Should Christians Carry Weapons?

I’ve heard some say that for a Christian to carry a gun is unbiblical and that Jesus would condemn it.

“Turn the other cheek”, they say. The actual verse itself in Matthew says “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

If someone were to walk up to me and slap me, I would be tempted to slap them back…but if I did, I believe I would be in disobedience to God.

However, a slap to the face is entirely different than a loaded gun or other lethal weapon being brandished against me or someone defenseless. Jesus did not say,”… whosever shall stab you with a sword, turn to him the other side also.”

I also hear from these same people that Jesus reprimanded Peter for drawing his sword in the garden of Gethsemane.

“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:51-54

Read it again. Peter was not reprimanded because of what he did. He was reprimanded because of WHEN he did it. Mark does not even record the reprimand. In Luke’s account in chapter 22, he mentions that several of Jesus’s followers were armed. “When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?”
Jesus's reply, after Peter hastily cut of the ear of one of the high priest’s servants, was “Suffer ye thus far,” and then He healed the man’s ear. In other words, “Now is not the time.”

Jesus was in command. He said if He desired, His heavenly Father would supply legions of angels to protect Him. But this was not the time and place for Peter to defend, because Jesus was on a mission…and that mission was the cross.

Peter carried a sword with him everywhere he went…including the time he spent with Jesus over a period of about 3 years. Never once does Scripture record Jesus reprimanding Peter for carrying the sword. The other followers carried as well…and again – no reprimand from Jesus, Who is God Himself.

Should Christians carry weapons?

That sword by Peter’s side in today’s world would most likely be a 9mm.

Why Pray?

The imposter in the White House will not be publicly praying on behalf of our country on our National Day of Prayer this Thursday.

I’m not surprised and I’m not sure why anyone else would be. He just recently told a group of Muslims that we as a country no longer consider ourselves a Christian nation. He supports not only the murder of the unborn, but the murder of the just-born. He doesn’t see a problem with men marrying each other, or women marrying each other, and he comes from a church that taught a perverted form of Christianity for over twenty years.

Who would he pray to? He has himself – that’s all, apparently, he thinks he needs. His spokesman said he prayed privately each day. I wonder if he uses a mirror.

It should also not come as a surprise to anyone when God lifts His hand of protection on this country for the final time and we reap what we’ve allowed to be sown.


The Bible says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

I would guess that the opposite of that would be “Cursed is the nation whose God is the President; and the people whom He hath chosen for His judgment.”

Pharoah, Taskmasters, and Obama

You are either going to see this or not. Regardless, I do see it, and wanted to share it with my Christian/Conservative friends.

While I was reading my Bible this morning, I was struck by the realization that there was an uncanny similarity between the first chapter of Exodus and what is going on in the United States today.

Stick with me here.

1. Replace Joseph with Christianity and Conservatives
2. Replace the Israelites with Christians
3. Replace Pharoah with Obama
4. Replace taskmasters with Congress
5. Compare the burden on the Israelites to taxes on US workers being given to those who don’t.
6. Remember that Christianity usually flourishes under persecution.
7. Compare the midwives to health care professionals who don’t want to be forced to do abortions, but will under Obama’s health care plan.

Now read the Scripture.

(3) Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not (1) Joseph.

And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the (2) children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

Therefore they did set over them (4) taskmasters to afflict them with their (5) burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. (6) But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians (5) made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

(7) And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh,

(6) Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

…And the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty...

Denial of Evil

I posted this first in November of 2006.

Everyone on the face of this earth has a common enemy. He hates us all - whether lost or saved. He seeks to destroy all. His name is Satan.

It’s no surprise that those who deny the existence of God will deny the existence of Satan.

What is a surprise is how many so-called Christians and pastors reject belief in a literal Devil. This is especially true in what is called Liberal or "Progressive" Christianity. Most liberals regard the existence of Satan as a myth, just as they believe Adam and Eve and most of the Bible are myths.

Ignorance of Satan is dangerous, because he is then able to move about freely in our lives with us being unaware of what is happening. Scripture warns us about being ignorant of Satan: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (II Corinthians 2:11)

Satan is very real. He is mentioned in 26 of the 66 books of the Bible, 7 of them being in the Old Testament and 19 of the 27 New Testament books. Jesus Himself mentions the Devil numerous times.

Satan is not just an “evil force”. He has the three basic characteristics of personality: mind, will, and emotion. He is the opposite of Christ. On a side note: He is NOT Jesus’ brother, as the Mormons teach.

He is the author of pride. When we are prideful, we are most like Satan.

In Isaiah, Satan says, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14. Contrast this with the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “...Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Satan is a great imitator of God. He is a counterfeiter. He has his own doctrines, which are contrary to God’s doctrines. Some or all of these doctrines are embraced by so-called Christian churches all over the world today.

The Word is not inspired
The Birth of Christ was not divine
The Morals of Christ are not absolute
The Miracles of Christ didn’t happen
The Way of Christ is not the only way
The Blood of Christ does not save
The Resurrection of Christ did not happen
The Return of Christ will not happen

Does your church teach any of the above doctrines?

Satan was the first to cast doubt on God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). Does your church cast doubt on God's Word?

He was the first to deny God’s Word “…Ye shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4).Does your church deny God's Word?

Just as God has a plan for your life, Satan also has a plan for your life. He wants to destroy it. If you are lost, he wants you to stay that way so that you will share his fate in the pits of hell someday. If you are saved, he wants to make you an ineffective Christian. He wants to ruin your witness and your testimony.

How are we to combat Satan? Not by focusing on him, or trying to “cast him out” as some religious movements today teach. Scripture tells us exactly how to combat him. Turn from Satan and towards God.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:7-8

Be aware of your enemy.

In Whom are You Trusting?

I heard about a woman recently who said the trouble with Obama supporters and liberals in general is in whom they were placing their trust. There was a time in this country when the overwhelming majority placed their trust first and foremost in God. When times got tough, they trusted God to get them through. When troubles arose, they trusted God. When finances were tight, they trusted God. They relied on and applied Biblical principles to their lives, and God got them through their tribulations.

That trust in God has deteriorated and been replaced by trust in government.

There are many different versions and translations of the Bible. I suggest the LIBERAL’S BIBLE:

O GOVERNMENT my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Liberals’ Psalms 7:1

Preserve me, O GOVERNMENT: for in thee do I put my trust. Liberals’ Psalm 16:1

The GOVERNMENT is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Liberals’ Psalms 18:2

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou, the GOVERNMENT hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Liberals’ Psalms 31:19

Commit thy way unto the GOVERNMENT; trust also in Obama; and he shall bring it to pass. Liberals’ Psalms 37:5

What time I am afraid, I will trust in Obama. Liberals’ Psalms 56:3


For thou art my hope, O Lord GOVERNMENT: thou art my trust from my youth. Liberals’ Psalms 71:5

I will say of the GOVERNMENT, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Liberals’ Psalms 91:2

And the liberals’ favorite would surely be:

Trust in the GOVERNMENT, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Liberals’ Psalms 37:3

Trust in the GOVERNMENT will always fail you. Trust in the GOVERNMENT will more likely harm you. There is only ONE in Whom we should trust. And it’s not the “one” in the White House.

There is an old saying that some incorrectly believe came from the Bible, but it is nonetheless a wise saying... God helps those who help themselves.

One cannot say that the government helps those who help themselves. No, the government discourages those who help themselves. The government takes from those who help themselves and gives to those who trust in government.

Consider from the True Word of God, not government:

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: Psalms 49:6-7

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Psalms 146:3-5

Why I Worship God

He knows me better than I know myself.

He knows when I go to sleep and when I wake up. He understands my every thought and emotion.

He is all around me. He is my protection.

He knows my thoughts before I think them and my words before I speak them. Not only that, but He knows my heart and my motive for them.

He is in front of me, clearing the way. He's got my back. His power is over me at all times.

Knowing this is more than I can comprehend. The very creator of all the universe, the uncaused first cause of all that exists, takes a personal interest in me.

There is no place I can go where He is not. He's been where I have been, He's there where I'm going, and He's here where I am - and all at the same time.

Darkness can't hide me from Him. Light and dark are the same to Him - He is master of them both.

He knew me before I was born. He formed me in my mother's womb. I am unique - not because of anything I can claim to be, but because He made me, loved me, died for me, and then saved my soul when I called out to Him - even though I did not deserve it.

How could I NOT worship Him.

Inspired by Psalm 139

God will be Exalted

Watching and listening to the world around us can lead some to get depressed, discouraged, and dismal. However, there is good news.

Even as this world grows darker, God has promised us that one day all shall recognize Him as King and Lord. There will be no more mocking, no more scorn, no more ridicule, and no more hate or pride.

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. Psalm 22:27

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Isaiah 45:23

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 66:23

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Revelation 15:4

Scripture for Christians Who are Fearful of the Future

For Christians, the events unfolding before us can be unnerving, depressing, and even frightening.

I don’t mind saying that I’ve had all of these feelings over the last few months. This is a time when we need to increase our time with God through prayer and time in His Word.

The Psalms are some of my favorite Scriptures, and they have answers to a lot of the feelings that Christians are having right now.

We need COURAGE, REASSURANCE, and STRENGTH right now. In light of that, I give you some wonderful passages of Scripture from the Psalms. I would love to have been able to hear them sung, but even without music, they are powerful and stirring to my soul. I hope they do the same for you.

For COURAGE:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 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. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” Psalms 27:1-6

For REASSURANCE:

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.” Psalms 37:1-15

For STRENGTH:

“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. “

“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

Psalms 18:1-2 and 32-39

There. I feel better already.

Rejected and Forgotten - The Fate of False Christianity

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

Thou shalt not kill. (“… thou hast forgotten the law of thy God…”)

One of the foundations of Judeao-Christian faith is the sanctity of life. God shows us clearly that he knows us while we are yet being formed in the womb.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, …” Jeremiah 1:5

If the fetus was just tissue, God would not speak of it in such a personal and intimate way, but many who profess Christ have forgotten His Father’s law. Thou shalt not kill. Kill as in “murder”, not as in accident or in war.

Do not stand before others and profess that you know, love and serve Christ and then condone the murder of his creations. I reject your false Christianity.

“…as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8

Not only do you condone abortion, but you rejoice in it, you savor it, you are proud of your position. Or, you ignore the subject, hide your face, focus on other views that are more important to you, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, you say abortion is a non-issue.

It’s not a non-issue with God. God creates all life.

“…I will also forget thy children.”

Children can see through hypocrisy. So many people go to church, sing some songs, listen to a sermon, tell everybody “God bless you, I’m praying for you,” but then go home and live life their way all week. They act like the world, talk like the world, drink and party like the world, watch filth on television and in movies, celebrate homosexuality and defend abortion. If you don’t live your faith, your children will reject your faith.

God rejects your false Christianity as well.

“…I will also reject thee…

“…I will also forget thy children.”

Why it's all Grace and Not Works

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30

It is finished. The final words of Jesus Christ before He died.

The phrase, “it is finished” is translated from the Greek word “tetelestai”. Tetelestai is a Greek accounting term meaning “paid in full” from the root word “teleo”.

So Jesus, instead of just saying “I am finished”, as in “I have done what I set out to do”, is actually saying, I did what I set out to do – which is pay in full the debt I came to pay.

Christians are saved thru Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. He paid for our sins. The penalty for our sins was death, separated from God for all eternity in a place called Hell, to later be thrown into the final resting place of the Lake of Fire.

So through Christ’s death, He gave us life. Spiritual, everlasting life. Life in a place called Heaven.

The Greek tense of the word “tetelestai” also is worth noting. It is not in a past tense, but in a tense that indicates that something has been done, is being done, and will always be done. Our salvation through Jesus Christ isn’t something that was done, but could later change. It is done, it will always be done.

If I pay my mortgage in full, and then go to the company a month later and say, “I’ve changed me mind – I don’t want to pay my last mortgage payment”, do you honestly think the company will say, “Sure. No problem. Here’s your money back”?

If I go to my utility company and say I want my last payment back, do you think they’ll give it to me?

When we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ for what He did for us, and know that it is He, and not us, Who has the power to save us from Hell, we are recognizing that our sin debt has been paid for. That payment will not be rescinded. It will not be reversed. It is a final and eternal payment.

For this reason, we cannot lose our salvation because of sin. If we could, then we could never be saved – because our sins are as numerous as the leaves of fall, and we have no power to either earn our salvation or reverse our salvation. If we did not make the payment, do you really think God would agree to give the payment back to us?

What an insult to Jesus Christ it is to think our ability to sin is greater than His ability to pay our sin debt.

An interesting nugget of knowledge from Scripture: There are only two incidences in Scripture where the words “it is finished” are found.

In these words of Jesus Christ, there is life for any and all who will come to Him by faith.

The other Scripture where the words “it is finished” are found is in James 1:15. And the root word used is “teleo” - the same as in John 19:30.

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15

Sin, in the end, when it is finished, brings death.

Don't finish your life without Christ.

Thank you, God, for grace.

Why So Many Denominations?

Many people, especially non-Christians, often ask why there are so many Christian denominations. This is a very valid question, although it must be pointed out up front that every major religion has sects/denominations/ within its system of beliefs, so Christians should not be singled out on this issue.

The number one reason is because Christianity is made up of human beings and we all think our opinions, beliefs, ideas, values etc. are superior to everyone else’s. I think there are basically four questions to ask ourselves when searching for a true Christian church.

What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?
What are the basic differences in denominations?
How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?
Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?


1. What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?

Christianity, by its very name, is based upon Jesus, the Christ (Savior). The overwhelming majority of information we have about Jesus is found in one book. That book is the Bible. There have been thousands of books written about Jesus and Christianity, but they almost all point back to what we learn of Him through Scripture. Therefore, the Bible should be our standard by which to judge which denomination is right for us. You wouldn’t determine that by reading the Quran or the Hindu Vedas. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) even determine that by reading books written ABOUT the Bible. That would be like listening to the television news anchors tell you what each candidate said in the debate after you just watched the debate for yourself. The Bible should be your ultimate reference for how you will live your Christian faith.



2. What are the basic differences in denominations?

There are really only two basic differences among denominations. That may be surprising, but these two differences are the basis for everything else that is taught in Christendom.

The two differences are these:
What does the church teach about the Bible?
What does the church teach about salvation?

A.What does the church teach about the Bible?

There are several trains of thought about the Bible, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. There are those that believe that every word of the Bible is directly inspired by God and written by men under His spiritual guidance. In other words, God wrote the Bible through men he chose specifically for that task, and you can trust every word of it.

b. There are others that believe parts of the Bible are strictly men’s opinions and only inspired in the way that Shakespeare was inspired. So they believe it’s not certain what you can and cannot trust about what it says. And there are those that believe that the Bible is just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales. Both of these systems are contrary to category #1.

B. What does the church teach about salvation?

There are several trains of thought about salvation, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. One belief says that salvation is by grace given to us by God through faith in Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with our “goodness” or our “good works”

b. The other belief says that salvation is dependent on our “goodness” and “good works”.

Grace or works. That’s it. Every church fits into one of these two categories. Some try to mix the two and say that our salvation is based on grace AND works, but in order to believe that you have to throw out part of the Bible*. (Which means you would fall under category b of number A above). And if you mix works into the equation anywhere, then you are dependent on works at least to some degree.

Grace or works. That’s it.

After that, the rest of what a church teaches is based on its interpretation of those passages of Scripture that the particular church chooses to focus on. These things can include but are not limited to baptism, communion, church authority and discipline, speaking or not speaking in tongues, appropriate music, preaching styles, money handling, moral codes, dress codes, social responsibilities, politics, women’s roles in the church, pastoral requirements, etc. etc. etc.


3. How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?

There are two basic questions to ask.

A. What do they teach about the Bible?

This depends on what category you fall into under question #2. If you believe that the Bible is the literal word of God, then you must choose a church that is based on that belief. Otherwise you will be constantly torn between what the Bible says and what your church is teaching, and you will not find peace within that church body. If you believe the Bible is only partially from God, or if you believe it’s just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales, then choosing your denomination will be much easier, as long as you stay away from churches that fall under category a of question #2.

Most churches have what they call a “doctrinal statement”. If you are considering the possibility of joining a church, you should ask them for their doctrinal statement so you can determine where they stand on the Bible. If they don’t have a statement that you can read, then talk to the pastor and ask questions about his belief in the Bible. The pastor determines pretty much what is going to be taught in the church.

B. Do they teach salvation by grace or by works?


4. Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?

That’s an interesting question.

If you fall under category #1 of question #1, then the answer is no. If one doesn’t play by the rules, is one really playing the game? Or has he altered the handbook to fit his particular preferences? Is T-ball the same thing as major league baseball? Is flag football the same as NFL football? Of course not. They are similar, but not the same. The handbooks are different

If you fall under category #B of question #2, then all denominations are Christian.

Again – if you define Christianity as a belief system based on the Bible being the true Word of God, then you have to go with a church that falls under category #A of question #2. If you don’t fall under that category, then you are by definition similar to Christianity, but only a facsimile. When dealing with the salvation of one’s soul, I would say that is an extremely important point to ponder.

There is a fifth question that begs to be asked.


Is there one true denomination?

Although some churches believe theirs is the only true church (and there are some in mine that think we’re the only true church), they’re going to find out someday that they were wrong on some things and right on others. As long as there are human beings in the world, there will be imperfection. There is no perfect church because there are no perfect human beings. It’s a perfect God that we serve – and that should be our focus.

This has been by no means an exhaustive study, but I pray that it will help some at least to gather a set of priorities and guidelines for themselves if they are looking for a good church. Of course, if one doesn't know the God that is to be worshipped and served through one's membership in a church, it ultimately will not matter where or even if one attends. Church membership doesn't equal salvation.


*“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:6

Eternal Security

There are those who scoff at the idea of eternal security. There have been many books written on salvation, and on both sides of the issue of eternal security. Some believe you can lose your salvation through committing certain sins. But I think it's because they don't understand that our works have nothing to do with salvation. We are only saved by grace through faith - not what we do.

Others believe that the Bible teaches that once we are saved, we are saved for all eternity, because the act of salvation was not up to us, but entirely up to God. Our faith in Jesus Christ’s atonement for our sins is what saves us – not anything we do.

Paul, in explaining the doctrine of eternal security, talked to the Jews and Gentiles in a way that they would clearly understand because of the customs of the day.

The Romans had a custom called “liberalia”. This was a ceremony in which the father would “adopt” his own sons. Up until age 14, a child could be disowned by his father. However, the Father could choose to perform the ceremony of liberalia once his son turned 14, making the son a permanent, irrevocable heir to his inheritance. The father would remove the toga of the young boy and replace it with the “toga of manhood”, whereby the son was declared an adult son. This was an “adoption" in which the son received the rights and privileges of sonship and an absolute guarantee of his inheritance. In other words, children could be disinherited, but once adopted, their rights were irrevocable.

This is why Paul used these words to describe our permanent salvation and heirship to our heavenly Father:

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4-5

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” Romans 8:17

Eternal security. We who are saved have been adopted by God the Father and our heirship to heaven is irrevocable.

I’m thankful it’s up to Him and not up to me.

Catholicism and Paganism

I posted this last Sunday, and an anonymous visitor questioned my remarks about Catholicism drawing from pagan culture and practices, and had some good questions. Enough so that I thought I would post my answer here so as to get more reader comment and hopefully show clearly why I believe Catholicism in general teaches a false gospel of works rather than by faith. I am not bashing Catholics. I love many Catholic people and my mom, whom I loved dearly, was Catholic her entire life. However, the RCC itself teaches false doctrine, and the saved people within that church are saved in spite of the teachings, not because of them. A Catholic that believes they must partake of the sacraments in order to receive the grace to be saved is following a works salvation, which is unscriptural. If what I say offends anyone, I ask that you consider the evidence for what I said, and search for yourself to see whether it is true.

First you'll need to read the post I linked to in the first sentence of this post, then here are anonymous's questions and my response about the connection between Catholicism and paganism.

Anonymous asked: Hi.

Actually Lent is 40 days of fasting and prayer representing the time Jesus spent in the desert enduring temptation by Satan. Christians all over the world, including numerous Protestant denominations, recognize this period of devotion that leads to Easter. Many mark the time by giving up something so that they may focus more deliberately on their relationship with Jesus. (Btw, if you are condemning Christian observances that have ties to paganism, I presume you do not celebrate Christmas or Easter?) It is really not uncommon thruout Christian history to take the pagan holidays and observances and Christianize them...

--Btw, I have no idea who "Tamuz" is. Do tell! Thanks.

And this is my response:

In Ezekial 8:14 -17, it says “Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here?”

This was a condemnation from God of the worship of Tammuz.

Here is the history of Tammuz:

At the tower of Babel, Nimrod built a tower to reach to the stars, not just physically but spiritually, to worship the heavens, the sun, the moon and the stars,. Nimrod was Noah’s grandson. He was married to a woman named Semerimus.

After Nimrod died, Semerimus, knowing the prophecy of the Savior to come (Genesis 3:15), claimed that she became pregnant by a sunbeam, and that her son, Tammuz, was the reincarnation of Nimrod. Tammuz came to be worshipped as the Sun God. Semerimus instituted a religion that made her and her son the objects of the worship, which was the beginning of the mother/son cult that spread throughout the world. For instance:

In Babylon, they were called Asteroth and Tammuz

In Egypt, they were called Isis and Osiris (or Horus or Re)

In Rome, they were called Venus and Cupid or Venis and Jupiter

In China, it was Shing Moo and her child.

When Constantine declared Christianity as the official religion of his empire, he went into the temples and declared that the mother/son statues of false gods were now to be worshipped as "Mary and Jesus".

Etc.

Semirimus was considered “the way” to God. She was called the “queen of heaven”(sound familiar? – Catholicism calls Mary the “queen of heaven”).

Semerimus alone could administer salvation, through various “sacraments” such as the “sprinkling of holy water”. (sound familiar? The RCC has a list of “sacraments” through which “grace” is received.)

The religion taught that Tammuz was slain, and that he was resurrected from the dead 40 days later. Every year after that, the temple virgins (sound familiar? As in “nuns”) would enter a forty – day fast in mourning over the death of Tammuz, and awaiting the resurrection. At the end of the 40-day fast, the feast of Ishtar was celebrated, where they exchanged colored eggs, eaten as a symbol of Tammuz’ resurrection, and an evergreen tree was displayed. Hot cakes with the letter “T” were baked and eaten. They believed that these hotcakes were literally transformed into the actual body of Tammuz. This is called transubstantiation. (Sound familiar? As in the “literal body and blood of Christ" of the RCC).

You make an interesting observation, in pointing out that other Christian practices seem to have their roots in pagan practices. I think the difference is that the RCC took totally pagan practices and claimed them as Christian, when there was no Scriptural basis for them, and in fact, they contradicted Scripture (mother/son worship, transubstantiation, prayer beads, virgins in places of service, sacraments as the means for receiving grace, etc.) However, there are some practices that, in using them, do not contradict Scripture, such as decorating a Christmas tree. For that matter, the calendar we use today has its roots in paganism. January is from “Janus”, the two-headed pagan god. Should we abandon our calendar? There is nothing unscriptural about our calendar.


I live in Louisiana, and “Mardi Gras” is a big thing here. It is totally rooted in the Tammuz religion. In fact, here locally, they celebrate the crewe of Janus, and actually display the god’s image as part of their celebration. I’m always amazed at the number of people who call themselves Christians who participate in this pagan ritual. I have to assume that they have no idea where it came from.

Nero and the Haters

In a book I’m reading by F. F. Bruce called New Testament History, there are a few paragraphs about Nero, the emperor who most historians believe was responsible for the great fire in Rome on July 19, 64 AD. Nero didn’t like the Christians, so he blamed them for the fire and had them captured and tortured as punishment. Most Romans did not like Christians – they were called “haters of the human race” and were seen as “anti-social” because they did not participate in the hedonism of the day and did not recognize the Roman gods. Much of the Roman way of life was seen as immoral by the Christians and they refused to participate in immorality or to worship the Roman idols. Nero’s persecution was done in an almost carnival atmosphere. He opened up his gardens for the occasion, and Christians were tortured in various ways, including crucifixion, being burned alive, or being sown up in animal skins and let loose to be hunted and mauled by dogs. Others were covered with pitch, torched alive and put up on poles to help light the city at night. Many of the women were used as sexual slaves.


“Haters”.
“Anti-social”

Sound familiar? Christians are still being called these things today. Somehow, calling someone a “hater” seems to justify name calling, personal attacks, cruelty and persecution, at least in the eyes of the true haters.

The Bible says that during the Tribulation, there will be two Jewish Christian Witnesses at the Wall in Jerusalem that will be warning the people of God’s judgment. It also says that they will have supernatural protection for a time, but then eventually , they will be killed. It says the whole world will rejoice at their deaths and actually declare a holiday and exchange gifts in celebration of their deaths.

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth…And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified…And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth." Revelation 11:3-10

…they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice [at their deaths].

Doesn’t seem too unbelievable these days, does it?

But then something astounding is going to happen… Revelation 11:11-13:

“And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

Those of us called “haters” have nothing to fear. Our God is in control. We are not the haters. We are the hated.

Sad. We are hated for following the God of love.

Did Jesus Claim to be God?

Did Jesus really claim to be God?

Say what you will about the Bible. Say what you will about Jesus. But don’t say that He didn’t claim to be God. And don’t say the Bible doesn’t claim He is God.

Two of the cults that deny the deity of Jesus are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons. But they are proven wrong by the book they claim to believe in.

Jesus was no ordinary man. He led a sinless life. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. He spoke wisdom unheard of before. He endured extreme pain, torture and humiliation voluntarily without defending Himself. He loved as no man has ever loved because He loved His enemies as well as His friends.

Not just anyone could go to the cross and take our sin and shame upon themselves. No mere man could do it. Even if there was a perfect and sinless man, he could still only die for one man. God, being infinite, was the only one Who could take the punishment for all mankind.

What does the Bible say about this man, Jesus? What did He say about Himself? How did the Jews react when He said many of the things He said? They understood well that He proclaimed Himself to be God. That is why He was killed.

In Isaiah 42:8, God said “I am the Lord: that is My Name, and My glory will I not give to another.” In other words, God does not allow anyone else to share in His Glory.

Jesus, in John 17:5 says “And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine Own Self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.”

Is Jesus blaspheming God here? He is claiming the glory of God. He is claiming that He once shared the glory of God before the world began. He does this because He is God.



In John 8:58, Jesus said “Before Abraham was, I AM.” I AM is the name God gave to Moses when Moses asked “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?”, God replied, “I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
So, when Jesus said “I AM”, was He being blasphemous? Or was He declaring His deity?



Matthew 28:18: Jesus said “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Only God has ALL power in heaven and in earth.

In Genesis 1:1, it says “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Colossians 1:16 says of Jesus, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:”

If Genesis 1:1 says God created the heaven and the earth, and Colossians 1:16 says Jesus created all things, then Jesus is clearly God.

Remember Stephen, who was stoned while Saul of Tarsus looked on approvingly? What did he say as he was dying? Acts 7:59: "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Stephen was clearly calling Jesus God.


In Isaiah 43:3, God says, "For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour..." and later, in 43:11, "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."

Mary herself recognized that the child she carried was God. “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name."

Luke said of Jesus’ birth, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The Samaritans said, “And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

God said that He alone is the Saviour.

Jesus was and is the Saviour.

Jesus is God.

Churches Falling into Apostasy

Why are more and more churches falling away from God and into apostasy?

For one thing, it was prophesied that in the end times, we would see just that.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” II Timothy 4:3-4

Churches fall into apostasy when they elevate their view of man and lower their view of God.

The fact that so many churches are falling away and embracing sin, ecumenicalism, and new age theology is just another sign that we are nearing the end of this world and the return of Christ.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” II Thessalonians 2:3

Those from these false churches will laugh at my saying this, just as Scripture prophesied. They deny the authority of Scripture, they deny the Scriptural account of creation and the flood.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” II Peter 3:3-8

They deny their sin. They claim knowledge, but it is not of God.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” II Timothy 3:1-5

God will still continue to draw lost sinners. But what are true Christians supposed to do? We can’t become apathetic when we know what fate awaits them in eternity.

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” II Timothy 4:5

Scriptures on the Loss of a Loved One

Losing a loved one is hard, even if that loved one is now in the presence of God in heaven. We miss them, and long to see them again. We accept their death, but mourn their absence.

God’s Word has the supernatural ability to comfort us when we need it. Here are some of the verses I found for those who may have just lost someone dear to them.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” I Corinthians 15:26

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” I Corinthians 15:53

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Psalm 49:15

“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:36

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” John 8:51

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” II Timothy 1:10

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;…” Isaiah 25:8

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians 15:54

I hope that if you are reading this because you were searching for comfort, that God’s Word has done just that for you. I leave you with this wonderful promise for the child of 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.” Revelation 21:4

Jesus Christ - the Alpha and Omega - God Himself

In Scripture, God frequently calls Himself “the first and the last”, and the “Alpha and Omega” (alpha and omega being the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet).

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am He. Isaiah 41:4

Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I am He; I am the first, I also am the last. Isaiah 48:12

AND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:… Revelation 1:11

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6

Is there any doubt that these verses in Revelation are referring to Jesus Christ? No. Jesus Christ is clearly God.

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; Revelation 2:8



Now let’s look in the Old Testament again at another passage.

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

This prophetic verse was written about 500 years before Christ, and clearly refers to His crucifixion.

If you look at this verse in the Hebrew, it is even more fascinating.

In the original Hebrew, in between the words me and whom are two untranslated letters – aleph and tau – the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. So, this passage could actually be read

“…and they shall look upon Me [the Aleph and the Tau] Whom they have pierced…

There is another place in the Old Testament where this occurs. It is in Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God, created the heaven and the earth.

In between the words God and created are the aleph and the tau. This same thing occurs seven times during the Genesis account of creation.

In the beginning, God [the aleph and the tau] created the heaven and the earth.

Which corresponds with John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus Christ. Our God. Creator of heaven and earth.

Our God is an awesome God.

References: Hidden Treasures by Chuck Missler, and Hebrew interlinear Bible

Pride.

We all have it to varying degrees. I've got it. You've got it. Even the most humble among us, if the truth were exposed, have a form of pride even in their humbleness.

Maybe that’s why God hates pride so much.

“For the froward is abomination to the LORD…” Proverbs 3:32

[froward meaning: turning back to one's own ways; difficult to deal with: stubbornly disobedient or contrary; going in one's own willful ways]

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,…”

[notice the very first thing on the list]


Satan is a prideful being.

“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14


God is a righteous being.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Number 23:19

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4

“And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.” Psalms 9:8

When we let pride dictate our thoughts and actions, we are more closely aligned with Satan that with God – even if our actions or words appear righteous

.

Ridding ourselves of pride is a difficult thing to do. We are supposed to put others ahead of our selves. We are to seek God’s will, and not our own. We are to spread the Gospel, but in a humble and loving way rather than in a condemning spirit.

Christians are often accused of being prideful in our attempt to tell others of the truth of the Bible – that no one can be saved through their own works or goodness. To the lost, all they hear is that we are saved and on our way to heaven and they are lost on their way to hell. They don’t realize that in order for any human being on earth to be saved, he must purge himself completely of all pride and come before his God, his Creator, with a humble and repentant heart. In fact, we must come to Him as a child.

“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Mark 10:15

Very young children think the world revolves around them. I do not look at this as pride. They don’t know any better. They only know their little universe, and their wants and needs. Children have to be taught that we are to put others ahead of ourselves. We are not to give in to every want and desire we have at the expense of others. There is right, and there is wrong. I can’t think of many things in my life that are more touching that to see a child give selflessly to another, whether it be a toy, a hug, or a kind word.

I also remember times when one of my children would realize they had done something wrong, and come to me crying, “Mommy, I’m sorry.” They knew they may be punished, but they also were truly sorry that they had done wrong.

Society says that adults should act like adults. What do we do when our teens are acting immature and selfish? We say, “Quit acting like a three-year old.” When men or women act selfish or immature, they’re told to “act like a grown-up” or “be a man”.

But going to God is just the opposite. God is our heavenly Father. We are not His equal. We’re to go as a child, truly sorry for our sins, and ask Him to forgive us, knowing and believing that He will, and that our sin has been paid for through Jesus Christ.

It is only after we have been taught about pride that we can be guilty of it. Many older children, and yes, adults, still want the world to revolve around them. They seek self-gratification. That is pride. Christians, although they came to the Lord in humbleness, can revert back to the sin of pride. The danger is that a lost person will look at them and see no difference in them than in the lost sinner’s state.

How can we rid ourselves of pride?

We can learn and memorize scripture that reminds us of our struggle with it.

[Two of my favorites are “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2, and “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18]

We can pray and ask God to help us get rid of it in our lives.

We can ask God to keep us humble. (He’s an expert in this area)

We can focus on Him and on others instead of ourselves.

We can spend more time in God's presence through prayer and reading of Scripture.
After all, next to God, we have absolutely nothing to be prideful about. Every instance in Scripture where man came in contact with God, pride was immediately wiped away and humility took its place.

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8

When we are accused of being prideful by the lost, instead of automatically going on the defense to prove we are not, we should perform a quick self-examination. If we determine that we are truly walking in the Spirit, and the accuser is really offended by the Gospel, and not by us, then we should put that accusation aside. However, if we determine that maybe there is some truth in what we are accused of, and we are being prideful in what we are saying or in how we are saying it, we should immediately ask God’s forgiveness and His fullness of the Spirit, and then go back to our accuser and ask forgiveness. I’m not talking about compromise of the Word. I’m referring to the spirit in which we deliver it.

The following is my prayer for myself in dealing with pride. You may want to claim it as your own, or you may have another Scripture that more closely verbalizes your desire to overcome pride.

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalms 17:15

More on Speaking in Tongues

I wrote Tongues as Evidence of Salvation some time ago as a rebuttal to those who believe one must speak in tongues to be saved. It was rather short and focused on primarily one passage. However, today, I feel compelled to post a more extensive search of Scripture in reference to the false belief that one MUST speak in tongues to be saved. My reason for doing so is due to a blog I visited not long ago that had so many things right about God, but is so in error over this one point. The purpose of my post is to persuade, not to demean or ridicule. I think it is an extremely important issue. In essence, a person who believes in speaking in tongues as proof of salvation is promoting a works-based salvation, because they require that you take an action (do something) in order to be saved. I have personally known individuals who came out of this type of background who had trusted Jesus for their salvation, but who thought they were still going to hell because they'd never spoken in tongues - and in fact they were told as much. They even went so far as to try to fake the tongues in order to be accepted. They were also told that if they were baptized in anything other than Jesus's name, they would also go to hell. Again - this is a works based salvation, which makes it a false doctrine that is contrary to Scripture.

First of all, Salvation is by grace through faith alone - not works. Here are books of the New Testament where you can find Scripture that refers to eternal life and/or being saved that teach salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing, minus nothing:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Ephesians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, I Peter, II Peter, I John, Jude. That is 18 of the 27 books of the New Testament, which is more than half.

This is a partial list of verses clearly indicating that salvation (eternal life with God/Christ/Holy Spirit) is through faith alone.

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:11

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“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.” Romans 10:9

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” Ephesian 2:5

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Tim 1:9

“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;” Titus 3:5

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” I John 5:11

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:13

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” I John 5:20

References to speaking in tongues in the New Testament:

Mark (one time)
Acts: 5 times (referring to 3 separate events where tongues were spoken)
I Corinthians: 12 times (in every instance, it is instruction and information on the gift of tongues, but not referring to a particular event where tongues were spoken)

It is interesting to note that no where in any of these passages does it state that one must speak in tongues to be saved. Also, with 27 books of the New Testament, if tongues were required for salvation, and since Scripture was written under the influence of the Holy Spirit, one would think more time would be devoted to the subject just for clarification if for no other reason.


I think it is interesting to note also: Romans: none (although the familiar “Roman Road” is used to lead the lost to Christ every day.

Those that believe that you MUST speak in tongues to be saved have ONLY ONE verse in the whole New Testament that supposedly supports their belief:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” Mark 16:17

If you read the passages before and after verse 17, you get a true picture of the meaning.

"15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (notice it does not say He that believeth and is baptized and speaketh in tongues)

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

In these passages, Jesus was referring a specific period of time that started on the day of Pentecost, but was not referring to a permanent sign of salvation. Once Scriptures were completed, the sign gifts were no longer needed and in fact did cease. If you believe that you must speak in tongues to be saved, then you should be able to drink strychnine, play with poisonous snakes without fear, and heal everyone you meet. If you can't do these things, then you are claiming only part of this Scripture and being a cafeteria believer.


Since the Bible (God’s Spirit-written WORD) cannot contradict itself, then the ONE VERSE in Mark is OBVIOUSLY being misinterpreted by the tongues crowd in the face of ALL THE OTHER SCRIPTURE that says otherwise!