annihilation. The Bible doctrine of a real, burning hell has not been taught to contemporary man (Deuteronomy 32:22; Mark 9:42-48).
5. Failure to realize the enormity of sin. The root of human sin is a pitting of the intellect, judgment, and will against the Holy and Righteous God. It is a mistrust and accusation against God who possesses perfect and complete knowledge and judgment. Our minds are clearly finite, yet we assume we have a better understanding and judgment than God (Genesis 3:4-6). Sin is the detesting of God; the turning of the mind and heart against God in suspicion, hatred, and repulsion (Deuteronomy 7:9,10). This is what defiled the universe, ignited the flames of hell, and brought war, famine, disease, death, and damnation to man. There must be a hell to separate sin and its effects from the New Heavens and Earth.
6. Underestimating the destructive power of a fallen soul. To many minds, man is insignificant and harmless in comparison to God and the vast universe, and they ask: Why would God send man to hell? These people have rejected or ignored the Bible revelation of man (Psalm 8). At death the soul departs from the body (Genesis 35:18) and takes its literal spirit form (Revelation 6:9,10). What if an unsaved human soul is transformed at the moment of death into an indestructible, uncontrollable, raging, hateful, fallen angel (Matthew 25:41)? What if this fallen angel or demoniac human soul has the potential to enter and exit the interior of the earth (Revelation 9:1,2), and to travel throughout the first and second heaven to make war with God (Revelation 12:7; 17:14; 19:19)? Or what if lost souls eventually take demoniac form like the forms of the creatures mentioned in Revelation 9:7-11 or Revelation 9:17-19? What if these fallen beings can only be subdued and contained by eternal fire (Jude 1:7; Exodus 24:7; Daniel 7:9-11; Isaiah 14:9-10; I Timothy 6:15,16; Hebrews 12:29)? The human mind that rejects the Bible has no light wherewith to comprehend the destructive power of the fallen, demoniac soul of man.
7. Misunderstanding eternity. Why does an unsaved soul perish in hell forever? According to the Bible, the disposition of condemned souls does not change in eternity; in hell, they reject truth and will not repent (Luke 16:23-31), just as they did on earth (Revelation 9:1-21). If a soul were ever freed from hell it would attempt to incite rebellion against God and defile the universe (Revelation 20: 7,8; John 8: 44). God’s Holiness endures forever, sinful beings endure forever; therefore, God must subdue and confine sinful beings forever. A fallen soul in hell fire will be in a conscious state of burning FOREVER because of the hideous perpetual nature of its own sin against TRUTH and GOD.
8. Misconception of God. The human mind, without the aid of Bible truth, cannot conceive of a God who would put man’s soul in hell. They ask: Why would God do such a thing? Yet man understands the need to incarcerate hardened criminals in order to protect society. A man who loves the purity of his wife or daughter will do all that is within his power to protect them. So it is with God. His love and holiness demand that he protect his children; so when there is no longer any hope of redeeming any of his creatures, he will judge and confine the fallen angels, and the devil, and the lost (Isaiah 24:20-23; Revelation 20:10-15), in hell fire. In so doing he will protect his children and “the new heavens and earth” from sin (Isaiah 66:22-24). Rebel souls and “the devil and his angels” will never again defile or harm anyone.
9. Pride of intellect. People will not yield to the truth of the Bible. Humanity is proud of its accomplishments and knowledge. People are proud of their learning. It is very difficult for them to admit that they are wrong and Jesus Christ is right, but this is what God requires. It is called repentance and a person must turn from their unbelief and subjective opinion to God or perish. An unbelieving, self-inflated, impenitent sinner cannot be tolerated in Eternity. Admit that you are a fallen, sinful creature and turn to God (Isaiah 1:18).
10. Self-deception. Many people have presumed that there COULDN'T be a place like hell and they willingly follow, believe, and trust the word of anyone that will assure them that there isn't one. Self-deception and denial are mental defenses used to exclude the Bible from the mind. Yet the same Bible that warns of hell fire also assures man that, “…the Lord ...is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Jesus died for your sins in order to SAVE you from hell fire. Why not repent and believe now?
Jesus Christ died to save you from hell. Please read the following tract and receive Jesus Christ.
Refuge of Lies
“Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” (Isaiah 28:17)
Unsaved people lie to themselves. They build a refuge of lies and hide themselves.
They tell themselves they are:
1. Moral (good)
2. Honest
3. Sincere
4. Friendly
5. Kind
6. Broad-minded
7. A baptized church member
8. Or an unbeliever
These perceptions give people a sense of security. “Religious” or “non-religious” people judge themselves “good,” “safe,” “all set,” and “okay” when in fact, according to the Bible, they are sinners who are lost and headed for Hell.
Every “religion” and “non-religious philosophy” propagates one or both of two lies regardless of the name of the “religion” or “philosophy,” namely;
1) People are basically good and need no one to "save" them
2) People can "save" themselves by doing good.
These two lies separate Jesus Christ, the Bible, and true Biblical Christianity from the ranks of “religion” and "philosophy." Jesus Christ taught man “there is NONE GOOD, NONE RIGHTEOUS, AND NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO NOT ONE” (Romans 3:10-12; Mark 10:18). Jesus taught that all men and women are sinners and need Him to "save" them.
Most people who think they are “Christian” and most people who altogether reject “Christianity” have no real understanding of the Biblical definition of either.
I am so glad that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." He found me and He saved me. He can do the same for you. Please read the following link and "get saved." Jesus is alive and able to save you today.
When Is Your Appointment?
The Bible says, “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment….”
If you are unsaved, here is an appointment:
Already made for you…
You won’t miss…
You won’t be able to skip…
You can’t avoid…
From which you won’t be exempted…
To which you won’t be late…
For which you won’t be prepared…
The result of which will be your damnation…
What should you do to avoid this Judgment?
The Bible says, “Repent and believe the gospel.” Please read this gospel message below and receive Jesus Christ before it is too late.
Time Is Running Out
Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
Jesus Christ desires to save you. He manifested His love for you at Calvary. He died in your place. He paid for your soul by paying for your sins.
Jesus wants to save you:
1. From sin's everlasting punishment. There is no such word or doctrine as "Purgatory" in the Bible. Punishment is everlasting (Matthew 25:46).
2. From sins power (Romans 6:1,2).
3. From the working of Satan (I Peter 5:8).
4. From the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14,15).
5. From deception and spiritual blindness (II Corinthians 4:3,4).
6. From yourself (Romans 7:15-24).
7. From the "Great Tribulation" (Matthew 24:21).
Won't you read the tract at the link below and repent? Come to Jesus Christ as a sinner and call upon Him to SAVE YOU! Only HE can SAVE YOU.
Patiently, tenderly pleading;
Jesus is standing today.
At your heart’s door, he knocks as before;
Oh, turn Him no longer away.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
Sins! Our awful sins!
What can be done with them?
Some people mock (make light of, minimize, or dismiss)
their sins.
Some people deny their sins.
Some people blame their sins on others.
Some people justify their sins.
Some people excuse their sins.
Some people confess their sins to a priest.
According to the Apostles of Christ these practices only condemn the rebellious and Bible rejecting sinner (Hebrews 10:11).
What can be done with our sins?
Sins!
We cannot bury them.
We cannot burn them away.
Priests cannot absolve them.
We cannot hide them.
We cannot escape responsibility for them.
We cannot PAY FOR THEM. The Bible nowhere speaks of Purgatory--a fictitious place where people can pay for their sins through suffering in flames for a period of time. Purgatory is a religious fable and fantasy.
Then what can we do with our sins? Jesus Christ is the answer.
A man can only admit his lost and sinful condition (admit his sins to himself and to God), and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ (this is an act of repentance). Jesus Christ the Lord died as the Lamb of God to take away sins. Repent and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and your sins are gone.
The Bible says, "In whom WE HAVE redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins."
The Bible says about God "As far as the east is from the west so far hath He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). Jesus Christ can save you from your sins.
The Brevity of Life
Here today; gone tomorrow.
The Bible says, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow. for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1).
You have an appointment with death.
The Bible says,"...it is appointed unto man once to die" (Hebrew (9:27).
You have sinned and need to be saved.
The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God...There is none righteous...none that doeth good...no not one." (Romans 3:10-23).
God has warned you that without Him you will die and spend eternity in a lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
Jesus Christ died on Calvary to save you (Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 15:1-4; I Peter 2:24).
Jesus Christ arose from the dead and is alive and can save you right now (Hebrews 7:25).
You must stop believing falsehood and start believing what God says. This is an act of repentance (II Timothy 2:25; I Peter 1:23).
You must trust Jesus' death in your place as the payment for your sins (I Corinthians 15:3,4).
You must call upon His Name asking Him to save you (Romans 10:13).
To gain assurance you must completely trust what God has said (I John 5:13).
After you are saved:
Find a Bible believing (AV 1611), Bible-teaching and preaching, Baptist Church, and get baptized.
Attend every service you can attend.
Rejoice in singing about what Jesus Christ has done for you.
Begin memorizing the Bible:
John 3:16-18, 36
John 5:24; 6:37
John 10:28-30
Begin reading Romans chapter 3, 4, 5, 6; Romans 10:1-17
Look for the following fruits of God's work of salvation:
1. Galatians 5:22,23--A new experience or attraction to godly manifestations of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
2. II Corinthians 5:17--New desires to leave the old life of sinful self, and walk in the new path of holiness (Romans 6).
3. Ephesians 6:10-17--A new battle with the devil will begin. He will most likely begin to attack your assets, job, family, emotions, mind, and decision to trust Christ.
4. Romans 10:10--A new desire and ability to do the right things.
5. A new conviction that your life ought to clean up (Romans 6).
If you truly believe on Jesus Christ, these changes will begin to take place.
Repent today: Trust Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a free gift.
Love Rejected
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (I John 4:9)
But GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US. (Romans 5:8)
Many people can’t see the love of God in the physical creation; in the words of Tennyson, to their eyes “nature red in tooth and claw shrieks against His creed.”
Many people can’t see the love of God in human history; here too, the nature of man seems to be anything but the creation of a loving God. Recorded history demonstrates that of its approximate Six Thousand years, there have been few in which man has not shed the blood of his fellow man.
Many people can’t see the love of God in their personal experiences. They see bruised bodies, broken homes, bottles, and rags as witnesses against a “God of love.” The cause and effect sequences that result from Man’s sin, disobedience, and rebellion toward God blind the human mind to the love of God. Mankind needs a demonstration—a manifestation—of God's love. If man is to see God’s love, he must look by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him God's love is perfectly displayed for all who will look.
On Calvary’s mountain before me I look,
And one thereon hanging I see,
Who speaks and His words are as fire to my soul,
“Beloved, I suffer for thee.”
The crown of thorns overhanging His brow,
Speaks love which the world never knew,
For hark, He is praying the Father above,
“Forgive, they know not what they do.”
Again, as I look, low a darkness descends,
His face from my vision to hide,
And there, in that hour with my mouth I confess,
“It was for my sin that He died.”
In anguish, I cry from the depths of my soul,
“Lord Jesus, have mercy on me,”
“I come, leaving all at the foot of thy cross,
Thine Lord, thine forever to be.”
Wonderful love of the crucified,
Wonderful love of the one denied,
Oh, wonderful love that for me He died,
Wonderful, wonderful love.
Have you accepted God’s love and received His Son?