A Letter: Your Life Read By All Men

Here is an interesting comparison which we find in 2 Corinthians of the New Testament scriptures.

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

We often hear a Christian’s life spoken of as an example and witness to unbelievers. And this is what the Christian life is, and it is to be a good example. Specifically, according to the apostle Paul, the Christian life is as a letter which is read by all men.

What does your letter say? What do men come to know and understand by observing your life? There are many who will never read the epistles (letters) of Paul and the other Apostles, but these same people will see your life.

And now let us see a quote from J.C. Ryle on this subject, from his book titled “Holiness” (Hebrews 12:14)

“I believe there is more harm done by unholy and inconsistent Christians than we are at all aware of. Such men are among Satan’s best allies. They pull down by their lives what ministers build with there lips. … They supply the children of this world with a never ending excuse for remaining as they are. “I cannot see the use of so much religion,” said an irreligious tradesman not long ago; “I observe that some of my customers are always talking about the gospel and faith and election and the blessed promises and so forth, and yet these very same people think nothing of cheating me …when they have the opportunity. Now, if religious persons can do such things, I do not see what good there is in religion.” I grieve to be obliged to write such things, but I fear that Christ’s name is too often blasphemed because of the lives of Christians. Let us take heed lest the blood of souls should be required at our hands. From murder of souls by inconsistency and loose walking, good Lord, deliver us! Oh, for the sake of others, if for no other reason, let us be holy!” - from ISBN# 9781611043433, page 5

Many can relate to this. Who has not heard unbelievers cite the wickedness of professed Christians as an excuse for they themselves to remain in sin?

In the last sentence quoted above we desire to be Holy for the sake of leading others to Christ. We desire to be Holy for the sake of God himself and the Love we have for Him. For by leading more men to Christ, God shall be glorified by more men. We must see that the second greatest commandment (Love thy neighbor) proceeds from the first (Love God) (Matthew 22:35-40). For many a man has claimed to act for the sake of man’s benefit, while spitting in the face of Almighty God (Eugenicists, Roman Catholics, Adolf Hitler and his Nazis, Transhumanism, and Genetically Modified Organisms come to mind). You cannot keep the second greatest commandment without properly keeping the first. Our utmost prayer being that we cause not any man to blaspheme our Saviour or to influence them contrary to the will of God.

Now it must be added that the epistle of our life does not fulfill our requirement to witness given by Mat 28:19-20 (Chick Tracts can help anyone do that).

Now let us notice 2 Corinthians 3:3, which serves to us as a proof given by the Apostle Paul that the prophecy written by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26 has been and is fulfilled in the saints, and by the Church of God, as this is to whom Paul is writing, which we see evidenced by his beginning to this letter in 2 Corinthians 1:1.

Now we see that it is by the Holy spirit and the heart of flesh we are given that we are able to live our lives as the epistle to men which Paul describes.

This Christian walk is also seen and related in many other ways to the events and circumstances described in Ezekiel chapter 36.

In Ezekiel 36:24 when Israel is gathered from the heathen unto their own land, this is as the Christian gathered from the Kingdom of this world (whom the prince of darkness rules (Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4) and brought into the Kingdom of God.

In Ezekiel 36:25 the Lord sprinkles clean water on Israel and declares that they shall be clean from filthiness, and all Idols. Does not this seem to relate to the baptism which we receive for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38)?

In Ezekiel 36:26 the cleaning of Ezekiel 36:25 is followed by the receiving of a new spirit and a heart of flesh. And what does this new spirit do? We see in Ezekiel 36:27 that it causes us to walk in the Lord’s statutes and to keep his judgments.

This new spirit here described is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, which leads us to do the will of God by bringing to our remembrance all things whatsoever he has taught us (John 14:26, Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:24, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10-13, 12:24).

In Ezekiel 36:28 we see Israel receiving the Land of Israel as was promised to them. To us as Christians this is as our inheriting of the Kingdom of God as is promised to those who are born again by believing in Christ the Saviour of the world, the only begotten Son of God (John 14:6, 3:1-36).

In Ezekiel 36:31 Israel shall remember their evil ways and loath themselves for their sins and abominations. This is the same response Christians have as they bring to remembrance and view in their minds eye the life they formerly lived. Even as they live the Christian life they will view themselves this way, at least to a point (Isaiah 64:6, Romans chapter 7). For we will not be perfect while we yet live in the flesh, so we wisely view ourselves humbly as nothing, and unworthy of Gods Grace. For while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Yet we live not as defeated, but as overcomers, striving to win the race that we may inherit incorruption, when we depart for heaven putting off this body of corruption (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:50, 1 John 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1).

Now I end this comparison with Ezekiel 36:32 and Ezekiel 36:36. In these verses God declares to Israel that they will not be blessed because they have merited it, for they deserve nothing but destruction because of their iniquities (vs.32). Rather God does what he does because He is Sovereign, and so that all men see that He alone is God and that He alone is Glorified (vs. 36). This also is the case with us as followers of Christ. For we are chosen recipients of Grace from the beginning, elected to Salvation for the purpose of God, that He may be Glorified, for only He is worthy of praise and honor. It is only for His purpose that he has called us from darkness into the marvelous light. Had he not called us and filled us it would be impossible for us to do any good thing whatsoever (2 Timothy 1:9-10, Hebrews 13:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 13:18, 15:16-19, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 1:4-12, Romans 8:28, etcetera).

For God…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, 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: - 2 Timothy 1:9-10

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. - Psalm 40:1-8

Have The Sign Gifts Ceased?

Has God's Word Changed? No. So the sign gifts have not ceased.

The following is based on part of a letter I have recently written to a Dispensationalist.

Now there is one thing I must point out regarding the verses you shared about the sign gifts. You argue that the sign gifts (Prophesy, Healing, Miracles, Speaking in Tongues) are no more at all, but as proof you present verses which merely give examples that at some places they will not be. There is a big difference between examples where there were no sign gifts, and saying that there are no sign gifts. Can you see the distinction I’m pointing out?

You said that there is lots of evidence that the sign gifts have been withdrawn. I am pointing out that there is no evidence that they have been withdrawn, only evidence that they are not in existence in every Christian or in every place. There is quite a big difference between the two.

It has been said “If the sign gifts are still in effect why is Luke a Physician?” (implying that doctors would not be needed because God's people would heal everyone) That point is irrelevant because of two things. First, do you remember the condition for the working of the sign gifts? One condition is Faith, or belief. For many the sign gifts are of no use as far as miracles and healings, because they do not believe such a thing is possible. Notice in Matthew 13:58 and Mark 6:5 that Jesus did not do as many miracles and healing because the people did not believe. The modern western man is conditioned to believe that these types of healings and miracles are impossible, and so they greatly are because of his unbelief. Second, not every believer has every gift. Simply because we are a true believer, it is not the will of the Holy Ghost to give each of us every gift (1 Corinthians 12:4-12). Further, when you say that the sign gifts have ceased you are putting together a false (or incomplete) church, because you are cutting off some of its members (1 Corinthians 12:13-31). This is a serious error, and is part of the reason why the church in North America is declining (as it did in Europe), and why it is reportedly growing in Asia, and Africa, and Central America (and maybe South America also?).

I agree completely that there will be (and are) many false prophets (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22, 1 John 4:1). I also agree that any prophet who teaches anything contrary to God’s word (the Holy Bible), or who makes predictions that do not come true is a false prophet. But the scriptures are so clear that the gift of prophesy will continue, to believe other wise is in contradiction to the clear word of God. Perhaps it is you who believe false Prophets and their unbiblical teachings? Perhaps the answer to the question “What is a Prophet?” would clarify this issue. A prophet is someone who hears from God and speaks and does what God has told them to say and do. Because the Prophet hears God, they can also have knowledge of things they would normally not have, because God has told them. Thus, this is their means for prophesying the future. By the scriptures we can tell a true prophet from a false prophet. True prophets lead men to repent, to turn from wickedness, and to worship God. True prophets warn of the destruction coming to sinners. There are two ways to know a false prophet as given in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 , Deuteronomy 18:9-22, Matthew 7:15-23, and 1 Corinthians 14:32, 37, 39. First, if they make a prediction which later comes true, but they also lead men away from God and teach them to worship other gods, or if they bare bad fruit, leading men in wicked ways (into sin) they are false prophets. Second, if they make predictions which do not come to pass then they are false prophets. So to be a true prophet they need to do two things 1. They need to speak according to Gods word (not teaching anything unbiblical), and 2. They need to prophesy and there prophesies must never fail to come to pass. (And of course they must have been given the gift to prophecy by the Holy Ghost.)

Some Dispensationalists have professed that "The prophetic time clock has been put on hold, Peter did not know that and was in error when he said that the last days had begun."

To which I respond...

Do you realize that you are calling the Apostle Peter a liar? Peter said that the last days had come (Acts ch. 2) (Also see Hebrews 1:2 and 2 Timothy 3:1). If your theological view leads you to disbelieve the teachings of scripture than your theological view is corrupt and is based upon false teachings. Perhaps you have a different definition of “the last days” than the Bible does, but when discussing Biblical things you should use the same definition the Bible uses.

Also, do you not realize what the Apostle Paul says in the verses below? It sums things up and really cuts right to the point.

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. - 1 Corinthians 14:37-39

Interestingly, there is a great similarity between the way God spoke to prophets through the Holy Spirit, and the way he now speaks to believers. Many verses and biblical stories attest to this fact, but one verse in particular that comes to mind is Matthew 5:12. Through the Holy Spirit in us today God communicates things which we could not know without Him, he allows us to know so that we may serve Him better and ultimately bring Glory to His name. Taking the sign gifts out of Christianity is taking the supernatural out of Christianity and turning it into nothing but a belief system. It is a belief system, but it is more, it is also a system of Revelation, Miracles, and Regeneration. For example, many answered prayers are miracles. And for myself I am convinced by the many answers to prayer I have received.

False Prophets: One Current Example

Harold Camping is one example of a false prophet. He predicted the "Rapture" of Christians to be May 21, 2011.

How do we know he is a false prophet?

The Bible guarantees it!*

In Mark 13:31-37 the scripture is clear that no one but God the Father knows the hour or the day of Christ’s coming. No one but the Father knows the day or hour this world shall end.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” - Mark 13:31-37

In Deuteronomy 18:21-22 we read how to identify a false prophet.

“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

In Jeremiah we read the word of the Lord against the false prophets of Jerusalem. See Jeremiah 23:16, 25-26, 32, 36, 39, 40

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”

“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart”

“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.”

“…for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.”

“Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.”

"The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him." - Jeremiah 28:9

Many professed Christians have actually done one of the same things as Mr. Camping. They choose to ignore parts of scripture which they do not like. (He disregarded Mark 13:32) They disregard parts of the scripture because it requires them to do something to which their flesh (their carnal mind) is opposed. Many modern (unbiblical) “Christians” who mock Camping are hypocrites in this way.

Just as Camping’s ignorance (weather purposeful or not) of the scriptures resulted in lies, wasted resources, anger, and destruction (both on his part and from his followers) so too does disobedience of the scriptures result in lies, waste, anger, and destruction in the lives of all who disregard them.

But most importantly, those who disregard the Gospel message will not experience the Joy and blessings of knowing Christ their Saviour (Ephesians 1:3-14). They will suffer the consequences of a vain life, and everlasting damnation in Hell where the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die (Ecclesiastes 11:8, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Daniel 12:2, Revelation 21:7-8, Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:44, Mark 9:46, Mark 9:48, John 3:36, John 3:18, Hebrews 10:31).

Beware the many false prophets and false Christs today!

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” - Matthew 24:24-25

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." - Matthew 7:13-23

See the following two links for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Camping

http://www.katu.com/news/local/122235709.html

or Google "May 21 Harold Camping" or "the rapture of Christians May 21, 2011"

*(to rightly use a phrase he misused).

March 2012 Update: Harold Camping Admits Sin, Announces End to Doomsday Predictions

Paul Washer on False Prophets

Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known

The following is written in a effort to make known some lies/misunderstandings taught by certain dispensationalists, and to make the truth plain by bringing the scriptures into our knowledge.

It has been claimed that “God does not today preach repentance as part of the gospel as he did to Israel, today repentance is not part of the Gospel of Grace.”

In Acts 17:18-30 Paul is preaching to the philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks. He is not preaching to the Jews, but he says to these philosophers in verse 17:30 …“But now God commands everyone, everywhere to Repent.” How can you say repentance is not taught today? Clearly it is, there are also many more examples, if you would read your Bible.

In Acts 17:1-17 Paul preached to the Jews. “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.: (verse 17:3) Paul reasoned with them out of the scriptures and, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” - Acts 17:11

What scriptures was it that they searched to see if Paul was telling them the truth? Not the New Testament scriptures.

In Acts 8:30-35 the Ethiopian eunuch did not know the gospel until Philip explained it to him. And notice the scripture which Phillip explained - Isaiah 53:7-8.

It has been claimed that “repentance is not taught today because the flesh cannot please God, so we have to become a Christian and be converted, Before we can repent. All we need to do is believe”

The flesh has never pleased God. If we understand what Christ did we cannot do anything but repent of our sins. How can we believe if we do not understand what we believe?

What is it that you think Christ has done for us? He has bore our iniquities. God bruised Christ and accepted him as a offering for our sin. We are justified before God by Christ because He bore our iniquities (Also see 2 Corinthians 5:18-24). How could one accept this and not repent? They cannot. Somebody had to pay for our sins with their life! Only Christ, the very Son of God was pure enough to be an offering. Only through His shed Blood could our sins be forgiven, because He who was without sin bore our sins.

With the old testament the Jews should have understood this. The fact that they crucified Christ was a testimony that they did not know their own scripture (As said Jesus in John 5:46). Because if they had know it they would have recognized Christ, they would have known that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. They would have know that God would be sending a messiah to take away the sins of His people. How would they have known? Because the Prophets and the other old testament scriptures declared it!

They learned from the Prophets (or should have learned) that God desires obedience rather than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and desires mercy rather than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). They should have known about Christ’s coming and that he would save the people from their sins, by bearing their iniquities. (Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9:6–7, Zechariah 9:9, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14)

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” - Psalm 51:16-17

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” - Isaiah 1:11-17

Also see Amos 5:12-24, Isaiah 66:3, and Jeremiah chapter 7.

See a related Post "Works? Faith? Repentance? Old Testament Salvation?"

See a related post "The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ"

http://www.chick.com/information/general/repentance.asp

click here to see some thoughts of Desiderius Erasmus related to this subject, especially see page 80 (Note: since this post was originally posted page 80 has become unavailable, as of 4/14/2011)

Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ

This is written in an effort to differentiate the biblical account of the birth of Christ from the tradition commonly know as Christmas. When we know the Biblical account, then we can clearly see that anything else is not Biblical.

We can read the biblical account below;

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” - Luke 2:1-20 (also see Matthew 1:17-25, and Matthew 2:1-23)

The first coming of Christ to the earth fulfilled many prophesies.

Matthew 1:23 is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 2:5-6 is the fulfillment of Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:15 is the fulfillment of Hosea 11:1

Matthew 2:17-18 is the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15

In Mark we do not read an account of Christ‘s birth and in John we read the following:

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” - John 1:9-18

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus Christ has been the King since he was born (Matthew 2:2). “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:11-13

The Holy Bible does not tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ has only instructed us to remember his death (1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Luke 22:17-20).

In the Holy Bible the day of one’s death is considered better than the day of one’s birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1). In the scripture birthdays are only mentioned as a celebration of pagans (Genesis 40:20, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:21).

It is a fact that the “Christian” holiday know as Christmas is filled with beliefs and practices from paganism, and aspects of Babylonian religion. These adopting of pagan beliefs and practices is forbidden by God. In fact if you take away all aspects of “Christmas” which are not taught in the Bible then there is nothing left to this holiday, but the scripture alone. We must desire to do what God wants, not what we want.

Christmas dishonors Christ.

Do you want to do what God wants?

Are you too prideful to admit you could be wrong?

If you do not love the truth and desire to know it, the scripture says you will be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

See "What Does the Scripture Say?"

See "Is Christmas in the Bible?"

See The True Origin of CHRISTMAS

See XMAS, the diabolical paradox

See The Origin Of Christmas

See "A Christmas Conversation"

See Is Christmas Idolatry?

The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

Isaiah 53 - The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 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.

6 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.

7 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.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Also

I think this is something many need to hear.

"Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

http://media.sermonindex.net/18/SID18002.mp3

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3aQu-uyuw

For the transcript click here "Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

Jeremiah 31:31-34 fulfilled !

In Jeremiah 31:31-34 we read of a new covenant which the Lord shall establish and how he will write his law in the hearts of his people Israel. This prophecy in Jeremiah is fulfilled today in Christian believers who receive the Holy Spirit. We know this is so because the new covenant has been made, through the shed blood and death of Jesus Christ and the good news that believing on him and repenting we shall be saved. Jesus said in John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” And we read in Ephesians 2:12-22 that All mankind is saved through Jesus Christ and the barrier that kept the Gentiles from the promises made to Israel has been removed. “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” -Ephesians 2:18 (also see Galatians 3:29). “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” -Romans 2:28-29 And most obviously we know that the Holy Spirit fulfills this prophecy in Jeremiah because we are told so in Hebrews 10:15-17. - “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (also see Hebrews 8:8-13)

I find that this is Amazing!

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." - Psalm 40:8

"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." - 2 Corinthians 3:3-6