I am sitting here on a Tuesday night watching the miners getting saved. Not saved to eternal life, but saved from a hole in the earth. Everyone is excited and happy that their loved ones and friends are going to be reunited. I too am thrilled that these 33 men have been rescued (or are being rescued at this time).
It crosses my mind if these men have even heard the gospel of Christ and if they have, have they trusted that Christ died for there sins, was buried and rose again for their justification.
We are all trapped in mine with no hope until we have trusted in the completed work at the cross. Once we have trusted, then we are saved to eternal life not just a hole in the ground.
Have you trusted in what the Lord Jesus Christ did for you? 1 Cor 15:1-4
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Does keeping the 10 commandments make you a Christian?
A friend of mine on Facebook posted this question. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
This was one of the responses. A Christian is someone who follows the Ten Commandments.
Let’s see if keeping the 10 commandments make you a Christian.
First question: What were the 10 commandments for?
God gave the children of Israel the commandments thru Moses about 2500 years after Adam and Eve were booted out of the garden. So under this theory, “keeping the 10 commandments makes you a Christian”, it would eliminate the first 2500 years of mankind. The first chance for there to be a Christian, according to this theory, would be the children of Israel. This theory would be contrary to the Bible. When was anyone called a Christian?
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
This was 1500 years after God wrote the 10 commandments and 4000 years after the fall of man.
I am going to list all the verses in the Bible which say Christian or Christians. (don’t worry it is only two more.)
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
That’s it, just 3 verses in the whole Bible.
So what is a Christian? Simply, it is someone who follows Christ.
What does Paul tells us the commandments (the law) are for?
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
According to the Bible the law was put into place to show us that we are sinners and need a savior. The law shows you that you need to be a Christian (follower of Christ), but in no way makes you a Christian. Once you have trusted in the completed work of the Cross you are no longer under the schoolmaster (the law). It is not even our faith that does anything. It is the faith of Jesus Christ.
Put your trust ON the faith of Jesus Christ (completed work at the cross) and you too will be a Christian.
By the way, here is a list of all the laws that God gave the children of Israel.
http://www.aish.com/jl/m/m/48945081.html Guess how many?
Completed work at the cross = Died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
A friend of mine on Facebook posted this question. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
This was one of the responses. A Christian is someone who follows the Ten Commandments.
Let’s see if keeping the 10 commandments make you a Christian.
First question: What were the 10 commandments for?
God gave the children of Israel the commandments thru Moses about 2500 years after Adam and Eve were booted out of the garden. So under this theory, “keeping the 10 commandments makes you a Christian”, it would eliminate the first 2500 years of mankind. The first chance for there to be a Christian, according to this theory, would be the children of Israel. This theory would be contrary to the Bible. When was anyone called a Christian?
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
This was 1500 years after God wrote the 10 commandments and 4000 years after the fall of man.
I am going to list all the verses in the Bible which say Christian or Christians. (don’t worry it is only two more.)
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
That’s it, just 3 verses in the whole Bible.
So what is a Christian? Simply, it is someone who follows Christ.
What does Paul tells us the commandments (the law) are for?
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
According to the Bible the law was put into place to show us that we are sinners and need a savior. The law shows you that you need to be a Christian (follower of Christ), but in no way makes you a Christian. Once you have trusted in the completed work of the Cross you are no longer under the schoolmaster (the law). It is not even our faith that does anything. It is the faith of Jesus Christ.
Put your trust ON the faith of Jesus Christ (completed work at the cross) and you too will be a Christian.
By the way, here is a list of all the laws that God gave the children of Israel.
http://www.aish.com/jl/m/m/48945081.html Guess how many?
Completed work at the cross = Died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Saul was sold out for the Jewish religion. He made money at it, new the law backwards and forwards, kept the law, and went after anyone who he thought was committing blasphemy. In his opinion anyone who said that Jesus was the Christ was a blasphemer.
Here is what the priest did when Jesus told them He is the Son of God. Blasphemy if Jesus was not the Son of God.
Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Matthew 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Saul had every right to put to death any Israelite that committed blasphemy. In the book of Numbers we are told of a man that was put to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.
Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
Numbers 15:33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
Numbers 15:34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
Numbers 15:35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Numbers 15:36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Who gave the order for the man to be put to death? The LORD did.
What did the man do wrong? He worked on the Sabbath.
Have you ever picked up sticks on the Sabbath?
Why didn’t the LORD have you put to death?
I have been told many times that we are to do ALL the Bible. We can’t and we are not supposed to. Hebrews 1:1 tells us why.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
God has dealt with man in many different ways at different times. Paul tells us to rightly divide the Word of truth. (see 2 Timothy 2:15) If you don’t, you might just believe that you must stone someone to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.
Keep studying,
Jack
Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Saul was sold out for the Jewish religion. He made money at it, new the law backwards and forwards, kept the law, and went after anyone who he thought was committing blasphemy. In his opinion anyone who said that Jesus was the Christ was a blasphemer.
Here is what the priest did when Jesus told them He is the Son of God. Blasphemy if Jesus was not the Son of God.
Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Matthew 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Saul had every right to put to death any Israelite that committed blasphemy. In the book of Numbers we are told of a man that was put to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.
Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
Numbers 15:33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
Numbers 15:34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
Numbers 15:35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Numbers 15:36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Who gave the order for the man to be put to death? The LORD did.
What did the man do wrong? He worked on the Sabbath.
Have you ever picked up sticks on the Sabbath?
Why didn’t the LORD have you put to death?
I have been told many times that we are to do ALL the Bible. We can’t and we are not supposed to. Hebrews 1:1 tells us why.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
God has dealt with man in many different ways at different times. Paul tells us to rightly divide the Word of truth. (see 2 Timothy 2:15) If you don’t, you might just believe that you must stone someone to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.
Keep studying,
Jack
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Paul is telling the Galatians and us about his past. His whole life was devoted to the Jewish religion. What was the Jewish religion?
• They believe in the God of Abraham (as we do)
• Kept the law of Moses (613 laws)
• Offered animal sacrifices thru the priests
• Were waiting for their King to arrive so they could take their Kingdom on earth
This is what Paul had devoted his life to. The next part of the verse says “beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:” So what was this church of God that Paul as Saul was persecuting and who was part of it? Who was Saul going after? Anyone that believed Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Son of God, the King that was to bring in the Kingdom. Read Acts 7 thru 8 and hear what Stephen was telling the Jewish religion leaders and members. Guess who was there? Saul! Saul was going after Peter and the other 11 apostles and anyone that believed Jesus was the Son of God.
This church of God, which Peter was left in charge of, was scattered to get away from the persecutors. It was made up of Israelites and a few believing gentiles. This has now split Israel into two categories: Believing Israel and unbelieving Israel. Saul, while persecuting, was part of unbelieving Israel. What did believing Israel believe in?
• God of Abraham
• Jesus is the Son of God (their messiah/king)
Did this believing Israel have to do anything to show that they believed? YES
• Water Baptized (Read Mark 16:16-20)
• Still obey the law of Moses
• Endure till the end (Jacobs trouble)
• Sell what they had and put it in common. (So they could get thru Jacobs trouble)
Notice this is not the same as “The Church the Body of Christ”. We believe:
• Jesus is the Son of God (Savoir)
• Died for our sins (Paid the death penalty for us)
• Was buried
• Rose again
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ completed work and you to can be saved.
More later,
Jack
Paul is telling the Galatians and us about his past. His whole life was devoted to the Jewish religion. What was the Jewish religion?
• They believe in the God of Abraham (as we do)
• Kept the law of Moses (613 laws)
• Offered animal sacrifices thru the priests
• Were waiting for their King to arrive so they could take their Kingdom on earth
This is what Paul had devoted his life to. The next part of the verse says “beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:” So what was this church of God that Paul as Saul was persecuting and who was part of it? Who was Saul going after? Anyone that believed Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Son of God, the King that was to bring in the Kingdom. Read Acts 7 thru 8 and hear what Stephen was telling the Jewish religion leaders and members. Guess who was there? Saul! Saul was going after Peter and the other 11 apostles and anyone that believed Jesus was the Son of God.
This church of God, which Peter was left in charge of, was scattered to get away from the persecutors. It was made up of Israelites and a few believing gentiles. This has now split Israel into two categories: Believing Israel and unbelieving Israel. Saul, while persecuting, was part of unbelieving Israel. What did believing Israel believe in?
• God of Abraham
• Jesus is the Son of God (their messiah/king)
Did this believing Israel have to do anything to show that they believed? YES
• Water Baptized (Read Mark 16:16-20)
• Still obey the law of Moses
• Endure till the end (Jacobs trouble)
• Sell what they had and put it in common. (So they could get thru Jacobs trouble)
Notice this is not the same as “The Church the Body of Christ”. We believe:
• Jesus is the Son of God (Savoir)
• Died for our sins (Paid the death penalty for us)
• Was buried
• Rose again
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ completed work and you to can be saved.
More later,
Jack
Friday, August 27, 2010
Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Did Paul go to Jerusalem to get the gospel from Peter? NOPE
Did Paul just make up a gospel that sounded good to him? NOPE
Did any man give Paul the gospel he preached? NOPE
Did Peter and the eleven preach the same gospel as Paul? NOPE
Where did Paul get the gospel that he preached? The ascended Jesus Christ.
What is the gospel that Paul preached?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Here is the gospel Peter preached at Pentecost.
Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I am told all the time that Peter and Paul preached the same gospel. Do they look the same to you or is there something different?
Till next time,
Jack
Did Paul go to Jerusalem to get the gospel from Peter? NOPE
Did Paul just make up a gospel that sounded good to him? NOPE
Did any man give Paul the gospel he preached? NOPE
Did Peter and the eleven preach the same gospel as Paul? NOPE
Where did Paul get the gospel that he preached? The ascended Jesus Christ.
What is the gospel that Paul preached?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Here is the gospel Peter preached at Pentecost.
Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I am told all the time that Peter and Paul preached the same gospel. Do they look the same to you or is there something different?
Till next time,
Jack
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
It is sometimes hard to teach Paul’s gospel (gospel of Christ) among religious people. They have been taught things that are contrary to the gospel and want to stay in the traditions of man. For example, when you say there is only one baptism for today and it doesn’t include water, they think you have fallen off your rocker.
You show them Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Then you show them the one baptism
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Paul knew he wasn’t going to please man and it didn’t matter if he did. He had a job to do and that was to do what God said to do. As a member, of the Church the Body of Christ in the dispensation of grace, we have the same job to do. It isn’t easy and people will get upset with you. Who are you pleasing? God or man.
Grace and Peace
Jack
It is sometimes hard to teach Paul’s gospel (gospel of Christ) among religious people. They have been taught things that are contrary to the gospel and want to stay in the traditions of man. For example, when you say there is only one baptism for today and it doesn’t include water, they think you have fallen off your rocker.
You show them Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Then you show them the one baptism
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Paul knew he wasn’t going to please man and it didn’t matter if he did. He had a job to do and that was to do what God said to do. As a member, of the Church the Body of Christ in the dispensation of grace, we have the same job to do. It isn’t easy and people will get upset with you. Who are you pleasing? God or man.
Grace and Peace
Jack
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Galatians 1:7-9
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
How can someone pervert the gospel of Christ? By adding to it or taking away from it. Verse 8 tells what happens to anyone that adds to or takes away. They are accursed. NOT GOOD. Paul says in Romans 9:3 that he would be accursed for his kinsmen (Israelites) if they would just believe the gospel of their salvation.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
He (Paul) was willing to be separated from Christ so they would be saved. (I don’t know how much you would have to love someone to be able to wish that.)
If an angel from heaven came and gave you personally a gospel would you believe it? Verse 8 says NO! How many denominations today are following an individual that says they got a message from an angel? There are several. Paul tells us that the Satan today is an angel of light and has his own ministers of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
God feels so strong about this that He had Paul say it again in verse 9.
Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Be careful not to follow after man, follow what God has said to us in His perfectly preserved Word.
Grace and Peace
Jack
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
How can someone pervert the gospel of Christ? By adding to it or taking away from it. Verse 8 tells what happens to anyone that adds to or takes away. They are accursed. NOT GOOD. Paul says in Romans 9:3 that he would be accursed for his kinsmen (Israelites) if they would just believe the gospel of their salvation.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
He (Paul) was willing to be separated from Christ so they would be saved. (I don’t know how much you would have to love someone to be able to wish that.)
If an angel from heaven came and gave you personally a gospel would you believe it? Verse 8 says NO! How many denominations today are following an individual that says they got a message from an angel? There are several. Paul tells us that the Satan today is an angel of light and has his own ministers of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
God feels so strong about this that He had Paul say it again in verse 9.
Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Be careful not to follow after man, follow what God has said to us in His perfectly preserved Word.
Grace and Peace
Jack
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