Salvation or Religion: Which do you Have???

Religion is not salvation!!! You may be religious and morally upright and still be a stranger to salvation. There are many people who build their salvation on religion. They think if they observe religious ordinances and do the best that they can, God will have to accept them. This will never give anyone eternal life or scriptural salvation.

You may belong to a church, be a church officer or a churchgoer, be an active church worker or trying your best, striving to do right; you may have been taught in God's Word, baptized in water and confirmed; you may have partaken of the Lord's Supper, taught Sunday School, preached, read the Bible - yes, and all the rest; but if you haven't been converted (Matt. 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.), you are still in your sin and are a stranger to the Lord Jesus Christ.


Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

There is only one way you can be saved, and that is by trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Perhaps you believe that Christ died on the cross for you and your sin, but you haven't trusted Him as your Saviour. Then you have not made use of what He has done for you.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Perhaps you have been trying to do your best but still have a longing in your heart for true peace with God. This peace will be yours as soon as you trust Christ to save your soul.

Just now, friend, trust Jesus as your Saviour and let Him save your soul!!! Religion is not salvation; only Jesus can give you SALVATION!!!

SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU

I Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

The Bible teaches the absolute necessity of the new birth. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" God is holy, and none of us are righteous within ourselves. Every person is in need of salvation. In our unregenerate and natural state, none will qualify for Heaven.

People are deceived about the seriousness of sin, the nature of salvation, and the requirement of rebirth and imputed righteousness. False teachers assure their listeners that good works or moral reform will gain an entrance into God's holy Heaven. This is not true. That is why the text says, "Be not deceived."

Thank God for salvation that brings forgiveness of sin and the new man of righteousness. God's gift of eternal life produces transformed lives in those who are redeemed. Only God can create a new person through the miracle of the new birth. We can identify with Paul's statement, "And such were some of you." We may not be all that we should be, but thank God we are not what we once were. God can change anyone. When we are born again, we become new creatures in Christ. Our past is exactly that; it is our past.

Sometimes new believers have a hard time putting their past behind them because of guilt over past sins. It is important that we take God at His Word concerning our former lives. Our sins are under the blood; we have been justified by His grace; and we have peace with God.

Because we remember what we once were, it should help us have compassion on the unsaved and a desire to reach them with the Gospel. Nothing could have changed us like the power of salvation. We should never look, with a critical, judgmental eye, at others still bound in sin. But for the grace of God, we would still be there. The next time we get irritated or frustrated with the behavior of lost sinners, remember this: "And such were some of you."

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Three Crosses

Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

Luke 23:39-43 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

THE CROSS OF REJECTION

One man died in sin. He was a dying sinner. He died with sin in him.

This is the cross of many living today. They sneer at the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.... "Save thyself and us" ... just as this thief cried. He like many today wanted to be saved but not by the Christ of the center cross. To his many sins he added the greatest of all: UNBELIEF. Of such the Lord Jesus said; "... if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24)

THE CROSS OF REDEMPTION

One man died for sin. He was a dying Saviour. He died with sin upon him.

This cross is the wonder of all time. The sins upon the Lord Jesus Christ were your sins and my sins. We marvel at God's love for us, in that He would punish His own Son for the sins of the whole world. Christ suffered the agonies of hell so that His followers would be delivered from guilt, punishment, and eternal damnation.

THE CROSS OF RECEPTION

One man died to sin. He was a dying saint. He died with sin taken from him.

This cross brought about a last minute conversion. His sins were cancelled in a moment. No time for good works or sacraments; only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ of the center cross. What a change: morning in sin, noon in grace, night in glory. His home in paradise will be shared by all who repent toward God and believe.

THIS IS THE HISTORY OF THE WHOLE WORLD AND THE DESTINY OF EVERY MAN!!!

What the center cross means to you is determined by whether you are on the cross of RECEPTION or on the cross of REJECTION. If you want to be like the thief on the cross of RECEPTION then you need to repent in your heart of your sins and trust the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Accept the message of the cross of REDEMPTION today and be saved.

Ten Ways to Know That You are LOST

Born-again Believers know in Whom they have believed, and know that they are Saved!!! The unsaved can also know some important things......

How To Know You Are Lost:

1. You have no hunger for the Word of God - evidence found in: Matt. 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
2. You can sin and get away with it - evidence found in: Heb. 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
3. You love the world more than you love God - evidence found in: 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
4. You cannot understand God's Word - evidence found in: 1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
5. You do not look forward to Jesus Christ's return - evidence found in: 1 Thes. 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
6. You practice the same sin or sins again and again - evidence found in: 1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
7. You do not like to be around God's people - evidence found in: 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
8. Your prayers are not answered - evidence found in: 1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
9. God's Spirit does not bear witness in you - evidence found in: Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
10. There has been no change in your lifestyle - evidence found in: 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

By Evangelist Jack Parchman and Pastor Lee Spencer

WHAT "BEING SAVED" REALLY MEANS

Error being exposed, truth can glisten like a beautiful diamond on the backdrop of black velvet. In order for one to be truly saved, one must first:

1. Recognize the fact that he needs to be saved. Or realize that he is a sinner and totally unable to save himself. Let’s face a cold, hard fact. We all have sinned. We all have done something wrong in our lifetime. Everyone born into this world since Adam, with the exception of Jesus Christ, has transgressed the Word of God. The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "There is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not." And the Bible also says in Romans 3:23:"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
2. Second, one must realize the fact that there is a horrible punishment for those not saved. That penalty, that punishment, is a place called Hell. Hell is as real as the house you live in, the clothes you wear, the water you drink. Now, whether you believe that there is a Hell or not, it really doesn’t matter because your unbelief will not change the fact that there is a Hell. For the Bible says, "Let God be true and every man a liar." If you would investigate the Holy Scriptures, you would find a myriad of verses regarding that awful place. For example, King David said in Psalm 9:17: "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all nations that forget God." Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:22b: "...Whosoever shall say thou fool shall be in danger of hell fire." He also stated in Matthew 25:41: "Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." So, friend of mine, there is a very severe punishment for the unsaved and their sins. And that is a place called HELL.
3. The third thing that we must recognize is that God loves us very, very much. God is "not willing that any should perish" (II Peter 3:9). God loves us so much that He gave His only Son. As the Bible states: "...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). So if it is our desire to bypass that awful place called Hell (and it should be), we need to realize that God loves us more than we love ourselves. And He has made a way for us to escape. And that is by simply believing in the person and accomplished work of Jesus Christ, plus nothing, minus nothing. Now the way for us to apply this to our own lives is to be willing to repent (that is to change our minds about sin), and do as Romans 10: 9-13 says: to simply believe with your heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again for your sins, and then call upon the Lord in prayer and ask Him to save your soul. And believe me, He will. Romans 10: 9-13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

(This is the second and final part of the article written by Daniel Whyte III. The first part was posted on May 13, 2008. My prayer is that by reading the two posts, one will now have a good understanding of what it means to "Be Saved" and how one can "Be Saved." Don't allow pride and human reasoning keep you from acting upon the truth of God's Word which was clearly shared in this article.)

WHAT "BEING SAVED" DOES NOT MEAN

Even though I was raised in this religious environment, I was still rather doubtful about this thing called "Being Saved." I just could not buy what people said "Being Saved" was. I always had questions in my mind about this matter such as: Saved from what? Saved to what? Was a person saved to live a sinless life? Could a person ever lose this "savedness"? If so, how and at what point? It wasn’t until I was a grown man and in the Air Force that these questions, along with a host of others were answered. I finally found out what it really meant to be saved according to the Holy Scriptures. Allow me to share with you what "Being Saved" really means. But first, let me share with you what it does not mean...

WHAT "BEING SAVED" DOES NOT MEAN

I am a firm believer that before a person can fully grasp and appreciate truth, error must be exposed for what it is: error. Here are some things many believe "Being Saved" is, but is not:

1. Having your name on a church roll does not mean that you are saved. A person may be a good standing and long standing member of a very fine church. He may attend that church faithfully. But if he hasn’t been saved, he will go to Hell with the vilest of sinners. For the Bible states in 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."
2. Being baptized will not save you. There are many baptized people in Hell. I was baptized at the age of twelve, but I didn’t get saved until I was nineteen. Baptism is a very important aspect of the Christian’s life, but one should only get baptized after one has been saved. This is to testify to others that you are identifying with Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection. The penitent thief on the cross was saved, but he never got baptized before he died. The Apostle Paul told some Corinthian believers this in I Corinthians 1:17: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. Not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Brother Paul would not have made that statement if baptism was necessary for "Being Saved."
3. Being able to speak in an unknown tongue does not prove that one is saved. Speaking in tongues is not evidence of being saved. In I Corinthians chapter 12, Paul asked some rhetorical questions regarding the gifts of the Spirit that demanded some very obvious answers: "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" The obvious answer to these questions is an emphatic NO! If everyone does not have the gift of tongues, it stands to reason that tongues are not necessary to be saved.
4. Trying to keep the law, much religious activity, and keeping the Golden Rule will not save you. One can’t keep the law because all have broken the law at some point in their lives. For the Bible states in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." One may be a preacher, a deacon, an usher and still not be saved. One could shout, dance, sing in the choir, work on every auxiliary in the church and still die and go to Hell. Why? Because religious activity, no matter how much, no matter how sincere, does not save a soul. For the Bible says in Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."
5. Seeing a vision or feeling a change at some time in your life is not a basis for "Being Saved". True salvation is not based on sight or emotions, but rather on the eternal, infallible Word of God: the Bible. Now the Holy Scriptures state in the book of II Corinthians and Hebrews respectively that "We walk by faith and not by sight…" and "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
6. To be born into a religious family does not assure that you are saved. Just because your grandparents and parents are saved or religious does not mean that you are automatically saved yourself. It is a fearful truth that every man will have to stand before the Judge of the universe for himself. Psalm 49:7 states: "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him…"

In short, none of the above are ways of "Being Saved." There is only one way of being saved. Allow me to share it with you now.

(Hmmmm...... have I gotten your attention??? I will post part 2 of this fine article written by Daniel Whyte III tomorrow, Lord willing.)

Religious Hypocrisy

(I truly enjoyed this article by Ray Comfort posted on his blog, Comfort Food. Too many people in today's world focus their eyes on the "goats" of RELIGION, those false, professing "christians" who are responsible for painting a false picture of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Word, the Bible. Thus, deceived by Satan, they blindly lead others to the pits of Hell for all eternity!!!!! He puts into words what I have tried to explain to others before, but possibly through this post some eyes will be opened!!!!!)

A Question submitted to Ray Comfort: “Ray, I thought I'd share some fact with you. I just reviewed the FBI crime index, the teen pregnancy index, index of religion in the states, and index for each different religion in the states for 2007. The funny thing I found was that crime and violent crime rated highest in the most religious parts of America. Teen pregnancy did the same. The most concentrated area in America for both was not only the most religious portion of the our nation but also where Baptist was the leading church body. The less religious and more secular areas rate were significantly less in all categories mentioned. So if people who choose to not believe in God so they can do all the horrible things his rules tell us not to do, why isn't the less religious portion of the American population doing them? Just curious. Does this prove there is a correlation between religion, crime and teen pregnancy? Since this was just a quick run through with only a few sources used, I'd say no, but it really makes me wonder. It also greatly helps to refute some of your claims about those who reject your God.”

Ray Comfort's answer: This is a good question, and it brings out the essence of what our ministry teaches. The modern church has proclaimed a false gospel that has produced millions of false converts (those we commonly call “backsliders”). Do a little study among your atheist friends, and you will find that many are in this category. These people are normally bitter at Christianity. They feel cheated; and so they should. They heard a false gospel, and had a false conversion, and the Bible warns that those who experience such, will end up in a worse state than before their so-called “conversion.”

However, even more tragic than the creation of false converts who fall away from the faith, is the category of false converts who stay within the Church. They profess the Christian faith, but as your statistics confirm, their hypocritical lifestyles don’t match what they profess. The Bible calls them “goats” among the “sheep.” In the Middle East it’s extremely difficult to discern goats from sheep as they flock together. However, a good shepherd can tell the difference. The day will come when the Good Shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep (the true converts) will go into everlasting life, and the goats (the false converts) will go into everlasting damnation.

Here is the difference between the true gospel and the false gospel. The false message says that you should come to Christ “because something is missing in your life--you have a God-shaped hole in your heart. God has a wonderful plan for your life.” But there is no biblical precedent for a message of life-improvement upon conversion. None. In fact, the Bible says that you will have trials, tribulations, temptations and persecution.

The reason any of us should come to Christ is because we are deceitfully wicked sinners, and we desperately need a Savior. Without the mercy of God in Christ, we will come under God’s just wrath, and end up in Hell. We should come to Christ for no other reason.

The false message is very popular for obvious reasons, and that’s why popular preachers who preach the false gospel have such large followings. However, some people (like yourself), are beginning to see the discrepancy and asking why. It’s our earnest prayer that they listen to what we are saying, and reform the message that’s being preached.

Fear and Trembling

The Bible tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We are often admonished to “fear God,” and to work out our salvation with “fear and trembling”. How do we obtain the commanded virtue of the fear of God?

One great key is to look at Israel. They lost sight of Moses, so they created their own image of god (the golden calf), took off their clothes and had an orgy (Exodus 32). Suddenly Moses appeared in wrath, threw the Ten Commandments at their feet, and cried, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” The people decided if they wanted to serve sin or God. Those who refused to stand with Moses came under the sword. That no doubt produced the fear of the Lord.

We live in an age that has lost sight of Moses. The moral Law has been removed from the market place, from schools, and even from many churches. The result has been that America has made her own image of god, stripped off her clothes and had an orgy. Our commission is simply to cry to the world “Who is on the Lord’s side?” We are to proclaim the gospel of peace. Those who refuse to make peace with God through the blood of the cross, will be cut down by the wrath of the Law. That should put the fear of God into any of us.

But that’s not the only catalyst. There is something else that can help us. The book of Peter says to “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” Why should we do that? The following verses tell us: 1 Peter 1:18-25 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

If anything should produce the fear of God in our hearts, it is the cost that God went to so that we could be forgiven. If I deliberately violated civil law and it cost my father every penny he owned to pay my fine, what sort of moron would I be to go back to crime? Rather, if I saw his incredible sacrifice, I should be humbled and filled with gratitude at such an expression of his love.

God didn’t pay our fine with mere silver or gold. He paid it with the precious blood of Jesus of Nazareth. Golgotha was not only a display of love, but it was a display of how much God cares about justice. The cross of Calvary was an expression of His wrath against sin, and if and I can understand that, I will fear the Lord.

An article from the Comfort Food blog

World's Most Hated

Who do you think is the most hated man in history? Is it the murderer of millions, Adolf Hitler, or perhaps mass murderer and terrorist Osama Bin Laden? I don’t think so. I think Jesus of Nazareth is by far the most hated person of all time. Who else can you think of whose name is used daily as a cuss word? Two thousand years after He was on this earth, even Hollywood uses it as profanity, in the name of entertainment.

Why is there such a deep contempt for Jesus Christ? That is easy to answer. This is what He said of why the world hates Him: “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” (John 7:7). The world hates Jesus Christ for the same reason criminals hate the police. He accuses them of crimes against God.

Despite the hatred, the Bible warns (and Scripture cannot be broken) that every hate-filled human being will bow the knee to Jesus Christ and be judged by Him. Most think of Him as “the Son of God,” and limit Him to being whatever they think that means. But the Scriptures clearly tell us that He was actually God “manifest in the flesh” (see 1 Timothy 3:16) and that “all things were made by Him” (see John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:15-16). That's why they will bow the knee.

The reason that God was manifest in the flesh was to provide a morally perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, and the reason that we needed a sacrifice is because we are in debt to God’s Law. If you don’t believe you are in trouble, listen to this part of the moral Law: “Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart.”

Jesus warned that the Day will come when every one of us will stand before God and give an account even of our secret sins . . . sins of lust, of hatred, and evil imaginations. The Bible tells us that liars and thieves will not enter Heaven, and warns of a terrible place called Hell that awaits for all who are found guilty on that day.

The last words of Jesus on the cross were “It is finished!” In other words “the debt has been paid.” His suffering on the cross was sufficient to pay our fine for us. His consequent rising from the dead means that God can now legally commute our death sentence. All we have to do to find everlasting life is to repent and trust Jesus alone for our eternal salvation. The plan of salvation is that simple.

A word of warning. Once you find peace with God, hold on, because the world will hate you because you belong to Jesus Christ.

An article by Ray Comfort distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com

It Is A Gift!!!

No matter where people are from, any culture, any social ranking, most of them naturally believe they can please God and go to heaven by doing good deeds. They figure that if they do more good than bad, they will earn their way to heaven.

Nowhere in the Bible is going to heaven by good works taught. We cannot pay for our sins by our good deeds. However, a price has been paid for our sins. Jesus’ death on the cross is the only payment God will accept. Salvation is a free gift offered to those that will accept Christ’s work as payment for all their sins. Here are some verses showing that salvation’s price has already been paid, and that it is a free gift to us:

• John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
• Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Eph. 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.
• 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

An article from The Bible View by Bill Brinkworth

Confusion of Conversion???

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new - II Corinthians 5:17

WHOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? - I John 5:1-5

Why do so many folks today make professions of faith, attend our fundamental, Bible-believing churches for a short season, and then flee because they are either unable or unwilling to tolerate Scriptural truth, even in the area of very basic doctrine? Why must pastors struggle to keep those who profess to know Christ as their Savior in church? Why do so many who profess to know Christ take so long to take the first step of obedience as a Christian by submitting themselves to believer’s baptism? Why do so many local church assemblies today lack the supernatural power of God, and lack faithful church members who know God, seek God, and walk with God in true holiness and sanctification? Why is it today that it seems pastors must expend copious amounts of time and energy just maintaining folks as opposed to discipling them to spiritual maturity? What in the world is going on?

Dan Puckett made some disturbing observations in an article he wrote in Revival Link entitled, Jesus is Still the Answer!. He declared, "It was said of the early Christians in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 17, verse 6, 'These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also' . . . . Today, the sad commentary is that the world has turned the church upside down. There remains no Christian distinctive. Social ills are as rampant in the church as outside the church. Divorce, abortion, child abuse, pornography, adultery, fornication, and almost any other ill you can name is epidemic in the professing church . . . ." Though many would deny that this is true of our churches today, close examination would reveal otherwise in many cases.

I believe much of the problem can be laid at the feet of wrong doctrine. I speak in particular of a wrong approach towards the doctrine of salvation. It is my belief that the presentation of the Gospel has been so weakened and watered-down in recent decades, what we are seeing produced today is not a vast number of people who have been truly born-again, but a constituency of those who are now church members who have been "stillborn." They have not been truly converted, therefore they have no overcoming power over sin and sinful living. They may be baptized, become church members, learn the language of Christianity, even work in the church, but at some point they begin to fall away, and end up going back to the vomit (II Peter 2:20-22). The other possibility is that they continue on building a facade whilst living a secret life of sin behind the scenes.

One writer has placed the problem we face today in our churches at the feet of what he calls "decisionism." He describes "decisionism" this way: "Decisionism is the belief that a person is saved by coming forward, raising the hand, saying a prayer, believing a doctrine, making a Lordship commitment, or some other external, human act, which is taken as the equivalent to, and proof of, the miracle of inward conversion; it is the belief that a person is saved through the agency of a merely external decision; the belief that performing one of these human actions shows that a person is saved."

On the other hand, our writer says that true conversion is an entirely different process. Of conversion he says: "Conversion is the result of that work of the Holy Spirit which draws a lost sinner to Jesus Christ for justification and regeneration, and changes the sinner's standing before God from lost to saved, imparting divine life to the depraved soul, thus producing a new direction in the life of the convert. The objective side of salvation is justification. The subjective side of salvation is regeneration. The result is conversion."

One Bible commentator said this: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. It is vain for a man to profess affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new creature; his old state is changed: he was a child of Satan, he is now a child of God; he was a slave to sin, and his works were death; he is now made free from sin, and has his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. He was before full of pride and wrath; he is now meek and humble. He formerly had his portion in this life, and lived for this world alone; he now hath GOD for his portion, and he looks not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are eternal. Therefore, old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. This man is not only mended, but he is new made; he is a new creature . . . a new creation, a little world in himself; formerly all was in chaotic disorder; now, there is a new creation, which God himself owns as his workmanship, and which he can look on and pronounce very good."

Beloved, we are sending the wrong message when we tell folks who are the powerless slaves to sin their chosen habitual behavior is an "addiction" rather than a sinful offense against God that needs to be repented of. Yes, I know there are certain behaviors that lead to physiological addiction, but that is then a medical problem the result of a chosen pattern of behavior. The answer is not a mix of Freudian philosophy, pop-psychology and Christian lingo. The answer is, and always has been, Christ. The answer is coming to God without one plea, with a broken and contrite heart that hides nothing, and seeks to cover nothing - without one excuse or "cop-out." We live in a day where many have developed a hatred for orthodox Christianity, and a hatred for biblical truth. As a result, many have turned to programs and methods that are part-and-parcel to a humanistic approach to the problems of lost people, as well as those who profess to know Christ but have no evidence of His overcoming power. Sadly, many good men, and many good churches have been caught up in these things with good intentions, and with a real desire to help hurting people and those destroyed by sinful choices in life. But, we all need to beware, be wise, and be warned that all that glitters is not gold, and be sure to examine our approach to the sinner and the sinful ways of man. We have an awesome responsibility in the way we handle the Word of God, and especially in the way we present the Gospel. Let us, above all else, be thorough as we talk to folks about their need of Christ. Eternal souls are in the balance, and we must take great care to be thorough in our dealings with lost men and women.

Excerpts from an article by Evangelist Paul Mershon in "Revival Thoughts"

The Riddle of Religion, and The Truth of Salvation

Question: What is worldwide in scope, something that almost everbody has in some form or another, and is used by billions as a substitute for the real thing???

Answer: RELIGION

Christianity is by no means the oldest religion in the world, but the difference between Christianity and all other religions is Jesus Christ, and this difference is as wide as eternity. Jesus Christ makes Christianity a way of life with eternal dimensions. All other religions say in essnce, "Do and Live." Christianity says "Die to Live and Do." Under consideration is one of the most serious problems in all the world - the problem of religion. Man is incredibly religious. However, although many say firmly that all religious paths lead one directly to God, this is not the case. Who would be so foolish in thought to believe that God has many various religions, which teach many differing beliefs and actions among its members, yet they all simply end up at His feet???

Religion does not save, does not satisfy, does not secure. Religion is only a passing fancy of the mind. Most anybody in some for or another can be religious. Religion only temporarily pacifies the insatiable appetite that man has to identify himself with some mystic power beyond his own means. Man must know God before he can be saved. Man must know God by experience, not by explanation.

God has always had only one way of approach to His throne, and that is through Jesus Christ. No man can ever reach God the Father unless he goes through His Son. Therefore, religion is not the answer.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Our God is the God of salvation. When Jesus Christ, God's Son came to earth to be born as a man, the angel of God instructed Mary, his mother, and Joseph to name him Jesus, because "he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus is derived from Jehovah-hoshea; the God of salvation.

Psalms 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

What is the difference between religion and salvation???

1. Religion is an experience with a mystical idea, while salvation is an experience with a mighty Person.

2. Religion is an experience which requires only a new thought. Salvation is an experience which requires a new birth. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

3. Religion is an experience which takes place in the head. Salvation is an experience that takes place in the heart. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

4. Religion is an experience that is brought about by good works. Salvation is an experience brought about by God's grace. Eph. 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.

5. Religion is an experience that involves receiving a creed. Salvation is an experience that involves receiving Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

6. Religion is external. Salvation is internal.

7. Religion is temporary. Salvation is permanent. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

8. Religion is earthly. Salvation is heavenly. Rev. 21:2-4 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

9. Religion is cheap and is a counterfeit. Salvation is the real thing.

10. Religion is endured. Salvation is enjoyed!!! 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

No Other Name

(Please read Tuesday's, August 28th, post which is a companion thought to the post below.)

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There are many famous names in the history of religious thought - names such as Mohammed, Buddha, Confusius, Joseph Smith, among a host of others. Each has a multitude of followers who pay homage to their name.

But there is only one name that saves one's soul eternally, the Lord Jesus Christ. This exclusivity necessarily results from the fact that there is only one God and Creator of all men, and that all men have rebelled against Him. God Himself has become Redeemer and Saviour, dying for the sin of the world and rising again. There can, therefore, be no other Saviour than God Himself.

Please consider these verses found in God's Word, the Bible;

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

It is extremely urgent, therefore, that anyone desiring forgiveness of their sin and eternal salvation come to God through Jesus Christ. Read what the Word of God says about the fate of those who do not trust Jesus Christ now as their personal Saviour will receive when He returns;

2 Thes. 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Friend, there is no other name but Jesus, and He is the only way to Heaven!!! He is the only avenue of escape from the eternal punishment of Hell as the result of your sin. Won't you trust him this very moment to save you from the penalty of your sin???

God's Love and Provision

(Yesterday I posted verses from God's Word, the Bible, about the reality of death and the judgment of God; today here are some wonderful verses detailing God's love and provision. I trust that you will read each verse with an open heart and allow the Holy Spirit of God to work in your life.)

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Rom. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 Cor. 15:3-4 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:

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 Tim. 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Isa. 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Seven Fools Found in the Bible

1. The FOOL who says there is no God - Psalm 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2. The FOOL who believes not the preacher, the man of God - Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
3. The FOOL who mocks at sin - Prov. 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
4. The FOOL who builds his truth upon the wrong kind of foundation (sand) - Matt. 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
5. The FOOL who does not properly redeem the time during his daily walk through life - Eph. 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
6. The FOOL who lays up temporal treasure for his own pleasure - Luke 12:19-21 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
7. The FOOL who does not run to the Lord when he is in trouble - 2 Sam. 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Friend, what about you??? Upon reading the above, do you find yourself as a FOOL??? If so, why not be honest with yourself and with God, and admit your unbelief in the past, placing your faith and complete trust in His Son Jesus Christ to make you wise unto SALVATION!!!!!

The Ten Commandments

There is a lot of confusion about the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. Many people believe that they must follow the Law so that they can go to Heaven, but the Bible does not say that!!!

1 Tim. 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

The Ten Commandments are good if you use them the right way, but some people use them the wrong way. God never intended for us to keep them in an effort to go to Heaven. So why were the Commandments given???

1. The Commandments show our SIN - Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The Commandments were given to show us that we are sinners. 1 Tim. 1:9a Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, ...... The Commandments do not take away our sin, they show us our sin!!!
2. The Commandments show our SUFFERING - Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. There is a curse on all people who have not kept the Commandments. What is that curse? Spiritual death is the curse! Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ezek. 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. The fact is, all have sinned and all have broken these Commandments. There is not one person alive that has kept all of the Commandments. All men are under the curse of death in Hell for breaking God's Commandments. Trying to follow the Commandments does not remove the guilt and does not remove the curse. The Commandments give us no hope.
3. The Commandments show our STUMBLING - Many people believe that if they try to keep the Commandments, God might have mercy on them and forgive them. This is never taught in the Bible. The opposite is taught. In fact, there are two things that the Law cannot do. a) The Law cannot forgive sin - Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Justified is another word for forgiveness. God says no person can be forgiven by the Commandments. Gal. 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. b) The Law cannot give righteousness. We know that we cannot go to Heaven unless we are righteous. Some hope to be become righteous by trying to keep the Law. God warns us of this error. Gal. 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. If you think that you can become righteous by following the Commandments, you are replacing Christ's work on the cross with your works! Only Jesus can make you righteous, not your works! Maybe you are trusting the wrong thing. You need to change your mind and trust Christ instead of the Ten Commandments. Jesus cannot help you as long as you are trusting the Law. Gal. 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
4. The Commandments show us the SAVIOUR - We just stated that the Law cannot forgive sins and it cannot give righteousness. The good news is that Jesus can! The most important lesson of the Law is that we are sinners and need Jesus to forgive us. Gal. 3:24-25 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. The Law is only a teacher. It shows us our need of Jesus. We cannot earn forgiveness for our sins, but He can give us forgiveness as a free gift. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. If you receive Jesus today, He will give you eternal life. If you try to earn Heaven by doing the good works of the Commandments, you cannot go. Salvation is a gift, not a debt. Rom. 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; If you receive Jesus, you will have "his righteous for the remission (forgiveness) of sins." Jesus gives forgiveness and righteousness. The Commandments cannot do that. Which do you want to trust for your salvation???

You cannot go to Heaven if you trust the wrong thing. If you have been trusting the Commandments, you are not saved. Will you repent right now and trust only Jesus for your salvation???

Repent or Perish

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

There are many ideas today about God, but apart from God's word, you have no true understanding of who God is or how to have a relationship with Him. There are many ideas, but only one Bible way - the way of repentance and faith.

The different forms of the word "repentance" is mentioned just over one hundred times in the Bible. The basic definition is "to change one's mind," "to think differently," "to reconsider." When Jesus tells us in Luke 13:5 to "repent" or "perish," He is saying to change your way of thinking or reconsider the course you are on.

God gives you an example of true repentance in Luke 23:39-43; And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. This passage tells of two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus to be crucified with Him for the deeds they had done.

The unrepentant thief said to Jesus, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." But the repentant thief replied, "Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." Mark 15:32 and Matthew 27:44 reveals that both thieves mocked Jesus in the beginning, but the one changed his mind about this Man on the middle cross. In Luke 23:42, the repentant thief asks Jesus to "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." He looked at Jesus differently because he REPENTED, not to get off the cross but to have his sin forgiven. What had brought about this change? It was a heart attitude of FAITH AND REPENTANCE.

Friend, repentance is not just sorrow for sin or "turning over a new leaf." It is not turning from sin only. True REPENTENCE is seeing your sin as God sees your sin and trusting Him in confidence to do what He says He will do in His word. To desire God for purely selfish reasons is not to desire God at all. 2 Cor. 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

As you receive wages (or payment) for your work, the wages of your sin is death - eternal separation from God in Hell. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through repentance you change your mind about sin, salvation, and God.

Trust and believe the Bible is true and that Jesus is the only way for a person to receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Belief affects behavior. You respond to what you believe. If you believe that Jesus will do what He said, you will call on His name in faith and repentance. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The repentant thief saw himself needing a Saviour. How do you see yourself..... good enough, not as bad as others, pretty good??? You must change your mind about your sin and disobedience toward God. A change of heart will result in a changed life. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Jesus is ready and able to save. You must be like the repentant thief when he said, "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Dear friend, do not take a chance with your eternal future. If you cannot give an honest Bible reason why God should let you into Heaven, then you are not saved. God's word is final and all are judged by it.

First, you must realize that you are a sinner, guilty and doomed before a holy God. Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Second, agree with God that you cannot save yourself from an eternal Hell. You need a Saviour. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. This verse removes any confidence you may put in church attendance, church membership, or being baptized. It is all Christ and the shedding of His blood for your sin.

Third, call on Jesus now. Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

The Holy Spirit will give you the faith and power to believe His word as He convicts your heart about the truth of the Gospel and draws you to the Saviour.

The outcome of those who believe is found in John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The outcome of those who DO NOT is found in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

REPENT OR PERISH, IT'S YOUR CHOICE!!!!!

Tract written by Cecil Helms

What You Do Not Lose When You Go To Hell!!!

1. We retain our memory in Hell - Luke 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
2. We retain our love for those dear to us in Hell - Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
3. We retain our logic in Hell - Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
4. We retain our sorrows in Hell - 2 Sam. 22:5-6 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; Psalm 18:5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
5. We retain our pain in Hell - Psalm 116:3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
6. We retain the presence of God in Hell - He is there seeing we are judged - Psalm 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. Jonah 2:2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
7. We retain our pride in Hell - but only for a time! - Isa. 28:15-18 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
8. We retain our voice (influence) in Hell - Ezek. 32:21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.
9. We retain the responsibility to be judged in Hell - Rev. 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
10. We retain our immortal soul in Hell - Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The unbeliever who dies and goes to Hell doesn't go to a grand party; the unbeliever who dies doesn't simply not exist anymore or "sleeps" in the grave. The word of God as described above is quite clear about what the unbeliever who dies and goes to Hell will experience there in that place. Hell is a real place, and the unrepentant sinner will live an eternity there!!!

But he doesn't have tooooooooo.......... Christ shed His blood on the cross of Calvary to cover the sins of those who repent of their sin and place their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Friend, please don't go to Hell in defiance of the love of God!!!

How Does Your God Compare With the God of the Bible???

Today much is being said comparing Christianity with other religions. Many are saying that all religions are good and produce law-abiding, peace-loving citizens. People fail to understand that there is a vast difference between religion and salvation. Religion is an individual doing something for God. Salvation if God alone doing something for a hell-bound, hell-deserving individual. Let's look at some important differences between the God of the Bible that the Christians worship and the gods that other religions worship.

1. The God of the Bible has a Son

His title and name is the Lord Jesus Christ. God expressed His love and desire for the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Does your God have such a Son???

2. The God of the Bible has a Sacrifice

The Lamb for the sacrifice is promised in Genesis.

Gen. 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

In Isaiah 53 we learn that the Lamb is to be a person.

Isa. 53:5-7 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Who is this Lamb??? John the Baptist introduces us to the Lord Jesus Christ with this statement; John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. God provided himself a Lamb in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Does your God have such a Sacrifice???

3. The God of the Bible has Salvation

The sacrifice was more than a dying lamb. It required the shedding of blood. Notice these truths about the shedding of blood in the word of God.

Ex 12:7, 12-13 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Heb. 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Here we learn that the redemption of sinners is in the Blood of Christ.

Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Here we see that the remission of our sins is in the Blood of Christ.

Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. This teaches that Christians are reconciled to God through the Blood of Christ.

So, we conclude that in the Salvation of Christianity there is redemption, purchased through the blood of Christ, and remission of sins, dealing with the sinner's past, and reconciliation, producing peace for the redeemed sinner.

Does your God offer such a Sacrifice???

4. The God of the Bible has a Spirit

Every Christian has the Spirit of God living inside them. Jesus told His disciples just before His death on the cross this truth; John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Christians are enabled by the power of the Spirit of God that lives inside them to possess these fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Christians then, by the power of the Spirit of God, are loving, joyful, peaceful, law-abiding citizens.

Does your God have such a Spirit???

Since all other gods have no son or sacrifice, they really have no salvation to offer. Therefore, their followers have no salvation to enjoy, and since they have no spirit indwelling within them, they have no love, peace or joy inside them as well. The only joy the followers of other gods have is in destroying those that disagree with them. All other gods require their followers to die for their cause to keep their religion alive.

The difference is very clear. You must make the choice. Do you want a god that offers a religion that requires you to destroy others, or even you and your sons to die for him? Or, do you want the God that gave His Son to die for you so that you can be saved and live eternally with Him in Heaven???

Deut. 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Eph. 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.

Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

(Excerpt from a pamphet written by Evangelist Stinnett Ballew)

If Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I would see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would video tape each action and word so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time then I could spare an extra minute or two,

To stop and say "I love you!" instead of assuming you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,

well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

And we'll always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's",

And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes you'll surely regret the day.

That you didn't take the extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,

And you were too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today and whisper in their ear,

"I love you very much" and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me." "Thank you" or "It's OK"

And if tomorrow never comes you'll have no regrets about today.

This poem contains some truth regarding our personal relationships with our family and friends, but the real truth of the matter is that we really do not know what tomorrow will bring. Therefore, most importantly, we must make sure our relationship with God our creator has been assured, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Then, and only then, can we really love others and care for their needs, since the Holy Spirit lives and abides in our lives. If the Holy Spirit fills us, we in turn will bear much fruit in our relationships with others. We must live for God and serve Him just as if this might be our last day here on this present earth. Put the needs of others ahead of yourself; you'll be glad you did!!!

2 Cor. 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Prov. 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Gal. 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.