tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29582257556518502492024-03-05T16:46:46.056-08:00One MediatorFrom Cult to ChristAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-24798436837546453192016-08-05T13:25:00.002-07:002016-08-05T13:25:36.357-07:00What does it mean to be saved and saved from what?<span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Jesus saves us from sin, death,
the devil, and the tribulation to come. (Matthew 1:21, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1
Thessalonians 1:10) We are saved by the washing and rebirth of the Holy
Spirit. (Romans 8:8-11, Titus 3:5) This Spirit gives life. (Romans
8:11)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Romans 8:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-9" id="en-NKJV-28126"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>But
you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God
dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is
not His. </span> <span class="text Rom-8-10" id="en-NKJV-28127"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>And if Christ <i>is</i> in you, the body <i>is</i> dead because of sin, but the Spirit <i>is</i> life because of righteousness. </span> <span class="text Rom-8-11" id="en-NKJV-28128"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>But
if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He
who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.</span><br />
<span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-88502363068951853222016-03-26T09:43:00.001-07:002016-03-26T09:43:29.041-07:00Why do Christians focus so much on the resurrection?<span class="reftext"><b><i>Let's ask scripture.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><i>Notice the context of the scripture that nearly everyone uses to <b>define the gospel.</b> 1 Corinthians 15: </i></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">1</a>Now I would remind you, brothers,<a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/1_corinthians/15.htm#footnotes">a</a> of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">2</a>and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.<br /><br /><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">3</a>For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-4.htm">4</a>that he was buried, <b>that he was raised </b>on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-5.htm">5</a>and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.<a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-6.htm">6</a>Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-7.htm">7</a>Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">8</a>Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-11.htm">11</a>Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-15.htm">15</a> <b>We testified about God that he raised Christ</b><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
<i>In the same chapter about the gospel:</i><br />
<br />
<span class="reftext"></span>And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. <span class="reftext"></span>We
are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about
God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the
dead are not raised. <span class="reftext"></span>For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. <span class="reftext"></span>And <b>if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.</b> <span class="reftext"></span>Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. <span class="reftext"></span>If in Christ we have hope<span class="footnote"></span> in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. <span class="reftext"></span>But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.<b> <span class="reftext"></span>For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. </b>(1 Corinthians 15:14-21)<br />
<br />
<span class="reftext"></span>So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-43.htm"><b></b></a></span>It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)<br />
<br />
<i>Peter's famous speech in Acts chapter 2: </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-23.htm">23</a>this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-24.htm">24</a><b>God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. </b><br /><br /><a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-29.htm">29</a>“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-30.htm">30</a>Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-31.htm">31</a>he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-32.htm">32</a><b>This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. </b><br />
<i>Peter's message to Cornelius, the "words by which you will be saved" included the resurrection: </i><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">And </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v44010040-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 25.92px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v44010040" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.464px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 25.92px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">but </span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">God raised him on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">the third day and made him to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">appear, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;">not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.28px; line-height: 22.464px; text-indent: 25.92px;"><b>witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. </b>(Acts 11:14; 10:34-43)</span><br />
<br />
<i>I hope this has helped us all see that the resurrection is an essential part of the gospel. The resurrection frees us from death and sin.</i><br />
<br />
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25)<div>
<br /></div>
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)<br /><br />That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10: 9-10)<div>
<br /></div>
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives (Hebrews 2:14-15)<br /><b><br />“Death is swallowed up in victory.”<br />“O death, where is your victory?O death, where is your sting?” (</b>1 Corinthians 15:<a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-55.htm">55</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-21952259705065331432016-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:002016-03-16T09:28:14.173-07:00 Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span> "I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” - John 8:18</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>Who is Jesus a witness of?</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>"I am the one who bears witness about myself."</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-9222079198303611312014-10-06T22:10:00.002-07:002014-10-06T22:10:51.107-07:00HalloweenI read that the early Catholics celebrated Halloween by making fun of death and the devil because they have been conquered. We have nothing to fear from them. <br /><br />"That by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil" Hebrews 2:14<span class="p"><br /></span>For my household, it is a celebration of our freedom from fear and superstition. <br />
<br />
I encourage everyone to look into the history of the holiday. Generally, churches that have the holiday on their liturgical calendar know the history of a holiday rather than relying on more recently written articles that rely on pagan sources that change history. In the case of Halloween, it was a Christian Holiday, All-Saints Day first.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the year 609 or 610 <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Boniface_IV" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pope Boniface IV">Pope Boniface IV</a> established a date for All Saints’ Day on May 13<sup>th</sup>. And later, in the early 700s AD, <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gregory_III" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pope Gregory III">Pope Gregory III</a> changed the date to November 1<sup>st</sup>.
Decrees like this took some time to propagate from Rome to the more
remote areas where the Church was found. But the change in date had
nothing to do with any pagan practices. <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gregory_IV" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pope Gregory IV">Pope Gregory IV</a>
extended the celebration on this day to the entire Western Church in
the early 800s. And again, the change took time as it spread from Rome.<br />
The point is this: a common day for commemorating the Saints has been
around throughout the Christian Church from very early times. And the
fact that it falls on November 1<sup>st</sup> today has nothing to do with paganism.<br />
OK, so what does this have to do with Halloween? In the <a class="external" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201:5&version=KJV" target="_blank">Bible the day begins at sundown</a> or evening. This is why we have Christmas Eve. Halloween is <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Halloween">All Hallows’ Eve</a>‘, that is All Saints’ Evening. Halloween is the beginning of All Saints’ Day starting at sundown on October 31<sup>st</sup>.<br />
These days we have “Trick or Treat,” costumes sometimes too gruesome
to describe: witches, goblins, werewolves, vampires, zombies, Lady Gaga;
Jack-O-Lanterns, skeletons, spooky sounds, grave stones, candy and a
celebration of gore and all that is un-Holy.<br />
Many of the Christian Churches in the Reformed traditions claim that
Halloween is a pagan celebration. Very often they do this by referring
to Neopagan and Wiccan writings. And there are many in the <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopaganism#Origins" target="_blank">Neopagan</a> and <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca" target="_blank">Wiccan</a> communities who have tried hard to claim Halloween as an ancient pagan holiday that had been stolen by the Christian Church.<br />
Don’t ever expect truth from Neopagans and Wiccans. They already live in a fantasy world created by their own <a class="external" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fakelore" target="_blank">fakelore</a>. - http://steadfastlutherans.org/?p=23974</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
This article is also a good one considering that the Orthodox church does not have Halloween as part of their Liturgical calendar, and does not officially support the holiday: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/10/orthodoxy-and-halloween-seperating-fact.htmlAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-59716283074334563072014-09-19T10:49:00.003-07:002014-09-19T10:53:04.866-07:00Choosing a church made simple: It is by hearing the message of the gospel that we are saved. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="woc">And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,</span> <span class="woc">that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> (John 3:14-15) </span><br />
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It is by believing in Jesus that we are saved. </b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="woc">Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already,</span></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="woc">because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.(John 3:18)</span></span><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. </span><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;">(Ephesians 2:8-9)</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It is by hearing the message of the gospel that we are saved. </b> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">"He will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household."</span><span class="p" style="font-size: small;">
(Acts 11:14)</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes"</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Romans 1:16) </span><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="reftext" style="font-size: small;"><b>So what should our church focus us on? </b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span>
</div>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">portrayed as crucified. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">hearing with faith? </span><span style="font-size: small;">Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">flesh? </span><span style="font-size: small;">Did you suffer</span><span style="font-size: small;"> so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? </span><span style="font-size: small;">Does he who supplies the Spirit</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Galatians 3:1-5) </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?</span><span class="p" style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span class="p" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="p" style="font-family: inherit;">(Galatians 3:2)</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".4j.$mid=11411077457632=27e484275fe68314c61.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class=""></span></span><br />
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;">For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so
that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.</span><span class="highl" style="font-size: small;"> (2 Peter 1:4)</span></pre>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span class="highl" style="font-size: small;">Precious and magnificent <b>promises. </b></span></div>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".4j.$mid=11411077457632=27e484275fe68314c61.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class=""></span></span><br style="font-family: inherit;" />
<span class="p" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".4j.$mid=11411077457632=27e484275fe68314c61.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class=""> </span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".4j.$mid=11411077457632=27e484275fe68314c61.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class=""><br /></span></span>
<span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl"></span><br />
<span class="highl"><b> </b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="woc">Whoever
believes in him is not condemned. (John 3:18)</span></span></b><span class="highl"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-45352120655946542532014-07-12T11:14:00.002-07:002014-07-12T11:14:27.190-07:00Is Jesus your Mediator? Praying in the name of Jesus."In the name of" means that we have Jesus' authority to pray to the Father. It doesn't just mean that we use his name in our prayers. <br /><br />Acts 19:13-16 shows someone using Jesus' name. But more than just using his name is needed: "Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."<br /><br />Only children of God can rightly claim the authority of Jesus' name. Jesus said to pray "our Father". Not all people are children of God. (1 John 2:29-3:1) <br /><br />Ephesians 2:18 "For through [Christ] we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." <br /><br />Those who do not have the Holy Spirit have no access to the Father. Romans 8:8-16 shows that only those who have Christ dwelling in them, who are born again, are children of God. see also John 1:12.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-91955332399212213542014-07-06T12:15:00.002-07:002014-07-06T17:27:41.658-07:00"How do I find a church" part twoIn this series about choosing a church I am trying to give basic principles to go by. Focus on the gospel (discussed in part one), avoid certain mistakes like putting your hope in a denomination or choosing a denomination based on prosperity or law (will be discussed in future posts). I was going to try to avoid talking about my choice of denomination. This is because cults focus on your choice of denomination so much (this will also be discussed in a future post). They think that being part of the right group, having understanding of a certain doctrine, or listening to the right teachers is of paramount importance when it comes to salvation. This is not true. It is faith in Jesus that saves and I (and most ex-cult members) had faith in Him before choosing a church. <br />
<br />
I have so many people discussing the problems that they have had in trying to find a faithful church that encourages them in the faith that I have decided to tell you why I chose the denomination I am in.<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, my church has a confession and sticks to it. I know what I am getting when I attend an LCMS church. The law/gospel distinction, the deity of Christ, the efficacy of baptism, the gift of Holy Communion, are all in the confessions and aren't going to change. Every church member is catechized and this should prevent significant holes in theology. When we join a confessional church, we study the Apostles Creed; we know what the resurrection of Jesus is and means; we know that Christians have the hope of a bodily resurrection. Understanding of the kingdom is part of learning about the Lord's Prayer. When we learn about baptism, we are taught to avoid the error of thinking that our act of obedience is what saves us. When we learn the Ten Commandments, we learn that no one keeps God's law perfectly. When we learn about Holy Communion, we realize that this isn't something we do for God, but something that He is doing for us. And that brings me to<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The Confessional Lutheran Difference</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
In a Confessional Lutheran church, the emphasis is on the gospel. It is understood that it is the gospel that saves. It is the gospel that empowers. (Romans 1:16) Every sermon includes the gospel. The promise of what Christ has done and is doing for us. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="reftext"><b>"</b></span>His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/2_peter/1.htm#footnotes" title="Or by"></a></sup></span> his own glory and excellence,<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/2_peter/1.htm#footnotes" title="Or virtue"></a></sup></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_peter/1-4.htm"><b></b></a></span>by
which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so
that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature" - 2 Peter 1:3-4</blockquote>
<br />
Holy Communion emphasizes the gospel, because it is the gift of eternal life, the gift of Christ's body and blood. (John 6:51, 54) His promise of forgiveness. (Matthew 26:28) Baptism emphasizes the gospel, because it is the promise that Jesus died and rose again, for the one who is baptized. (Acts 2:38-39, Romans 6:3-9)<br />
<br />
<b>Everything, everything, is about Jesus. It isn't about you. It isn't about me. It isn't about our faithfulness, our obedience. It is about His faithfulness. And it is about His faithfulness, His promises, that we need to be constantly reminded.</b> "Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even
though you already know them, and have been established in the truth
which is present with you." - 2 Peter 1:12<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The law is good! 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' it’s something we
should strive to do, but not because you’re going to get something for
it and not because it proves you are a Christian. Jesus proves you are a
Christian, baptism proves you are a Christian, the Lord’s Supper proves
you are a Christian—to you. God is proving it to you!" - Reverend Jonathan Fisk</blockquote>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-52860673101914638552014-06-19T17:03:00.000-07:002014-06-19T17:19:54.273-07:00Christ's "invisible presence", Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Antichrist<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="reftext">In each of the scriptures below notice the word translated "coming" is the same. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="pos"><a href="http://concordances.org/greek/2064.htm" title="Strong's Greek 2064: coming">2064</a></span> <span class="strongsnt"><a href="http://concordances.org/greek/strongs_2064.htm" title="Englishman's Greek: 2064 -- Occurrence 597 of 637">[e]</a></span><br />
<span class="translit"><a href="http://concordances.org/greek/erchomenon_2064.htm" title="erchomenon: coming -- Occurrence 17 of 17.">erchomenon</a></span><br />
<span class="greek"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">ἐ</span>ρχόμενον</span><br />
<span class="eng">coming</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="reftext">2 John 1:<a href="http://bible.cc/2_john/1-7.htm"><b>7 </b></a></span>For many deceivers
have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the <b>coming </b>of Jesus
Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.<span class="eng"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="eng"><br /></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span class="reftext">Matthew 24:<a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/24-29.htm">29 </a></span>"But
immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall
from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/24-30.htm">30</a></span><span class="highl"> "And
then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all
the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man <b>coming </b>on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.</span></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Now look at the links below to see quotes from Watchtower publications that show that they meet the description of the antichrist given in 2 John 1:7. They say that Christ does not return in the flesh: </h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://onemediator.blogspot.com/search?q=1914">Christ's invisible return in 1914... Why is this an important teaching to Jehovah's Witnesses? </a></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://onemediator.blogspot.com/2012/09/do-jehovahs-witnesses-believe-in-jesus.html">Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was resurrected?</a></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-30154890740215615402014-06-17T07:20:00.000-07:002014-06-17T10:39:09.445-07:00"Though my father and my mother abandoned me, the LORD gathers me up." Psalm 27:10<span style="font-size: small;">I posted this on facebook on Father's Day: </span><br />
<b><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798485130186117:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:0"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798485130186117:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798485130186117:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798485130186117:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">"Happy
Father's Day to the Father who is always there for me, my Abba. Lord
you took me out of the dark pit I was in and placed me into your
heavenly kingdom, not because of any merit in me, but because I need
you. Thank you for your love and your faithfulness. Thank you for your
patience. Thank you for always being here for me."</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">One of my friends replied that I am her hero. That is a very encouraging thing to say to me, and I love her so... but this isn't about me and my sacrifice for the Lord. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">We</span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">
have heard of people leaving their family for less, I am sure. For an
unapproved career or marriage? Christ is everything, everything. </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Of course I would leave my family for Him. </span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">"everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:8</span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Yes
it takes great faith to leave everything you have ever known. This
faith, even this is not my doing, but is the gift of God. </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0">(Ephesians 2:8-9) <span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Am I so amazing that I did this? No, of course not. </span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">It is about Christ. It is Jesus. He does everything.</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="st"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1cg.1:3:1:$comment798484046852892_798907543477209:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Philippians 4:13</span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">When we see a Christian doing something that we consider amazing...</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">We know who the real Hero is. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Praise God </span></span><span class="text Rom-7-25" id="en-NKJV-28117">through Jesus Christ our Lord!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-14458366805068353012014-06-14T18:20:00.000-07:002014-09-24T10:03:03.701-07:00Cults deny the doctrine of Justification<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
False teachers believe that we should prepare for judgment day by
being faithful to the law (if not the ten commandments, their own) that this will cause us to progress in sanctification so that we will be obedient and ready for judgment day. This contradicts, among other scriptures, <a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/galatians/3.htm">Galatians 3</a>. <br />
<br />
They might not use the word justification, or they might talk about justification but give it a different meaning. <br />
<br />
We believe that Jesus has
done everything needed to prepare us for judgment day; that upon belief
in Him, we have been given His righteousness, even as we are still
sinning, still being sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14) That is the doctrine of justification.<br />
<br />
"But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been
manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the
righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who
believe." Romans 3:21-22<br />
<br />
For the Scriptures say, “It is through
faith that a righteous person has life.” This way of faith is very
different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying that a
person has life.” This way of faith is very different from the way of
law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
Galatians 3:11-12<br />
<br />
"But people are counted as righteous, not
because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives
sinners." - Romans 4:4,5<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Who </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> forgives</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> sinners. </b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-10797107534967744242014-06-14T14:04:00.001-07:002014-09-24T10:03:30.493-07:00Weren't the ten commandments the only laws written on stone? <blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326097167547618:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326097167547618:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326097167547618:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">He
has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter
but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now
if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on
stone. 2 Corinthians 3:6-7</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Then obviously the letter
in 2 Corinthians 3:6, which is the Old Covenant, not the New Covenant,
and which kills and brings death, is the ten commandments, since the
letter spoken of here was written on stone. </span><br data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><br data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326440900846578:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$4:0">So the New Covenant is not of the ten commandments, but is of the Spirit, which gives life.</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Compared
to <a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/galatians/3.htm">Galatians 3</a> which says that we receive the Holy Spirit by belief,
not by obedience, not just at the beginning of our Christian lives, but
continuing on in our Christian walk.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441967513138:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441967513138:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441967513138:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Romans 3:28 <b>"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." </b>WOW!</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".5f.1:3:1:$comment325576950932973_326441007513234:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-32993663912859344672014-06-12T20:24:00.001-07:002014-09-24T10:03:58.423-07:00God's Character and The Law; Coming to know the only True God (John 17:3)<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Does the Law show God's character? Is it a good way to get to know God?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">God's
eternal moral law, the law that never changes and is written on
everyone's hearts, that is the sum of every law that He ever gave: "So
in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this
sums up the Law and the Prophets." Mat</span></span><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">thew 7:12</span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Many
of Israel's laws were regulating things that were already
established... but no, loving your neighbor, doing to others as you
would have them do to you, does not permit beating your slaves, etc. So
no, God did not give permission for that...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Which statement is true? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">We are never permitted to sin. or We cannot avoid sinning.</span><br data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><br data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463366360570051:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$4:0">They are both true. Thinking only one is true causes so many misunderstandings. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">The
laws given to Israel were not God's perfect plan for people. Jesus said
about those laws, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because
your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning."
Matthew 19:8</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Jesus also said repeatedly, "you have heard that it was said" "but I say to you" in Matthew 5.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span><br />
For understanding we have to turn things around. The reality isn't God
demanding sacrifices, the blood demanded in the OT. The reality is
Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:2) God giving us His own blood. (Acts 20:28)<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span><br data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365787236775:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">The Bible tells us that there is one way to get to know God: </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463367747236579:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">JESUS</span></span></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Jesus
washed His disciples feet. He taught that we should love our neighbor,
that we should do to others as we want them to do to us.That we should
love our enemies and bless those who hurt us. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17</span><br />
<br />
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> <br />
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us
understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who
is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal
life. 1 John 5:20</span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463365630570124:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".25.1:3:1:$comment1463170780589609_1463364373903583:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-73625179343679910142014-06-10T08:05:00.002-07:002014-06-10T08:08:11.904-07:00"How do I find a church?" part one<span class="">I have had several Christians who have left cult groups ask me this question, so I decided to dedicate a section of my blog to trying to answer. <br /><br />I chose my church based on the gospel. There are churches
that don't preach the gospel consistently, that seem to preach good
morals and such, but not make the gospel clear. I didn't want my
children to grow up in a church and mistake Christianity for being a
good person. Read this article, maybe you will know what I mean: <a class="_553k" href="http://beliefsoftheheart.com/2013/07/23/i-wonder-if-sunday-school-is-destroying-our-kids-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://beliefsoftheheart.com/2013/07/23/i-wonder-if-sunday-school-is-destroying-our-kids-2/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="">So... my choice of church was based on the distinction of
law and gospel. This is how we make the gospel clear. </span>Obviously, both God’s law and God’s gospel come from God which means
both are good. But, both do very different things. Serious life
confusion happens when we fail to understand their distinct “job
descriptions.”<br />
<br />
<br />
"Whoever can't properly distinguish
law and gospel is no better than a heathen or a Turk."-- Martin Luther
was saying that nothing distinguishes Christianity from Islam or Judaism
once you confuse the law and the gospel.<br />
<br />
And Saint Paul writes about this quite a bit in the book of Galatians: <br />
<br />
<div class="body-ch-hd">
<span class="reftext"></span>"Oh,
foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning
of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a
picture of his death on the cross. <span class="reftext"></span>Let
me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by
obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because
you believed the message you heard about Christ. <span class="reftext"></span>How
foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit,
why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? <span class="reftext"></span>Have you experienced<span class="nltfootnote"></span> so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?</div>
<div class="body1">
<span class="reftext"></span>I
ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles
among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you
believe the message you heard about Christ." (3:1-5)</div>
<div class="body1">
</div>
<div class="body1">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="">After I listened to a radio program on
understanding law and gospel, I knew which church I belonged to. Here is a link to the radio program: </span><b><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/WhiteHorseInn/%7E3/mGOg1ZeyGzI/wi20120902.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WhiteHorseInn/~3/mGOg1ZeyGzI/wi20120902.mp3</a></b><span class=""></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-8320143071694226562014-06-06T12:02:00.003-07:002014-06-06T12:02:34.240-07:00"I am going to vomit you out of my mouth."<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
When I left the organization, I was told by my mother that Jehovah would vomit me out of his mouth. (First of all, I find it interesting that Jesus is speaking here and Jehovah's Witnesses don't realize it.)<br />
<br />
I have seen many evangelical Christians using this same scripture and applying it to a variety of things, mostly in denying the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, denying confession and absolution, or pushing their new legalism.<br />
<br />
The scripture confused me for several reasons, so I was going to ask someone about it, but remembered the three rules of understanding scripture: <b>Context, context, context! </b>Let's take a look: <b><br /></b><br />
<br />
Revelation 3:15‘I
know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you
were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor
cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.<br />
<br />What did Jesus mean here? What makes someone lukewarm? He answers this question Himself: <br />
<br />
<br />
17‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need
of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and
poor and blind and naked."<br />
<br />
It is that they don't see their sin and their constant need for the grace and mercy of God.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-30812534950654656852014-06-01T13:01:00.003-07:002014-07-06T17:50:16.723-07:00My feelings as I was received as a member of Christ Lutheran Church today...<br />
<br />
I wanted to mention first that I became a member of the universal church, Christ's body, before this. I received the Holy Spirit and confessed my faith in Jesus in 2011 and was baptized in 2012. This baptism was into Christ, not into the church where the baptism took place... <br />
<br />
Church membership then has been a separate step for me. You may remember in previous posts that I had decided to become a member of a church and
completed classes to that affect, but it wasn't "official" until today.<br />
<br />
In some ways becoming a member of the church was similar to a Jehovah's Witness baptism. I was asked questions in front of the congregation. I can't remember the exact wording, (Those who know the real questions, please forgive me!) but it was something like this: Do you believe the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, died and was buried, and rose again 3 days later? "I do." Do you believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God? "I do." Do you intend to receive the gifts that Christ bestows upon you? "I do." Do you intend to live as a Christian with the help of God? "I do." Do you intend to be a part of this congregation? "I do." Do you agree to support this congregation with the help of God? "I do."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So it started out as confessing my faith in Jesus. It is always wonderful to do that! Then ended with agreeing to be a part of the congregation. <br />
<br />
To become a member is described as being "received". I like this wording. It shows how it is, that I am received into the family. In this was very different from becoming a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, not only did I never feel accepted, but you have to go through steps, first you are a "publisher" keeping track of time spent in the "ministry" (trying to get more members). To join this church, I didn't have to prove that I am worthy by performing a certain number of works. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Leading up to this, my health has been poor and my finances have been poor. I miss church more often than I attend, do not volunteer in any capacity, and I have very little to give. But they are so willing to give to me. (Tearing up.) I hope from this point forward that I can be more involved in the church, but I also know that if that doesn't happen, I am loved.<br />
<br />
See this blog post where I talk about my first visit to this
church:
http://onemediator.blogspot.com/2012/10/for-where-two-or-three-have-gathered.html<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-56529089273085632212014-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:002014-05-24T09:00:14.905-07:00Who is the Great Crowd?<ul class="UFIList" data-reactid=".50">
<li class="UFIRow UFIComment display UFIComponent" data-ft="{"tn":"R0"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0"><div class="clearfix" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0">
<div class="" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right">
<div class="clearfix UFIImageBlockContent _42ef" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0">
<div class="" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left">
<div class="UFICommentContentBlock" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0">
<br /><div class="UFICommentContent" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297698143584:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297698143584:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297698143584:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297698143584:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">"for
you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out
of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to
be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over
the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10</span></span></span><br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="UFICommentContent" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0">
<span class="verse" id="v66007009"><span class="style-b">"a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9</span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">The people "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation", is the great crowd!</span></span></span> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".50.1:3:1:$comment1454075418165812_1454297961476891:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-54558759002735050962014-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:002014-05-21T07:07:29.188-07:00Cult characteristics:<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">A lot of people that argue against the JW or who leave the JW are in another cult. Here are some things to watch out for:<br /><br />Cults
twist the word of God to say what they want. For example, they will
claim that true worship disappeared for a time and had to be restored,
which contradicts Jesus' words at Matthew 16:18 and 28:20. Or they will
teach that Jesus has appointed them</span></span><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> to teach in His place which contradicts Hebrews 1:2, 1 Timothy 2:5, and 1 John 2:27. </span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">They focus on a message other than the gospel that Paul preached, and put heavy burdens on the people. </span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$6:0">"It
is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do
not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You who are
trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you
have fallen away from grace." Galatians 5:4,1</span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$7:0" /><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$9:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$10:0">They focus on things that we should fear. </span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$11:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">"There
is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has
to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1
John 4:18 (and Romans 8:15)</span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">They teach that salvation and survival of the end times relies on our own efforts. </span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$18:0">"Now
to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an
obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who
justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness." Romans
4:4-5 (and John 6:29)</span><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><br data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0">"Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (and Romans 5:9)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1r.1:3:1:$comment690952724274358_690953134274317:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0">Now that you know some ways that cults contradict the Bible, take a look at my other cult characteristics page which takes a secular approach: http://onemediator.blogspot.com/2014/05/cult-characteristics.html </span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-720928763868840072014-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:002014-05-18T13:21:11.780-07:00Korah rebelled against Moses...<div class="aquoted">
This is a quote from the writer of Seventh Day Adventist doctrine Ellen G. White, does it sound familiar to Jehovah's Witnesses?<br />
<br />
“If you seek to turn aside the counsel of God to suit
yourselves, if you lessen the confidence of God’s people in the
testimonies He has sent them, you are rebelling against God as were
Korah, Dathan, and Abriam.” <i>Testimonies 5</i>, p. 66.</div>
<div class="abody">
E. G. White compares herself to Moses, when Korah,
Dathan, Abriam and others rebelled against the leadership of Moses, God
destroyed them (Numbers 16). EGW was using fear to control people, and also in effect, calling herself their Mediator from God.<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-61828754545528140702014-05-09T15:38:00.004-07:002014-05-09T15:38:49.884-07:00Cult Characteristics:<strong>Cult members do not realize that they are in a cult. Because
all cults have different beliefs, cult experts have identified common
characteristics of cults, which they use to identify new cults.
University of California at Berkeley (19 Characteristics)</strong><br />
<strong>Recruitment</strong><br />
<blockquote>
1.
Deception - Group identity and/or true motives are not revealed. The
group leaders tell members to withhold truth from outsiders.2.
Emotional Leverage/Love Bombing - Instant friendship, extreme
helpfulness, generosity and acceptance...Group recruiters "lovingly"
will not take "no" for an answer-invitations impossible to refuse
without feeling guilty and/or ungrateful. "Love", "generosity",
"encouragement" are used to lower defenses and create an ever increasing
sense of obligation, debt and guilt.<br />
3. Exploit Personal Crisis -
They use an existing crisis as a means of getting you to participate.
They exploit vulnerability arising from:<br />
<ul>
<li> Broken relationships</li>
<li> Death in the family</li>
<li> Loss of job</li>
<li> Move to new location</li>
<li> Loneliness/depression</li>
<li> Guilt/shame</li>
<li> Stress/fear</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
4.
Crisis Creation - They employ tactics designed to create or deepen
confusion, fear, guilt or doubt. i.e. "you aren't serving God the way He
intended." Questions areas of faith never before examined or explored
and attack other faiths specifically.5. All The Answers - Provide
simple answers to the confusion they, themselves, create. Support these
answers with material produced or "approved" by the group.</blockquote>
<strong>Programming</strong><br />
<blockquote>
1.
Intense Study - Focus is on group doctrine and writings. Bible, if used
at all, is referred to one verse at time to "prove" group teachings.2.
Opposer Warnings - Recruiters are told that "Satan" will cause
relatives and friend to say bad things about the group to try to "steal
them away from God." Recruits soon believes group members, alone, are
truthful/trustworthy.<br />
3. Guilt and Fear - Group dwells on members'
"sinful nature" (many use public confession). Guilt and fear arising
from "failing God" are magnified to manipulate new member.<br />
4.
Schedule Control & Fatigue - Study and service become mandatory. New
member becomes too busy to question. Family, friends, jobs and hobbies
are squeezed out, further isolating the new member.<br />
5. Attack Independent Thought - Critical thinking is discouraged as prideful and sinful, blind acceptance encouraged.<br />
6.
Divine Commission - Leader(s) claim new revelation from God, within
past 200 years, in which all but their group are rejected by God. They,
alone, speak for God.<br />
7. Absolutism - They insist on total,
unquestioning obedience and submission to the group, both actions AND
thoughts. Group "love" and acceptance becomes dependent upon obedience
and submission. Unconditional love...isn't.<br />
8. Totalism - "Us against them" thinking. Strengthens group identity. Everyone outside of group lumped under one label.</blockquote>
<strong>Retention</strong><br />
<blockquote>
1.
Motive Questioning- When sound evidence against the group is presented,
members are taught to question the motivation of the presenter. The
verifiable (sound documentation) is ignored because of doubts over the
unverifiable (presenter's motives). See Opposer Warnings (#2 above).2.
Information Control - Group controls what convert may read or hear.
They discourage (forbid) contact with ex-members or anything critical of
the group. May say it is the same as pornography making it not only
sinful and dangerous but shameful as well. Ex-members become feared and
avoidance of them becomes a "survival issue."<br />
3. Isolation,
Separation & Alienation - Group becomes substitute family. Members
encouraged to drop worldly (non-members) friends. May be told to change
jobs, quit school, give up sports, hobbies, etc.<br />
4. Coercion - Disobedience, including even minor disagreement with group doctrine, may result in expulsion and shunning.<br />
5.
Phobias - The idea is planted that anyone who leaves goes into a life
of depravity and sin, loses their sanity, dies, or will have children
die, etc. Constant rumors of bad things happening to people who leave.
No one ever leaves for "legitimate reasons."<br />
6. Striving for the
Unreachable - Group membership and service are essential for
salvation..."Work your way into God's favor." NO matter what you do, it
is never enough.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.prem-rawat-talk.org/forum/uploads/CultCharacteristics.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.prem-rawat-talk.org/forum/uploads/CultCharacteristics.htm</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-83989866159893692342014-05-08T10:05:00.005-07:002014-05-08T10:51:08.430-07:00About Jesus and Michael the Archangel: <div class="regular">
<span class="reftext"><b>Lets take a look at the book of Jude: </b></span></div>
<div class="regular">
<br /></div>
<div class="regular">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>Beloved,
although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I
found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith
that was once for all delivered to the saints.
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>For
certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for
this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God
into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.</div>
<div class="regular">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/jude/1.htm#footnotes" title="Some manuscripts although you fully knew it, that the Lord who once saved">c</a></sup></span> a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. </div>
<div class="regular">
<br /></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
*<i>notice it does not say that the Father saved them, </i></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
<i>it does not say that Michael saved them, </i></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
<i>but it says Jesus, Jesus saved them. </i><span class="reftext"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><b> _____________________________________________________________</b></span></div>
<div class="regular" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="regular">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>And
the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but
left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy
darkness until the judgment of the great day—
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>just
as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise
indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire,<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/jude/1.htm#footnotes" title="Greek other flesh">d</a></sup></span> serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.</div>
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Yet
in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the
flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.<br />
<br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jude/1-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>But
when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing
about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous
judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*<i>Let's compare this to verse 4. Verse 4 says that Jesus is our only Lord. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Now Michael is acknowledging that Jesus has more authority than he. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".y.1:3:1:$comment1487342584829437_1487447108152318:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".y.1:3:1:$comment1487342584829437_1487447108152318:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".y.1:3:1:$comment1487342584829437_1487447108152318:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">In Revelation 22:16 who sent the angel to the congregations? In verse 6, who sent the angel?</span></span></span><i> </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-56191535512872200072014-05-06T10:14:00.000-07:002014-05-06T10:31:33.382-07:00Christ Crucified<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2a.1:3:1:$comment776111855756778_776388682395762:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2a.1:3:1:$comment776111855756778_776388682395762:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2a.1:3:1:$comment776111855756778_776388682395762:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">The
key to understanding scripture: "For I resolved to know nothing while I
was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2</span></span></span><span class="reftext"></span>"For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-23.htm"></a></span><span class="highl">but we preach Christ crucified"</span>- 1 Corinthians 1:23<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-29605089932598324662014-05-03T07:38:00.005-07:002014-05-03T07:38:59.662-07:00How could I join a church after being a Jehovah's Witness?<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138662:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138662:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138662:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">There
for a while I got hung up on proving that there were no better
denominations. Then I realized that I can rest in Jesus and not research
every denomination out there. I can just ... be home.</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138662:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.3"></span><br />
<br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JmtTz1mWOXNOfRcX1dz-rPdYFrRnothTw9mX-mNCQvHa6cs4DDjQ1T4OE-ApJh7LgmCR8nkemIhUuop8BNd0_OonZb5Xrfnj926ZnN1EO5Q0_iaP0_0KSAfE1JTO4WrUbIq3Ay88QFs3/s1600/lutheran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JmtTz1mWOXNOfRcX1dz-rPdYFrRnothTw9mX-mNCQvHa6cs4DDjQ1T4OE-ApJh7LgmCR8nkemIhUuop8BNd0_OonZb5Xrfnj926ZnN1EO5Q0_iaP0_0KSAfE1JTO4WrUbIq3Ay88QFs3/s1600/lutheran.jpg" /></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br />I
am already saved. </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> I am done searching and/or proving. </span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">My faith is in Jesus, not a church. And the church reminds me of that.</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> So
this shirt illustrates nicely how I came to join a church.</span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Just calm down, shut up and get in the pew!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="color: #666666;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".av.1:3:1:$comment678751625492802_2138671:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Finding a faithful church that brings peace instead of fear, and calming down enough to attend or join is something that is a challenge for most ex-Jehovah's Witnesses. (Please be aware that this isn't about finding the perfect denomination!) So in this blog, I am going to devote some posts to talk about how we can go about finding a church and determining if we should stay there. </span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-25773377787244518432014-05-02T16:48:00.002-07:002014-05-06T09:22:04.215-07:00The Trinity Doctrine and how we know God<div class="mts _50f8" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When we understand who Jesus is, we understand who God is. </span><br /><br />"<span class="text John-14-8" id="en-ESV-26665">Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”</span> <span class="text John-14-9" id="en-ESV-26666"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Jesus said to him, <span class="woj">“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?</span></span>" -- John 14:8-9<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is the affect of the Trinity doctrine on an ex-Jehovah's Witness: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Instead
of seeing God as a distant dictator who sent others to do His dirty
work, we see God coming to us, He loves us so much that He was willing to
give up His glory, walk among us, eat with us, touch us... and even
wash our feet, even when He knew we wold betray Him. The Trinity
doctrine causes us to realize that God does not sit on a distant throne
giving orders to others and expecting us to struggle, struggle, struggle
to Him. No... He comes to us. Jesus ate dinner with thieving tax
collectors, prostitutes, and dispicable cowards. Jesus was not proud,
constantly judging in a harsh manner. Jesus said that He came to save
us rather than to condemn or destroy us, and He proved it with His
actions. The Trinity doctrine makes us more like Christ because it
teaches us who God is.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Does your God wash feet? Love and help sinners? Do you? </div>
<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>The
Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his
being,- <span class="p"></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a></span><br />
<div class="line1">
<br /></div>
<div class="line1">
Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-6.htm"><b></b></a></span>Who, being in very nature<span class="nivfootnote"></span>
God,</div>
<div class="line2">
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;</div>
<div class="line2">
<span class="reftext"></span>rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature<span class="nivfootnote"> </span>of a servant,</div>
<div class="line1">
being made in human likeness. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-8.htm"><b></b></a></span>And being found in appearance as a man,</div>
<div class="line2">
he humbled himself - <a href="http://biblehub.com/niv/philippians/2.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a></div>
<span class="crossverse"></span><br />
<br />
Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."<span class="crossverse">- <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/8-19.htm">John 8:19</a></span><br />
The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.<span class="p">- </span><span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/12-45.htm">John 12:45</a></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><span class="p"><br /></span>We
know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding,
so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by
being in his Son Jesus Christ.- <span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-61622995189148084922014-05-01T09:09:00.001-07:002014-05-03T07:10:53.569-07:00I was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness. So why did I get baptized again?<!--[if !mso]>
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<span class="uficommentbody">In a Jehovah's Witness baptism the one seeking baptism does a lot of studying on Jehovah's Witness doctrine and passes a test to show that they understand it. Then the day that they are baptized they are asked two questions: </span><br />
<br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$3:0" />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">1. </span></span><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span class="uficommentbody"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">On
the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and
dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?</span></span><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span class="uficommentbody"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">2. Do
you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of
Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart
condition to undergo Christian baptism." -</span></span></span></span><span class="uficommentbody">Watchtower - 1985 Jun 1 p.30</span><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span class="uficommentbody"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0"></span></span><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" />
<br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" />
<span class="uficommentbody"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119591713811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">Then they are
dunked. Nothing is said upon dunking.</span></span></span></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119592478811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119592478811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119592478811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119592478811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>So
you see, when I was a JW I was not baptized into Jesus, in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit. So when I was saved, one of the first things I
wanted to do was to get baptized the right way. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 8:35-37)</b></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119593058811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119593058811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119593058811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119593058811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Getting
baptized in a Christian church automatically results in disfellowshipping, so I
waited a few months so that I could use that time to share the gospel with my
family before they cut me off. I was saved, had received, and was even filled
with the Holy Spirit during that time.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span class="uficommentbody"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body">I
was baptized at a Baptist church about 6 months after I was born again. I was
baptized into Jesus. (Galatians 3:27) I now go to a Lutheran church. Since I have been baptized
into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, into Jesus, there is
no need for me to be baptized again. <span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Knowing
what I know now, I would never get baptized into a church. Only into Jesus. </span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10152113032843811_10152119594483811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">It is possible to be born again (saved) prior to baptism, (John 5:24; 7:38-39) and I know that I was. But I also believe that baptism applies Jesus' death and resurrection to me personally. (Romans 6:3-9) I can look to my baptism for assurance that I have indeed been born again, because this is God's promise to me. (Acts 2:38-39) I have no problem with baptizing my children, even infants, because I have no problem telling them that Jesus died for them. I also see that God's Word says that baptism saves. (1 Peter 3:21) And if there is anything that I can put my faith in, it's God's Word. </span></span></span></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648564214154324268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958225755651850249.post-64587729318346637252014-04-30T06:44:00.000-07:002014-04-30T06:44:32.511-07:00As a Jehovah's Witness I argued against the Trinity doctrine.<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ao.1:3:1:$comment10152102896293811_10152118312293811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ao.1:3:1:$comment10152102896293811_10152118312293811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ao.1:3:1:$comment10152102896293811_10152118312293811:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I
would like to show you my attitude about the Trinity doctrine from
about 3 years ago. When I did not know Jesus, I spent just as much or
more time trying to show others the error of the Trinity doctrine and
other things that "Christendom" teaches than what I spend trying to
share the gospel now. I was convinced that the Trinity doctrine kept people away from God. Now that I know Jesus I believe that the Trinity doctrine has been misrepresented by cults that keep people away from God by keeping them from fully trusting Jesus. I fully trust Him now and have been born again. <br /></span></span></span> The Christian was trying to show me scriptures. I was a Jehovah's Witness during this conversation and I was replying in red. My screen name on the message board was MamaElephant: <br /><br />Regarding Jesus as God, here are some starters, many more
where these came from:<br />
<br />
1) <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/John%2020.28-29" target="_blank">John
20:28-29</a> And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my
God!" Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen
Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have
believed." Thomas called Jesus both Lord and God, and Jesus did not
correct him. <span style="color: red;">That is a good point. I have known of this
scripture before, but I will look into it again as I don't remember specifics.</span><br />
<br />
3) In <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Exodus%2034.14" target="_blank">Exodus
34:14</a>, we are told to worship no other God, Yehovah (Jehovah never appears
in scripture, so even that word is made up buy JWs!). Yet in <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Hebrews%201.6" target="_blank">Hebrews 1:6</a>,
the angels worship Christ! <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Heb%201.6" target="_blank">Heb 1:6</a> But when He again brings the firstborn into the
world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." <br />
There are scores more that JWs have to explain away. <span style="color: red;">I
will look into this one. I am surprised that the explanation isn't readily
available in the back of the NWT. <img alt=":blink:" border="0" height="20" src="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image001.gif" width="20" />The NWT says "<em>do
obeisance to him</em>". I have found the New Jerusalem Bible very
accurate, and it says "Again, when he brings the First-born into the
world, he says: Let all the angels of God <em>pay him homage</em>." <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Hebrews%209.24" target="_blank">Hebrews 9:24</a>
states that <em>Christ entered into heaven to appear before the person of God
for us.</em> Do you have an explanation for that?<br />
<br />
Oh regarding Genesis where God says "Let us create man in our image"
JWs believe that he was speaking to Jesus, as all things were created for him
and through him (I believe that is in Colossians.</span><br />
<br />
MamaElephant, you sound like a nice person, I am not out to intentionally offend
you, but Jesus, the true Jesus, after all is the “Rock of offense”. Please
consider this verse:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mark%209.42" target="_blank">Mark 9:42</a>
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble,
it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he
were thrown into the sea.”<br />
<br />
I am glad you defend creation. However, you are doing as bad or worse than an
evolutionist, because you are teaching a false doctrine to your kids that puts
them in eternal danger. Please consider that if you are wrong (which scripture
overwhelmingly says you are), you couldn’t be wrong in a more serious way.<br />
<br />
Fred</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;">They did not claim to be inspired of
God. Prophets do.</span> so you create for yourself an exit by calling them
“supposition”. Yet everyone knows they were prophecies. Then, to top it off,
you pat them on the back for admitting they were wrong! Of course they were
wrong, the world did NOT come to an end when they said it would! <br />
Another example: <br />
<br />
Fred: Why did JWs previously worship Jesus, up until 1954? <br />
You: “That is odd for you to think.”. You then go on about the Trinity, which
is a strawman. Here is a quote from the Watchtower:<br />
<br />
"Jehovah God commands all to worship Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is
the express image of his Father, Jehovah, and because he is the Executive
Officer of Jehovah always carrying out Jehovah's purpose (Heb.:3-6)."
Watchtower 1939 Nov. 15 p.33 (<a href="http://www.jwfacts.com/images/watchtower-1939-nov-15-p339.tiff" title="External link">Scan is here</a>)<br />
<br />
So, how do you get out of this one? Is this another example of how you are
proud that the JWs corrected yet another mistake in doctrine? <span style="color: red;">Interesting. The term "worship" used in the Greek
Septuagint was also used here: <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Kings%201.23" target="_blank">1 Kings
1:23</a> where Abraham is showing honor to businessmen as customary at the
time. <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Proverbs%204.18" target="_blank">Proverbs
4:18</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/John%2016.12" target="_blank">John
16:12</a> indicate that God's servants will progressively refine their beliefs.
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Daniel%2012.4" target="_blank">Daniel
12:4</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Daniel%2012.8" target="_blank">8</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Daniel%2012.9" target="_blank">9</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Peter%201.10-12" target="_blank">1 Peter
1:10-12</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Acts%201.6" target="_blank">Acts
1:6</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Acts%201.7" target="_blank">7</a>;
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1%20Corinthians%2013.9-12" target="_blank">1
Corinthians 13:9-12</a> show that God's people have not always understood everything.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.evolutionfairytale.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3658&st=100">http://www.evolutionfairytale.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3658&st=100</a></div>
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<br /><br />Now in this message I am quoted by the Christian, but the colors are going to stay the same. I am sure you can figure it out. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="citation">
MamaElephant, on Sep
23 2010, 07:23 PM, said:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am sure now in my heart and mind Jehovah's Witnesses are
God's people.”</div>
<div class="bbcright">
<a href="http://www.evolutionfairytale.com/forum/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=62792"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><img alt="View Post" border="0" height="16" src="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_image003.gif" width="16" /></span></span></a></div>
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<br />
While I don’t have all the answers, I am 100% sure Jesus IS Who He said He is.
So, that being said, I am 100% sure, without a shred of doubt, that JWs are
wolves in sheep’s clothing (whether they realize it or not) deceived by Satan,
and will lead many along with themselves to eternal damnation. We all deserve
to go to hell, but faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross is our only path
to salvation. It has to be the real Jesus, it has to be God who redeems us. It
makes perfect logical sense. I pray you see the wisdom of your sister
(hopefully she is a saved Chirstian).</div>
<div class="citation">
Quote</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will always continue to test though”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br />
But I see a serious problem in all your posts. You don’t allow your “tests” to
be falsified. You’ve got a ready-made “answer” for everything regardless of
whether or not it makes sense. For example:</div>
<div class="citation">
Quote</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would not call them prophecies, but supposition. That is
why my sister left. I really appreciate the fact that the Witnesses will admit
that they were wrong and make changes.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br />
You don’t want to call them prophesies because you’ve already been told what
God thinks of false prophets, so you create for yourself an exit by calling
them “supposition”. Yet everyone knows they were prophecies. Then, to top it
off, you pat them on the back for admitting they were wrong! Of course they
were wrong, the world did NOT come to an end when they said it would! What
further proof do you need that this is a false religion created by fallible men
who, because their hearts were AGAINST the True God, were easily influenced by
the prince of this world?<br />
<br />
Another example: <br />
<br />
Fred: Why did JWs previously worship Jesus, up until 1954? <br />
You: “That is odd for you to think.”. You then go on about the Trinity, which
is a strawman. Here is a quote from the Watchtower:<br />
<br />
"Jehovah God commands all to worship Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is
the express image of his Father, Jehovah, and because he is the Executive
Officer of Jehovah always carrying out Jehovah's purpose (Heb.:3-6)."
Watchtower 1939 Nov. 15 p.33 (<a href="http://www.jwfacts.com/images/watchtower-1939-nov-15-p339.tiff" title="External link">Scan is here</a>)<br />
<br />
So, how do you get out of this one? Is this another example of how you are
proud that the JWs corrected yet another mistake in doctrine?</div>
<div class="citation">
Quote</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The older copies of the Greek Septuagint version of the New
Testament did indeed contain the Tetragrammaton.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Do you realize what you just said? The Septuagint is OLD Testament. There is no
evidence of Tetragrammaton in the New Testament, it is pure speculation, and a
gross exaggeration for the JWs to insert it 237 times in the New Testament. <br />
<br />
Here is a good quote from a powerful source on the shenanigans of the JWs:<br />
<br />
“The New World Translation has time and time again demonstrated that it is not
really a translation. Although those on the committee understood that it is not
a translators job to freely substitute words in that are not in the text, and
ignore every ancient manuscript in favor of hand-picked translations that were
chosen to support a preconceived doctrinal bias, that is exactly what they have
done. To makes matters worse, they ignore the same sources they tout when those
sources disagree with their own slanted position (ie. "J" sources
that proclaim that Jesus is YHWH). The NWT cannot be trusted as an accurate
rendering of any text, whether New Testament or Old. Items such as the 1961
version claim that "Jehovah" appears in the "Christian Greek
Scriptures" are proof that the NWT was written to be a propaganda piece,
and will tell a deliberate falsehood to bolster it's claims.” - <a href="http://www.neirr.org/Tetragrammaton.htm" title="External link">http://www.neirr.org...ragrammaton.htm</a><br />
<br />
Fred</div>
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