WISDOM

It's NOT worth it to continue. She's NOT going to leave her family.

EXCELLENT response!

What a wonderful article! Thanks for posting Nebula...good job, Sis!

If my heart wasn't right and I wasn't a Christian, then I believe my overall reaction would be full of the type of remorse I think JUDAS may have displayed (when hanging himself). However, personally I really believe that even though my fears and deep pain would surface (especially with my wife and two sons included), GOD would give me the GRACE and Silent Comfort (a serene feeling) just before my head is removed. Like a struck match, there would probably be a "flare-up", and then seconds later like a moth to the flame, I'd be in HIS presence. Just beyond the dark door of death, you and I will be greeted by the SON of RIGHTEOUSNESS. I truly believe that HE will give you and I grace in that "hour of death"......**Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of HIS Saints.** (Psalm 116:15)

Our FATHER is just laying out the "playing field". HE's never caught offguard. With the big flush of heretical writings and movies, which have been hitting the public strongly over the last 15-20 years, none of this should be a surprise to you. One thing I will say here....this is a golden opportunity for any Christian, who truly loves CHRIST to stand up in defense of the Gospel. This should challenge us all to get deeper into our FATHER's Word to ensure YOU are steadfast and immovable. Movies such as the Da Vinci Code come and go, but they do leave their mark...dirty as it is. Personally, I look at this as a challenge to have open discussion (face-to-face) with those whose curiosity has been aroused by the movie. It becomes your and my opportunity to share the TRUTH for the sincere inquiring mind. Remember....we are in a spiritual war. The Enemy fights dirty. He will never unveil the whole truth, because he IS the "father of the Lie". Look for outreach opportunities. Ask the HOLY SPIRIT to open "doors" for you to share with those who have read the book, and/or seen (will see) the movie. I can't wait to try and win souls for CHRIST through it!

Ray: If you can, as crazy as this sounds, try looking at it from the perspective of YOU being a "Sheep" or a "Lamb". And think of the LORD JESUS CHRIST as YOUR GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:1-18...27-29). The GOOD SHEPHERD takes tremendous care of HIS Sheep...HIS Flock. They never want, because the Good Shepherd takes care of all your needs. HE provides your food, water, covering (clothing/shelter), medical aid, protection against your enemies (including YOURSELF), along with the promise of Eternal Paradise (HEAVEN) at the end of life's "travels". Years ago my very first pastor use to say to me concerning the beginning of the 6th verse, that these (Goodness & Mercy) were the two "watchdogs" assigned to follow me, side by side (one on my left and one on my right), as I traveled the paths of this life. He called them my "sheepdogs". Ray, though you and I, like sheep are weak, wayward, and often downright DIFFICULT to handle, to HIM WHO loves us, we are more precious than gold, silver or diamonds. HE will do anything in HIS Power to keep and preserve YOU and I in HIS Hands, like the GOOD SHEPHERD that HE is!

I have never heard or read anywhere that those who are not immersed at baptism go to hell. We don't seek to judge, but rather leave it up to the only One who will, Jesus Christ. However, it is our goal to follow the Bible and do it to the best of our ability. The Bible clearly shows that immersion is the proper way to baptize: -The word baptism comes from the Greek word bapto which means "to dip." There were other Greek words to indicate sprinkling, but God chose a word to indicate immersion. -Immersion is the only mode of baptism the Bible records. John the Baptist used the Jordan River (Mark 1:5, 9). John immersed Jesus: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water" (Matthew 3:16). Philip immersed the Ethiopian eunuch: "They went down both into the water.... and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). -Paul used baptism to relate a burial with Christ, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). No one is buried by sprinkling or pouring a little dirt on the body, by only by complete submergence. -Since Bible days, other forms of baptism have arisen, but the Bible never describes these forms. Sprinkling and pouring came about as a matter of convenience. Infant baptism, triple baptism by some trinitarians, and postponement of baptism until the deathbed (an attempt to live one's life in sin and still be saved) are all nonbiblical baptismal practices and made immersion even more inconvenient. Here are some reasons why the mode of baptism is important: -Baptism is a biblical command. Since the Bible puts so much emphasis on baptism, we should perform as close to the way the Bible describes it. -Jesus was immersed as an example for us to follow. It is worth doing the way Jesus and His apostles did it. -Other modes of baptism were invented from nonbiblical tradition. Jesus condemned tradition fervently when it caused a deviation from God's Word (Mark 7:8; Matthew 15:6). -The only advantage sprinkling has is convenience and is a poor excuse for not following the Bible. -Immersion demonstrates obedience to God and respect for His Word. -Only by immersion do we retain the significance of baptism as a burial with Christ. I hope this answers your question! I agree, Bro. Chad, after we receive Jesus as our Saviour, then baptism follows, like you said it is dying to the old self, and coming up a new creature in Christ Jesus. Is this true?? Also I have some JW friends, that they say they do not agree with, The Trinity. The Father, Son, and H.S. - They do not understand how 3 people can be in one. can you explain that.??YSIC Littlelite As a UPC saint I do not believe in the trinity myself. Now I know.....that explains everything.

So we can have faith in Jesus and not do any of the things which He commanded us to do and still be saved. We can have faith in Jesus and not follow His Word and still be saved. You are speaking of faith without saving faith. Saving faith will lead us to die to our old selves by repenting of sins (Jesus' death), water baptism by immersion in Jesus' name for remission of sins (be buried with Christ), and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (resurrection of Jesus). These are all clearly related in the Bible. We must not just accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must also apply that gospel to our lives by obedience to its requirements. It takes both. It was this same form of thinking that caused the Pharisees to add to the basic Laws GOD gave, and put a stranglehold on the people of Israel. They put comma's where GOD had put period's (Matthew 23:1-36) I am not adding anything to the Bible. It speaks for itself on the issue. I will not live by this easy-believism that has come into play in our times. "easy-believism"...Hmmmmmm. Well Chad, for the sake of respect towards my brothers/sisters in CHRIST, partner, I'm not going to go there. I distinctly recall reading where you said something to the effect of "I don't mean to demean anyone's FAITH here." How quickly we forget what we say. You know friend, I gave my life to CHRIST 29 yrs ago (1977), after being reared as a "Black Muslim" (Nation of Islam)...a cultist. And the saddest thing I've seen in the Body of CHRIST are things such as this. Well, let me just reassure you of this.......this "easy-Believer" will be standing at the Judgement Seat of CHRIST, and many others like myself likewise. Be careful of the words that you choose again, Chad. You could very well be unintentionally confusing and causing doubt in those who are still nourishing on the "milk". Those such as myself don't have a problem with your beliefs, because I don't allow them to effect me (Psalm 1:3). My challenge to you is to do as King Solomon did...ask our FATHER to give you HIS pure WISDOM from above. You say you've been saved for two (2) years? Here's a little advice an older Christian gave me 20 years ago..."Remember (he told me), while in your Christian walk to keep in mind that GOD is not as concerned about your perceived knowledge, as HE is about your character. HE wants you to develop daily more into the image of HIS SON than anything else." THAT statement has helped me tremendously through the years involving my growth spirtually. The belief in our LORD's Words are not that complex.

Bo...let me also apologize for intervening on two posts, which were directed to you vice myself. I allowed the "urge" to get the better of me, and I do stand corrected. "Thinking Cap" was in my briefcase...."Impulsive Hat" was in my hand. Sorry old pal...

So we can have faith in Jesus and not do any of the things which He commanded us to do and still be saved. We can have faith in Jesus and not follow His Word and still be saved. You are speaking of faith without saving faith. Saving faith will lead us to die to our old selves by repenting of sins (Jesus' death), water baptism by immersion in Jesus' name for remission of sins (be buried with Christ), and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (resurrection of Jesus). These are all clearly related in the Bible. We must not just accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must also apply that gospel to our lives by obedience to its requirements. It takes both. There is no distinction between faith and "saving faith" in the Bible. "Saving faith" is a religious term coined entirely outside the realm of Biblical truth. Then by your stance, even the devils are saved. "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe

Concur....in accordance with the Word!

So we can have faith in Jesus and not do any of the things which He commanded us to do and still be saved. We can have faith in Jesus and not follow His Word and still be saved. You are speaking of faith without saving faith. Saving faith will lead us to die to our old selves by repenting of sins (Jesus' death), water baptism by immersion in Jesus' name for remission of sins (be buried with Christ), and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (resurrection of Jesus). These are all clearly related in the Bible. We must not just accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must also apply that gospel to our lives by obedience to its requirements. It takes both. It was this same form of thinking that caused the Pharisees to add to the basic Laws GOD gave, and put a stranglehold on the people of Israel. They put comma's where GOD had put period's (Matthew 23:1-36)

Since it is me against the world, again! I will try to address each of your questions or comments. There is nothing complex about the Word of God. By your interpretation, and that of many, you believe that once we proclaim with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, that is all that needs to be done. Well, I say that no one in the Book of Acts did this and were saved. They went through the same process time and again. Jesus taught about it and so did all His disciples. Remember that I am not saying these are works that we do for our salvation. They are works of God in our salvation process when we submit or yield to His grace. It takes both. Chad, come on bruh..*smile* You are making this a "me against the world" situation, and the only time such a statement should exists like that is when you as a Christian are against the "world system", NOT your bro/sis in CHRIST. This is no more than a basic discussion, not personal. Think about what you wrote above ("There is NOTHING COMPLEX about the Word of GOD"). Chad.....isn't THAT what I just said and you JUST repeated?! It's NOT by "my interpretation", it's clearly what the HOLY SPIRIT wrote. I have not put a "comma" where our LORD has placed a "period". You have. Chad, bruh...you are either under GRACE or the LAW. One cannot be a fence straddler. Now, are you going to take ALL 66 books into consideration, or just the Book of Acts?! You quote a portion of Romans 10:9-10, yet you tell our FATHER "no, no....that's NOT enough". You and no one else has that authority, only HE WHO sits on the throne does...our LORD, our KING, not you or I. Personally, I'm not one who wastes time "philosophying my DADDY's Rules". HE gave conditions (key word) to each of us to follow and accept in order to receive a free gift. And HE's made it simple and basic enough for us to understand. Receiving the gift of salvation through faith in JESUS CHRIST is a very non-complex matter. The natural mind doesn't understand it, but the spirit mind does. GOD knows the heart ("and BELIEVE in thine heart"). Don't you think it's rather interesting that all the efforts by the "Heroes" in Hebrews Chapter 11 is centered on their FAITH?!! It's like a nail...the harder you hit it, the DEEPER it goes into the "wood". I love you bruh. Relax and learn the simplicity of our FATHER's Word (Proverbs 1:5; 3:13; 15:10; 27:17....James 1:5)

The problem I find with this statement is that there is not a single verse that I have ever read in the entire Bible which states such. Concur 150%

Chad.... I repeat, you are making the simple, complex. One cannot pay for a "gift", otherwise, it cease to be one. You are either under GRACE or under the LAW. There is no "grey area". **Galatians 3:1**

I understand all you've just said and written, respectfully. However, you kind of "pseudo-sidestepped" what I ask . The Bible is pretty basic and simple to understand when a Christian yields him/herself to the AUTHOR of the book....the HOLY SPIRIT. Sadly Chad, we all too often complicate the simplicity of it. The question I asked you is no different than what happened to the Thief on the Cross, who that very day went to be with the LORD, did he not according to our FATHER's Word? You KNOW the basic truth just as I do....to be absent from the body (this earthly tent/temple) is TO BE PRESENT with the LORD. No other technical jargon you and I can come up with will suffice. (2 Corinthians 5:8) GOD has said this, not you or I, and it is IMPOSSIBLE for HIM to Lie (Titus 1:2). Unfortunately Chad, too many Christians feel the need to add to a "gift", which changes it to something one feels they have to "pay for". Too bad they don't want to accept the fact that the FATHER doesn't want their "currency". HE's been "paid" already. Once accepted, HIS goal is a relationship with YOU and ME. HE will never leave us, nor forsake us. HE will NEVER misguide us or forget us at death. More importantly Chad, HE will never overlook you or I, and NEVER cancel our "appointment" in HIS "Appointment Book", regardless of what we think we owe HIM. And what is it that we do owe HIM? Faith, Trust and Obedience.....to love HIM with all our heart, soul and mind. If I hadn't accepted HIS free gift in 1977, yet instead, would today have been fortunate enough to have waited until now on my deathbed and did so, WITHOUT being immersed in water (which by the way I have been), or speaking in an unknown tongue, there is NO DOUBT in my mind that I would appear before the Judgement Seat of CHRIST (the BEMA).......just like you. We should never add a comma, where our FATHER has placed a period. In doing so my brother, we block the Gates of Heaven to other men/women, and we become a stumbling block to our own fellow Believers. And just in case you want to know (even though you didn't ask), I'm a Non-Denominational Believer.

Chad...let me ask you an honest, sincere question. If a person is lying on their deathbed, and had NEVER before professed a belief in CHRIST (Romans 10:9-10), however he/she made this "11th Hour" acceptance of the free gift of salvation through FAITH & CONFESSION BY MOUTH, and BELIEF in their heart, yet they didn't get water baptized, nor did they speak in tongues, and moments later they died. Would they go to be with their LORD/SAVIOUR or be separated from HIM for Eternity? Now, before you respond, please carefully and thoughtfully read again what I just wrote to you in its entirety.

Ditto, my thoughts exactly. There is a danger of opening your mind up to Numerology . Stick to the Word!

other one: Understand clearly and respect your decision.

I take a different road....I believe a Christian, who has a solid foundation through studying of our FATHER's Word (2 Timothy 2:15), can do so much more for the defense of the Gospel of our LORD/SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, by reading them and (like the BEREANS) lining them up with the Bible. These heretical attacks aren't going to go away. You and I are in a spiritual war (Ephesians 6). The Enemy is going to continue to twist doctrinal truths as he has done since Eden. I don't suggest that everyone who professes a faith in CHRIST (Romans 10:9-10) read these type books. If you are "drinking milk", don't go and "choke yourself on meat". It can easily become confusing for many. But I do suggest that those of you, who after prayer, follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT in either doing so, or not. Always be ready to give an account of the reasoning behind your faith in CHRIST (Apologetics), and to stand against the attacks of the Enemy and his demonic horde. Remember, He IS the "author of confusion"! It is his nature (can you say, "Father of the LIE"?). None of what he generates through these type of authors/spokespeople should surprise/catch the Christian offguard. I pray for the salvation of these authors, because they too will have to one day give an account to the LORD, either as SAVIOUR (The BEMA) or JUDGE (The Great White Throne). The choice is theirs alone. Everything they've written in their books, especially the "Da Vinci Code", when lined up with Scripture is laughable. Thank GOD as Christians, we already KNOW the TRUTH, and the ending of the "REAL BOOK"!

What do you suggest it is, then? Simple....it's a forgivable sin our SAVIOUR nailed on the Cross of Calvary.

One of the best responses I've ever read/heard to this interesting question!

If that is so, then our FATHER is a liar. Now, we KNOW that cannot be true (Titus 1:2), because HE has ONLY identifed one sin as unpardonable/unforgivable, and suicide isn't it. Unfortunately, and all too often, we humans have attached that label to suicide, NOT the AUTHOR of the Bible. We tend to put comma's, where our LORD has placed a period.