Denial of Evil

I posted this first in November of 2006.

Everyone on the face of this earth has a common enemy. He hates us all - whether lost or saved. He seeks to destroy all. His name is Satan.

It’s no surprise that those who deny the existence of God will deny the existence of Satan.

What is a surprise is how many so-called Christians and pastors reject belief in a literal Devil. This is especially true in what is called Liberal or "Progressive" Christianity. Most liberals regard the existence of Satan as a myth, just as they believe Adam and Eve and most of the Bible are myths.

Ignorance of Satan is dangerous, because he is then able to move about freely in our lives with us being unaware of what is happening. Scripture warns us about being ignorant of Satan: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (II Corinthians 2:11)

Satan is very real. He is mentioned in 26 of the 66 books of the Bible, 7 of them being in the Old Testament and 19 of the 27 New Testament books. Jesus Himself mentions the Devil numerous times.

Satan is not just an “evil force”. He has the three basic characteristics of personality: mind, will, and emotion. He is the opposite of Christ. On a side note: He is NOT Jesus’ brother, as the Mormons teach.

He is the author of pride. When we are prideful, we are most like Satan.

In Isaiah, Satan says, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14. Contrast this with the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “...Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Satan is a great imitator of God. He is a counterfeiter. He has his own doctrines, which are contrary to God’s doctrines. Some or all of these doctrines are embraced by so-called Christian churches all over the world today.

The Word is not inspired
The Birth of Christ was not divine
The Morals of Christ are not absolute
The Miracles of Christ didn’t happen
The Way of Christ is not the only way
The Blood of Christ does not save
The Resurrection of Christ did not happen
The Return of Christ will not happen

Does your church teach any of the above doctrines?

Satan was the first to cast doubt on God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). Does your church cast doubt on God's Word?

He was the first to deny God’s Word “…Ye shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4).Does your church deny God's Word?

Just as God has a plan for your life, Satan also has a plan for your life. He wants to destroy it. If you are lost, he wants you to stay that way so that you will share his fate in the pits of hell someday. If you are saved, he wants to make you an ineffective Christian. He wants to ruin your witness and your testimony.

How are we to combat Satan? Not by focusing on him, or trying to “cast him out” as some religious movements today teach. Scripture tells us exactly how to combat him. Turn from Satan and towards God.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:7-8

Be aware of your enemy.

Rejected and Forgotten - The Fate of False Christianity

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

Thou shalt not kill. (“… thou hast forgotten the law of thy God…”)

One of the foundations of Judeao-Christian faith is the sanctity of life. God shows us clearly that he knows us while we are yet being formed in the womb.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, …” Jeremiah 1:5

If the fetus was just tissue, God would not speak of it in such a personal and intimate way, but many who profess Christ have forgotten His Father’s law. Thou shalt not kill. Kill as in “murder”, not as in accident or in war.

Do not stand before others and profess that you know, love and serve Christ and then condone the murder of his creations. I reject your false Christianity.

“…as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8

Not only do you condone abortion, but you rejoice in it, you savor it, you are proud of your position. Or, you ignore the subject, hide your face, focus on other views that are more important to you, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, you say abortion is a non-issue.

It’s not a non-issue with God. God creates all life.

“…I will also forget thy children.”

Children can see through hypocrisy. So many people go to church, sing some songs, listen to a sermon, tell everybody “God bless you, I’m praying for you,” but then go home and live life their way all week. They act like the world, talk like the world, drink and party like the world, watch filth on television and in movies, celebrate homosexuality and defend abortion. If you don’t live your faith, your children will reject your faith.

God rejects your false Christianity as well.

“…I will also reject thee…

“…I will also forget thy children.”

Why it's all Grace and Not Works

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30

It is finished. The final words of Jesus Christ before He died.

The phrase, “it is finished” is translated from the Greek word “tetelestai”. Tetelestai is a Greek accounting term meaning “paid in full” from the root word “teleo”.

So Jesus, instead of just saying “I am finished”, as in “I have done what I set out to do”, is actually saying, I did what I set out to do – which is pay in full the debt I came to pay.

Christians are saved thru Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. He paid for our sins. The penalty for our sins was death, separated from God for all eternity in a place called Hell, to later be thrown into the final resting place of the Lake of Fire.

So through Christ’s death, He gave us life. Spiritual, everlasting life. Life in a place called Heaven.

The Greek tense of the word “tetelestai” also is worth noting. It is not in a past tense, but in a tense that indicates that something has been done, is being done, and will always be done. Our salvation through Jesus Christ isn’t something that was done, but could later change. It is done, it will always be done.

If I pay my mortgage in full, and then go to the company a month later and say, “I’ve changed me mind – I don’t want to pay my last mortgage payment”, do you honestly think the company will say, “Sure. No problem. Here’s your money back”?

If I go to my utility company and say I want my last payment back, do you think they’ll give it to me?

When we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ for what He did for us, and know that it is He, and not us, Who has the power to save us from Hell, we are recognizing that our sin debt has been paid for. That payment will not be rescinded. It will not be reversed. It is a final and eternal payment.

For this reason, we cannot lose our salvation because of sin. If we could, then we could never be saved – because our sins are as numerous as the leaves of fall, and we have no power to either earn our salvation or reverse our salvation. If we did not make the payment, do you really think God would agree to give the payment back to us?

What an insult to Jesus Christ it is to think our ability to sin is greater than His ability to pay our sin debt.

An interesting nugget of knowledge from Scripture: There are only two incidences in Scripture where the words “it is finished” are found.

In these words of Jesus Christ, there is life for any and all who will come to Him by faith.

The other Scripture where the words “it is finished” are found is in James 1:15. And the root word used is “teleo” - the same as in John 19:30.

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15

Sin, in the end, when it is finished, brings death.

Don't finish your life without Christ.

Thank you, God, for grace.

Abandoning the Faith

Below is an actual "What we Believe" statement from a church that claims to be a Christian Church. There is much wrong with it Scripturally, but most of all, it's extremly disturbing. This type of church is repeated all across our country today. I count at least 15 Scripturally compromising points within this statement.

The people of (Name changed to avoid confrontation) invite you to experience Christianity as a way of life, not a set of creeds and doctrines demanding total agreement. We invite you to join us as we seek to recover the meaning of the gospel for our time, looking to scripture, faith, and reason -- interpreted by love. At (Name changed to avoid confrontation) we believe that what Jesus teaches us about God is more important than what the church has taught us about Jesus. We believe in the liberty of of conscience, the responsibility of every believer to work out his or her own salvation, and the obligation of faithful men and women to become partners with God in building the kingdom. We take the Bible seriously, not literally, and believe that in our time the church must recover, above all, its radical hospitality -- welcoming all persons into her midst, without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical abilities.

Why So Many Denominations?

Many people, especially non-Christians, often ask why there are so many Christian denominations. This is a very valid question, although it must be pointed out up front that every major religion has sects/denominations/ within its system of beliefs, so Christians should not be singled out on this issue.

The number one reason is because Christianity is made up of human beings and we all think our opinions, beliefs, ideas, values etc. are superior to everyone else’s. I think there are basically four questions to ask ourselves when searching for a true Christian church.

What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?
What are the basic differences in denominations?
How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?
Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?


1. What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?

Christianity, by its very name, is based upon Jesus, the Christ (Savior). The overwhelming majority of information we have about Jesus is found in one book. That book is the Bible. There have been thousands of books written about Jesus and Christianity, but they almost all point back to what we learn of Him through Scripture. Therefore, the Bible should be our standard by which to judge which denomination is right for us. You wouldn’t determine that by reading the Quran or the Hindu Vedas. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) even determine that by reading books written ABOUT the Bible. That would be like listening to the television news anchors tell you what each candidate said in the debate after you just watched the debate for yourself. The Bible should be your ultimate reference for how you will live your Christian faith.



2. What are the basic differences in denominations?

There are really only two basic differences among denominations. That may be surprising, but these two differences are the basis for everything else that is taught in Christendom.

The two differences are these:
What does the church teach about the Bible?
What does the church teach about salvation?

A.What does the church teach about the Bible?

There are several trains of thought about the Bible, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. There are those that believe that every word of the Bible is directly inspired by God and written by men under His spiritual guidance. In other words, God wrote the Bible through men he chose specifically for that task, and you can trust every word of it.

b. There are others that believe parts of the Bible are strictly men’s opinions and only inspired in the way that Shakespeare was inspired. So they believe it’s not certain what you can and cannot trust about what it says. And there are those that believe that the Bible is just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales. Both of these systems are contrary to category #1.

B. What does the church teach about salvation?

There are several trains of thought about salvation, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. One belief says that salvation is by grace given to us by God through faith in Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with our “goodness” or our “good works”

b. The other belief says that salvation is dependent on our “goodness” and “good works”.

Grace or works. That’s it. Every church fits into one of these two categories. Some try to mix the two and say that our salvation is based on grace AND works, but in order to believe that you have to throw out part of the Bible*. (Which means you would fall under category b of number A above). And if you mix works into the equation anywhere, then you are dependent on works at least to some degree.

Grace or works. That’s it.

After that, the rest of what a church teaches is based on its interpretation of those passages of Scripture that the particular church chooses to focus on. These things can include but are not limited to baptism, communion, church authority and discipline, speaking or not speaking in tongues, appropriate music, preaching styles, money handling, moral codes, dress codes, social responsibilities, politics, women’s roles in the church, pastoral requirements, etc. etc. etc.


3. How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?

There are two basic questions to ask.

A. What do they teach about the Bible?

This depends on what category you fall into under question #2. If you believe that the Bible is the literal word of God, then you must choose a church that is based on that belief. Otherwise you will be constantly torn between what the Bible says and what your church is teaching, and you will not find peace within that church body. If you believe the Bible is only partially from God, or if you believe it’s just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales, then choosing your denomination will be much easier, as long as you stay away from churches that fall under category a of question #2.

Most churches have what they call a “doctrinal statement”. If you are considering the possibility of joining a church, you should ask them for their doctrinal statement so you can determine where they stand on the Bible. If they don’t have a statement that you can read, then talk to the pastor and ask questions about his belief in the Bible. The pastor determines pretty much what is going to be taught in the church.

B. Do they teach salvation by grace or by works?


4. Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?

That’s an interesting question.

If you fall under category #1 of question #1, then the answer is no. If one doesn’t play by the rules, is one really playing the game? Or has he altered the handbook to fit his particular preferences? Is T-ball the same thing as major league baseball? Is flag football the same as NFL football? Of course not. They are similar, but not the same. The handbooks are different

If you fall under category #B of question #2, then all denominations are Christian.

Again – if you define Christianity as a belief system based on the Bible being the true Word of God, then you have to go with a church that falls under category #A of question #2. If you don’t fall under that category, then you are by definition similar to Christianity, but only a facsimile. When dealing with the salvation of one’s soul, I would say that is an extremely important point to ponder.

There is a fifth question that begs to be asked.


Is there one true denomination?

Although some churches believe theirs is the only true church (and there are some in mine that think we’re the only true church), they’re going to find out someday that they were wrong on some things and right on others. As long as there are human beings in the world, there will be imperfection. There is no perfect church because there are no perfect human beings. It’s a perfect God that we serve – and that should be our focus.

This has been by no means an exhaustive study, but I pray that it will help some at least to gather a set of priorities and guidelines for themselves if they are looking for a good church. Of course, if one doesn't know the God that is to be worshipped and served through one's membership in a church, it ultimately will not matter where or even if one attends. Church membership doesn't equal salvation.


*“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:6

Is There Morality Without God?

The problem of evil is one that is hard to deal with for Christians. We know there is both good and evil in the world, and we know ultimately from where the two came. We don’t always fully comprehend why God allows evil in the world, but we trust Him and know that He doesn’t cause it – even though it is allowed.

To the atheist, the problem of evil is much more difficult. To call something evil is to suggest a moral code. To suggest morality, is to suggest a lawgiver. If God is not the lawgiver, then the lawgiver becomes oneself. And when it comes down to your morals versus my morals, we both believe ours to be superior to the other’s.

Without God, there should be no complaints about suffering, evil, calamities, crime, birth defects and other perceived injustices. Without God, all is by chance and should thus be viewed as such. So to an atheist, whether someone dies of old age or as the result of a hurricane or random drive-by shooting, both deaths should be viewed as merely part of our evolving universe. Survival of the fittest.

One atheist may think it’s wrong to sleep with another man’s wife. Another atheist may think it’s ok to sleep with another man’s wife anytime – even against her will. So who would be right in the atheist’s world? Incest may be perfectly acceptable to some, but others may find it repulsive and evil. Who would be right in the atheist’s world?

In a world without God, every man and woman becomes his or her own god, with his own set of values and laws – thinking his is superior – but in actuality his morals are only as good as his ability to enforce them. Survival of the fittest.

Atheists make some interesting observations and statements to support their unbelief. However, when they point to evil and call it such, and then use it as support for their unbelief, they shoot themselves in the foot with their contradiction. Evil is not a good argument for rejecting the idea of God. It is actually evidence that there is a God. In answer to the question, "Is There Morality Without God?", the answer is yes - but it is strictly subjective, which renders it pretty much meaningless and nonexistent.

Eternal Security

There are those who scoff at the idea of eternal security. There have been many books written on salvation, and on both sides of the issue of eternal security. Some believe you can lose your salvation through committing certain sins. But I think it's because they don't understand that our works have nothing to do with salvation. We are only saved by grace through faith - not what we do.

Others believe that the Bible teaches that once we are saved, we are saved for all eternity, because the act of salvation was not up to us, but entirely up to God. Our faith in Jesus Christ’s atonement for our sins is what saves us – not anything we do.

Paul, in explaining the doctrine of eternal security, talked to the Jews and Gentiles in a way that they would clearly understand because of the customs of the day.

The Romans had a custom called “liberalia”. This was a ceremony in which the father would “adopt” his own sons. Up until age 14, a child could be disowned by his father. However, the Father could choose to perform the ceremony of liberalia once his son turned 14, making the son a permanent, irrevocable heir to his inheritance. The father would remove the toga of the young boy and replace it with the “toga of manhood”, whereby the son was declared an adult son. This was an “adoption" in which the son received the rights and privileges of sonship and an absolute guarantee of his inheritance. In other words, children could be disinherited, but once adopted, their rights were irrevocable.

This is why Paul used these words to describe our permanent salvation and heirship to our heavenly Father:

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4-5

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” Romans 8:17

Eternal security. We who are saved have been adopted by God the Father and our heirship to heaven is irrevocable.

I’m thankful it’s up to Him and not up to me.

Did Jesus Claim to be God?

Did Jesus really claim to be God?

Say what you will about the Bible. Say what you will about Jesus. But don’t say that He didn’t claim to be God. And don’t say the Bible doesn’t claim He is God.

Two of the cults that deny the deity of Jesus are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons. But they are proven wrong by the book they claim to believe in.

Jesus was no ordinary man. He led a sinless life. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. He spoke wisdom unheard of before. He endured extreme pain, torture and humiliation voluntarily without defending Himself. He loved as no man has ever loved because He loved His enemies as well as His friends.

Not just anyone could go to the cross and take our sin and shame upon themselves. No mere man could do it. Even if there was a perfect and sinless man, he could still only die for one man. God, being infinite, was the only one Who could take the punishment for all mankind.

What does the Bible say about this man, Jesus? What did He say about Himself? How did the Jews react when He said many of the things He said? They understood well that He proclaimed Himself to be God. That is why He was killed.

In Isaiah 42:8, God said “I am the Lord: that is My Name, and My glory will I not give to another.” In other words, God does not allow anyone else to share in His Glory.

Jesus, in John 17:5 says “And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine Own Self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.”

Is Jesus blaspheming God here? He is claiming the glory of God. He is claiming that He once shared the glory of God before the world began. He does this because He is God.



In John 8:58, Jesus said “Before Abraham was, I AM.” I AM is the name God gave to Moses when Moses asked “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?”, God replied, “I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
So, when Jesus said “I AM”, was He being blasphemous? Or was He declaring His deity?



Matthew 28:18: Jesus said “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Only God has ALL power in heaven and in earth.

In Genesis 1:1, it says “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Colossians 1:16 says of Jesus, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:”

If Genesis 1:1 says God created the heaven and the earth, and Colossians 1:16 says Jesus created all things, then Jesus is clearly God.

Remember Stephen, who was stoned while Saul of Tarsus looked on approvingly? What did he say as he was dying? Acts 7:59: "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Stephen was clearly calling Jesus God.


In Isaiah 43:3, God says, "For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour..." and later, in 43:11, "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."

Mary herself recognized that the child she carried was God. “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name."

Luke said of Jesus’ birth, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The Samaritans said, “And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

God said that He alone is the Saviour.

Jesus was and is the Saviour.

Jesus is God.

Jesus Christ - the Alpha and Omega - God Himself

In Scripture, God frequently calls Himself “the first and the last”, and the “Alpha and Omega” (alpha and omega being the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet).

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am He. Isaiah 41:4

Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I am He; I am the first, I also am the last. Isaiah 48:12

AND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:… Revelation 1:11

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6

Is there any doubt that these verses in Revelation are referring to Jesus Christ? No. Jesus Christ is clearly God.

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; Revelation 2:8



Now let’s look in the Old Testament again at another passage.

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

This prophetic verse was written about 500 years before Christ, and clearly refers to His crucifixion.

If you look at this verse in the Hebrew, it is even more fascinating.

In the original Hebrew, in between the words me and whom are two untranslated letters – aleph and tau – the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. So, this passage could actually be read

“…and they shall look upon Me [the Aleph and the Tau] Whom they have pierced…

There is another place in the Old Testament where this occurs. It is in Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God, created the heaven and the earth.

In between the words God and created are the aleph and the tau. This same thing occurs seven times during the Genesis account of creation.

In the beginning, God [the aleph and the tau] created the heaven and the earth.

Which corresponds with John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus Christ. Our God. Creator of heaven and earth.

Our God is an awesome God.

References: Hidden Treasures by Chuck Missler, and Hebrew interlinear Bible

More on Speaking in Tongues

I wrote Tongues as Evidence of Salvation some time ago as a rebuttal to those who believe one must speak in tongues to be saved. It was rather short and focused on primarily one passage. However, today, I feel compelled to post a more extensive search of Scripture in reference to the false belief that one MUST speak in tongues to be saved. My reason for doing so is due to a blog I visited not long ago that had so many things right about God, but is so in error over this one point. The purpose of my post is to persuade, not to demean or ridicule. I think it is an extremely important issue. In essence, a person who believes in speaking in tongues as proof of salvation is promoting a works-based salvation, because they require that you take an action (do something) in order to be saved. I have personally known individuals who came out of this type of background who had trusted Jesus for their salvation, but who thought they were still going to hell because they'd never spoken in tongues - and in fact they were told as much. They even went so far as to try to fake the tongues in order to be accepted. They were also told that if they were baptized in anything other than Jesus's name, they would also go to hell. Again - this is a works based salvation, which makes it a false doctrine that is contrary to Scripture.

First of all, Salvation is by grace through faith alone - not works. Here are books of the New Testament where you can find Scripture that refers to eternal life and/or being saved that teach salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing, minus nothing:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Ephesians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, I Peter, II Peter, I John, Jude. That is 18 of the 27 books of the New Testament, which is more than half.

This is a partial list of verses clearly indicating that salvation (eternal life with God/Christ/Holy Spirit) is through faith alone.

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:11

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” Ephesian 2:5

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Tim 1:9

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” I John 5:11

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:13

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” I John 5:20

References to speaking in tongues in the New Testament:

Mark (one time)
Acts: 5 times (referring to 3 separate events where tongues were spoken)
I Corinthians: 12 times (in every instance, it is instruction and information on the gift of tongues, but not referring to a particular event where tongues were spoken)

It is interesting to note that no where in any of these passages does it state that one must speak in tongues to be saved. Also, with 27 books of the New Testament, if tongues were required for salvation, and since Scripture was written under the influence of the Holy Spirit, one would think more time would be devoted to the subject just for clarification if for no other reason.


I think it is interesting to note also: Romans: none (although the familiar “Roman Road” is used to lead the lost to Christ every day.

Those that believe that you MUST speak in tongues to be saved have ONLY ONE verse in the whole New Testament that supposedly supports their belief:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” Mark 16:17

If you read the passages before and after verse 17, you get a true picture of the meaning.

"15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (notice it does not say He that believeth and is baptized and speaketh in tongues)

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

In these passages, Jesus was referring a specific period of time that started on the day of Pentecost, but was not referring to a permanent sign of salvation. Once Scriptures were completed, the sign gifts were no longer needed and in fact did cease. If you believe that you must speak in tongues to be saved, then you should be able to drink strychnine, play with poisonous snakes without fear, and heal everyone you meet. If you can't do these things, then you are claiming only part of this Scripture and being a cafeteria believer.


Since the Bible (God’s Spirit-written WORD) cannot contradict itself, then the ONE VERSE in Mark is OBVIOUSLY being misinterpreted by the tongues crowd in the face of ALL THE OTHER SCRIPTURE that says otherwise!

The Heart

I’ve heard it said that it doesn’t matter that one does not believe in Jesus, or subscribe to any particular system of beliefs or faith – that God knows our heart and will judge us according to our hearts.

That’s a scary thought, especially in light of what God has to say about the heart.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

God destroyed almost every living thing in the flood because of man’s heart.

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

If there was another way of salvation other than grace, God would not have had to send His Son to die for our sins.

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” Deuteronomy 5:29


Ever been angry with someone? Ever felt hatred toward someone? Jesus said that if we are angry with someone, or hate someone, that we have committed murder in our hearts. That means you’ve broken the 6th commandment.

Ever lusted after someone sexually who was not your spouse? Jesus said that if we have lusted, we have committed adultery in our hearts. That means you’ve broken the 7th commandment.

Have you ever lied?
You’ve broken the 9th commandment.
Ever dishonored your parents?
You’ve broken the 5th commandment.

Ever put anything or anyone above God in importance in your life?
You’ve broken the 1st commandment and are an idolater.

What foul words come out of your mouth? “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” Matthew 15:1

“He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.” Psalm 10:11

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalms 14:1


No. God will not judge us by our hearts.
If he did, we would all go to hell.

More on "Ex-Christians"

I had someone post and say that they were an ex-christian, and who spoke what sounded like a gnostic type verbage. Here is an excerpt of what they said:

The main idea here is that the truth in the Bible is veiled in a lie that protects the truth from the wise and learned. I was once a die hard Christian knocking down everyones door in the name of Jesus and took pride in being called narrow minded. So, trust me when I say I have some idea of where your coming from.
The word of God is misleading
It's context is deceiving
but read between the LInES [sic]
and there you'll find the meaning.

I believe you are sincere, but there are one of two things happening here.

#1 You never were born again. You played church, you followed Christ, you spoke Christianeze, and you did and said all the right things - but you were not born again and the Holy Spirit does not live within you.

or

#2 You have gone astray and believe heresy, in which case, you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit, then chastened, and if you still insist on calling God and the Bible a lie, you are in danger of the sin unto death.

You say on your profile: I feel remarkably healed from the wounds of Christianity's bleak viewpoint of the world and all of the fear that's intertwined in it.

I'm truly sorry that you missed the joy and healing that comes from a true Christian worldview. I can only imagine what type of church you were exposed to that left such negative tastes in your psyche. Truly I am.

I did not post your comment in its entirety, because I reviewed your blog and saw that you blasphemed Jesus, so I won't give any indication to my other readers who you are or give any credence to your blog at all.

But I reiterate - you are not an ex-Christian.

Once you've been born, you can't be "unborn".

Should Christians Argue with Non-Believers?

I have spent several days on another blog watching an interaction with a professed atheist and professing Christians. There was a clear divide between those who seemed to be true believers and those that say they are Christian, but don’t follow the Bible. It actually helped reaffirm what Scripture says about all non-believers: those who admit it, and those who say they believe, but are not truly saved.

We as Christians are to be witnesses to the world, and be willing to suffer persecution for our faith. At the same time, it is not we who save anyone – it is God through His Son, Jesus Christ by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. So at a certain point, when witnessing to anyone, we need to back off kindly and move on. We aren’t to argue with a non-believer.

Why shouldn't Christians argue with non-believers?

Here are some things that Scripture says about non believers (which definitely applies to those who say they are Christian, but who are not born again)

They deny the authority of Scripture. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” II Timothy 3:16. “Nevertheless what saith the scripture?...” Galatians 4:30. “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,…?” James 4:5. They are no different than the serpent in the garden. “Yea, hath God said,…?” Genesis 3:1

They have no desire to witness to the lost. "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;" Psalm 107:2

Their only desire is to edify (build up) themselves by proving that their way is better than everybody else's.It's not others' souls they are concerned about - it's about being "right". "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25.

They follow a false Christ and they are playing church. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." II Timothy 4:3-4

Why shouldn't Christians argue with non-believers?

Because unless God is drawing them, they won't listen to anyone. "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him..." John 6:44

They are lost, just as the atheist is lost. "For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me." Isaiah 47:10

Scripture tells us we're not to argue with people like this. "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." II Timothy 2:14

These are the tares among God's wheat. "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:30

If you are frustrated because you are witnessing to one who is lost, and you feel you’ve exhausted all your efforts and they still deny the truth, God says you should back off and go your way. “And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5

Put them in God’s hands. “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.” Psalm 35:1. God can deal with them much better than you can.

Jesus himself did not argue (strive, i.e: Greek “erizo”, meaning to wrangle, engage in strife). “He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.” Matthew 12:19. So neither should we.

Does that mean we should never discuss our faith with non-believers, or answer questions that they may have, or even give evidence of why they too should become Christians? Not at all. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" I Peter 3:15.

Keep this rule in mind when witnessing. Let this sink in, because it is extremely important.

If the person you are trying to witness to has no questions, and only answers - you are wasting your time. They are not being drawn by the Holy Spirit.

Good, well meaning Christians can disagree on some things in a friendly way, and we'll all find out we were wrong on some things and right on others. But who is the final authority? God is. Through His Word. Without His word, it's just one man's opinion against another's.

The sad truth is that because of pride, most of mankind will remain lost for eternity.

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive (Greek “agonizomai”, meaning to labor fervently or to struggle with difficulties) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:23-24

Should you ever give up? No. Even if you have backed off and decided not to strive with someone over their lost condition, there is one very powerful thing you can still do.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

No Such Thing as an "Ex-Christian"

This is a rather lengthy post, but this is a serious subject and I wish to address every aspect of the falsehood that a person can be someone who "used to be a Christian".

There’s No Such Thing as an Ex-Christian.

I occasionally run across someone who claims that they used to be a Christian, and got “saved” and baptized and went to church every Sunday etc. etc. Then they realized, they say, that it was all bogus – and now they are either an atheist or have “converted” to some other religion.

Is it possible to be an ex-Christian?

Not according to Scripture.

Becoming a Christian is not just an “I think I’ll decide to be a Christian and go to church” decision.

Being a Christian is not just following the principles that Jesus set before us to aspire to attain.

Being a Christian is more than being born into a Christian family and having been exposed to Christianity all one’s life – going through the rituals and traditions associated with attending Sunday School and Church, singing in a choir, doing charity work, and trying to live a good “Christian” life.

At some point, you might want to ask yourself, Are You Really a Christian?


A true Christian conversion is a supernatural occurrence.

When you are truly sorry of your sins, and realize that you are unworthy of heaven, and call on Jesus Christ to save you, the Holy Spirit comes to you and indwells in you.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9

“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” I John 4:13

Once you have been born again, the Scripture says you are a new creature. The old man (your former self before you were saved) is replaced by the new man (who you are in Jesus Christ). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Because of this new birth, one cannot revert back to their lost state because they are sealed by the Holy Spirit for all time. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

There are those who appear outwardly to be Christians by their actions – but inwardly they are still the “old man” and have never been reborn. And because of this, they have no Holy Spirit guidance or power to get them through disappointments, anger and disillusionment than can cause them to abandon their “Christian” living. These are the individuals that John speaks of in I John 2:19:

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”.

When we are saved, there is no turning back. We belong to God. He made sure of that. When He makes a promise, He doesn’t depend on us to keep it.

“For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,” Hebrews 6:13


Some people who try to argue that one can lose their salvation use this verse to support their belief:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 6:4

Some believe that the word “enlightened” means that one was saved, but the Greek word from which it was derived is totally different than the word in both Acts 16:31 [“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”] and Romans 10:9 [That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”] that is translated “saved”.

Now I think it’s important to make a distinction here between someone who was never born again and someone who was, but who has turned their back on God and decided to live their own life the way they choose (i.e.: they are in a backslidden state). This is different, because in this case, the person is saved, and is a child of God, but is in rebellion. Just as an earthly father will chastise (punish) his children for rebellion and disobedience, God will do the same to one of His children.

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Hebrews 12:5-8


The Bible tells us the steps that God takes to bring a child back into obedience.

First, there is the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When we are saved, we still sin, but we are sorrowful over our sin. “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:19

Then there is the chastening. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:10

Third, there is death. “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” I John 5:16

“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” I Corinthians 5:5

God PROMISES to chastise His children if they are rebellious or disobedient. So if someone is claiming to be an ex-Christian and their life is miserable and full of trouble and trials, they are being chastened by God, and if they don’t repent and turn back to Him, He will cause them to die before their time.

However, if someone claims to be an ex-Christian, and there is no sign of chastening, and they spend their entire lives mocking God without any consequences, you can be assured they were never born again – and their consequences will take place AFTER their death instead of in this life.

If someone plays around with Christianity without ever repenting of their sin and accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, then they were never born again. And in the Day of Judgment, when they realize their mistake and try to persuade Him that they really were, He will say “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:23

How did we get the 66 books of the Bible?

I made this post on another blog recently:

"Theonuestos" is Greek for "God-breathed". It is used in II Timothy 3:16 and translated as "inspiration".

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

I would say that "God-breathed" is Scriptural evidence of the supernatural nature of the Bible. Unless, of course, one doesn't think that God is supernatural - then His God-breathed Word would be no different than anyone elses.

In response, a person who claims he is a Christian said:

"All Scripture" ? And where in the pages of the 66 books of the Bible does it tell us that those 66 books are "all scripture"? Does it indicate that it means Genesis - Revelation somewhere?

No.

This is an example of the logical fallacy of making an unproven assumption (The Bible = All Scripture) and thereafter, everything you see only validates that (the bible SAYS "all scripture is God-breathed" therefore the 66 books of the Bible are supernatural and the only source of God's revelation).

God will and God DOES reveal God's Self however and whenever God chooses to. That would be my point.

You all are choosing verses as "proofs" that don't address the claims you're making.

In response, I have put this together to explain why I believe we have the 66 books of the Bible that God intended us to have, and that we can trust that we have God's full written revelation to us.

So the QUESTION IS:

How did we get the 66 books of the Bible we have today, and how do we know for sure that they are inspired by God?

The Old Testament canon that was accepted by the Jews was official before the New Testament books were written (by around 300 BC). Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah all participated in and led the council that determined the books of the Old Testament – all 3 of these men were Prophets of God. When Jesus and His apostles debated the Jewish theologians, they appealed to “the Scriptures”, implying the authority that the Jews acknowledged about the books of the Old Testament

In essence, Jews are in agreement on the first 39 books of the Bible. The so called Apocryphal books were rejected by the Jews and were never quoted from by the Jews or by Jesus Himself. That eliminates those books. Only the Catholic Church includes them as Scripture.

So what about the 27 New Testament books?

First of all, there were questions to be asked.

1. Was the book written by an Apostle or close associate writing under the authority of an apostle? The Apostles were given the authority to speak on behalf of Jesus – by Jesus Himself.

2. Did the first local churches accept the book? Had it been read by numerous and various New Testament Churches? Did they believe it to be inspired?

3. Did the early church fathers accept the books as Scripture? Did these disciples of the original Apostles quote from the book and consider it inspired? For example, a man by the name of Polycarp was a disciple of John the Apostle. If he knew that a book had been written by John, or knew that John has stated that Peter or Paul had written a book, that would point toward its inspiration. Don’t forget – many of these writings were being circulated while many of the Apostles were still alive – and those that knew them easily confirmed or rejected them as being inspired.

4. Did the content of the book agree with other accepted books of Scripture?


I have heard people say that we didn’t determine what books belonged in the Bible until hundreds of years after Jesus died on the cross, but that just isn’t true. Although the FINAL confirmation of the 27 books took place at the Third Council of Carthage in 397 AD, there was only minor debate before that time and the books were basically agreed upon in the first and second centuries. This council was mostly an “official” confirmation of the already accepted books of Scripture for the New Testament. They simply endorsed the general consensus of the churches of the west and of the greater part of the east.

Polycarp(AD 110) (the disciple of John mentioned above) included in his list all of the books from Matthew through I Timothy and also included 1 Peter and 1 & 2 John. These books are all cited in his writings – we don’t know for sure that he rejected the other books – they just weren’t cited in his writings.

Several years before, Clement of Rome (AD 90), who knew Peter personally, had also listed Titus, Hebrews, James, and 2 Peter.

Ignatius (AD 110), who was a follower of John, cited Philemon as Scriptural in his writings

Irenaeus (AD 130??), who was a disciple of Polycarp, included 2 Timothy, Jude and Revelation

The Mutorian Canon, which gives us the earliest (AD 170) existing list of New Testament books included the one remaining book from the above – 3rd John.


In addition, the writings of personal disciples of Peter and John verified all but one of the 27 books – that one that was not included was 3rd John. However, 3rd John was often grouped together with 1st and 2nd John and may not have been cited because of that.

The New Testament books that were originally at one point doubted, but later fully accepted as Scripture were Hebrews, James, 2nd & 3rd John, Jude, and Revelation.

The very fact that the early church fathers were so cautious because of their concern that no uninspired book be brought into the cannon should affirm the authenticity and God-breathed inspiration of the 66 books of the Bible we have today.

References:

Volume 1, Theology 201, The Doctrine of the Bible, Faith Bible Institute, John Thomas Yates

The Cannon of Scripture - F. F. Bruce

Salvation - Has Always been by Faith

Interestingly, I spoke at length with a pastor who believes as I do, that the Bible teaches salvation by grace alone. Then he said something that seemed odd to me. He believes that salvation was not always by faith. He believes that during the time of Moses, salvation was by faith AND works.

So I pondered this for a while, and did some study, and though I know what I believe, sometimes I believe God allows me to be challenged to be a Berean and make sure that what I believe really is what God teaches.

This brought me to Hebrews Chapter 11 – that great chapter that speaks of faith. I found what I knew in my heart to be true – salvation has ALWAYS been by faith, not of works, and never a mixture of faith and works.

Surley most Christians know Hebrews 11:1 by heart.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Probably most are at least familiar with the passage in Romans that says “…Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

But what about those before Abraham?

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

And midway through the chapter it says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

God doesn’t change. The way of salvation doesn’t change. It’s always been by faith. Never by works.

Do You Really Worship God?

If you are a Christian, you will most likely answer immediately.

"Yes, I worship God."

Do you really?

Worship as a noun means "worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being".

Worship as a verb means "to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power", "to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion". It can also mean "to show devoted deferential honor to : regard as worthy of great honor".

Do you think going to church is worshipping God?
Is singing a hymn or praise song worshipping God?
Teaching a Sunday School Class?
Working in a Ministry?

Depends. All of the things I listed above can be a form of worship. But it's not dependent on how well you perform each activity, or how dedicated you are to them, or how talented or gifted you are.

If your heart does not long for God, if you do not figuratively or literally fall on your face before Him when you come to Him, you are not truly worshipping Him.

When you are truly worshipping God, several things happen.

You realize how holy He is and what a depraved sinner you are.

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 6:5

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Luke 5:8

You look forward to opportunities to spend time with Him.

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psalms 84:2

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalms 84:10

You want to sing to Him and about Him.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

You want to serve Him.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

You want to tell others about Him.
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:29

When is the last time you truly worshipped God?

What God says about Unbelief

Unbelief. Lack of Faith. These things are contrary to God.

In fact, no one comes to God except through faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

As Christians, we are expected to have faith in God to handle every area of our life.
He won’t reward unbelief with blessings. Instead, He will withhold them.

And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

If we are in disbelief, He won’t allow us His power in our lives.

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief… Matthew 17:19-20

He will rebuke Christians for our unbelief.

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.Mark 16:9-14

If we will confess our unbelief and ask Him for faith, He will work in our lives.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. Mark 9:24-25

After all that God has created and done in this world, there are those that still choose not to believe. He says that is foolish. He is amazed that we choose not to believe…

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1:20-22

And He marvelled because of their unbelief… Mark 6:6


Unbelief will result in being unable to enter into God’s rest (heaven – for all eternity)

But with whom was He grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.Hebrews 3:17-19

“But I still don’t believe in your God.”

Unbelief doesn’t negate God.

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…. Romans 3:3

Unbelief results in an eternity in Hell – where there are no unbelievers.

Five Common Misconceptions about Christians

Below are five common misconceptions or misunderstandings about Christians. There are more, but these seem to be the key falsehoods.

1. Christians think they are better than everybody else.

Just the opposite is true. In fact, in order to become a born again Christian, one must admit that he or she is a sinner who deserves to go to hell, and who is totally incapable of doing anything worthy of gaining heaven. A Christian understands that he/she is a depraved, wicked individual at heart, and no better than a Hitler or a Stalin, and who, under the right circumstances, could and would commit any atrocity ever known to man.

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Psalm 10:4

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Psalm 119:155

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

2. Christians think they are going to heaven because they are better than everybody else.

Christians do know (there is no "doubt" about it) they are going to heaven, but not because they are better than everybody else. They know they are going to heaven because their penalty for their sins was paid for on the cross by Jesus Christ. They have believed on (i.e.: put their trust in) Jesus Christ, and He bought them a place in heaven.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:13

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise. Luke 23:43

3. Christians are judgmental because they think [fill in the blank] is a sin.

No. Christians point out sin not because of what they think, but because God says it is sin. We are supposed to point out sin and warn about God’s judgment as well as to tell others about the wonderful news that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins and will give us a place in heaven if we’ll believe in and follow Him.

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezekiel 3:18

4. Christians are always damning other people to hell.

Christians have no power to damn anyone. We are to warn about hell though, because it is a real place. (see Ezekiel 3:18 above) . And as a side note, God does not damn anyone to hell either. He sent His Son into the world to save us all from hell. It’s not about being “good” or “bad”. None of us are good enough to go to heaven. We all make a decision in life on where we will spend eternity. It’s about accepting or rejecting Christ.

For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

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. John 3:16

5. Christians never have any fun

Not only do Christians have fun, but we have peace. No non-believer has true peace.

… for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. Psalm 5:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

For God giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy… Ecclesiastes 2:26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace... Galatians 5:22-23


My advice to non believers:

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12

My King

Want to know who I worship?

That's My King!

Turn up your speakers before you click on the link.

If only the world was not so blinded by Satan.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." II Corinthians 4:4