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  • #1491
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Since Victor and the “boys” ie. Jon, Benedict, Weathers, like to say their beliefs and I disagree with them, I thought I’d give you all a shot at criticizing my articles as well. Perhaps a reader may learn from the Bible at the same time.

    Article #1 – [color=red:onnxqmpo]The Foundation [/color:onnxqmpo]

    Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

    John writes, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”

    And Paul states, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

    Using God’s Holy Word as our guide, in my work with Gospel Light Ministries, I hope to be able to shed light upon people’s beliefs, to help them discern for themselves just what is the truth and be equipped with the ability to compare their beliefs to Scriptures. This may sound simple enough on the surface, but today, when people say, “I believe in God,” the words mean one thing in one religion and can mean another totally different in another religion. Even within one Christian denomination, often we find people’s beliefs to be one way and another person, a different way and many don’t even know just what is it that their church teaches. For example, some think that you have to be a Catholic to get to Heaven, others think that as long as a person is sincere in “whatever,” then that this all that matters, as long as they are sincere. Many believe that all religions ultimately lead to God. So many views, who’s right? Even on this, many simply think, “Who can know?” But God has provided the answers to these questions with His Holy Word and since the Bible interprets itself, we will seek the answers as God has provided in the Bible. With diligent study, we can know, but in today’s world, we have a situation in which “everyone did as he saw fit” instead of what God’s word says. God’s word declares: Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; “.Lord, Lord, ” and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

    Finally, in closing, this ministry, and this monthly column, is not about bashing anyone, but rather we simply wish to do as the Scriptures tells us to do: “…examine the Scriptures every day…” (Acts 17:11) “…Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) We at Gospel Light Ministries join Paul’s concern, when looking at today’s society – “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)

    #7439
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=red:1fhurl2f][b:1fhurl2f]The Sin Issue[/b:1fhurl2f][/color:1fhurl2f]

    The Bible says that, [b:1fhurl2f]”whosoever believes in the Son of God shall be saved.” [/b:1fhurl2f]Yet Paul was concerned in 2 Corinthians 11:4 about those who believe in a different Jesus and a different gospel. So what is it about Jesus that we are to believe in? And since there is only one path to salvation, what are we to know to be saved?

    The Bible says that Man is desperately wicked and there are none righteous, no not one. This may be hard for some to understand because it means that the sweet housewife, the religious church goer, or the loving grandmother is eternally damned as much as the serial rapist or the serial murderer that appears on death row. How can this be? Isn’t God a God of love? Yes, God is a loving God. God is also a perfect God. His Word says that [b:1fhurl2f]”if you commit one sin, you are guilty of all sin.” [/b:1fhurl2f]We must realize that even the sweet housewife and mother next door has committed the same sins in her heart as the inmates on death row. The fact that one knows about the characteristics of His Son doesn’t save anyone either, for Satan knows that much about God as well. What is it then????

    Looking at the Bible, we find that the key is not just knowing that God is a God of love, but to believe in what God did to show His love. Because man is separated from Him by sin, any sin, He sent Jesus to take our sins to the cross. And when Jesus declared from the cross, [b:1fhurl2f]”It is finished,” [/b:1fhurl2f]He was declaring that everything needed to cleanse us from sin was accomplished that dark day nearly 2000 years ago. And throughout Scriptures, we see this. Isaiah 53:5 ‚Äì [b:1fhurl2f]”But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [/b:1fhurl2f]Romans 5:9 ‚Äì [b:1fhurl2f]” being now justified by his blood;” [/b:1fhurl2f]Acts 20:28 ‚Äì[b:1fhurl2f] “; the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”[/b:1fhurl2f] Ephesians 1:7 ‚Äì [b:1fhurl2f]”In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” [/b:1fhurl2f]Colossians 1:14 + 20 ‚Äì [b:1fhurl2f]”In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:[/b:1fhurl2f]” and “[b:1fhurl2f]And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”[/b:1fhurl2f]
    There are many more verses in which the Bible gives us this same message. So what did Paul mean by his verse in 2 Corinthians 11:4, a different Jesus and a different gospel? Simply put, if one believes as many today think, that “The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us,” or that somehow “we can merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life,” as some churches teach, they then would be like those to which Paul referred to in 2 Timothy 3:5, [u:1fhurl2f][b:1fhurl2f]”Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” [/b:1fhurl2f][/u:1fhurl2f]The difference is evident in that the Bible tells us that the Lord addressed the sin issue 2000 years ago and that one can only attain the perfect righteousness by trusting in what He did at Calvary, (John 6:28-29), by faith alone, not works, lest one boasts, (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that if one is trusting in works, then it cannot be grace. (Romans 11:6)

    In closing, Gospel-Light invites you to examine your life to see exactly how you think your sins are removed and then compare ‚Äì Are you really believing in what Jesus did as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 2:2 ‚Äì [b:1fhurl2f]”For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,”[/b:1fhurl2f] (the gospel of grace) or are you trusting in religious rituals, activities and ways attempting to “merit” salvation, thinking you can be infused graces as so many of today’s Churches would have you believe?

    The way you choose reveals much in whether you truly “believe” in Jesus Christ.
    posted by Gospel Light Ministries

    #7442
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Article #3 – “Take This Body…”

    [color=red:3c5dzoy9] ” Take This Body…”[/color:3c5dzoy9]

    With Easter being so much on our minds, my thoughts turn to the Last Supper and its meaning for us. More specifically, how are we to understand what Jesus meant when[b:3c5dzoy9] “He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me,’ “[/b:3c5dzoy9] a Bible verse taken from Luke 22:19. It would seem obvious that since Jesus gave His body on the cross that very next day, what Jesus said can be taken as a two part statement. In the first part of His words, He was referring to His body as Peter wrote in his epistle: [b:3c5dzoy9]”He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”[/b:3c5dzoy9] The second part of what Jesus said would pertain to what we do today at communion, in remembrance of Him. But what exactly do Scriptures tell us as the significant meaning behind Jesus’ words?

    Looking closely at John, chapters four through six, we gain these significant insights. Here, Jesus made some very picturesque statements in an attempt to make us understand the importance of believing in Him. We also see that His words often are spoken in spiritual meanings, not to be taken as literal meanings. For instance, after Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, His disciples brought food to Him saying “Master eat.” to which Jesus replied, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Now if we take His words literally, we’d have to wonder if He had a hidden cheeseburger under His robe. But two verses later, we are given the meaning of His words: [b:3c5dzoy9]”My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” [/b:3c5dzoy9]Likewise in John chapter six, Jesus speaks in the same manner in verse 35 : “[b:3c5dzoy9]Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty….’ “[/b:3c5dzoy9] verse 51 [b:3c5dzoy9]”I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.’ “[/b:3c5dzoy9] …. verse 54 [b:3c5dzoy9]”Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day”[/b:3c5dzoy9] and finally verse 58.[b:3c5dzoy9] “This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” [/b:3c5dzoy9]These verses cannot be taken literally because Christians today get hungry and thirsty daily, and one only needs to look at the obituaries to see that Christians die. Thankfully, Jesus again doesn’t leave us wondering because in verse 63, He says, [b:3c5dzoy9]”The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”[/b:3c5dzoy9]
    If we take these verses, we can benefit further if we add the insights given in Matthew 15: 11 and 17 where Jesus states that what goes into the mouth cannot defile anyone, because it passes through the body, but rather it is what comes from the heart that defiles a person. (Naturally this applies to what enters the mouth can’t make one holy either.)

    Fortunately, we also have in Acts 7:48 and 17:24 where we see the Bible clearly telling us that, [b:3c5dzoy9]”… the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” [/b:3c5dzoy9]If the words that Jesus spoke a the Last Supper meant that the bread was literally becoming His Body, then these verses, as well as the many verses that tell us that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father would also have to be discarded.

    What is the true meaning behind the words spoken at the Last Supper and what we do at communion today? Like all of Scriptures, it isn’t what we do that counts, but rather it points to the Finished work of Jesus Christ Crucified. In truth, what we celebrate today at communion is simply done totally to reflect upon what Jesus did at Calvary, to be done in remembrance of Him. And thus, we too can shout the same feelings as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:2 – [b:3c5dzoy9]”For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. “[/b:3c5dzoy9] So next Easter when we partake in communion, let’s not sin by making the same mistakes that Paul referred to in Romans 1:25: [b:3c5dzoy9]”They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator– who is forever praised. Amen. ” [/b:3c5dzoy9]But we rather should give to glory to Jesus Christ and what HE did 2000 years ago with His death and resurrection – which really is the importance of Easter Weekend.

    #7444
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=red:2dtkz257][b:2dtkz257]Should We pray to Saints?[/b:2dtkz257][/color:2dtkz257]

    Sooner or later, everyone of us loses a loved one to death. What happens after our loved ones have passed on? Can they watch over us, interceding for us as many would like to think? Can or should we attempt to communicate with them, pray to them or pray for them? With six billion people alive, one can get just about six billion different viewpoints and opinions on this subject as well. So again we turn to the Scriptures where we find that, [b:2dtkz257]”All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching….so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped.”[/b:2dtkz257] (2 Timothy 3:16-17.) Indeed, God’s word answers these questions as well.

    Contrary to the idea that a saint is someone who has died and is now in Heaven praying with us and for us, the Bible shows us that saints are simply believers, ordinary people that have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Paul often began his letters by addressing them “to the Saints” in whichever city that they lived, such as Rome, Ephesis, Phillipi or Colossi. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1:13+14 that the moment one hears and believes the Gospel, it is at that point that the Holy Spirit seals us as Heaven bound. Believing the Gospel, that Jesus Christ saves us by what He did, not by how holy we lived or any “works of righteousness” of ours, is the underlying difference behind a Biblical saint as opposed to the view of a saint as a title given to person based upon an outstanding life of holiness and good works.

    Scriptures also reveal that besides God, there is no other. He has certain characteristics as God that enable Him to hear and answer prayer. The Bible speaks of God’s omnipresence, defined in Nelson’s Bible Dictionary as a theological term that refers to the unlimited nature of God or His ability to be everywhere at all times. (Psalm 139:7-12) The Bible also shows His omniscience, described in the Nelson Bible Dictionary as a theological term that refers to God’s superior knowledge and wisdom, His power to know all things. (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16) But these are characteristics of God, humans do not possess these capabilities to hear and answer the many prayers that are said each day.

    We have a loving God, who needs to consult no one for knowledge or understanding (Isaiah 40:13-14.) He loved us so much that He provided the only solution for sin by sending Jesus to the cross and thus making Himself the answer, the only answer as Acts 2:38 states, by which men must be saved . This is what the Scripture writers meant by Jesus being the only mediator in 1 Timothy 2:5+6 -[b:2dtkz257]”For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men…..” S[/b:2dtkz257]o glorious was God’s plan to provide the solution for men’s sin, and now so complete was His love for us, that we now can boldly approach God (Hebrews 4:15) with our prayers.

    There is a stark reality as told by Proverbs 14:12 – [b:2dtkz257]”There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”[/b:2dtkz257] Prayers to anyone else but God is not a sign of humbleness, but rather of unbelief. All of the Bible speaks of Jesus (Luke 24:27) and our Salvation is determined, not by our good deeds, nor our popularity (which may work to our advantage here on Earth, but not before God.) but rather by our belief or lack of belief in God’s only solution. (John 3:16-18 and 3:36).

    We must be aware of the schemes of Satan, for Satan can indeed make Himself as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14) Praying to others not only is pointless because of the inability for them to hear, or intercede for us, but also because it offends the one and only God in which the Bible repeatedly shows is a God, jealous for our love and desires to be our God. Jesus warned us of the great deceptions that would deceive so many (Matthew 24:24) and Paul repeatedly express his concerns about Satan’s cunning (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) and false messages (Galatians 1:7-8). Regardless of how or why one prays to another, apparitions included, when we pray to anyone, for any reason, other than to God, it is a form of worship, as John tells us in Revelation 19:10 and 22:8-9, to which the Angel reminded him (and us) that they are just fellow servants, that we should go to God alone. Surely John’s “worship” wasn’t a worship of the angel as God, but rather what he did is much like the faulty rational that many have today, thinking that he was simply honoring and showing the angel respect. Thankfully, in hindsight, when John wrote, the Holy Spirit correctly termed his actions as a form of worship.

    In other words, in closing, I remind you of what Isaiah 8:19 says: [b:2dtkz257]”…..should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” [/b:2dtkz257]Indeed then, in regards to praying to the dead, we should heed and apply the same type of sound advice as given in Acts 14:15 – [b:2dtkz257]”Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you…. telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.”[/b:2dtkz257]

    Thus we find, that according to the Bible, we are to pray to God alone.

    #7446
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=red:y3kd6gxd][b:y3kd6gxd]Isolating Scriptures – Another of Satan’s Schemes[/b:y3kd6gxd][/color:y3kd6gxd]

    Aaaahhh! Freedom! We are so fortunate to live in the United States where we can follow the religious faith of our choice. A quick look at today’s society and you could say that “everyone lives according to what is right in their own eyes.” On the surface, such religious freedom may sound so good, but according to God’s word, the Bible, it is a recipe for the disaster of countless souls. Jesus said, [b:y3kd6gxd]”Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (Matt. 7:13) This “One way to get to Heaven” path is so very different then the popular theories of today where most people would say, “I’m glad that you believe as you do, but I’m happy with my beliefs”

    There are many reasons why people have false beliefs. Paul often wrote in his letters about the spiritual dangers and deceptions that Satan can drum up against us. He tells us that Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:4). In Ephesians 6:11-17, Paul explains [b:y3kd6gxd]”Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [/b:y3kd6gxd]So the disciple of Jesus, tries to warn us about Satan, but he also describes our walk as a genuine spiritual warfare and how to combat it – through the knowledge of Scriptures. Unfortunately, Satan seems to go one step further, as we see Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, by the fact that Satan knew and used Scriptures too, for indeed as Peter puts it, [b:y3kd6gxd]”Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (1 Peter 5:8) Three times Satan attempted to mislead Jesus by misquoting Scriptures. Shouldn’t we also expect Satan to use the same “schemes” against us? Let us look at just two examples in which a deceptive or incomplete usage of Scripture has many people following a false path today:

    1) – John 20:23 – [b:y3kd6gxd]”If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”[/b:y3kd6gxd] Based upon this statement, along with the “binding and loosing” given in Matthew 18, we see the misconception among those who claim their priest or pastor is able to forgive those that come to him. However, using the complete Bible to let Scripture interpret itself, we find that only God can forgive sins, as even the Pharisees knew this (Mark 2:7). And our sins are or aren’t forgiven based upon John 3:36 – [b:y3kd6gxd]”He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” [/b:y3kd6gxd]So the disciples, having spent three years learning from Jesus, they knew His ways, could now preach and teach to others. As other people heard and believed, they were saved (Ephesians 1:13,14). The disciples could tell if anyone was or wasn’t a follower based upon what that individual beliefs were by what they did and said, [b:y3kd6gxd]”… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. ….. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (Matthew 12:34-37). Thus, the disciples could inform others of whether or not their sins were forgiven based upon whether or not they were believers. One more point here to realize God is in control, not man. For man to have the power to forgive sins, then God would be under man’s control.
    2) – 1 John 5:16, 17 – [b:y3kd6gxd]”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.? All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. ” [/b:y3kd6gxd]There are many that would point to this verse as the “proof” to back up the classifying of sins into two different categories, some called “venial” (less serious) and some called “mortal” sins, which are the grave or serious sins. Again, one can only come up with this erroneous conclusion by ignoring the rest of Scriptures, preferring rather to listen to the “logic” of men. However, God’s Word clearly says that, [b:y3kd6gxd]”The wages of sin is death”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (Romans 6:23), and that [b:y3kd6gxd]”whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (James 2:10). Also, [b:y3kd6gxd]”… there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) any thing that defileth….”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (Revelation 21:27).

    Therefore, as you can see, God hates all sin equally for He is a holy and perfect God. Satan’s strategy is simply to lull a person into resting on a false sense of how righteous they are, as if they would deserve Heaven by not having committed the “grave” sins, and thus they fail to understand and glorify God for the “finished work of Calvary.” What 1 John 5 was actually referring to was not meant as spiritual classifying of sins, but rather that sometimes God causes a physical death to occur as a result of sin, such as can be seen in Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira) or 1 Corinthians 11:29, 30 [b:y3kd6gxd](For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.)[/b:y3kd6gxd] Another example of this could be that as a result of a illicit sexual encounter, one might be infected with the AIDS virus. There are many, many more fallacies such as these in which people that are believing in these types of deceptions are in danger of an eternity of damnation simply because, as Jesus said in Matthew 22:29, [b:y3kd6gxd]”…Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”[/b:y3kd6gxd]

    In closing, Gospel Light Ministries encourages others to [b:y3kd6gxd]”As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” [/b:y3kd6gxd](1 Peter 2:2). To learn Scriptures, [b:y3kd6gxd]”…precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (Isaiah 28:10) so that, [b:y3kd6gxd]”ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”[/b:y3kd6gxd] (John 8:32)

    Free from deceptions and free to serve God!

    #7447
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=green:3j79wj66]^ A perfect example of how the dinosaurs survived for millions of years with walnut sized brains.[/color:3j79wj66]

    #7451

    [quote:2m0n9iu0][color=green:2m0n9iu0]^ A perfect example of how the dinosaurs survived for millions of years with walnut sized brains.[/color:2m0n9iu0][/quote:2m0n9iu0]
    Hey now…let’s be kind to other people on here. <img decoding=” title=”Smile” />

    Ron, this board isn’t exactly another venue for you to showcase your articles. Really this amounts to spam.

    If you made a clear cut topic on a particular subject to discuss that would be fine, but to post a series of your articles on varying subjects is not fine.

    #7453
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=green:w6j3swns]Sorry, it slipped out.[/color:w6j3swns]

    #7456
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    interesting how well your comment does that very thing bernadine –
    [quote:mjhulj87]
    ^ A perfect example of how the dinosaurs survived for millions of years with walnut sized brains.[/quote:mjhulj87]

    You probably believe in evolution as well?????

    Hint – the age of the planet Earth is a little over 6000 years, not even one million years old! <img decoding=” title=”Wink” />

    Jon, whiich part is spam? Feel free to criticize but don’t just say its spam without saying why, that gets no one anywhere, for everything I’ve written is Biblcally sound.

    and if you believe Bernadine’s apology then remove His post.

    #7457
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=red:2lg1fs5q][b:2lg1fs5q]What About Good Works?[/b:2lg1fs5q][/color:2lg1fs5q]

    Works! This is perhaps the most misunderstood ingredient in regard to an individual’s hope to gain salvation and perhaps the most controversial as well. Just what role do our “works,” defined by Nelson’s Bible Dictionary to be an individual’s “acts or deeds,” have in determining our eternal destiny?

    As usual, we will examine Scriptures to see what God’s word says about the “works” issue. However, as we look at Scriptures, we will see a number of “apparent” contradictory points in which we need only to remember two very important and lasting facts. These unchanging facts are (1) [b:2lg1fs5q]that God’s word is truth [/b:2lg1fs5q](John 17:17) and that (2) [b:2lg1fs5q]”All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful …… so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”[/b:2lg1fs5q] (2 Timothy 3:16,17) The point to note is that, if God’s word is truth and ALL Scriptures are useful, then we must realize that there cannot be any contradictions in the Bible. We should also remember that the apparent confusion doesn’t come from God, [b:2lg1fs5q]”For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] (1 Corinthians 14:33) Satan, on the other hand, is revealed in Scriptures to be, [b:2lg1fs5q]”…not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] (John 8:44) More on that later, but for now, let’s look at these apparent, contrasting, views.

    Some would point out, attempting to “prove” that the Bible says works help merit one’s salvation and that we do merit salvation because of them, the following verses: Romans 2:6,7 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”[/b:2lg1fs5q] Romans 2:13 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]James 2:17,20 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] James 2:24 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]Matthew 25:40,45,46 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me…’ He will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me…..Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]Indeed, these verses do seem rather convincing IF we would isolate these verses by themselves.

    However, we can’t ignore the rest of Scriptures, and when you include the following verses, you begin to see a different, more complete perspective. Romans 3:20,28 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight….Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]Galations 2:16 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] Philippians 3:9 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]Titus 3:5 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”[/b:2lg1fs5q]Ephesians 2:8,9 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”[/b:2lg1fs5q]

    Again, as we began above, we wonder, “So what part do works play?” Thankfully, the Bible does provide the answers in a fine, well orchestrated manner that puts it all together. Thus, it is essential that we include what the words gift and grace mean in order to get a better understanding of how one’s “works” fit in from God’s view. A gift, according to Nelson’s Biblical Dictionary, is “bestowing an item on another person without expecting anything in return.” Grace, likewise, is defined as “favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves.” The Gospel message abounds with grace and that it’s a free gift.

    The Bible tells us that there is only one Gospel that saves. This Gospel is presented in several ways throughout the New Testament as the “Gospel of God,” the “Gospel of Christ” and as Paul says as “our Gospel,” even once referring to it as “my Gospel.” But in regard to our topic, the Gospel references known as “the Gospel of the glory of Christ,” (found in 2 Corinthians 4:4) and called so fittingly as “the Gospel of grace” (Acts 20:24,) reflects unmistakably, that the message of the Gospel is about grace. There are so many additional verses that mention the Gospel, using the terms “grace” and as a “free gift,” so as to make clear this saving message of the Gospel, most notably in Romans 6:23 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” [/b:2lg1fs5q]and Romans 5:17 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”[/b:2lg1fs5q]

    So as we can see, works cannot be a part of our salvation, even partially, because as the Bible so clearly explains in the following passages, [b:2lg1fs5q]”Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness…. God credits righteousness apart from works.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] (Romans 4:4-6) Furthermore, the Gospel can’t be of works because in Romans 11:6 we find that works and grace are opposites, [b:2lg1fs5q]”And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” [/b:2lg1fs5q]So where do the works come in? Do we now ignore the opening verses that seemed so convincing at the beginning? Of course not, because, as stated earlier, there are no contradictions. The controversy about the “works” issue, is a result of just another scheme of Satan. A believer does many good “works,” but they never do things in an attempt to be purified of, or to remove, sin. The “works” that believers do are many, but the controversy usually stems from the faulty idea that, as a result of your works, somehow you help merit salvation, remove sins or/and help merit salvation for others. In the Gospel of John, we see the only works that a “believer” trusts are those of Christ’s, not his own. (John 6:28,29) [b:2lg1fs5q]”Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] And everything needed to purify one from sin was done at Calvary when Jesus said, [b:2lg1fs5q]”It is finished.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] It was at that point that all of the work was accomplished for the atoning of sins.

    The many “works” that people, mistakenly, think merit them righteousness are actually worthless, as the Bible points out in Colossians 2:8 and 23 – [b:2lg1fs5q]”See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ….Such regulations (works) indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value….”[/b:2lg1fs5q] Paul, similarly shows us, in Romans 9:31-32 and Romans 10:3, that these “works” accomplish nothing, [b:2lg1fs5q]”… after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law…. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”[/b:2lg1fs5q]

    Works do fit in, just as God intended, but as a characteristic of a believer, not as a means for salvation. The complete, harmonious, Biblical picture is best demonstrated for us so wonderfully by looking at Ephesians 2:8 and 9, which is then followed by verse 10, [b:2lg1fs5q]”(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] Another good example is found in Titus 2:14, [b:2lg1fs5q]”Who gave himself (Jesus Christ) for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”[/b:2lg1fs5q]

    So in closing, again in review, what the Bible teaches is clear. We are saved by faith alone, in the works of Christ alone, through grace alone, but never by our works. A believer (in what Jesus did) will do many good deeds, for indeed, as James said, [b:2lg1fs5q]”Faith without works is dead,” [/b:2lg1fs5q]and these acts simply reflect a believer’s desire follow Christ in their life.

    Thus, the glory goes to God, through Jesus Christ, who is [b:2lg1fs5q]”the author and perfecter of our faith.”[/b:2lg1fs5q] (Hebrews 12:2)

    #7460
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [quote:2spsd4y7]Jon, whiich part is spam? Feel free to criticize but don’t just say its spam without saying why[/quote:2spsd4y7]
    Just read his post, Ron.

    “this board isn’t exactly another venue for you to showcase your articles … to post a series of your articles on varying subjects is not fine.”

    He then goes on to explain,

    “If you made a clear cut topic on a particular subject to discuss that would be fine.”

    So he not only indicated which part was spam, he also stated why.

    #7463
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=green:3inwj7fq]I apologize for the rude comment Ron, I’m sorry. Please accept my apology. [/color:3inwj7fq]

    #7475
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [quote:1dlg87rb]interesting how well your comment does that very thing bernadine –
    [quote:1dlg87rb]
    ^ A perfect example of how the dinosaurs survived for millions of years with walnut sized brains.[/quote:1dlg87rb]

    You probably believe in evolution as well?????

    Hint – the age of the planet Earth is a little over 6000 years, not even one million years old! <img decoding=” title=”Wink” />

    Jon, whiich part is spam? Feel free to criticize but don’t just say its spam without saying why, that gets no one anywhere, for everything I’ve written is Biblcally sound.

    and if you believe Bernadine’s apology then remove His post.[/quote:1dlg87rb]

    :o [color=blue:1dlg87rb]Ron,your a book of knowledge(anyway here are some facts)[/color:1dlg87rb]
    The generally accepted age for the Earth and the rest of the solar system is about
    4.55 billion years (plus or minus about 1%). This value is derived from several different lines of evidence.

    Unfortunately, the age cannot be computed directly from material that is solely from the Earth. There is evidence that energy from the Earth’s accumulation caused the surface to be molten. Further, the processes of erosion and crustal recycling have apparently destroyed all of the earliest surface.

    The oldest rocks which have been found so far (on the Earth) date to about 3.8 to 3.9 billion years ago (by several radiometric dating methods). Some of these rocks are sedimentary, and include minerals which are themselves as old as 4.1 to 4.2 billion years. Rocks of this age are relatively rare, however rocks that are at least 3.5 billion years in age have been found on North America, Greenland, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

    While these values do not compute an age for the Earth, they do establish a lower limit (the Earth must be at least as old as any formation on it). This lower limit is at least concordant with the independently derived figure of 4.55 billion years for the Earth’s actual age.

    The most direct means for calculating the Earth’s age is a Pb/Pb isochron age, derived from samples of the Earth and meteorites. This involves measurement of three isotopes of lead (Pb-206, Pb-207, and either Pb-208 or Pb-204). A plot is constructed of Pb-206/Pb-204 versus Pb-207/Pb-204.

    If the solar system formed from a common pool of matter, which was uniformly distributed in terms of Pb isotope ratios, then the initial plots for all objects from that pool of matter would fall on a single point.

    Over time, the amounts of Pb-206 and Pb-207 will change in some samples, as these isotopes are decay end-products of uranium decay (U-238 decays to Pb-206, and U-235 decays to Pb-207). This causes the data points to separate from each other. The higher the uranium-to-lead ratio of a rock, the more the Pb-206/Pb-204 and Pb-207/Pb-204 values will change with time.

    If the source of the solar system was also uniformly distributed with respect to uranium isotope ratios, then the data points will always fall on a single line. And from the slope of the line we can compute the amount of time which has passed since the pool of matter became separated into individual objects. See the Isochron Dating FAQ or Faure (1986, chapter 18) for technical detail.

    A young-Earther would object to all of the “assumptions” listed above. However, the test for these assumptions is the plot of the data itself. The actual underlying assumption is that, if those requirements have not been met, there is no reason for the data points to fall on a line.
    http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-age-of-earth.html

    #7484
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Mr Weathers, about your post-
    [quote:1c62rh0a]
    Ron,your a book of knowledge(anyway here are some facts)
    The generally accepted age for the Earth and the rest of the solar system is about
    4.55 billion years (plus or minus about 1%). This value is derived from several different lines of evidence. [/quote:1c62rh0a]

    now you’ve got me, well….naw, Your facts aren’t factual for according to Scriptures the world is slightly over 6 thousand years old, not millions as your carbon dating specials would like you to believe…..Sorry, but I’ll stick to God’s word.

    Of course you don’t, do you!!!

    #7488
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Your answer sounds ok but show me in the Bible were it states only 6 thousand years old.

    #7489
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Well you’ll have to look at luke’s Chapter 3 the ancesters, and cross reference with Genesis ( I think) where the ages are given – takes a little work but you’ll see for yourself how old the world is.

    I’ve never actually done it completely but you’ll see that scientists are no match for Scriptures

    #7491
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=blue:2m8zxv0r]What is this telling me about how old the earth is?? I think if I’m not mistaken(getting a little absent minded at my age)the oldest person in the Bible was about 900years and there was a couple of reasons for that,number 1 they used a different way of measureing days and another I heard was there was not as many diseases then(I don’t know which is correct)[/color:2m8zxv0r]

    Luke
    Chapter 3
    1
    1 2 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
    2
    during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, 3 the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
    3
    4 He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
    4
    5 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
    5
    Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth,
    6
    and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”
    7
    He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
    8
    Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
    9
    Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
    10
    And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”
    11
    He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”
    12
    Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
    13
    He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
    14
    Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”
    15
    Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.
    16
    6 John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.
    17
    His winnowing fan 7 is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
    18
    Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.
    19
    8 Now Herod the tetrarch, who had been censured by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds Herod had committed,
    20
    added still another to these by (also) putting John in prison.
    21
    9 10 After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened
    22
    11 and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
    23
    12 When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
    24
    the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
    25
    the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,
    26
    the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
    27
    the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,
    28
    the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
    29
    the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
    30
    the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
    31
    the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 13
    32
    the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
    33
    the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
    34
    the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
    35
    the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
    36
    the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
    37
    the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
    38
    the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

    #7492
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [quote:2wt65afm][color=green:2wt65afm]^ A perfect example of how the dinosaurs survived for millions of years with walnut sized brains.[/color:2wt65afm][/quote:2wt65afm]

    [color=blue:2wt65afm]Ron said earth is only 6 thousand years old(should I believe him??) <img decoding=” title=”Smile” /> [/color:2wt65afm]

    #7493
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Mr. Weathers, you asked:
    [quote:14ielssb]
    Ron said earth is only 6 thousand years old(should I believe him??)
    ____________[/quote:14ielssb]
    and

    [quote:14ielssb]What is this telling me about how old the earth is?? I think if I’m not mistaken(getting a little absent minded at my age)the oldest person in the Bible was about 900years and there was a couple of reasons for that,number 1 they used a different way of measureing days and another I heard was there was not as many diseases then(I don’t know which is correct) [/quote:14ielssb]

    If you look at Luke’s genealogy it goes all the way back to Adam from Jesus which is 2000 years ago and takes approximetly about 4000 years or so. The people live longer not because of a different type of measurement, but because the canopy that protected them is not over us since the flood. If you look at the first couple chapter of Genesis, you will see that the measurements are the same – sun in the day, moon and star at night – seven days a week.
    PS – once you believe me on this subject, then maybe you’ll believe me in Scripture as well.

    #7494
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    [color=green:1be09urx]Weather, please don’t use my immature comment to refuel the fire. I already apoligized for the stupid remark. Let’s just let it rest. Peace <img decoding=” title=”Very Happy” /> [/color:1be09urx]

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