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“No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.” – John 6:44-45
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WHO IS GOD?
Humble Yourself and Be Taught of God
Powerful Reasons to Believe in the Creator
Historical Evidences for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Do You Know the Holy Spirit?
Are the Bible Documents Reliable?
JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY
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Is Non-Denominational Christianity Possible? By Mark E. Larson "That they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." (John 17:21, NASB). In a world where religious division is common and where thousands upon thousands of “Christian” denominations exist, the idea of “Non-denominational Christianity” as Jesus prayed may seem to some people like a “fairy tale,” a “pipe dream,” or too idealistic. Yet, that doesn’t stop people from trying. Many are desperate to escape the problem of denominationalism and work to free them from it. So when a religious group or church claims to be non-denom. (non-denominational) or is working toward that goal, it can be quite appealing in a world of religious confusion. In America, there is an ever growing popularity of “non-denom.” churches. Many “mega-churches” claim to be non-denom. Even many churches that belong to a denomination claim to be non-denom. to sound more attractive to church seekers. Why the trend to be “non-denom.”? Certainly the interest by some comes from a sincere desire to be “Christians only.” Yet, unfortunately, most people who want to be non-denom. do not understand what that actually means. Many believe that anything different and new is non-denom. which is a huge mistake (1 Tim. 6:20-21). Many wrongly suppose that to be non-denom. all traditions must be set aside, including the “traditions” or instructions handed down by the apostles of Christ (2 Thes. 2:15). Others merely seek to escape the need for authority, doctrine, leadership, and organization, even though the Bible clearly teaches the necessity of all of these (Col. 1:18; 3:17; Acts 2:42; 1 Pet 5:1-4; Phil 1:1b; Tit 1:5; etc.). Therefore, the mere claim of a church to be non-denom. doesn’t make it so. What is a Denomination? To understand what it means to be non-denominational we need to first understand what it means to be denominational. The word denomination cannot be found in the Scriptures; therefore we look to definitions provided by English dictionaries: “1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy. 2. One of a series of kinds, values, or sizes, as in a system of currency or weights: Cash registers have compartments for bills of different denominations…3. A name or designation, especially for a class or group (American Heritage Dictionary); “4. a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices” (Merriam-Webster Online). From these definitions we learn the following: A denomination is a group of churches that has chosen a specific name to identify (or designate) themselves to separate themselves from other religious groups. There is nothing wrong with this, provided the name is a name given by God in the Scriptures (e.g., Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:15). Denominations commonly choose non-biblical names (e.g., Lutheran, Academy, Baptist, Community). Of course, a Scriptural name used for the church does not necessarily mean it is a group of God’s people. Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
Do We Have a Genuine Bible? By Robert Goodman Since no original copy of any of the Bible has been discovered, some raise questions or express statements that suggest doubt, if not outright denial of the genuineness of the Bible. We have heard statements like: “Haven’t some books of the Bible been lost?” or “How do we know we have all the books? or “How can we be sure the Bible has not been perverted by scribes or translators?” or “How do we know the books were not written long after they claim to have been written?” Not all who cast doubt are atheists, infidels or the usual kind of skeptics. Roman Catholicism claims it has given and preserved the Bible. Mormonism claims a great abominable church has taken away from the covenant of the Lord many parts that are plain and most precious. Orson Pratt, an early Mormon leader said, “We do not know that one single verse in the New Testament has come down to us without change.” They say this to open the door to their so-called later “revelations.” It is amazing that the book of Mormon has many verses, paragraphs and even chapters taken from the King James version of the Bible. The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) undermines faith in all translations except its own garbled and unjustified translation, the New World Translation. Claims The Bible claims to be of God. Often we read of statements similar to that in Exodus 33:11 “And the Lord spoke unto Moses…” In the books of the prophets, usually in the opening verses there is a claim that what is being written is the word of God. The word of God also claims a perfection that would be marred by the additions or subtractions of man. See Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18, 19. In view of this, the new law is referred to as the “perfect law of liberty” James 1:25. Jesus promised “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:35. Peter spoke of the word of God “Which lives and abides forever” I Peter 1:23, 25. The Old Testament The last book of the Old Testament was completed about 400 B. C. Internal evidence points to this and external evidence from historians verifies it. The Old Testament was translated from its original Hebrew (some Aramaic) into Greek beginning about 285 B.C. - long before the coming of Jesus. Some have learned that our Hebrew manuscripts, from which our translations were made, date back to about the ninth century. They felt this may have allowed many errors to creep in, but a find several years ago of the an Isaiah manuscript dated about 1000 years earlier than other existing ones was found in a cave near the Dead Sea. Scholars marveled at the accuracy of our existing texts. We might add that the Jews to whom God’s oracles were entrusted, have the same books we have. By groupings and names they do not have the same number, but the content is the same. The real discussion is over the New Testament scriptures. Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
Powerful Reasons to Believe in the Creator By Mark E. Larson Have You Examined the Evidence? “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’" (Ps. 14:1a). If you do not believe in God, you may not consider yourself to be a fool. Yet, denying the existence of God without examining the evidences for or against such a belief is indeed very foolish! Do you consider yourself to be an “open-minded” individual? Too often, we let prejudices and preconceived opinions stand in the way of learning the truth. Before anyone dismisses God, any possible evidence for God deserves a fair hearing. Then if after hearing, that person is honest, he will follow the truth wherever it may lead him. If, after weighing the evidence, you should discover that there is a God to whom we are accountable; will you then believe? “Evidence what evidence!?!” Many are surprised to learn that belief in God is actually based on evidence. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1, NKJV). Consider the many powerful reasons God the Creator has provided that we may believe in Him and worship Him as Lord. Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
By Mark E. Larson Do we understand what it means to be saved by grace? Though many claim to depend on the grace of God for their salvation, many continue to live life as if they must earn their way to Heaven. “Am I good enough?” “Have I done enough?” “Have I pleased God enough that I may enter Heaven?” Out of concern for your eternal salvation, have you ever asked yourself these kinds of questions? If so, you may not understand salvation which is by grace - a favor bestowed freely by God, a gift we did not deserve. “The Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24) The gospel teaches that salvation is by grace (Eph. 2:5). Therefore, to leave grace out of the gospel is to teach a perverted or contrary gospel (Gal. 1:6-7). Yet, that is exactly what we do when we ask the question: “Am I good enough to be saved?” Such a question does not put trust in God’s grace, but “confidence in the flesh” or our own good works for our salvation (Phil. 3:2-3). Just as “salvation by grace only” or “salvation by faith only” are falsehoods, so is “salvation by works only” a false doctrine which can cause us to be lost. Our understanding of the gospel of grace is absolutely essential. For the attitude we bring in our service to God has the power to justify or condemn us eternally (Luke 18:9-13). Must Our Good Deeds Outweigh Our Bad Deeds? There are many New Testament passages that teach that we will be judged according to our deeds (Mat. 16:27; Rom. 2:6; 2 Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:6-10; Col. 3:23-25; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12; etc.). Does it therefore follow that our good deeds must outweigh our bad deeds on Judgment Day? Muhammad thought so as taught in the Koran: “Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy, will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction. But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light will have his home in a (bottomless) pit.” (SURAH 101:6-9, The Holy Quran). Is this what the New Testament also teaches? If so, by what standard or measurement do we use to determine if our good deeds are “heavy” enough to merit our eternal reward? Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
By Mark E. Larson Now, more than ever before in our country, there is a desire to be “spiritual.” While the interest in churches or organized religion is in decline, the pursuit of spirituality has become ever more popular. So popular in fact, that spirituality has become recognized by society as a legitimate need to be met for our complete happiness. In the past, if one spoke openly about their need to be spiritual, they could expect ridicule and accusations of being strange, odd, or radical. Today, there is acceptance and mutual respect of each person’s quest to be spiritual. Many Look to Our Religious Diversity for Answers Religion in America has changed dramatically in the last thirty years. The change in laws of immigration has opened the door to make it much easier to come to our country and become a resident. This change in law not only resulted in millions of new residents, but also “new” religions that have been brought to America by the people of other nations. America, which was once a solely “Judeo-Christian” nation, has now become the most religiously diverse nation in the world, which now includes Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Such great religious diversity has been seen by our youth as very appealing. In the search for “true spirituality,” many people are now turning to other religions for help. Instead of the Bible as their guide, many now believe that spirituality can be achieved in different ways through most any religious method or means. The prevailing attitude is: “What can I learn from each religion to enhance by spiritual life even more?” Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
Do You Know the Holy Spirit? By Mark E. Larson Do you really know the Holy Spirit? As much as the Bible talks about the Holy Spirit, it is a wonder then why so little thought or consideration is given to Him. In our understanding of who God is, we must not forget about the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, many people do not think of the Holy Spirit as a Person and therefore their disrespect of Him shows. Many talk about the Holy Spirit as if He equaled a powerful emotion to be experienced. Many define Him as some kind of unexplainable, mysterious energy force of the cosmos. They will speak of Him as an influence or a power of God, but rarely if ever as a Person, one of the three persons that comprise Deity. The apostle Paul by the Spirit said to his Corinthian brethren: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14, NASB). We should know the Holy Spirit with whom we have fellowship! Taking the time to study the Scriptures will clear up any misunderstandings we have and enrich the relationship we are meant to have with the Holy Spirit as Christians. The Holy Spirit is Holy! The word spirit in the New Testament comes from the Greek word PNEUMA. There are several different uses of the word in Scripture (e.g., wind – Jn 3:8; breath – 2 Thes 2:8; unclean spirits – Mt 10:1). What sets the Holy Spirit apart is that He is holy! (Jn 14:26). Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
Humble Yourself and Be
Taught of God. By Mark E. Larson “For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isa. 57:15, NASB). Do you have a lowly spirit? Are you humble before God? For a right relationship with God, every person must humble themselves before the Lord. Do you wholeheartedly believe that “God is”? (Heb. 11:6). No one can truly humble themselves before God unless they believe that God is a real actual Person. Though God is invisible (1 Tim. 1:17), you must in faith imagine the existence of God, His presence, His character, and majesty. Full recognition of God’s greatness will humble you and cause you to see how “small” you really are in comparison to the Lord (e.g., Isa 6:5). Will you allow God to teach you His will? Your attempt to draw near to God will be in vain unless you humble yourself and allow yourself to be taught by God and His word. “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me” (John 6:44-45). Click Here to Read the Entire Article _______________________________________________________ Drawing Near to the Invisible God
By Mark E. Larson
For many people, a relationship with God who is invisible is an incredible, if not seemingly impossible concept to grasp. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17). Since we are accustomed to using our senses (e.g., seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, tasting) to confirm what is real, it can be challenging indeed to believe in an invisible God. “No man has seen God at any time” save the Son Jesus Christ (John 1:18; 6:46). Man has seen God in human form (Gen. 32:30; Exodus 24:9-10; 33:11; Judges 13:22), but never in the fullness of His glory and power. We cannot see God nor attempt to observe Him with a powerful telescope that observes far into the Universe. Yet, even though God is unseen, let us be assured that God is ever present and aware of everything (Psalm 139:1-10). The Scriptures teach us that the glory of the invisible God is unapproachable. Like the sun who provides needed light, God’s glory is too intensely bright and brilliant to look upon: “... He who is blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen” (1 Tim 6:15-16). Moses desired to see God’s glory to which God replied: “You cannot see my face” (Exodus 22:18-20). Click Here to Read the Entire Article _____________________________________________________________________
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Spirituality in Modern Times Our Quest to Be Spiritual in a Religiously Diverse Nation
Is Non-Denominational Christianity Possible?
"That they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." - John 17:21 The Subtle Dangers of Creeds
The Slavery of Pornography
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