A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown. Denis Waitley
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dream, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagines, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau
I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet. William Butler Yeats
Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements. Napoleon Hill
If you can dream it, you can do it. Walt Disney
We've got to have a dream if we are going to make a dream come true. Denis Waitley
Dreams are the touchstones of our character. Henry David Thoreau
A goal is a dream with a deadline. Napoleon Hill
No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more that pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto. W. Clement Stone
Do more than dream: work. William Arthur Ward
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer. Robert Browning
It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else. Erma Bombeck
Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes! Milton Berle
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt
Like a morning dream, life becomes more and more bright the longer we live, and the reason of everything appears more clear. What has puzzled us before seems less mysterious, and the crooked paths look straighter as we approach the end. Jean Paul Richter
Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. African Proverb
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
RESPECT
I respect people and expect that kind of respect back." Dennis Franz
"This world of ours - must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect." Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power." Clint Eastwood
"We must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy for the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living." Davy Crockett
The American city should be a collection of communities where every member has a right to belong. It should be a place where every man feels safe on his streets and in the house of his friends. It should be a place where each individual's dignity and self-respect is strengthened by the respect and affection of his neighbors. It should be a place where each of us can find the satisfaction and warmth which comes from being a member of the community of man. This is what man sought at the dawn of civilization. It is what we seek today. L.B. Johnson
Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it. Whitney Griswold
That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong. William J.H. Boet
"I did learn that it was the greatest thing in the world to respect yourself. Respect other people." Little Milton
"Respect yourself and others will respect you." Confucius
"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law." Martin Luther King
"But really, we also need to learn how to love one another as women. How to appreciate and respect each other." Chaka Khan
"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Would that there were an award for people who come to understand the concept of enough. Good enough. Successful enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Socially responsible enough. When you have self-respect, you have enough." Gail Sheehy
"I have a rule on my team: when we talk to one another, we look each other right in the eye, because I think it's tough to lie to somebody. You give respect to somebody. " Mike Krzyzewski
"The individual woman is required... a thousand times a day to choose either to accept her appointed role and thereby rescue her good disposition out of the wreckage of her self-respect, or else follow an independent line of behavior and rescue her self-respect out of the wreckage of her good disposition." Jeannette Rankin
"Respect is one of the most important things you can teach a child. C. Pulsifer
"Respect the masterpiece. It is true reverence to man. There is no quality so great, none so much needed now." Frank Lloyd Wright
"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?" Confucius
"This world of ours - must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect." Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power." Clint Eastwood
"We must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy for the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living." Davy Crockett
The American city should be a collection of communities where every member has a right to belong. It should be a place where every man feels safe on his streets and in the house of his friends. It should be a place where each individual's dignity and self-respect is strengthened by the respect and affection of his neighbors. It should be a place where each of us can find the satisfaction and warmth which comes from being a member of the community of man. This is what man sought at the dawn of civilization. It is what we seek today. L.B. Johnson
Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it. Whitney Griswold
That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong. William J.H. Boet
"I did learn that it was the greatest thing in the world to respect yourself. Respect other people." Little Milton
"Respect yourself and others will respect you." Confucius
"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law." Martin Luther King
"But really, we also need to learn how to love one another as women. How to appreciate and respect each other." Chaka Khan
"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Would that there were an award for people who come to understand the concept of enough. Good enough. Successful enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Socially responsible enough. When you have self-respect, you have enough." Gail Sheehy
"I have a rule on my team: when we talk to one another, we look each other right in the eye, because I think it's tough to lie to somebody. You give respect to somebody. " Mike Krzyzewski
"The individual woman is required... a thousand times a day to choose either to accept her appointed role and thereby rescue her good disposition out of the wreckage of her self-respect, or else follow an independent line of behavior and rescue her self-respect out of the wreckage of her good disposition." Jeannette Rankin
"Respect is one of the most important things you can teach a child. C. Pulsifer
"Respect the masterpiece. It is true reverence to man. There is no quality so great, none so much needed now." Frank Lloyd Wright
"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?" Confucius
HOPE
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."
Christopher Reeve
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Dale Carnegie
"To give hope to someone occurs when you teach them how to use the tools to do it for themselves."
Byron Pulsifer
"All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope."
Henri J. Nouwen
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill
Hope, deceitful as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route.
François Duc de La Rochefoucauld
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death.
Robert Fulghum
Do not depend on the hope of results. You may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself. You gradually struggle less and less for an idea and more and more for specific people. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationship that saves everything.
Thomas Merton
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them.
Louisa May Alcott
Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime, Therefore, we are saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; Therefore, we are saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone. Therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.
Reinhold Niebuhr
Things which you do not hope happen more frequently than things which you do hope.
Titus Maccius Plautus
In reality, hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs man's torments.
Friedrich Nietzsche
There is nothing so well known as that we should not expect something for nothing - but we all do and call it Hope.
Edgar Howe
Hope itself is a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords; but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain.
Samuel Johnson
Hoping just doesn't get it done; taking positive and consistent action over time does.
Byron Pulsifer
The road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination.
Marian Zimmer Bradley
Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.
George Iles
When a person has true hope it means that they have taken a wish and turned it into a goal. And, from that goal, detailed action is taken that turns hope to reality.
Byron Pulsifer
Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness, of captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable.
Samuel Johnson
We do learn something about ourselves when we are up against the wall, and we do most certainly come out stronger.
Sloan, Tina. Changing Shoes. Gotham Books, 2010, p. 142.
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.
Maya Angelou
If it were not for hopes, the heart would break.
Thomas Fuller
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
Martin Luther King
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.
Ronald Reagan
Hope is the dream of a soul awake.
French Proverb
Never lose hope no matter how long it takes! Believe in yourself even when you feel alone in your battles.
Shadonna Richards, A Gift of Hope
He who hopes to avoid all failure and misfortune is trying to live in a fairyland; the wise man realistically accepts failure as a part of life and builds a philosophy to meet them and make the most of them.
Wilferd Peterson, The Art of Living
Christopher Reeve
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Dale Carnegie
"To give hope to someone occurs when you teach them how to use the tools to do it for themselves."
Byron Pulsifer
"All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope."
Henri J. Nouwen
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill
Hope, deceitful as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route.
François Duc de La Rochefoucauld
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death.
Robert Fulghum
Do not depend on the hope of results. You may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no result at all, if not perhaps results opposite to what you expect. As you get used to this idea, you start more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself. You gradually struggle less and less for an idea and more and more for specific people. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationship that saves everything.
Thomas Merton
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them.
Louisa May Alcott
Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime, Therefore, we are saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; Therefore, we are saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone. Therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.
Reinhold Niebuhr
Things which you do not hope happen more frequently than things which you do hope.
Titus Maccius Plautus
In reality, hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs man's torments.
Friedrich Nietzsche
There is nothing so well known as that we should not expect something for nothing - but we all do and call it Hope.
Edgar Howe
Hope itself is a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords; but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain.
Samuel Johnson
Hoping just doesn't get it done; taking positive and consistent action over time does.
Byron Pulsifer
The road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination.
Marian Zimmer Bradley
Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.
George Iles
When a person has true hope it means that they have taken a wish and turned it into a goal. And, from that goal, detailed action is taken that turns hope to reality.
Byron Pulsifer
Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness, of captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable.
Samuel Johnson
We do learn something about ourselves when we are up against the wall, and we do most certainly come out stronger.
Sloan, Tina. Changing Shoes. Gotham Books, 2010, p. 142.
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.
Maya Angelou
If it were not for hopes, the heart would break.
Thomas Fuller
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
Martin Luther King
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.
Ronald Reagan
Hope is the dream of a soul awake.
French Proverb
Never lose hope no matter how long it takes! Believe in yourself even when you feel alone in your battles.
Shadonna Richards, A Gift of Hope
He who hopes to avoid all failure and misfortune is trying to live in a fairyland; the wise man realistically accepts failure as a part of life and builds a philosophy to meet them and make the most of them.
Wilferd Peterson, The Art of Living
WHO ARE WE?
“Who was at the door?” you may have asked. In case you are wondering who we are and what we represent, I would like to give you a brief explanation. Let me begin by telling you who we are not. We are not Jehovah’s Witnesses or Seventh Day Adventists. We are not Baptists, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, or Mormons. We are not part of any Catholic or Protestant body nor are we members of any alliance, council, or union of religious bodies. We are not a cult, or part of any denomination.
However, we are Christians (Acts 11:26). We strive to glorify God in that holy name (I Peter 4:16; James 2:7). We refuse to wear the names of men or the doctrines of men. We do not wear the names of nations or cities. We honour Christ by wearing His name only. We are Christians just like the ones you can read about in the New Testament.
The church to which we belong is the one you can read about in the New Testament. It is not a building, but a body of baptized believers. It was built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18). It was bought with His blood (Acts 20:28). Therefore, we represent no one but Jesus Christ. Jesus built one church. It began nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem (Acts 2). If Jesus built one church, you may be wondering where all the thousands of other churches have come from. The only answer is that they were started by men. Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).
Jesus Christ is the builder, purchaser, and founder of the one church that we read about in the New Testament. He is also its foundation. “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11). He is the chief cornerstone of the church (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Jesus prayed that all believers in Him would be united. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17: 20, 21). Many people do not believe in Jesus today because of all the divisions among those who claim to be His followers. These divisions are known as “denominations”. They are condemned in the New Testament. “Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). Divisions are also known as “seditions” ad “heresies” and are condemned as works of the flesh which will keep people out of Heaven (Galatians 5:19-21).
We can only be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on the cross (I Peter 1:18,19). It only can wash away our sins (Revelation 1:5). Since Jesus purchased His church with His blood, we must belong to His church to be saved. If a person can be saved outside of the church of Christ, then he can be saved without the blood of Jesus. Those who are saved are added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:36-47). One does not join the church, but the Lord adds him when he obeys the gospel and is thereby cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Romans 6:16-18).
In the New Testament, we have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). We have complete instructions for living the Christian life. We are told how we are to worship to please God. We can learn how to conduct the work of the church from the New Testament. We need no creed book, manual, or book of church discipline beside the Bible (I Timothy 3:14, 15). Most denominations have some book besides the Bible that they use to tell them what to believe and how to conduct their affairs, but the Bible alone is sufficient (II Timothy 3:16, 17).
Perhaps you are asking, “What is the name of this church?” Since Christ built the church, it belongs to him (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, it is the church of Christ. The groups or congregations of Christians which meet at various places are simply known as “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). The church is described in the New Testament as a body, house, kingdom, etc. It is also called the “ church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2). Any of these are correct designations for the Lord’s one true church.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you will take time to read the other articles which follow. Be sure to check everything you read by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11,I Thessalonians 5:21). Everything we believe, teach, and practice must be according to the Bible, God’s Holy Word (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:4; II John 9; Revelation 22:18, 19).
However, we are Christians (Acts 11:26). We strive to glorify God in that holy name (I Peter 4:16; James 2:7). We refuse to wear the names of men or the doctrines of men. We do not wear the names of nations or cities. We honour Christ by wearing His name only. We are Christians just like the ones you can read about in the New Testament.
The church to which we belong is the one you can read about in the New Testament. It is not a building, but a body of baptized believers. It was built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18). It was bought with His blood (Acts 20:28). Therefore, we represent no one but Jesus Christ. Jesus built one church. It began nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem (Acts 2). If Jesus built one church, you may be wondering where all the thousands of other churches have come from. The only answer is that they were started by men. Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).
Jesus Christ is the builder, purchaser, and founder of the one church that we read about in the New Testament. He is also its foundation. “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11). He is the chief cornerstone of the church (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Jesus prayed that all believers in Him would be united. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17: 20, 21). Many people do not believe in Jesus today because of all the divisions among those who claim to be His followers. These divisions are known as “denominations”. They are condemned in the New Testament. “Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). Divisions are also known as “seditions” ad “heresies” and are condemned as works of the flesh which will keep people out of Heaven (Galatians 5:19-21).
We can only be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on the cross (I Peter 1:18,19). It only can wash away our sins (Revelation 1:5). Since Jesus purchased His church with His blood, we must belong to His church to be saved. If a person can be saved outside of the church of Christ, then he can be saved without the blood of Jesus. Those who are saved are added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:36-47). One does not join the church, but the Lord adds him when he obeys the gospel and is thereby cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Romans 6:16-18).
In the New Testament, we have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). We have complete instructions for living the Christian life. We are told how we are to worship to please God. We can learn how to conduct the work of the church from the New Testament. We need no creed book, manual, or book of church discipline beside the Bible (I Timothy 3:14, 15). Most denominations have some book besides the Bible that they use to tell them what to believe and how to conduct their affairs, but the Bible alone is sufficient (II Timothy 3:16, 17).
Perhaps you are asking, “What is the name of this church?” Since Christ built the church, it belongs to him (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, it is the church of Christ. The groups or congregations of Christians which meet at various places are simply known as “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). The church is described in the New Testament as a body, house, kingdom, etc. It is also called the “ church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2). Any of these are correct designations for the Lord’s one true church.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you will take time to read the other articles which follow. Be sure to check everything you read by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11,I Thessalonians 5:21). Everything we believe, teach, and practice must be according to the Bible, God’s Holy Word (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:4; II John 9; Revelation 22:18, 19).
WHY DO WE WORSHIP ON SUNDAY?
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ meets on the first day of the week (Sunday) for regular worship. At that time, the members of the church eat the Lord’s supper. This is done in memory of the death of Jesus Christ for our sins. Teaching and exhorting from the Word of God is done. Prayers and songs of praise are offered up to God. A contribution it taken for the poor and for the preaching of the gospel. The Lord’s church meets on Sunday because some very important events happened on that day.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, arose from the dead on he first day of the week: “Now when He arose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons” (Mark 16:9; see also Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20: 1-10). The resurrection of Christ is very important to Christians. It proves beyond all doubt that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God. It also gives us the assurance that we too will be raised to life again (see I Corinthians 15).
The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles upon the first day of the week: “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly here came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). “Pentecost” actually means “fifty days.” Pentecost was a special feast of the Jews which was to be observed fifty days after their Passover feast. It is also called “the feast of harvest” or “firstfruits.” Sometimes it is called “the feast of weeks” because it was seven weeks after Passover. “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:15,16; see also Exodus 23:14-19). Since the Sabbath was Saturday, the seventh day of the week, the day after the Sabbath would be Sunday, the first day of the week (Exodus 20:9,10).
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ began on this Pentecost day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. On that day, they preached the gospel. Men heard, believed, repented, and were baptized for the remission of sins. They were added by the Lord to His church, which is the church of Christ (Acts 2:36-47). Thus, the church had its beginning on Sunday, the first day of the week.
The early church met on the first day of the week to remember Jesus Christ by eating the Lord’s supper” “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight”(Acts 20: 7). Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem (Acts 20:16). But in spite of that, when he came to Troas, he stayed seven days (Acts 20:6). Without doubt, he was waiting for the first day of the week so he could worship with the church.
Some perverted translation of the Bible, such as the so-called “Good News Bible” and the “New English Bible,” mistranslated this passage. They make the breaking of bread, which is the Lord’s supper, to be a fellowship meal. They put “Saturday evening” instead of the first day of the week. This is misleading, dishonest, and wrong! The Greek words here for “the first day of the week” are the same as in Luke 24:1, where it is correctly translate “the first day of the week.” Those who really want to follow God’s Word will not use perverted translations such as the Good News Version and the New English Version
Not only did the early Christians meet on the first day of the week for the Lord’s supper, but they also engaged in the other acts of worship. It is on this day that Christians are commanded to give for the work of the Lord: “On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (I Corinthians 16:2). Christians must exhort one another not to forsake the assembly on the first day of the week (Hebrews 10:25).
Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). He also commanded them to teach the ones baptized “to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Now, when one sees the early churches observing the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, it follows that the apostles taught them to observe it on that day. We must follow the New Testament pattern in order to be the true church today.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, arose from the dead on he first day of the week: “Now when He arose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons” (Mark 16:9; see also Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20: 1-10). The resurrection of Christ is very important to Christians. It proves beyond all doubt that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God. It also gives us the assurance that we too will be raised to life again (see I Corinthians 15).
The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles upon the first day of the week: “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly here came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). “Pentecost” actually means “fifty days.” Pentecost was a special feast of the Jews which was to be observed fifty days after their Passover feast. It is also called “the feast of harvest” or “firstfruits.” Sometimes it is called “the feast of weeks” because it was seven weeks after Passover. “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:15,16; see also Exodus 23:14-19). Since the Sabbath was Saturday, the seventh day of the week, the day after the Sabbath would be Sunday, the first day of the week (Exodus 20:9,10).
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ began on this Pentecost day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. On that day, they preached the gospel. Men heard, believed, repented, and were baptized for the remission of sins. They were added by the Lord to His church, which is the church of Christ (Acts 2:36-47). Thus, the church had its beginning on Sunday, the first day of the week.
The early church met on the first day of the week to remember Jesus Christ by eating the Lord’s supper” “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight”(Acts 20: 7). Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem (Acts 20:16). But in spite of that, when he came to Troas, he stayed seven days (Acts 20:6). Without doubt, he was waiting for the first day of the week so he could worship with the church.
Some perverted translation of the Bible, such as the so-called “Good News Bible” and the “New English Bible,” mistranslated this passage. They make the breaking of bread, which is the Lord’s supper, to be a fellowship meal. They put “Saturday evening” instead of the first day of the week. This is misleading, dishonest, and wrong! The Greek words here for “the first day of the week” are the same as in Luke 24:1, where it is correctly translate “the first day of the week.” Those who really want to follow God’s Word will not use perverted translations such as the Good News Version and the New English Version
Not only did the early Christians meet on the first day of the week for the Lord’s supper, but they also engaged in the other acts of worship. It is on this day that Christians are commanded to give for the work of the Lord: “On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (I Corinthians 16:2). Christians must exhort one another not to forsake the assembly on the first day of the week (Hebrews 10:25).
Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). He also commanded them to teach the ones baptized “to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Now, when one sees the early churches observing the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, it follows that the apostles taught them to observe it on that day. We must follow the New Testament pattern in order to be the true church today.
QUESTION ON MARRIAGE
God’s original law of marriage might be summed up simply as “one man, one wife, for life” (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:1-4). Because of the hardness of their hearts, God permitted His people in the Old Testament to deviate from His plan. Polygamy was practiced and divorce was permitted (Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Malachi 2:14-16). When our Lord Jesus Christ came, He restored God’s original plan for marriage (Matthew 19:3-9).
The general law of Jesus on marriage and divorce is found in Mark 10:1-2 and Luke 16:18. The Lord allowed only one exception to this general law: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9).
If one puts away his marriage partner, and marries another person, he is guilty of adultery (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21: Hebrews 13:4). Of one marries a person who has been put away by another, he also commits adultery. The exception is “except it be for fornication.” If one’s marriage partner commits fornication, the one who has not committed fornication can divorce the fornicator and marry another! Divorce for any other cause is sinful!
First Corinthians seven contains Paul’s answers to questions which were asked by the Corinthians (7:1). These questions were not about God’s law of marriage and divorce. The church was under persecution. Under those circumstances, was it best for a person to be married at all? Verse 26 is the key to understanding Paul’s answers to the questions: “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.”
Considering the “present distress” (time of persecution), Paul states: “It is not good for a man to touch a woman” (7:1). Even though it would be easier to be unmarried during a time of persecution, yet, it is better to marry than to commit fornication. Sexual activity outside of marriage is sin (7:2-5). Paul wished that everyone had the strength to remain unmarried and not be tempted. Because everyone was not that strong, he said they should marry (7:6-10).
Those who were already married should not separate. If a separation did take place, they did not have the right to marry another (7:10, 11). Concerning a believer married to an unbeliever, Paul said the marriage was a holy union. If it were not, then the children would be illegitimate. If the unbeliever in such a marriage refused to live with the Christian, the Christian was not bound to keep the marriage together (7:12-17).
Some may have become Christians after their marriages and wondered if they should remain with an unbeliever. One can be a Christian in any relationship as long as it is not sinful. If one is a slave or a free man, a Jew or a Gentile, married or unmarried, he could still be a Christian (7:17-24).
“What about virgins? Should they marry?” Because of persecution, it would be better not to marry. But if they married, it was not wrong (7:25-28). One who is married will have care and concern about his marriage partner and children. It will be more difficult for him in the time of persecution. Instead of marrying, Paul says it would be better to give oneself fully to the Lord’s work (7:29-35).
“What about a man who has a daughter who is old enough to marry?” It is alright if the daughter is married, but it is better for her not to marry (7:36-38).
“What about a woman whose husband is dead?” She is free to marry again, but she must marry a Christian. If a woman’s marriage partner dies, she would bring trouble upon herself to marry a pagan when pagans where persecuting Christians (7:39,40).
In order to understand First Corinthians seven, we must remember several things: (1) God’s general law for marriage is “one man, one wife, for life.” There is only one exception to this; (2) Paul is answering specific questions asked by the Corinthians; (3) What Paul is saying is because it was a special time of persecution. He was not stating general rules dealing with the general laws for marriage which are found elsewhere in the New Testament.
The general law of Jesus on marriage and divorce is found in Mark 10:1-2 and Luke 16:18. The Lord allowed only one exception to this general law: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9).
If one puts away his marriage partner, and marries another person, he is guilty of adultery (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21: Hebrews 13:4). Of one marries a person who has been put away by another, he also commits adultery. The exception is “except it be for fornication.” If one’s marriage partner commits fornication, the one who has not committed fornication can divorce the fornicator and marry another! Divorce for any other cause is sinful!
First Corinthians seven contains Paul’s answers to questions which were asked by the Corinthians (7:1). These questions were not about God’s law of marriage and divorce. The church was under persecution. Under those circumstances, was it best for a person to be married at all? Verse 26 is the key to understanding Paul’s answers to the questions: “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.”
Considering the “present distress” (time of persecution), Paul states: “It is not good for a man to touch a woman” (7:1). Even though it would be easier to be unmarried during a time of persecution, yet, it is better to marry than to commit fornication. Sexual activity outside of marriage is sin (7:2-5). Paul wished that everyone had the strength to remain unmarried and not be tempted. Because everyone was not that strong, he said they should marry (7:6-10).
Those who were already married should not separate. If a separation did take place, they did not have the right to marry another (7:10, 11). Concerning a believer married to an unbeliever, Paul said the marriage was a holy union. If it were not, then the children would be illegitimate. If the unbeliever in such a marriage refused to live with the Christian, the Christian was not bound to keep the marriage together (7:12-17).
Some may have become Christians after their marriages and wondered if they should remain with an unbeliever. One can be a Christian in any relationship as long as it is not sinful. If one is a slave or a free man, a Jew or a Gentile, married or unmarried, he could still be a Christian (7:17-24).
“What about virgins? Should they marry?” Because of persecution, it would be better not to marry. But if they married, it was not wrong (7:25-28). One who is married will have care and concern about his marriage partner and children. It will be more difficult for him in the time of persecution. Instead of marrying, Paul says it would be better to give oneself fully to the Lord’s work (7:29-35).
“What about a man who has a daughter who is old enough to marry?” It is alright if the daughter is married, but it is better for her not to marry (7:36-38).
“What about a woman whose husband is dead?” She is free to marry again, but she must marry a Christian. If a woman’s marriage partner dies, she would bring trouble upon herself to marry a pagan when pagans where persecuting Christians (7:39,40).
In order to understand First Corinthians seven, we must remember several things: (1) God’s general law for marriage is “one man, one wife, for life.” There is only one exception to this; (2) Paul is answering specific questions asked by the Corinthians; (3) What Paul is saying is because it was a special time of persecution. He was not stating general rules dealing with the general laws for marriage which are found elsewhere in the New Testament.
SHOULD BABIES BE BAPTIZED?
What is baptism? Who should be baptized? What is the purpose of baptism? Men have argued over these questions for many years. Is there an answer that we can all understand? Yes, there is. God has given the answer. It is found in the Bible.
What is Baptism?
There are three ways by which denominations baptize people today--sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. Which one is correct baptism?
In the Bible, baptism is called a burial. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). If we want to bury a dead body, we will not sprinkle a little dirt on the head. We will cover the body completely with dirt. Baptism is like that. It is a burial in water. Sprinkling water on the head of a person does not baptize him. He must be completely buried under the water. “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized” (John 3:23). John chose a place to baptize where there was much water. Sprinkling requires only a little water. A burial in water requires much water. John did not baptize by sprinkling. He baptized by burying in water.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38,39).
When Philip baptized the eunuch, both of them went down into the water. After the baptism, both of them came up out of the water. To sprinkle a person, it is not necessary to go down into the water. To baptize a person by burying him in the water, it is necessary to go down into the water. Therefore, Philip baptized the eunuch by a burial, not by sprinkling.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible says there are certain things a person must DO BEFORE he can be baptized. A person MUST BELIEVE in Jesus Christ before he can be baptized. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How do we come to believe in Jesus as the Son of God? It is by hearing the Word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore a person MUST have faith in Christ BEFORE he can be baptized. To be baptized before a person believes is wrong. That baptism is no good! Now let’s ask a question, Can a baby believe in Jesus as the Son of God? We all know the answer is “no!” Then, babies are NOT to be baptized.
A person MUST REPENT of his sins before he can be baptized. The Bible says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). To repent means to change one’s life from bad to good. To repent means to have a change of mind. A person no longer wants to do things his way, but now he wants to do what the Lord says. Can a baby repent? Can he change his mind and way of life? In no way! Therefore a baby is not to be baptized!
Before a person can be baptized, he MUST also CONFESS his faith in Christ. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). A good example of this is in Acts 8. The man from Ethiopia was being taught by Philip. They came to some water (v. 36). The man from Ethiopia wanted to be baptized. Before Philip baptized him he confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v. 37). After his confession, he was baptized. Baptism came AFTER confession, not before. Can a baby confess his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? The answer is a definite “no!” Therefore, a baby is not ready for baptism. What have we learned so far? A person must hear the Word of God. He must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Then he must repent of his sins. After that, he must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God. All of this must be done BEFORE a person can be baptized. A person cannot be baptized and then believe, repent and confess. The Bible doesn’t teach it that way. That is why a baby is not to be baptized. A baby CANNOT have faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT confess his faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT repent of his sins for two reasons. First, he has no sins. Second, he couldn’t repent of them if he did have them. Let’s follow what the Bible teaches and then we can all agree. The Bible says, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
Why Be Baptized?
There are several reasons mentioned in the Bible as to why we must be baptized. First, we must be baptized if we want to be saved. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter said, “There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism. . .” (1 Peter 3:21). To be saved and to have our sins forgiven is the same thing. If a person wants to be saved, then he must be baptized in order to be saved. If a person wants to have his sins forgiven, then he must be baptized. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to “. . .Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins . . .” (Acts 2:38). There is no way a person can be saved, or have his sins forgiven, without being baptized (buried in water).
Another reason to be baptized is to put a person “into Christ.” To be “in Christ” means “to be a Christian.” You are not a Christian if you are not “in Christ.” How does a person get “into Christ?” The Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). You get “into Christ” through baptism. That makes you a Christian. That baptism is a burial in water. It also saves you and forgives you of your sins.
Baptism also puts us into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is Christ’s church. “. . .and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body. . .” (Ephesians 1:22,23). Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18). That church is His body. The church is the saved. Christ is the Saviour of the church. If one wants Christ as His Saviour, then he must be in Christ’s church. The only way one can get in Christ’s church is through baptism (a burial in water).
WHAT does the Bible say about WHAT baptism is? The Bible teaches that baptism is putting a person completely under water for a short time. This is called a burial or immersion.
WHY should a person be baptized? So that he can be saved and have his sins forgiven. This baptism makes him a part of Christ and His church.
WHO should be baptized? The Bible says the one who is to be baptized MUST believe, repent and confess his faith BEFORE he is baptized.
Have YOU been baptized the Bible way? Did you believe, repent and confess your faith BEFORE you were baptized? Were you buried in water for your baptism? Were you baptized FOR the forgiveness of your sins? If you cannot answer YES to ALL of these questions, then your baptism is not according to the Bible.
If you have more questions about baptism or you wish to be baptized according to the Bible, let us know.
What is Baptism?
There are three ways by which denominations baptize people today--sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. Which one is correct baptism?
In the Bible, baptism is called a burial. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). If we want to bury a dead body, we will not sprinkle a little dirt on the head. We will cover the body completely with dirt. Baptism is like that. It is a burial in water. Sprinkling water on the head of a person does not baptize him. He must be completely buried under the water. “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized” (John 3:23). John chose a place to baptize where there was much water. Sprinkling requires only a little water. A burial in water requires much water. John did not baptize by sprinkling. He baptized by burying in water.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38,39).
When Philip baptized the eunuch, both of them went down into the water. After the baptism, both of them came up out of the water. To sprinkle a person, it is not necessary to go down into the water. To baptize a person by burying him in the water, it is necessary to go down into the water. Therefore, Philip baptized the eunuch by a burial, not by sprinkling.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible says there are certain things a person must DO BEFORE he can be baptized. A person MUST BELIEVE in Jesus Christ before he can be baptized. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How do we come to believe in Jesus as the Son of God? It is by hearing the Word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore a person MUST have faith in Christ BEFORE he can be baptized. To be baptized before a person believes is wrong. That baptism is no good! Now let’s ask a question, Can a baby believe in Jesus as the Son of God? We all know the answer is “no!” Then, babies are NOT to be baptized.
A person MUST REPENT of his sins before he can be baptized. The Bible says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). To repent means to change one’s life from bad to good. To repent means to have a change of mind. A person no longer wants to do things his way, but now he wants to do what the Lord says. Can a baby repent? Can he change his mind and way of life? In no way! Therefore a baby is not to be baptized!
Before a person can be baptized, he MUST also CONFESS his faith in Christ. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). A good example of this is in Acts 8. The man from Ethiopia was being taught by Philip. They came to some water (v. 36). The man from Ethiopia wanted to be baptized. Before Philip baptized him he confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v. 37). After his confession, he was baptized. Baptism came AFTER confession, not before. Can a baby confess his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? The answer is a definite “no!” Therefore, a baby is not ready for baptism. What have we learned so far? A person must hear the Word of God. He must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Then he must repent of his sins. After that, he must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God. All of this must be done BEFORE a person can be baptized. A person cannot be baptized and then believe, repent and confess. The Bible doesn’t teach it that way. That is why a baby is not to be baptized. A baby CANNOT have faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT confess his faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT repent of his sins for two reasons. First, he has no sins. Second, he couldn’t repent of them if he did have them. Let’s follow what the Bible teaches and then we can all agree. The Bible says, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
Why Be Baptized?
There are several reasons mentioned in the Bible as to why we must be baptized. First, we must be baptized if we want to be saved. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter said, “There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism. . .” (1 Peter 3:21). To be saved and to have our sins forgiven is the same thing. If a person wants to be saved, then he must be baptized in order to be saved. If a person wants to have his sins forgiven, then he must be baptized. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to “. . .Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins . . .” (Acts 2:38). There is no way a person can be saved, or have his sins forgiven, without being baptized (buried in water).
Another reason to be baptized is to put a person “into Christ.” To be “in Christ” means “to be a Christian.” You are not a Christian if you are not “in Christ.” How does a person get “into Christ?” The Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). You get “into Christ” through baptism. That makes you a Christian. That baptism is a burial in water. It also saves you and forgives you of your sins.
Baptism also puts us into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is Christ’s church. “. . .and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body. . .” (Ephesians 1:22,23). Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18). That church is His body. The church is the saved. Christ is the Saviour of the church. If one wants Christ as His Saviour, then he must be in Christ’s church. The only way one can get in Christ’s church is through baptism (a burial in water).
WHAT does the Bible say about WHAT baptism is? The Bible teaches that baptism is putting a person completely under water for a short time. This is called a burial or immersion.
WHY should a person be baptized? So that he can be saved and have his sins forgiven. This baptism makes him a part of Christ and His church.
WHO should be baptized? The Bible says the one who is to be baptized MUST believe, repent and confess his faith BEFORE he is baptized.
Have YOU been baptized the Bible way? Did you believe, repent and confess your faith BEFORE you were baptized? Were you buried in water for your baptism? Were you baptized FOR the forgiveness of your sins? If you cannot answer YES to ALL of these questions, then your baptism is not according to the Bible.
If you have more questions about baptism or you wish to be baptized according to the Bible, let us know.
SHOULD BABIES BE BAPTIZED?
What is baptism? Who should be baptized? What is the purpose of baptism? Men have argued over these questions for many years. Is there an answer that we can all understand? Yes, there is. God has given the answer. It is found in the Bible.
What is Baptism?
There are three ways by which denominations baptize people today--sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. Which one is correct baptism?
In the Bible, baptism is called a burial. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). If we want to bury a dead body, we will not sprinkle a little dirt on the head. We will cover the body completely with dirt. Baptism is like that. It is a burial in water. Sprinkling water on the head of a person does not baptize him. He must be completely buried under the water. “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized” (John 3:23). John chose a place to baptize where there was much water. Sprinkling requires only a little water. A burial in water requires much water. John did not baptize by sprinkling. He baptized by burying in water.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38,39).
When Philip baptized the eunuch, both of them went down into the water. After the baptism, both of them came up out of the water. To sprinkle a person, it is not necessary to go down into the water. To baptize a person by burying him in the water, it is necessary to go down into the water. Therefore, Philip baptized the eunuch by a burial, not by sprinkling.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible says there are certain things a person must DO BEFORE he can be baptized. A person MUST BELIEVE in Jesus Christ before he can be baptized. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How do we come to believe in Jesus as the Son of God? It is by hearing the Word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore a person MUST have faith in Christ BEFORE he can be baptized. To be baptized before a person believes is wrong. That baptism is no good! Now let’s ask a question, Can a baby believe in Jesus as the Son of God? We all know the answer is “no!” Then, babies are NOT to be baptized.
A person MUST REPENT of his sins before he can be baptized. The Bible says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). To repent means to change one’s life from bad to good. To repent means to have a change of mind. A person no longer wants to do things his way, but now he wants to do what the Lord says. Can a baby repent? Can he change his mind and way of life? In no way! Therefore a baby is not to be baptized!
Before a person can be baptized, he MUST also CONFESS his faith in Christ. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). A good example of this is in Acts 8. The man from Ethiopia was being taught by Philip. They came to some water (v. 36). The man from Ethiopia wanted to be baptized. Before Philip baptized him he confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v. 37). After his confession, he was baptized. Baptism came AFTER confession, not before. Can a baby confess his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? The answer is a definite “no!” Therefore, a baby is not ready for baptism. What have we learned so far? A person must hear the Word of God. He must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Then he must repent of his sins. After that, he must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God. All of this must be done BEFORE a person can be baptized. A person cannot be baptized and then believe, repent and confess. The Bible doesn’t teach it that way. That is why a baby is not to be baptized. A baby CANNOT have faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT confess his faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT repent of his sins for two reasons. First, he has no sins. Second, he couldn’t repent of them if he did have them. Let’s follow what the Bible teaches and then we can all agree. The Bible says, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
Why Be Baptized?
There are several reasons mentioned in the Bible as to why we must be baptized. First, we must be baptized if we want to be saved. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter said, “There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism. . .” (1 Peter 3:21). To be saved and to have our sins forgiven is the same thing. If a person wants to be saved, then he must be baptized in order to be saved. If a person wants to have his sins forgiven, then he must be baptized. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to “. . .Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins . . .” (Acts 2:38). There is no way a person can be saved, or have his sins forgiven, without being baptized (buried in water).
Another reason to be baptized is to put a person “into Christ.” To be “in Christ” means “to be a Christian.” You are not a Christian if you are not “in Christ.” How does a person get “into Christ?” The Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). You get “into Christ” through baptism. That makes you a Christian. That baptism is a burial in water. It also saves you and forgives you of your sins.
Baptism also puts us into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is Christ’s church. “. . .and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body. . .” (Ephesians 1:22,23). Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18). That church is His body. The church is the saved. Christ is the Saviour of the church. If one wants Christ as His Saviour, then he must be in Christ’s church. The only way one can get in Christ’s church is through baptism (a burial in water).
WHAT does the Bible say about WHAT baptism is? The Bible teaches that baptism is putting a person completely under water for a short time. This is called a burial or immersion.
WHY should a person be baptized? So that he can be saved and have his sins forgiven. This baptism makes him a part of Christ and His church.
WHO should be baptized? The Bible says the one who is to be baptized MUST believe, repent and confess his faith BEFORE he is baptized.
Have YOU been baptized the Bible way? Did you believe, repent and confess your faith BEFORE you were baptized? Were you buried in water for your baptism? Were you baptized FOR the forgiveness of your sins? If you cannot answer YES to ALL of these questions, then your baptism is not according to the Bible.
If you have more questions about baptism or you wish to be baptized according to the Bible, let us know.
What is Baptism?
There are three ways by which denominations baptize people today--sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. Which one is correct baptism?
In the Bible, baptism is called a burial. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). If we want to bury a dead body, we will not sprinkle a little dirt on the head. We will cover the body completely with dirt. Baptism is like that. It is a burial in water. Sprinkling water on the head of a person does not baptize him. He must be completely buried under the water. “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized” (John 3:23). John chose a place to baptize where there was much water. Sprinkling requires only a little water. A burial in water requires much water. John did not baptize by sprinkling. He baptized by burying in water.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38,39).
When Philip baptized the eunuch, both of them went down into the water. After the baptism, both of them came up out of the water. To sprinkle a person, it is not necessary to go down into the water. To baptize a person by burying him in the water, it is necessary to go down into the water. Therefore, Philip baptized the eunuch by a burial, not by sprinkling.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible says there are certain things a person must DO BEFORE he can be baptized. A person MUST BELIEVE in Jesus Christ before he can be baptized. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How do we come to believe in Jesus as the Son of God? It is by hearing the Word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore a person MUST have faith in Christ BEFORE he can be baptized. To be baptized before a person believes is wrong. That baptism is no good! Now let’s ask a question, Can a baby believe in Jesus as the Son of God? We all know the answer is “no!” Then, babies are NOT to be baptized.
A person MUST REPENT of his sins before he can be baptized. The Bible says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). To repent means to change one’s life from bad to good. To repent means to have a change of mind. A person no longer wants to do things his way, but now he wants to do what the Lord says. Can a baby repent? Can he change his mind and way of life? In no way! Therefore a baby is not to be baptized!
Before a person can be baptized, he MUST also CONFESS his faith in Christ. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). A good example of this is in Acts 8. The man from Ethiopia was being taught by Philip. They came to some water (v. 36). The man from Ethiopia wanted to be baptized. Before Philip baptized him he confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (v. 37). After his confession, he was baptized. Baptism came AFTER confession, not before. Can a baby confess his faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? The answer is a definite “no!” Therefore, a baby is not ready for baptism. What have we learned so far? A person must hear the Word of God. He must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Then he must repent of his sins. After that, he must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God. All of this must be done BEFORE a person can be baptized. A person cannot be baptized and then believe, repent and confess. The Bible doesn’t teach it that way. That is why a baby is not to be baptized. A baby CANNOT have faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT confess his faith in Christ. A baby CANNOT repent of his sins for two reasons. First, he has no sins. Second, he couldn’t repent of them if he did have them. Let’s follow what the Bible teaches and then we can all agree. The Bible says, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
Why Be Baptized?
There are several reasons mentioned in the Bible as to why we must be baptized. First, we must be baptized if we want to be saved. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter said, “There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism. . .” (1 Peter 3:21). To be saved and to have our sins forgiven is the same thing. If a person wants to be saved, then he must be baptized in order to be saved. If a person wants to have his sins forgiven, then he must be baptized. Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost to “. . .Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins . . .” (Acts 2:38). There is no way a person can be saved, or have his sins forgiven, without being baptized (buried in water).
Another reason to be baptized is to put a person “into Christ.” To be “in Christ” means “to be a Christian.” You are not a Christian if you are not “in Christ.” How does a person get “into Christ?” The Apostle Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). You get “into Christ” through baptism. That makes you a Christian. That baptism is a burial in water. It also saves you and forgives you of your sins.
Baptism also puts us into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is Christ’s church. “. . .and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body. . .” (Ephesians 1:22,23). Christ built only one church (Matthew 16:18). That church is His body. The church is the saved. Christ is the Saviour of the church. If one wants Christ as His Saviour, then he must be in Christ’s church. The only way one can get in Christ’s church is through baptism (a burial in water).
WHAT does the Bible say about WHAT baptism is? The Bible teaches that baptism is putting a person completely under water for a short time. This is called a burial or immersion.
WHY should a person be baptized? So that he can be saved and have his sins forgiven. This baptism makes him a part of Christ and His church.
WHO should be baptized? The Bible says the one who is to be baptized MUST believe, repent and confess his faith BEFORE he is baptized.
Have YOU been baptized the Bible way? Did you believe, repent and confess your faith BEFORE you were baptized? Were you buried in water for your baptism? Were you baptized FOR the forgiveness of your sins? If you cannot answer YES to ALL of these questions, then your baptism is not according to the Bible.
If you have more questions about baptism or you wish to be baptized according to the Bible, let us know.
EASTER AND CHRISTIAN
Almost everyone who believes in Jesus Christ would answer “yes” to the question in our title. For millions of people around the world, Easter is one of the holiest days of the year. It is second only to Christmas as the most sacred of all religious holidays. They think of Easter as the time to remember the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Special church services are held at Easter. Multitudes of professed believers in Christ attend church services only at Christmas and Easter. They think this is all that is necessary in order for them to be faithful Christians.
What does the Bible say? Is Easter from God, or is it from man? Certainly, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ arose from the dead. The apostle Paul wrote: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Paul also wrote concerning Christ that “He was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). The question is not, “Did Jesus Christ arise from the dead?” The evidence is indisputable that He did! Rather the question is, “Did God appoint one special day of the year to be set aside to remember that Christ arose from the dead?” What does the Bible say?
The word “Easter” is found only one time in a common English version of the Bible and it is a wrong translation! In the King James Version of the Bible (1611), we read of King Herod putting the apostle Peter in prison: “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12:4). The word “Easter” is a mistranslation of the Greek word “pascha.” The American Standard Version (1901), the New King James Version, and nearly every other version of the Bible, correctly translates “pascha” as “passover.” The respected Greek scholar, W. E. Vine, in his well known work, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, pointed out that “pascha” should be translated as “passover.” He says that the Passover was a Jewish religious festival. It was not an observance of the early church! Mr. Vine further points out that the word “Easter” is of pagan origin. According to him, it is a form of “Astarte,” one of the names for an ancient Chaldean goddess. He also says that the pagan festival of Astarte was introduced into the apostate church in an attempt to adapt pagan festivals to Christianity.
Many of the customs associated with Easter come from pagan religions. The World Book Encyclopedia says of Easter: “In most countries, Easter comes in the early spring, at a time when green grass and warm sunshine begin to push aside the snow and ice of winter. Its name may come from Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring or from the Teutonic festival of spring called Eostur... Eggs represent the new life that returns to nature about Easter time. The custom of exchanging eggs began in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians and Persians often dyed eggs in spring colors and gave them to their friends as gifts. The Persians believed the earth had hatched from a giant egg. In ancient Egypt, the rabbit symbolized birth and new life. Some ancient peoples considered it a symbol of the moon. It may later have become the Easter symbol because the moon determines the date of Easter. Many customs connected with the Easter season come from pagan festivals of spring. Others stem from the Passover celebration.”
Since Easter observance is of pagan origin, and is therefore not authorized by the Word of God, when should Christians remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? The Bible teaches that this is to be done every first day of every week! Christ arose from the dead on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-13; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18). He met with His apostles on the first day of the week (John 20:19-26). The church of Christ began on Pentecost day (Acts 2). Pentecost came fifty days after the Passover. The Jews counted seven sabbaths from the Passover. On the following day was Pentecost. Since the sabbath was the seventh day (Saturday), then the day following it would be Sunday, the first day of the week (Leviticus 23: 4-11; see also Exodus 23:14-17). Therefore, Sunday, the first day of the week, was the day the Lord’s church began (Acts 2:1-47).
Christians in the first century, under the direction of inspired men, always met on the first day of every week to worship God. The Lord’s Supper, in which the death of Christ for our sins is remembered, was eaten on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Paul commanded that the contribution for the work of the church be taken up every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). The first day of the week is the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10).
The death, burial and resurrection of our Lord should be remembered by Christians every first day of every week, not just one day a year! If we want to be pleasing to God, we must reject everything that comes from man, especially days and observances which have their origin in paganism. We dare not add to, nor take away from, the inspired teachings of God’s Holy Word (Revelation 22:18,19). If we do so, our worship will be vain and unacceptable to God (Matthew 15:7-13).
Should Christians observe Easter or any other religious holiday which came from man? Absolutely not! Faithful Christians will be content to follow God’s Word and remember the death, burial and resurrection of God’s Son every first day of every week.
What does the Bible say? Is Easter from God, or is it from man? Certainly, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ arose from the dead. The apostle Paul wrote: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Paul also wrote concerning Christ that “He was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). The question is not, “Did Jesus Christ arise from the dead?” The evidence is indisputable that He did! Rather the question is, “Did God appoint one special day of the year to be set aside to remember that Christ arose from the dead?” What does the Bible say?
The word “Easter” is found only one time in a common English version of the Bible and it is a wrong translation! In the King James Version of the Bible (1611), we read of King Herod putting the apostle Peter in prison: “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12:4). The word “Easter” is a mistranslation of the Greek word “pascha.” The American Standard Version (1901), the New King James Version, and nearly every other version of the Bible, correctly translates “pascha” as “passover.” The respected Greek scholar, W. E. Vine, in his well known work, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, pointed out that “pascha” should be translated as “passover.” He says that the Passover was a Jewish religious festival. It was not an observance of the early church! Mr. Vine further points out that the word “Easter” is of pagan origin. According to him, it is a form of “Astarte,” one of the names for an ancient Chaldean goddess. He also says that the pagan festival of Astarte was introduced into the apostate church in an attempt to adapt pagan festivals to Christianity.
Many of the customs associated with Easter come from pagan religions. The World Book Encyclopedia says of Easter: “In most countries, Easter comes in the early spring, at a time when green grass and warm sunshine begin to push aside the snow and ice of winter. Its name may come from Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring or from the Teutonic festival of spring called Eostur... Eggs represent the new life that returns to nature about Easter time. The custom of exchanging eggs began in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians and Persians often dyed eggs in spring colors and gave them to their friends as gifts. The Persians believed the earth had hatched from a giant egg. In ancient Egypt, the rabbit symbolized birth and new life. Some ancient peoples considered it a symbol of the moon. It may later have become the Easter symbol because the moon determines the date of Easter. Many customs connected with the Easter season come from pagan festivals of spring. Others stem from the Passover celebration.”
Since Easter observance is of pagan origin, and is therefore not authorized by the Word of God, when should Christians remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? The Bible teaches that this is to be done every first day of every week! Christ arose from the dead on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-13; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18). He met with His apostles on the first day of the week (John 20:19-26). The church of Christ began on Pentecost day (Acts 2). Pentecost came fifty days after the Passover. The Jews counted seven sabbaths from the Passover. On the following day was Pentecost. Since the sabbath was the seventh day (Saturday), then the day following it would be Sunday, the first day of the week (Leviticus 23: 4-11; see also Exodus 23:14-17). Therefore, Sunday, the first day of the week, was the day the Lord’s church began (Acts 2:1-47).
Christians in the first century, under the direction of inspired men, always met on the first day of every week to worship God. The Lord’s Supper, in which the death of Christ for our sins is remembered, was eaten on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Paul commanded that the contribution for the work of the church be taken up every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). The first day of the week is the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10).
The death, burial and resurrection of our Lord should be remembered by Christians every first day of every week, not just one day a year! If we want to be pleasing to God, we must reject everything that comes from man, especially days and observances which have their origin in paganism. We dare not add to, nor take away from, the inspired teachings of God’s Holy Word (Revelation 22:18,19). If we do so, our worship will be vain and unacceptable to God (Matthew 15:7-13).
Should Christians observe Easter or any other religious holiday which came from man? Absolutely not! Faithful Christians will be content to follow God’s Word and remember the death, burial and resurrection of God’s Son every first day of every week.
IS IT WRONG TO DRINK?
Drinking beer, wine, whiskey and other beverages which contain alcohol, and therefore make one drunk, is a very old practice. The first time drinking is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis, chapter 9. Noah, a righteous man, became drunk and lay naked in his tent. This good man had his sense of right and wrong dulled by the evil effects of drinking. In Genesis 19, we read of another righteous man, Lot, who was overcome by the evil effects of alcohol. While drunk, he had sexual relations with his own daughters! Again, a good man lost his sense of right and wrong when under the influence of alcohol. The writer of Proverbs warned: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
Some people try to support their sinful habit of drinking by going to the Bible. They point out that some passages in the Bible speak of drinking wine as a good thing(Genesis 14:18; Amos 9:14; Zechariah 10:7, etc). But there are also many other passages which condemn the drinking of wine (Genesis 9:20,21; 19:30-35; Leviticus 10:8-10; Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4,5; Daniel 1:8; Isaiah 5:22; 28:7; Habakkuk 2:15). How can the drinking of wine be both commended and condemned? Does the Bible contradict itself? If it does, then it cannot be the Word of God!
The Bible does not contradict itself. The Bible is the Word of God. A correct understanding of the word “wine” in the Bible depends upon the meaning of the words which are translated “wine” in our English Bible. The Old Testament was first written in the Hebrew language. There are eleven different Hebrew words which are all translated “wine.” The New Testament was first written in Greek. There are two different Greek words which are translated “wine” in our English New Testament.
In his book, Bible Wines, William Patton quotes the Bible scholar, Moses Stuart, who correctly says: “. . .whenever the Scriptures speak of wine as a comfort, a blessing, or a libation to God, and rank it with such articles as corn and oil, they mean, they can only mean, such wine as contained no alcohol that could have a mischievous tendency; that whenever they denounce it, and connect it with drunkenness and reveling, they can only mean alcoholic or intoxicating wine.”
The word “wine” simply refers to the juice of the grape. Whether it means fermented wine, which could make one drunk, or unfermented wine, which would not make one drunk, depends upon the context. For example, Isaiah 65:8 says: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it.’” The context makes it very clear that unfermented wine is being spoken of. The cluster refers to the grapes which are still on the vine. It is not possible they could be fermented, and, therefore, intoxicating, while the juice was still in the grapes on the vine. The Bible is filled with warnings of the dangers of drinking intoxicating wine. The wise man wrote, “Who has woe? Who has sorrows? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine. Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things. And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’” (Proverbs 23:29-35).
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the wicked rulers of his day: “Woe to men mighty at drinking wine. Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man” (Isaiah 5:22,23). Isaiah also condemned the shameful conduct of the priests and prophets in his day: “But they also have erred through wine, and through intoxicating drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink . . . ” (Isaiah 28:7,8). The prophet, Habakkuk, said: “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness” (Habakkuk 2:15)!
In the New Testament, there are many strong condemnations of drunkenness. In 1 Corinthians 5:11,13, Paul wrote: “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. . . Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.” In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul lists the sins of which the Corinthians had been guilty before they became Christians. Drunkards are listed along with fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, extortioners, and revilers. Those who are guilty of these things, “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In the list of the “sins of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21, “drunkenness, revelries, and the like” are included along with such sins as adultery, fornication and murder. It is clearly said: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Some have argued that it is all right to drink as long as one does not get drunk. However, Ephesians 5:18 says: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation: but be filled with the Spirit.” According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the verb which is translated: “Do not be drunk” actually means, “Do not begin to be softened” with wine. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines this verb as: “to make drunk, or to grow drunk (an inceptive verb, marking the process of the state expressed in methuo), to become intoxicated. . . .” In other words, Paul is saying, “Do not even begin the process of becoming drunk.” (See also Luke 12:45 and 1 Thessalonians 5:7). Since the process of becoming drunk begins with the first drink, then one is forbidden to take even one drink of an alcoholic beverage.
It is a well known fact that people do many evil things while drinking. Hundreds of people are injured and die every day in motorcar accidents which are caused by drunk drivers. Many violent crimes are committed by those who have been drinking. Drinking alcohol contributes to many of the major health problems facing us today such as heart disease and cancer.
One who wishes to please God will not drink any alcoholic drink, in any amount, for any purpose, at any time! Remember, the process of becoming drunk begins with the first drink. Those who are guilty of drunkenness cannot go to Heaven!
Some people try to support their sinful habit of drinking by going to the Bible. They point out that some passages in the Bible speak of drinking wine as a good thing(Genesis 14:18; Amos 9:14; Zechariah 10:7, etc). But there are also many other passages which condemn the drinking of wine (Genesis 9:20,21; 19:30-35; Leviticus 10:8-10; Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4,5; Daniel 1:8; Isaiah 5:22; 28:7; Habakkuk 2:15). How can the drinking of wine be both commended and condemned? Does the Bible contradict itself? If it does, then it cannot be the Word of God!
The Bible does not contradict itself. The Bible is the Word of God. A correct understanding of the word “wine” in the Bible depends upon the meaning of the words which are translated “wine” in our English Bible. The Old Testament was first written in the Hebrew language. There are eleven different Hebrew words which are all translated “wine.” The New Testament was first written in Greek. There are two different Greek words which are translated “wine” in our English New Testament.
In his book, Bible Wines, William Patton quotes the Bible scholar, Moses Stuart, who correctly says: “. . .whenever the Scriptures speak of wine as a comfort, a blessing, or a libation to God, and rank it with such articles as corn and oil, they mean, they can only mean, such wine as contained no alcohol that could have a mischievous tendency; that whenever they denounce it, and connect it with drunkenness and reveling, they can only mean alcoholic or intoxicating wine.”
The word “wine” simply refers to the juice of the grape. Whether it means fermented wine, which could make one drunk, or unfermented wine, which would not make one drunk, depends upon the context. For example, Isaiah 65:8 says: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it.’” The context makes it very clear that unfermented wine is being spoken of. The cluster refers to the grapes which are still on the vine. It is not possible they could be fermented, and, therefore, intoxicating, while the juice was still in the grapes on the vine. The Bible is filled with warnings of the dangers of drinking intoxicating wine. The wise man wrote, “Who has woe? Who has sorrows? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine. Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things. And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’” (Proverbs 23:29-35).
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the wicked rulers of his day: “Woe to men mighty at drinking wine. Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man” (Isaiah 5:22,23). Isaiah also condemned the shameful conduct of the priests and prophets in his day: “But they also have erred through wine, and through intoxicating drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink . . . ” (Isaiah 28:7,8). The prophet, Habakkuk, said: “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness” (Habakkuk 2:15)!
In the New Testament, there are many strong condemnations of drunkenness. In 1 Corinthians 5:11,13, Paul wrote: “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. . . Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person.” In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul lists the sins of which the Corinthians had been guilty before they became Christians. Drunkards are listed along with fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, extortioners, and revilers. Those who are guilty of these things, “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In the list of the “sins of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21, “drunkenness, revelries, and the like” are included along with such sins as adultery, fornication and murder. It is clearly said: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Some have argued that it is all right to drink as long as one does not get drunk. However, Ephesians 5:18 says: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation: but be filled with the Spirit.” According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the verb which is translated: “Do not be drunk” actually means, “Do not begin to be softened” with wine. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines this verb as: “to make drunk, or to grow drunk (an inceptive verb, marking the process of the state expressed in methuo), to become intoxicated. . . .” In other words, Paul is saying, “Do not even begin the process of becoming drunk.” (See also Luke 12:45 and 1 Thessalonians 5:7). Since the process of becoming drunk begins with the first drink, then one is forbidden to take even one drink of an alcoholic beverage.
It is a well known fact that people do many evil things while drinking. Hundreds of people are injured and die every day in motorcar accidents which are caused by drunk drivers. Many violent crimes are committed by those who have been drinking. Drinking alcohol contributes to many of the major health problems facing us today such as heart disease and cancer.
One who wishes to please God will not drink any alcoholic drink, in any amount, for any purpose, at any time! Remember, the process of becoming drunk begins with the first drink. Those who are guilty of drunkenness cannot go to Heaven!
WILL ALL GOOD PEOPLE BE SAVE
Many times we have heard people say, “God will save all good people.” This implies that there are good people in all churches who will be saved. It also implies that there may even be good people who have never been members of any church who will also be saved. Will all good people be saved? What does the Bible say?
The Bible teaches that one can never be good enough to be saved by his own goodness. If people could be saved by their good deeds, then it would not have been necessary for Christ to die for our sins. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Paul also wrote: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).
Even the very best people, who have lived long enough to know the difference between right and wrong, have sinned. The Bible says: “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. . . . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:9,10,23).
In Acts, chapter 10, we read about a man named Cornelius. Cornelius was a very good man. He was also a very religious man, but he was not saved. Please notice the Bible’s description of this good man: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1,2). Please observe that Cornelius was a worshiper of the true God and had taught his family also to fear God. Too, Cornelius was a man of prayer. He was also kindhearted and generous for “he gave much alms to the people.”
In spite of his faith and good deeds, Cornelius was not saved. He was told by an angel of God to “Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:13,14).
Will all good people be saved? The answer is “no,” for even the best people have sinned and just one sin can keep a person out of heaven. John wrote, “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27). The only way to remove sin is by the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5). This is done in our obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We read in Acts 22:16, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
All good people will not be saved. Neither will all religious people be saved. It is not enough to be religious, but one must be right religiously. Jesus said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13). He also said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Not all good people will be saved. Those who will be saved are those who humbly submit to our Lord Jesus Christ in obedience to His gospel and who ever after live for Him doing His Will. “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:8,9).
Dear reader, have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not, you are lost! Please obey Christ today. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
The Bible teaches that one can never be good enough to be saved by his own goodness. If people could be saved by their good deeds, then it would not have been necessary for Christ to die for our sins. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Paul also wrote: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).
Even the very best people, who have lived long enough to know the difference between right and wrong, have sinned. The Bible says: “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. . . . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:9,10,23).
In Acts, chapter 10, we read about a man named Cornelius. Cornelius was a very good man. He was also a very religious man, but he was not saved. Please notice the Bible’s description of this good man: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1,2). Please observe that Cornelius was a worshiper of the true God and had taught his family also to fear God. Too, Cornelius was a man of prayer. He was also kindhearted and generous for “he gave much alms to the people.”
In spite of his faith and good deeds, Cornelius was not saved. He was told by an angel of God to “Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:13,14).
Will all good people be saved? The answer is “no,” for even the best people have sinned and just one sin can keep a person out of heaven. John wrote, “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27). The only way to remove sin is by the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5). This is done in our obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We read in Acts 22:16, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
All good people will not be saved. Neither will all religious people be saved. It is not enough to be religious, but one must be right religiously. Jesus said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13). He also said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Not all good people will be saved. Those who will be saved are those who humbly submit to our Lord Jesus Christ in obedience to His gospel and who ever after live for Him doing His Will. “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:8,9).
Dear reader, have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not, you are lost! Please obey Christ today. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
REPENTANCE
The word “repent” in its various forms occurs more than 100 times in the Bible. This shows the great importance of repentance. Nearly every church requires repentance from sin of those who wish to be members. However, repentance is a greatly misunderstood command of God. It is also a very difficult command. Some have said it is the most difficult command in all the Bible.
What is Repentance?
Sometimes the best way to learn the meaning of a word is first to look at what it is not before looking at what it is. Many people think repentance is just being sorry for one’s sins. This is not what repentance is! The apostle Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is sorry for the sins he has committed, it will cause him to repent of them. On Pentecost Day, the Jews who heard Peter preach Christ “were cut to the heart.” This shows they were very sorry for their sin of crucifying Jesus, but their sorrow for sin was not repentance. Peter still had to tell them to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).
If repentance is not being sorry for one’s sins, then what is repentance? According to all the teaching of the Bible, repentance is a change of one’s mind toward sin. It is produced by godly sorrow for one’s sins. The result of this change of mind toward sin will be a change of life. A good example of what is involved in repentance is a parable that Jesus told: “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28,29). The son disobeyed his father. When he regretted (was sorry ) for his disobedience, he changed his mind about his decision. He then did what his father had asked him to do.
Repentance involves restitution. “Restitution” means that we will make right the things we have done wrong in so far as possible. If one has murdered another person, he can not restore that person back to life. He can, however, help the widow and children of the man he has killed. If one has stolen money from another person, when he repents, he must return the money he has stolen. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
Who Should Repent?
Those who are not Christians must repent of their sins in order to be saved. Jesus commanded “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Paul told the people of Athens that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). On Pentecost Day, Peter told the Jews who heard the Gospel and had cried out, “What shall we do?” to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”(Acts 2:37, 38).
Christians who have sinned also need to repent. When Philip preached in Samaria, Simon, who had been a sorcerer, became a Christian. When he saw the apostles giving the gifts of the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on the Christians, he wanted to buy this power. “But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22).
Why Should One Repent?
We have already learned that godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, we learned that the son who refused to obey his father regretted his decision. Therefore, he changed his mind and did his father’s will. His regret (godly sorrow for his disobedience) caused him to repent and obey his father’s command (Matthew 21:28, 29). One will repent if he is sorry for his sins.
One will also repent of his sins when he understands God’s goodness toward him. Paul asked, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). God loves us and sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:6-8). God’s goodness should make us want to repent of our sins against Him.
One will also repent of his sins because the Day of Judgment is coming. Paul told the idolaters in Athens: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31). Christ is now ruling from the right hand of God in Heaven, but one day He will come again to raise the dead and judge the whole world (Acts 1:9-11; John 5:28, 29 ). Everyone who is living and who has ever lived will be judged (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We must repent of our sins so that we will not be condemned at the Judgment!
When Should One Repent?
The Jews on Pentecost repented the same day they heard the Gospel. They were then baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:37, 38, 41). Since one can not be saved without repentance, then one should want to repent as soon as possible (Luke 13:3). Life is short and uncertain (James 4:13-15). Death is certain and will come to each one of us sooner or later (Hebrews 9:27). We are going to be judged for our sins at the Last Day. Therefore, we should repent immediately! The apostle Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear Reader, what about you? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not, please do so today so that you will be prepared to meet the Lord.
What is Repentance?
Sometimes the best way to learn the meaning of a word is first to look at what it is not before looking at what it is. Many people think repentance is just being sorry for one’s sins. This is not what repentance is! The apostle Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is sorry for the sins he has committed, it will cause him to repent of them. On Pentecost Day, the Jews who heard Peter preach Christ “were cut to the heart.” This shows they were very sorry for their sin of crucifying Jesus, but their sorrow for sin was not repentance. Peter still had to tell them to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).
If repentance is not being sorry for one’s sins, then what is repentance? According to all the teaching of the Bible, repentance is a change of one’s mind toward sin. It is produced by godly sorrow for one’s sins. The result of this change of mind toward sin will be a change of life. A good example of what is involved in repentance is a parable that Jesus told: “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28,29). The son disobeyed his father. When he regretted (was sorry ) for his disobedience, he changed his mind about his decision. He then did what his father had asked him to do.
Repentance involves restitution. “Restitution” means that we will make right the things we have done wrong in so far as possible. If one has murdered another person, he can not restore that person back to life. He can, however, help the widow and children of the man he has killed. If one has stolen money from another person, when he repents, he must return the money he has stolen. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
Who Should Repent?
Those who are not Christians must repent of their sins in order to be saved. Jesus commanded “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Paul told the people of Athens that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). On Pentecost Day, Peter told the Jews who heard the Gospel and had cried out, “What shall we do?” to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”(Acts 2:37, 38).
Christians who have sinned also need to repent. When Philip preached in Samaria, Simon, who had been a sorcerer, became a Christian. When he saw the apostles giving the gifts of the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on the Christians, he wanted to buy this power. “But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22).
Why Should One Repent?
We have already learned that godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, we learned that the son who refused to obey his father regretted his decision. Therefore, he changed his mind and did his father’s will. His regret (godly sorrow for his disobedience) caused him to repent and obey his father’s command (Matthew 21:28, 29). One will repent if he is sorry for his sins.
One will also repent of his sins when he understands God’s goodness toward him. Paul asked, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). God loves us and sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:6-8). God’s goodness should make us want to repent of our sins against Him.
One will also repent of his sins because the Day of Judgment is coming. Paul told the idolaters in Athens: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31). Christ is now ruling from the right hand of God in Heaven, but one day He will come again to raise the dead and judge the whole world (Acts 1:9-11; John 5:28, 29 ). Everyone who is living and who has ever lived will be judged (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We must repent of our sins so that we will not be condemned at the Judgment!
When Should One Repent?
The Jews on Pentecost repented the same day they heard the Gospel. They were then baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:37, 38, 41). Since one can not be saved without repentance, then one should want to repent as soon as possible (Luke 13:3). Life is short and uncertain (James 4:13-15). Death is certain and will come to each one of us sooner or later (Hebrews 9:27). We are going to be judged for our sins at the Last Day. Therefore, we should repent immediately! The apostle Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear Reader, what about you? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not, please do so today so that you will be prepared to meet the Lord.
REPENTANCE
The word “repent” in its various forms occurs more than 100 times in the Bible. This shows the great importance of repentance. Nearly every church requires repentance from sin of those who wish to be members. However, repentance is a greatly misunderstood command of God. It is also a very difficult command. Some have said it is the most difficult command in all the Bible.
What is Repentance?
Sometimes the best way to learn the meaning of a word is first to look at what it is not before looking at what it is. Many people think repentance is just being sorry for one’s sins. This is not what repentance is! The apostle Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is sorry for the sins he has committed, it will cause him to repent of them. On Pentecost Day, the Jews who heard Peter preach Christ “were cut to the heart.” This shows they were very sorry for their sin of crucifying Jesus, but their sorrow for sin was not repentance. Peter still had to tell them to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).
If repentance is not being sorry for one’s sins, then what is repentance? According to all the teaching of the Bible, repentance is a change of one’s mind toward sin. It is produced by godly sorrow for one’s sins. The result of this change of mind toward sin will be a change of life. A good example of what is involved in repentance is a parable that Jesus told: “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28,29). The son disobeyed his father. When he regretted (was sorry ) for his disobedience, he changed his mind about his decision. He then did what his father had asked him to do.
Repentance involves restitution. “Restitution” means that we will make right the things we have done wrong in so far as possible. If one has murdered another person, he can not restore that person back to life. He can, however, help the widow and children of the man he has killed. If one has stolen money from another person, when he repents, he must return the money he has stolen. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
Who Should Repent?
Those who are not Christians must repent of their sins in order to be saved. Jesus commanded “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Paul told the people of Athens that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). On Pentecost Day, Peter told the Jews who heard the Gospel and had cried out, “What shall we do?” to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”(Acts 2:37, 38).
Christians who have sinned also need to repent. When Philip preached in Samaria, Simon, who had been a sorcerer, became a Christian. When he saw the apostles giving the gifts of the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on the Christians, he wanted to buy this power. “But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22).
Why Should One Repent?
We have already learned that godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, we learned that the son who refused to obey his father regretted his decision. Therefore, he changed his mind and did his father’s will. His regret (godly sorrow for his disobedience) caused him to repent and obey his father’s command (Matthew 21:28, 29). One will repent if he is sorry for his sins.
One will also repent of his sins when he understands God’s goodness toward him. Paul asked, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). God loves us and sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:6-8). God’s goodness should make us want to repent of our sins against Him.
One will also repent of his sins because the Day of Judgment is coming. Paul told the idolaters in Athens: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31). Christ is now ruling from the right hand of God in Heaven, but one day He will come again to raise the dead and judge the whole world (Acts 1:9-11; John 5:28, 29 ). Everyone who is living and who has ever lived will be judged (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We must repent of our sins so that we will not be condemned at the Judgment!
When Should One Repent?
The Jews on Pentecost repented the same day they heard the Gospel. They were then baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:37, 38, 41). Since one can not be saved without repentance, then one should want to repent as soon as possible (Luke 13:3). Life is short and uncertain (James 4:13-15). Death is certain and will come to each one of us sooner or later (Hebrews 9:27). We are going to be judged for our sins at the Last Day. Therefore, we should repent immediately! The apostle Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear Reader, what about you? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not, please do so today so that you will be prepared to meet the Lord.
What is Repentance?
Sometimes the best way to learn the meaning of a word is first to look at what it is not before looking at what it is. Many people think repentance is just being sorry for one’s sins. This is not what repentance is! The apostle Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). If one is sorry for the sins he has committed, it will cause him to repent of them. On Pentecost Day, the Jews who heard Peter preach Christ “were cut to the heart.” This shows they were very sorry for their sin of crucifying Jesus, but their sorrow for sin was not repentance. Peter still had to tell them to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).
If repentance is not being sorry for one’s sins, then what is repentance? According to all the teaching of the Bible, repentance is a change of one’s mind toward sin. It is produced by godly sorrow for one’s sins. The result of this change of mind toward sin will be a change of life. A good example of what is involved in repentance is a parable that Jesus told: “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28,29). The son disobeyed his father. When he regretted (was sorry ) for his disobedience, he changed his mind about his decision. He then did what his father had asked him to do.
Repentance involves restitution. “Restitution” means that we will make right the things we have done wrong in so far as possible. If one has murdered another person, he can not restore that person back to life. He can, however, help the widow and children of the man he has killed. If one has stolen money from another person, when he repents, he must return the money he has stolen. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
Who Should Repent?
Those who are not Christians must repent of their sins in order to be saved. Jesus commanded “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Paul told the people of Athens that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). On Pentecost Day, Peter told the Jews who heard the Gospel and had cried out, “What shall we do?” to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”(Acts 2:37, 38).
Christians who have sinned also need to repent. When Philip preached in Samaria, Simon, who had been a sorcerer, became a Christian. When he saw the apostles giving the gifts of the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on the Christians, he wanted to buy this power. “But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22).
Why Should One Repent?
We have already learned that godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). In Jesus’ parable of the two sons, we learned that the son who refused to obey his father regretted his decision. Therefore, he changed his mind and did his father’s will. His regret (godly sorrow for his disobedience) caused him to repent and obey his father’s command (Matthew 21:28, 29). One will repent if he is sorry for his sins.
One will also repent of his sins when he understands God’s goodness toward him. Paul asked, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). God loves us and sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:6-8). God’s goodness should make us want to repent of our sins against Him.
One will also repent of his sins because the Day of Judgment is coming. Paul told the idolaters in Athens: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31). Christ is now ruling from the right hand of God in Heaven, but one day He will come again to raise the dead and judge the whole world (Acts 1:9-11; John 5:28, 29 ). Everyone who is living and who has ever lived will be judged (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We must repent of our sins so that we will not be condemned at the Judgment!
When Should One Repent?
The Jews on Pentecost repented the same day they heard the Gospel. They were then baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:37, 38, 41). Since one can not be saved without repentance, then one should want to repent as soon as possible (Luke 13:3). Life is short and uncertain (James 4:13-15). Death is certain and will come to each one of us sooner or later (Hebrews 9:27). We are going to be judged for our sins at the Last Day. Therefore, we should repent immediately! The apostle Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear Reader, what about you? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not, please do so today so that you will be prepared to meet the Lord.
ACCEPTABLE PRAYER
God speaks to us through the Bible. We speak to Him through prayer. In prayer, we make our thoughts known to the mind of God. No matter how much good we do, or how much we study God’s Word, we still need His care and protection. This is the reason Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is important that we know the answer to some basic questions about prayer.
Who can pray? Only God’s children have the privilege of prayer (1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16). The privilege of prayer is for those who are “in Christ.” Does God hear the prayers of sinners? Yes, He hears them, but He does not answer them. However, God does help those who are seeking the truth (John 7:17). For example, Cornelius was not a Christian. He was a good man who believed in God. He wanted to be saved. God sent Peter to teach him what to do to be saved (Acts 10:1-11:18).
Why do we pray? Prayer is a way for us to enjoy fellowship with God (Acts 2:42). We pray for God’s help when we need it (Hebrews 4:16). We pray because God has commanded us to pray (1 Timothy 2:8; Luke 18:1). We also pray to thank God for the the blessings we receive from Him (James 1:17).
Where do we pray? Can we pray only in the church building during worship? No, we can pray anywhere and everywhere. Two children were late for school. One said, “Let’s stop and pray.” The other said, “Let’s run while we pray.” We can pray whenever we need to. It does not matter where we are. Paul prayed while he was in prison (Acts 16:25). Jonah prayed while he was in the stomach of the great fish (Jonah 2:1). Daniel prayed in front of an open window in his room (Daniel 6:10). Hannah prayed at the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:9-18). Jesus prayed in a garden (Luke 22:39-41). When the church assembled to worship, they prayed. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayer” (Acts 2:42). “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5).
To Whom do we pray? Roman Catholics pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Sometimes they pray to dead “saints.” Other people pray to the spirits of their dead ancestors. But Jesus taught His disciples to pray to God, the Father (Matthew 6:9). We pray to the Father through (in the name of ) Jesus Christ our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
How should we pray? Must we kneel when we pray? No. The Bible records a number of different positions for prayer. We must pray in faith (James 1:6). We must pray to God with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3,4). Our prayers must be in keeping with God’s Will (Luke 22:42).
Does God answer prayer? Yes! He answered Elijah’s prayer at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39). He gave Hannah a son in answer to her prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-20). In answer to the prayer of Hezekiah, He saved Judah from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:15-36). God answers prayers in three ways. Sometimes He answers “Yes” when He knows it is best for us. When Hezekiah prayed to live, God gave him fifteen more years (2 Kings 20:1-6). Sometimes God answers “No” when He knows it is best for us (James 4:3; 1 John 5:14). Elijah prayed for God to take his life when Jezebel was seeking to kill him (1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2:11). Paul asked three times to have his “thorn in the flesh” removed, but God did not remove it (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Sometimes God says “Wait.” Our request may be right, but it may be asked at the wrong time ( 1 Corinthians 1:25). This is one way we can learn patience (James 1:3). Abraham had to wait twenty-five years for the son God promised him. Moses had to wait for 40 years before God was ready for him to lead Israel to freedom.
FIVE AREAS OF PRAYER
(1) Praise (Luke 11:2). We praise God for His power, wisdom, glory, holiness, righteousness, mercy, and longsuffering. We show our respect and reverence in this way.
(2) Thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1). We thank God for salvation, the joy of life, and for all the blessings He gives us. We must be thankful from our heart (Hebrews 13:15).
(3) Confession (Luke 11:4; Psalm 66:18). Christians ask forgiveness for every sin they commit (1 John 1:7-9; Acts 8:22).
(4) Petition (Philippians 4:6). We ask for the things we need, subject to God’s will (James 4:3). If we ask for help to be better Christians, then we need to work to be better Christians.
(5) Intercession (Colossians 1:9). We pray for others ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
We pray to God because He wants us to speak to Him. Prayer is an important part of a Christian’s life. It is one of the blessings of being “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Does God hear your prayers? If you are not a Christian, you do not have the privilege of prayer. If you are living in disobedience to God, He will not hear your prayers. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). In order to get into Christ, we must believe and be baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Galatians 3:26-27). Why not obey the gospel today so you can have God’s assurance that He will hear your prayers?
Who can pray? Only God’s children have the privilege of prayer (1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16). The privilege of prayer is for those who are “in Christ.” Does God hear the prayers of sinners? Yes, He hears them, but He does not answer them. However, God does help those who are seeking the truth (John 7:17). For example, Cornelius was not a Christian. He was a good man who believed in God. He wanted to be saved. God sent Peter to teach him what to do to be saved (Acts 10:1-11:18).
Why do we pray? Prayer is a way for us to enjoy fellowship with God (Acts 2:42). We pray for God’s help when we need it (Hebrews 4:16). We pray because God has commanded us to pray (1 Timothy 2:8; Luke 18:1). We also pray to thank God for the the blessings we receive from Him (James 1:17).
Where do we pray? Can we pray only in the church building during worship? No, we can pray anywhere and everywhere. Two children were late for school. One said, “Let’s stop and pray.” The other said, “Let’s run while we pray.” We can pray whenever we need to. It does not matter where we are. Paul prayed while he was in prison (Acts 16:25). Jonah prayed while he was in the stomach of the great fish (Jonah 2:1). Daniel prayed in front of an open window in his room (Daniel 6:10). Hannah prayed at the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:9-18). Jesus prayed in a garden (Luke 22:39-41). When the church assembled to worship, they prayed. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread, and in prayer” (Acts 2:42). “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5).
To Whom do we pray? Roman Catholics pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Sometimes they pray to dead “saints.” Other people pray to the spirits of their dead ancestors. But Jesus taught His disciples to pray to God, the Father (Matthew 6:9). We pray to the Father through (in the name of ) Jesus Christ our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
How should we pray? Must we kneel when we pray? No. The Bible records a number of different positions for prayer. We must pray in faith (James 1:6). We must pray to God with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3,4). Our prayers must be in keeping with God’s Will (Luke 22:42).
Does God answer prayer? Yes! He answered Elijah’s prayer at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39). He gave Hannah a son in answer to her prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-20). In answer to the prayer of Hezekiah, He saved Judah from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:15-36). God answers prayers in three ways. Sometimes He answers “Yes” when He knows it is best for us. When Hezekiah prayed to live, God gave him fifteen more years (2 Kings 20:1-6). Sometimes God answers “No” when He knows it is best for us (James 4:3; 1 John 5:14). Elijah prayed for God to take his life when Jezebel was seeking to kill him (1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2:11). Paul asked three times to have his “thorn in the flesh” removed, but God did not remove it (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Sometimes God says “Wait.” Our request may be right, but it may be asked at the wrong time ( 1 Corinthians 1:25). This is one way we can learn patience (James 1:3). Abraham had to wait twenty-five years for the son God promised him. Moses had to wait for 40 years before God was ready for him to lead Israel to freedom.
FIVE AREAS OF PRAYER
(1) Praise (Luke 11:2). We praise God for His power, wisdom, glory, holiness, righteousness, mercy, and longsuffering. We show our respect and reverence in this way.
(2) Thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1). We thank God for salvation, the joy of life, and for all the blessings He gives us. We must be thankful from our heart (Hebrews 13:15).
(3) Confession (Luke 11:4; Psalm 66:18). Christians ask forgiveness for every sin they commit (1 John 1:7-9; Acts 8:22).
(4) Petition (Philippians 4:6). We ask for the things we need, subject to God’s will (James 4:3). If we ask for help to be better Christians, then we need to work to be better Christians.
(5) Intercession (Colossians 1:9). We pray for others ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
We pray to God because He wants us to speak to Him. Prayer is an important part of a Christian’s life. It is one of the blessings of being “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Does God hear your prayers? If you are not a Christian, you do not have the privilege of prayer. If you are living in disobedience to God, He will not hear your prayers. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). In order to get into Christ, we must believe and be baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Galatians 3:26-27). Why not obey the gospel today so you can have God’s assurance that He will hear your prayers?
STEPS TO SALVATION
The Bible teaches that sin is a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). All people who know the difference between right and wrong have sinned (Romans 3:23). Our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). The punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). This is “the second death” which is “the lake of fire” (Revelation 21:8).
God loves us. He does not want us to be punished for our sins. Therefore, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven (John 3:16). God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus suffered the punishment which we should have received for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). He did not die for His own sins, for He had none (2 Corinthians 5:21). He suffered for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven (Romans 5: 6-8; 1 Peter 2:24). In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and therefore receive eternal life, we must accept the salvation which Christ has made possible. There are five steps which we must take to receive this salvation.
Hear
First, we must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). One is not a Christian because his parents are. Faith cannot be inherited (Ezekiel 18:20). Each person must believe in Jesus Christ for himself. Christianity is a religion of teaching (Matthew 28:19,20). Unless one has heard the Gospel and learned that Jesus Christ died for his sins, was buried, and arose from the dead, he cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The apostle Paul wrote: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher”(Romans 10:14)? One must first hear the Gospel before he can believe it.
Believe
Second, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said: “...if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They told him to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30,31). Jesus also said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). One comes to believe in Jesus Christ when he hears the Gospel taught. Faith comes only by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is the reason it is so important that the Gospel be preached to the whole world (Mark 16:15).
Repent
Third, one must repent of his sins in order to be saved (Acts 17:30,31). Jesus commanded that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Repentance is a result of being sorry for one’s sins (2 Corinthians 7:10). When the Jews on Pentecost Day learned from Peter that they had crucified the Son of God, they “were cut to the heart” ( Acts 2:37). They wanted to be forgiven of their sins, so they asked, “What shall we do?” They were told to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (Acts 2:37,38). When one repents, he turns away from his sins (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He shows he has repented by doing good works (Matthew 3:8).
Confess
Fourth, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). This great truth is the very foundation upon which the church of Christ is built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said that we must be willing to confess Him before men if we want Him to confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32,33). The apostle Paul wrote: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8-10). When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch asked, “What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed. The eunuch then confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:35-38). We must make this important, yet simple confession also in order to be saved.
Be Baptized
Fifth, one must be baptized in order to be saved. Jesus said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Please note that baptism follows belief. One who does not believe the Gospel cannot be truly baptized. Therefore, babies cannot be baptized for they are too young to (1) have sin, (2) hear the Gospel, (3) repent of sins, and (4) confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptism also follows repentance. On Pentecost Day, Peter told those who asked what to do to be saved to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized...” (Acts 2:38). One cannot be truly baptized who has not truly repented.
Baptism is a burial in water (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling and pouring are not proper baptism. Baptism is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One is not saved before he is baptized! Baptism is “for the remission (forgiveness) of sins” (Acts 2:38). Just as Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), so we are baptized in order to receive the remission of sins. In baptism, the sinner’s sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16).
What does one have to do in order to be forgiven of his sins? He must
(1) Hear the Gospel of Christ;
(2) Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God;
(3) Repent of all his past sins;
(4) Confess that Christ is God’s Son;
(5) Be baptized for the remission of sins.
When he does this, he is added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:41,47). He is born again (John 3:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). He is in Christ where all spiritual blessings are to be found. (Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 3:26,27). In short, he is a Christian (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).
Are you saved from your sins? Have you taken these simple steps to salvation? If not, why not do so today?
God loves us. He does not want us to be punished for our sins. Therefore, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven (John 3:16). God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus suffered the punishment which we should have received for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). He did not die for His own sins, for He had none (2 Corinthians 5:21). He suffered for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven (Romans 5: 6-8; 1 Peter 2:24). In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and therefore receive eternal life, we must accept the salvation which Christ has made possible. There are five steps which we must take to receive this salvation.
Hear
First, we must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). One is not a Christian because his parents are. Faith cannot be inherited (Ezekiel 18:20). Each person must believe in Jesus Christ for himself. Christianity is a religion of teaching (Matthew 28:19,20). Unless one has heard the Gospel and learned that Jesus Christ died for his sins, was buried, and arose from the dead, he cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The apostle Paul wrote: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher”(Romans 10:14)? One must first hear the Gospel before he can believe it.
Believe
Second, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said: “...if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They told him to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30,31). Jesus also said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). One comes to believe in Jesus Christ when he hears the Gospel taught. Faith comes only by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is the reason it is so important that the Gospel be preached to the whole world (Mark 16:15).
Repent
Third, one must repent of his sins in order to be saved (Acts 17:30,31). Jesus commanded that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Repentance is a result of being sorry for one’s sins (2 Corinthians 7:10). When the Jews on Pentecost Day learned from Peter that they had crucified the Son of God, they “were cut to the heart” ( Acts 2:37). They wanted to be forgiven of their sins, so they asked, “What shall we do?” They were told to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” (Acts 2:37,38). When one repents, he turns away from his sins (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He shows he has repented by doing good works (Matthew 3:8).
Confess
Fourth, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). This great truth is the very foundation upon which the church of Christ is built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said that we must be willing to confess Him before men if we want Him to confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32,33). The apostle Paul wrote: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8-10). When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch asked, “What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed. The eunuch then confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:35-38). We must make this important, yet simple confession also in order to be saved.
Be Baptized
Fifth, one must be baptized in order to be saved. Jesus said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Please note that baptism follows belief. One who does not believe the Gospel cannot be truly baptized. Therefore, babies cannot be baptized for they are too young to (1) have sin, (2) hear the Gospel, (3) repent of sins, and (4) confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptism also follows repentance. On Pentecost Day, Peter told those who asked what to do to be saved to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized...” (Acts 2:38). One cannot be truly baptized who has not truly repented.
Baptism is a burial in water (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling and pouring are not proper baptism. Baptism is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One is not saved before he is baptized! Baptism is “for the remission (forgiveness) of sins” (Acts 2:38). Just as Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), so we are baptized in order to receive the remission of sins. In baptism, the sinner’s sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16).
What does one have to do in order to be forgiven of his sins? He must
(1) Hear the Gospel of Christ;
(2) Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God;
(3) Repent of all his past sins;
(4) Confess that Christ is God’s Son;
(5) Be baptized for the remission of sins.
When he does this, he is added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:41,47). He is born again (John 3:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). He is in Christ where all spiritual blessings are to be found. (Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 3:26,27). In short, he is a Christian (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).
Are you saved from your sins? Have you taken these simple steps to salvation? If not, why not do so today?
SECRET EVENT OF LIFE
Life is a
series of events
that can only be
explained by God,
the secret events
of life are the lives
that we have lived
in the past, the life
that we are living
now, and the best
life that we will live
in future. Everyone
has gone through
stages of
different
development
growing up as a
child, we never
knew that the
more we succeed
from one stage,
then another
greater stage is
always ahead
waiting for us, ”oh
what an
interesting stages
to remember”. The
most happiest
events of our lives
is being born in
this planet (Earth)
and being counted
among the living.
Actually the way
we think about life
doesn’t change our
situation but the
action to the
decision we make
about life is the
reality of change in
our lives.
However, we
have been created
by a special super
natural being
called God who has
been directing the
paths of our
success in life but
sometimes our
fear of doubt in
our future prevent
us from reaching
our goals or
dreams in life and
we end up making
wrong decisions. It
is very obvious
that the only way
to achieve success
is to always
believe in
ourselves.
The truth
about life is that it
is a precious
whistle that can
never be thrown
away ,it require us
to discover the
best in us and
believing in
ourselves every
time that we can
succeed forever.
As the days go by
so as our thoughts
about life
increases and it
depends on the
choices that we
make , life is a
challenge,
sometimes the
harder it becomes
the nearer our
success in life. We
live in the world of
different religions,
different cultures,
different talents,
different mindsets
and the world is
created peacefully
by God so we must
live peacefully as
one. Show me your
friends and I will
tell you whom you
are, love yourself
and i will tell you
that many people
love you, always
love others the
way you love
yourself.
Life is full
of stories but
those stories will
never make us to
be defeated
rather it will
always make us to
remain strong in
faith and succeed.
Sometimes in life,
we don’t value
what we have until
we lose it, we
must believe that
our lives are
surrounded with all
great
opportunities that
will make us live
victoriously. Be a
change in your
family, in your
community, in your
state, in your
country. If you
cannot be changed
by someone why
not try in changing
yourself, if you
cannot change
yourself then
allow someone to
change you
because positive
change don’t cost
anything, it only
require your will –
power to change.
You are the
change in your life,
it begins from your
hearts thereby
attracting all the
principles of ” i
can” that creates
that change that
you have always
desire in life. Can
and must are the
two words that
increase our faith
to achieving our
greatness in life.
God answers
our prayers every
time, sometimes
he delays some of
our prayers so
that we can
appreciate it when
our prayers are
granted, therefore
we should never
give up hope in life
no matter the
circumstances, we
have to believe
that he is always
in control. I LIVE,I
DREAMED, I
ACHIEVED,I AM
HAPPY,PRAISE
GOD.
Nevertheless, we
are responsible
for the caring of
ourselves and
others too, do not
advise people
negatively
because you want
them to
experience your
failures in life but
advise them
positively so that
both of you can
enjoy the
abundant
blessings from
God. In every
situation, give
thanks to God, he
has the keys to
our future, our
problems are over
because he lives in
us, impossibilities
are now possible.
The only way to
avoid fear is to
avoid negative
mindset and
occupy our minds
with love, our
enemy in life is
fear but our best
friend is love.
Furthermore,
some people are
born to be great,
some achieve
greatness by
learning, always be
the best of your
talent because
nothing can
change your
destiny that has
been planned by
God. Life is not by
struggle but by
determination and
faith. One day a
child asked his
father, how far is
heaven? “Then his
father said” very
far from earth, but
one can only get
there if the person
is dead ,the child
asked his father
again, Dad can we
both die now and
go to heaven
because I heard
that heaven is
very beautiful? His
father said” no
that they will
never die. Nobody
want to die but
everybody want
to go to heaven, in
life in other to
achieve a success,
you must pay the
price, the
challenges you go
through in life is
the price of your
success and never
regret any
challenges that
you must have
gone through in
life, they are the
beginning of your
success and also
an experience to
share with other
people making
them to be strong
in faith.
Feed your
souls with rich
words and you will
never lack joy.
Someone is
waiting for your
hug, someone is
waiting for your
smiles, someone is
waiting for your
laughter, so be an
instrument of a
good giver and
everything you
wanted in life will
be given to you by
God. The faith in us
will keep us alive,
today’s dreams will
be tomorrows
success
achievement and
we must keep
dreaming big
because it takes a
second for life to
change for the
best. If in any way
you have missed
an opportunity in
life, do not regret
because you can
still get another
bigger
opportunity, life is
a history, there is a
reason for
everything and
God has the best
reason to life, he
has the final
decision.
In
conclusion, Past
Years in life looks
like another world,
another history,
and chapters of
both good and bad
experiences, life is
YOU, there is
nobody like you
because you are
very special, life is
lovely and
beautiful than
anything in the
world so remain
blessed by God.
series of events
that can only be
explained by God,
the secret events
of life are the lives
that we have lived
in the past, the life
that we are living
now, and the best
life that we will live
in future. Everyone
has gone through
stages of
different
development
growing up as a
child, we never
knew that the
more we succeed
from one stage,
then another
greater stage is
always ahead
waiting for us, ”oh
what an
interesting stages
to remember”. The
most happiest
events of our lives
is being born in
this planet (Earth)
and being counted
among the living.
Actually the way
we think about life
doesn’t change our
situation but the
action to the
decision we make
about life is the
reality of change in
our lives.
However, we
have been created
by a special super
natural being
called God who has
been directing the
paths of our
success in life but
sometimes our
fear of doubt in
our future prevent
us from reaching
our goals or
dreams in life and
we end up making
wrong decisions. It
is very obvious
that the only way
to achieve success
is to always
believe in
ourselves.
The truth
about life is that it
is a precious
whistle that can
never be thrown
away ,it require us
to discover the
best in us and
believing in
ourselves every
time that we can
succeed forever.
As the days go by
so as our thoughts
about life
increases and it
depends on the
choices that we
make , life is a
challenge,
sometimes the
harder it becomes
the nearer our
success in life. We
live in the world of
different religions,
different cultures,
different talents,
different mindsets
and the world is
created peacefully
by God so we must
live peacefully as
one. Show me your
friends and I will
tell you whom you
are, love yourself
and i will tell you
that many people
love you, always
love others the
way you love
yourself.
Life is full
of stories but
those stories will
never make us to
be defeated
rather it will
always make us to
remain strong in
faith and succeed.
Sometimes in life,
we don’t value
what we have until
we lose it, we
must believe that
our lives are
surrounded with all
great
opportunities that
will make us live
victoriously. Be a
change in your
family, in your
community, in your
state, in your
country. If you
cannot be changed
by someone why
not try in changing
yourself, if you
cannot change
yourself then
allow someone to
change you
because positive
change don’t cost
anything, it only
require your will –
power to change.
You are the
change in your life,
it begins from your
hearts thereby
attracting all the
principles of ” i
can” that creates
that change that
you have always
desire in life. Can
and must are the
two words that
increase our faith
to achieving our
greatness in life.
God answers
our prayers every
time, sometimes
he delays some of
our prayers so
that we can
appreciate it when
our prayers are
granted, therefore
we should never
give up hope in life
no matter the
circumstances, we
have to believe
that he is always
in control. I LIVE,I
DREAMED, I
ACHIEVED,I AM
HAPPY,PRAISE
GOD.
Nevertheless, we
are responsible
for the caring of
ourselves and
others too, do not
advise people
negatively
because you want
them to
experience your
failures in life but
advise them
positively so that
both of you can
enjoy the
abundant
blessings from
God. In every
situation, give
thanks to God, he
has the keys to
our future, our
problems are over
because he lives in
us, impossibilities
are now possible.
The only way to
avoid fear is to
avoid negative
mindset and
occupy our minds
with love, our
enemy in life is
fear but our best
friend is love.
Furthermore,
some people are
born to be great,
some achieve
greatness by
learning, always be
the best of your
talent because
nothing can
change your
destiny that has
been planned by
God. Life is not by
struggle but by
determination and
faith. One day a
child asked his
father, how far is
heaven? “Then his
father said” very
far from earth, but
one can only get
there if the person
is dead ,the child
asked his father
again, Dad can we
both die now and
go to heaven
because I heard
that heaven is
very beautiful? His
father said” no
that they will
never die. Nobody
want to die but
everybody want
to go to heaven, in
life in other to
achieve a success,
you must pay the
price, the
challenges you go
through in life is
the price of your
success and never
regret any
challenges that
you must have
gone through in
life, they are the
beginning of your
success and also
an experience to
share with other
people making
them to be strong
in faith.
Feed your
souls with rich
words and you will
never lack joy.
Someone is
waiting for your
hug, someone is
waiting for your
smiles, someone is
waiting for your
laughter, so be an
instrument of a
good giver and
everything you
wanted in life will
be given to you by
God. The faith in us
will keep us alive,
today’s dreams will
be tomorrows
success
achievement and
we must keep
dreaming big
because it takes a
second for life to
change for the
best. If in any way
you have missed
an opportunity in
life, do not regret
because you can
still get another
bigger
opportunity, life is
a history, there is a
reason for
everything and
God has the best
reason to life, he
has the final
decision.
In
conclusion, Past
Years in life looks
like another world,
another history,
and chapters of
both good and bad
experiences, life is
YOU, there is
nobody like you
because you are
very special, life is
lovely and
beautiful than
anything in the
world so remain
blessed by God.
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