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  1. What you just mentioned (putting God in a box, and trying to understand His Word with intellect, human reasoning and logic, INSTEAD of being governed by the preponderance of Scriptural evidence that is found written verbatim upon the pages of the Holy Bible on any subject of interest, study or discussion) is probably why there are literally Thousands of denominations, religious organizations and autonomous congregations, all of which claim to be “The Way”. Yet, they differ in so many different ways, even though many of them use the same Bible. First, The thief could NOT have come down off that cross, to go and do anything pertaining to the requirements of Levitical Law, either. Also, that thief died in the most unique period of human history. He died AFTER the veil in the Temple was rent in Twain from top to bottom (Jesus died before him), and he died BEFORE the New Testament Church was “Spiritually Born” AND Inaugurated about 50 Days Later. Second, Jesus had the power and the authority to save, heal, deliver and pardon anyone He so chose. He once referred to a woman from Canaan as a dog. However, her faith caused Him to make an exception .. even though He told her that He had only come for the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Matthew Chapter 15 (KJV) [22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. [28] Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Third, and most importantly, the One in the middle (Jesus) is our example. NOT the thief on the cross. And Jesus traveled over 50 miles to be baptized by John the Baptist (who baptized unto repentance), to “fulfill all righteousness”, even though He had no sins to repent of. Fourth, even with all of the above taken into consideration, it is VERY important to remember that He is a real stickler when it comes to OBEYING .. and following His very precise instructions, to the “T” (so to speak). And He COMMANDED His Foot Print Followers to... 1). GO 2). TEACH, and 3). BAPTIZE Evidently, you erroneously assume that He didn’t COMMAND baptism, when He most definitely did. So He isn’t wrong at all. And neither are those who OBEY that COMMAND. Just because someone does NOT understand, OR agree with, the Apostles Doctrine, does NOT mean that the Truth is “spin” (as you put it). Between Mount Sinai and Mount Calvary an ANNUAL atonement for sin had to be made. The animal slain, and the blood applied EACH AND EVERY YEAR. On this side of Calvary, the blood that Jesus shed has provided complete atonement, once and for all. So your understanding doesn’t take into consideration the fact that the annual procedure OUTSIDE the Tabernacle was performed EACH AND EVERY YEAR (repetition), the blood shed of the sacrificial Lamb, the brazen altar of (burnt) sacrifice, the brazen laver for washing. The INSIDE procedure was repetitive, as well, but we’re talking about types and shadows regarding water, and the part it played in both the Old and New Covenant matter of the atonement of sins. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Also, when we Repent (die out to sin, self and the world) we identify with Jesus’ Death. When we are baptized (by complete immersion, not by sprinkling a little dirt on a corpse) we identify with Jesus’ Burial. And when we receive the Holy Ghost “the Bible way”, we identify with Jesus’ Resurrection, as we walk in the newness of Life in Christ Jesus, led by the Spirit, NOT by the flesh. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. People can pontificate all they want to, but the Biblical evidence very plainly reveals that, on this side of Calvary, it is not only going to take HEARING AND BELIEVING THE GOSPEL to be saved, it is also going to take Repentance (an about face, turning from sin, and to the Lord), water baptism in the precious name of Jesus (for the remission of sins), and receiving the Holy Ghost “the Bible way” to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. You evidently do not have the same understanding of the types and shadows of that which was to come, and that which did come, which was fulfilled in Christ, AND was very firmly established by His Footprint Followers, those who very definitely had it right. The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are called the Gospels, and contains the birth, life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ. The Fifth Book, the Book of Acts, is the History Book of the “Original” (First Century) New Testament Church. The Epistles (Letters) Romans through Jude were written to Churches and/or individual Christians, and contain admonitions and instructions for people who were already saved. They weren’t written to rank sinners. Lastly, the Book of Revelation is a Book of Prophecy, regarding things that were, are, and are to come (in the future), and contains figurative and metaphoric language, and things that are yet to be revealed, come to pass, and be understood. So, in answer to your challenge, the Epistles were written to people who had already repented, been baptized and born again “the Bible way”. And there was no need in telling them what to do (about being baptized) when they had already done so. God is perfect. Man is imperfect. And when the preponderance of Scriptural evidence that is found written verbatim upon the pages of the Holy Bible on any subject of interest, study or discussion doesn’t harmonize with what someone proclaims as Gospel Truth, they are either mistaken, misinformed or in error. Plain and simple. You can down-play, diminish and/or fight against this important Bible Doctrine that was COMMANDED by our Lord, if you wish. As for me, I’m going to stay with the Apostles Doctrine. Yes ... and Yes. God bless!
  2. Nowhere in my OP, or my replies, have I said that water baptism in and of itself will save, please go back and actually read my post and my replies. Water baptism by it self will not save, but it is PART of what saves, in OBEDIENCE to God's Word, and obeying the principles that He has placed in effect from the foundation of the world. For example; The Old Testament Tabernacle, being a shadow of things to come, we read Aaron's sons (the priests) had to wash at the laver "that they die not." (Exodus 30:17-21) Now, in the New Testament, Jesus told the leper to go to the priest and give thanks unto God for their healing, so as they went they were healed as they obeyed His word! In the Book of Acts, when asked, point blank, what shall we do to be saved, Peter and ALL the Apostles present with him that day replied... Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Notice NONE of the Apostles with Peter ever said, "I see you all now believe, therefor go in peace you are all saved." Peter and ALL the Apostles said to: 1. Repent 2. Water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins 3. Receive the Holy Ghost. And sooo, that to you is heresy? That is correct, one must first be a believer, nowhere have I said anything otherwise. It is interesting, however, that upon "believing", Jesus said, "and is baptized shall be saved;" Notice he did NOT say, he that believes "only" shall be saved. Let's take a look at Mark 16:16 which is the Great Commission given, and compare it to Matthew 28:19 which is the Great Commission given, to see what is meant... Mark 16:15 AndG2532 he saidG2036 unto them,G846 GoG4198 ye intoG1519 allG537 theG3588 world,G2889 and preachG2784 theG3588 gospelG2098 to everyG3956 creature.G2937 Mark 16:16 He that believethG4100 andG2532 is baptizedG907 shall be saved;G4982 butG1161 he that believeth notG569 shall be damned.G2632 Matthew 28:19 GoG4198 ye therefore,G3767 and teachG3100 allG3956 nations,G1484 baptizingG907 themG846 inG1519 theG3588 nameG3686 of theG3588 Father,G3962 andG2532 of theG3588 Son,G5207 andG2532 of theG3588 HolyG40 Ghost:G41 In BOTH scriptures, G907 is used... βαπτίζω baptizō Thayer Definition: 1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe 3) to overwhelm Strong's Definition: From a derivative of G911; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash. Do try and keep up, and please actually read my OP and my replies. I don't doubt many have had an experience with God. But let's not confuse "an experience" with being "Born Again". There is only One Road according to God's word and Plan, which leads to Salvation, and that has been laid out in the OP. The problem is the devil has offered a buffet table for all, leading to destruction. Nowhere in my OP have I put God in a box and, neither will God go against His own principles. He has a very specific plan of salvation, so specific that he admonished Moses to make the tabernacle exactly as he seen it in the mount, because the Old Testament tabernacle was a shadow of what was to come in His New Testament Plan of Salvation. Upon entering the gates of the tabernacle, one comes to the alter of sacrifice (a shadow of repentance). Next, we come to the laver (here comes the WATER - a shadow of baptism). Then, on to the Holy Spirit. And this is what we see in the New Testament... Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. The Lord has NOT stopped calling. God bless!
  3. We know that one believes on the Lord to be saved, but we need to hear the preaching of Jesus. And, in Preaching Jesus, water baptism is preached... Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. [27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, [29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Everyone prior to Jesus' Death, Burial and bodily Resurrection, entered into the Kingdom through Old Testament dispensation, including the thief on the cross because although Jesus was close to death, he was not yet dead... Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. At the Birth of the Lord's New Testament Church in the book of Acts, that same question was asked to ALL the Apostles that were present that day. They were asked, point blank, what must we do to be saved... Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. The Lord has not stopped calling. Thank you for your input, and touching upon this very important subject. God bless!
  4. The problem is having too many people teaching something contrary one to another. They use the same version of the Holy Bible, but with various beliefs. Paul tells us... 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Regardless of what Paul said, we now have THOUSANDS of denominations. You and I know God's church was not ordained to be that way! Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it. God bless!
  5. Footprint

    Wormwood

    To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown, on April 26, 2011, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the Star of Wormwood Memorial dedicated to the "liquidators" (first responders) to the accident. Is it merely a coincidence that the name of the memorial complex remembering those that died fighting the nuclear fires of Chernobyl is the exact same name of the fallen star called Wormwood referred to in the third trumpet prophecy of Revelation 8? There is a statue now standing on the site, an enormous angel blowing a trumpet! God Bless!
  6. I once found myself in a conversation about a good BBQ (I prefer hamburgers BTW), this person said he was going to BBQ but first he needed to get a tank of propane. OK, I said, that's not really a BBQ, and he said that it was because it is only the heat that matters. Nope, I replied, it is the smokiness of the coals and wood that makes a good BBQ, - otherwise you are basically dragging your electric stove out from the kitchen to the backyard on a long cord. He scratched his head for a moment as the light began to go on. Love you all, God bless! P.S. It's good to enjoy the simple things now, before the Antichrist takes the stage.
  7. In the book of John, after the last supper, Jesus has a private conversation with the apostles... John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. [8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. [9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. We read that the world cannot see the Holy Spirit, nor does the world know him. Jesus then said "But ye know him". How do the apostles know him? he was not yet sent! Jesus is saying that the one standing here talking to you is the one that will be in you. The one standing here talking to you is the Holy Ghost that will be in you. Jesus was on earth, under the ministry of redemption. It was expedient that he must first leave so that the Comforter (Holy Spirit) may come. Jesus had to finish the ministry of Redemption, so that he comes back under a new ministry, that of Regeneration (Jesus in us). And which began on the day of Pentecost and continues to this very day. Spirit of Jesus: Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Romans 8:9 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. 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. Thank you, God bless!
  8. The Roman Road Plan of Salvation is used by virtually ALL denominations today. Those who use the Roman Road Plan of Salvation will tell a lost person, who sincerely recites the words of one of the various versions of the "Sinner's Prayer", that they are ready to go to Heaven, right then and there, POOF, just like that! The following is how most people are taught to use the Roman Road Plan of Salvation: They will tell a person it is very easy to be saved (which is a true statement). Then, they will walk them through the following steps: Step 1. They'll tell the person to realize they are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23), which is very true. Step 2. Then, they'll tell them to realize that a price must be paid for their sin. "...and without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22) "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12), still, all very true. Step 3. Next, they'll tell them to realize that a price had to paid for their sin AND that the price has already been paid by Jesus Christ! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8), again, all very true. Step 4. Then, they'll tell the person to ask Jesus to come into their heart and save their soul, and to accept His sacrifice as the punishment for their sin. "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), here's where things "begin to go south" (so to speak). Step 5. At this point, they'll ask the person if they would like to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior right then. If so, they will ask the person to repeat after them the words of one of the versions of the "The Sinner's Prayer". And, they are saved at that very moment! Right then and there. POOF! Just like that! There are some essential things missing in the Roman Road Plan of Salvation. Consider the following... The Jerusalem Road Plan of Salvation was presented by Peter, under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, on the Day of Pentecost in Acts Chapter 2, following Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Upon being specifically asked what sinners must do, here's what God inspired Peter to say, as recorded in Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." A gift is not something earned. But, Peter didn’t stop there. In the very next verse (verse 39) he said, "For the promise is to you, your children, to those that are afar off, even as many as the Lord OUR GOD shall call". So, my question is, "Has God stopped calling?" ABSOLUTELY NOT! Step 1. Repentance of sins Jesus said in Luke 13:3 "... except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." And He COMMANDED in Luke 24:47 that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in HIS NAME among ALL nations, BEGINNING at Jerusalem. Step 2. Water Baptism in the precious name of Jesus... Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:1-8 that unless a person is "born again" of water AND of the Spirit, they cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. And, He said in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." The Greek word that was translated into English as "baptize" means to fully wet, immerse, submerge, plunge into, dip or bury. Step 3. Receiving the Holy Spirit (the Bible way) Jesus told Nicodemus this in John Chapter 3... Verse 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Verse 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Verse 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. According to Jesus, Himself, although you cannot see the wind, or know where it came from or where it is going, there is a "sound" heard when it is present, likewise, there is a "sound" heard when everyone is born of the Spirit. So, my question is "What is the sound to which Jesus referred?"... 1) the 120 in the upper room in Acts 2:1-4, .... they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 2) the household of Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48, ... While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 3) the 12 disciples of John in Acts 19:1-6, ... And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2) God bless!
  9. They were saved through Old Testament dispensation... Hebrews 9:11 (KJV) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Remember Lot... 2 Peter 2:6 (KJV) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) God had a redemption plan for the Old Testament saints, which was a shadow of things to come. God bless!
  10. While on the Isle of Patmos, God allowed John to look into the future. And he saw something with "great admiration" as recorded In Revelation 17:6. God allowed John to see the Great Whore, the Spiritual Mother of Harlots. John's wonder was NOT coming from the standpoint of desire, but rather of showing intense shock or surprise joined with indignation at her. Let's take a look as this scene unfolds... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: [2] With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. [3] So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. [4] And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: [5] And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. [7] And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. [8] The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Revelation 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. Rome is known to be built upon seven hills. Rome was said to have been founded when Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, ended up at the foot of the hill Palatine and founded the city. The other six hills are Capitoline (the seat of government), Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, and Aventine. History records that a Roman Emperor named Constantine was very instrumental in setting up the First General Council of Churches in 325 A.D., known as the Council of Nicaea. The Church of Rome became the Official Church of the Roman empire with Constantine as its head. This "universal" church with its man made doctrine was established so that EVERY subject of the Empire would belong to the Official Church of the Rome. The THREE PERSON DOCTRINE which later evolved and was very clearly defined as such, was purely an orchestrated effort by Constantine designed to appease both the MONOTHEISTS (One God Christians) and the POLYTHEISTS (Multiple god pagans). From a strictly political standpoint, I guess you might say it was a brilliant move. Constantine stopped the persecution of Christians for a while so I don't guess he was all bad. However, the Roman Emperors were responsible for killing and torturing people (Christians) much like that of Hitler's Nazi death camps. The True Church was literally driven underground. As a matter of fact, the May 1976 revised edition of Halley's Bible Handbook reports on pages 761-763 "...the church was regarded as a secret society..."; "...Christians were hunted in cave and forest; they were burned, thrown to wild beasts, put to death by every torture cruelty could devise." "Christian graves are variously estimated at between 2,000,000 and 7,000,000." Papal Persecutions against Protestants in later centuries far out numbered the Early Christian Martyrs under Pagan Rome. History also proves that the truth about one God was universally preached by the New Testament Church for many years after Christ, until the development of the "trinity" doctrine by the Roman Catholic Church. Encyclopedia International, 1975 Edition, Vol.18, p.226 - The doctrine of the "Trinity" did not form part of the apostles' preaching, as this is reported in the New Testament. New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1967 Edition, Vol.13, p.1021 - The first use of the Latin word "trinitas" (trinity) with reference to God, is found in Tertullian's writings (about 213 A.D.) He was the first to use the term "persons" (plural) in a Trinitarian context. Encyclopedia Americana, 1957 Edition, Vol.27, p.69 - The word "Trinity" is not in Scripture. The term "persons" (plural) is not applied in Scripture to the Trinity. World Book Encyclopedia, 1975 Edition, Vol. T, p.363 - Belief in Father, Son and Holy Ghost was first defined by the earliest general council of churches. This was the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. New International Encyclopedia, Vol.22, p.476 - The Catholic faith is this: We worship one God in Trinity, but there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost. The Glory equal - the Majesty co-eternal. The doctrine is not found in its fully developed form in the Scriptures. Modern theology does not seek to find it in the Old Testament. At the time of the Reformation the Protestant Church took aver the doctrine of the Trinity without serious examination. Life Magazine, October 30, 1950, Vol.29, No.18, p.51 - The Catholics made this statement concerning their doctrine of the Trinity, to defend the dogma of the assumption of Mary, in an article written by Graham Greene: "Our opponents sometimes claim that no belief should be held dogmatically which is not explicitly stated in Scripture... But the PROTESTANT CHURCHES have themselves accepted such dogmas as THE TRINITY, for which there is NO SUCH PRECISE AUTHORITY in the Gospels" It isn't hard to PROVE where this doctrine originated, when it originated and by whom it originated. Even though most will insist that it came straight from the Bible. Since the Bible does NOT give any SPECIFIC authority for such a belief, MILLIONS are told it is a "MYSTERY" which they must accept by faith, because it cannot be explained or understood. Interestingly enough the word "Mystery" is the name of the Mother Of Harlots... Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. God is pleading to come out of her... Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. [2] And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [3] For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. [5] For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. The question becomes: What is the true church, and what should we be looking for? The Five-Fold Ministry Ephesians Chapter 4 (KJV) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians Chapter 5 (KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. The Gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 (KJV) 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. We see that God is the One who placed the above in His Church. And we're even told why He did. However, not everyone believes that. But, I've never met anyone who doesn't believe it who can provide Scripture(s) for when, where OR why God removes any of it from His Church. Granted, the churches of the wide gate and broad way do NOT embrace all of the above. However, the one true Church that Jesus established (the strait gate and narrow way) certainly does. Actually, the above documentation can be used as a litmus test while evaluating the beliefs of the thousands of different denominations and religious organizations in existence, today. And, in addition to that, another VERY good (and very quick) test is to determine whether they embrace the Apostles One God Monotheistic Doctrine, OR "pluralistic monotheism", that evolved out of (and traced back to) the First General Council of Churches (the Council of Nicaea) in 325 A.D. Pluralistic monotheism is a dogmatically held "theory" that is embraced by ALL of the organized (orthodox) denominations and religious organizations, today (including both Catholics and Protestants). Thanks, and God bless!
  11. Prophecy fulfilled... Nahum 2:4 The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. When I'm driving the highways, I get into the right hand slow lane and cruse around 60mph. It is amazing how they blow past as if going the speed limit were against the law. One day I seen the next batch of cars in my rear view mirror and approaching fast. As they were raging by, something occurred to me, "stampede". It was as if a SPIRIT were behind them driving them forward with FEAR! Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. God bless!
  12. Since there are THOUSANDS of denominations teaching and preaching something different than the TRUE Church of Acts, some insisting that water baptism is not even necessary (we covered this in a previous post https://www.worthychristianforums.com/topic/239300-filling-with-the-holy-ghost/) then how can they teach something contrary to the Word and yet be in complete harmony with God's Word? Thank you, and God bless!
  13. Yes, that is correct. And remember, The Crowed is Wrong... Matthew 7:13 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: Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Keep up the good work, God bless!
  14. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Regardless of Paul's concern, we now have THOUSANDS of denominations. Some of which are Lutheran (of Martin Luther the German monk who began the Protestant Reformation), some are Calvinists (of John Calvin), Baptists, Catholic and the list goes on. Ever wondered why there are THOUSANDS (literally) of religious denominations, organizations and autonomous congregations, many of whom use the same version of the Holy Bible, but with various beliefs? GOD'S CHURCH WAS NOT ORDAINED TO BE THAT WAY! Varying beliefs, divisions, contention and strife do not come from God. 2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. One True Church. Acts Chapter 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. There is only ONE TRUE CHURCH. And it was started by Jesus, Himself. Jesus is the ONLY name associated with it's founding, and it's inauguration. The TRUE Church's birth and inauguration is found documented in Acts Chapter 2. And it's original teachings and oldest history is found within the 28 Chapters of the New Testament Book of Acts (of the Apostles). However, over the Centuries since then, there have been many who have risen up, and become the leader of a very distinct religious movement of their own. Most are still alive, today. This is why there are THOUSANDS of denominations, organizations and autonomous congregations teaching and preaching something different than the TRUE Church of Acts. Thanks, and God bless!
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