RESULTS OF PREACHING GOD'S TRUTH by steve finnell

If you do not want to be hated by the world and ostracized, criticized, condemned, mocked and excoriated by friends, family, church members, and many who claimed to be Christians; then preaching and teaching God's truth is not the choice you want to make. Preaching the truth is not the pathway to acceptance by those who do not like or do not understand God's truth. No one likes to be told they are in error.

1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. (NASB)

Luke 6:22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. (NASB)

Matthew 5:10-11 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. (NASB)

If your goal is to be loved and accepted by all, then, preaching God's truth is not the road you should travel. 

   

THE DECEIVER by steve finnell

The devil is the great deceiver, however, without men to do his work no work gets accomplished.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you received a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.(NASB)

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. (NASB)

Paul and the rest of apostles preached a different gospel than many preach today.

Apostles Doctrine: Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who has been believed and been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.(NASB)

Those preaching a different gospel say immersion in water is not part of the gospel plan of salvation.

Apostles Doctrine: 1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.(NASB)

Those preaching a different gospel say God does not want all men to be saved. They say, God has selected only a few to be saved and all other should burn in hell.

Apostles Doctrine: Acts 4:10-12 ...name of Jesus Christ...12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."(NASB)

Those who preach a different gospel say, Jesus is one many names by which we can be saved.

Apostles Doctrine: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NASB)

Those who preach a different gospel, say be baptized for the forgiveness of Adam's sin and your sins.

Those who preach a different gospel say, be baptized because your sins have already been forgiven.

Apostles Doctrine: 1 Peter 4:17....what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.....and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,(NASB)

Those who preach a different gospel say, do not worry about eternal destruction; because God will force those He has chosen to believe and be saved.

Apostles Doctrine: Galatians 1:6-9....for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another, only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But if we, or an angel from heaven, should preached to you a gospel contrary to to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!......


Remember Satan's servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.   

TONGUES AND SALVATION?   BY STEVE FINNELL

There is a view that salvation has to be validated by the evidence of speaking in tongues. Acts chapter 2 is the Biblical reference given to support that position. Is that what is written in Acts 2?

Who spoke in tongues on the Day of Pentecost?

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Who were the "all" that were speaking in tongues? Peter and the eleven, twelve people, were the "all."

Acts 2:14-15 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them:"Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day;

Peter was talking about the eleven apostles, not the 120 nor the 3000. Only twelve were speaking in tongues on the Day of Pentecost.

Peter preached Jesus crucified and resurrected. He preached Jesus as Christ and Lord. When they believed he told them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. They received the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 22-38)

The 3000 on the Day of Pentecost received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. They did not receive the gift of speaking in tongues.

THERE IS NO MENTION OF THE 3000 SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS EVIDENCE OF THEIR SALVATION. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THEM SPEAKING IN TONGUES, PERIOD.

Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:47 .... And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

THE EVIDENCE OF THE THREE THOUSANDS SALVATION WAS THAT THEY BELIEVED THE GOSPEL,  REPENTED AND WERE BAPTIZED IN WATER!

The apostle Paul ask the rhetorical question: "All do not speak with tongues, do they"? (1 Corinthians 12:30) All did not speak in tongues. Were all those lost who did not speak in tongues? Of course not.

Debating whether speaking in tongues is evidence of salvation is pointless due to the fact that tongues have ceased to exist.

1 Corinthians 13:8....if there are tongues, they will cease....

SPEAKING IN TONGUES WAS NEVER A SIGN OF AN INDIVIDUALS SALVATION!  

   

EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES? by steve finnell

The Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if Paul and Silas were telling them the truth. (Acts 17:10-12)

Are people examining the Scriptures today to see if their church leaders are telling them the truth or are they examining church creed books, books of commentaries, so-called books of new revelation, church statements of faith, and books written about the Bible.

1.Doctrine: The Father has a body of flesh and bone as tangible as man's.

You cannot reach that conclusion by searching the Scriptures. (John 4:24)

2. Doctrine: Christians are to remember the Sabbath day[Saturday is the Sabbath] and keep it holy.

That cannot be believed by searching the Scriptures. (Exodus 31:12-18, Galatians 5:1-7)

3. Doctrine: Men are saved by grace alone.

There is no Scripture that states men are saved by grace alone. You would have be taught from extra-Biblical sources to believe you are saved by grace alone.

4. Doctrine: Saved by faith only.

No translation of the Bible says men are saved by faith only.

5. Doctrine: Water immersion [baptism] is not essential for salvation.

Only a skilled professional can convince men that water baptism is not essential for salvation. It cannot be learned by prayerfully examining the Scriptures. (Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:27, Romans Chapter 6, Colossians 2:11-14, Ephesians 5:25-27, John 3:5, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:40-41)

6. Doctrine: The only true, accurate, trustworthy English translation of the Bible is the King James Version.

What verse in the King James Version says it is the only trustworthy translation of God's word?

7.Doctrine: Praying to [in other words worshipping] the Virgin Mary and other dead saints is approved by God.

Where are Scriptures to prove praying to people is not worship and approve by God? That can only be taught from creed books and other extra-Biblical sources.

THE QUESTION? Is what you believe, because you prayerfully studied the Scriptures to find the truth or did your truth come from church creed books, Bible commentaries, books about the Bible, church statements of faith, the teaching of skilled professionals or from books of so-called new revelation?  

     

MEN WANT TO INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. MEN WANT TO BE SAVED. MEN WANT TO BE CHRISTIAN. MEN WANT TO HAVE THEIR SINS FORGIVEN. HOWEVER!   BY STEVE FINNELL

Men want to receive all of the benefits of God's grace, however, many refuse to meet God's requirements.

1. Men want to be saved without naming Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Acts 4:10-12 ...name of Jesus Christ...12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."(NKJV)

2. Men want their sins forgiven without acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God.

John 8:24 "Therefore I said to you  that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."(NKJV)

3.Men desire to be saved without being baptized in water.

Mark 16:16 ...and is baptized shall be saved....(NKJV)

4. Men want their sins forgiven without repenting.

Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,(NKJV)   (Repentance means to turn from unbelief and commit to turn from sin and to turn toward God)

5. Men want to become Christian, but they do not want to be baptized into Christ.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

6. Men desire to have their sins forgiven, however, they do not want to repent and be baptized in water to have that occur.

Acts 2:38 ..."Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...(NKJV)

7. Men want to inherit the kingdom of God, however, they want to continue in their current sinful lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11....9. Do you not know the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?.....
Neither fornicators,
nor idolaters,
nor homosexuals,
nor sodomites,
10 nor thieves,
nor covetous,
nor drunkards,
nor revilers,
nor extortioners,
will inherit the kingdom of God........

8. Men want to be saved, however, they want to deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the grave.

Romans 10:9 that if if confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.


You cannot earn God's grace, however, there are requirements to receive and maintain His grace.
  
   

DO NOT BLAME ADAM FOR THE SECOND DEATH by steve finnell

Do not blame Adam for your second death. Your unforgiven sin will be responsible for your second death, not Adam's sin.

Revelation 2O:14-15 Then death and hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.(NASB)

Jeremiah 31:30 But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge.(NASB)

Men will die the second death because of their own iniquity, not Adam's.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as though one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, and so spread to all men, because all sinned---(NASB)

Death spread to all men, because all sinned. Adam does not cause men to sin, nor are men guilty of Adam's sin.

Proverbs 11:19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain life, And he pursues evil will bring about his own death. (NASB)

Being born is not pursuing evil. The guilt of original sin is a man-made doctrine.

Romans 1:32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.(NASB)

Sin is practiced. Sin is not inherited. The second death is for those who never stop practicing. A non repentant sinful lifestyle brings death, not Adam's sin.

Deuteronomy 24:16 "Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall the sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin.(NASB)

The second death is only punishment for a person's own sins. No one will suffer the second death because of Adam's sin.

Romans 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.(NASB)

Your lifestyle may produce death. Adam's lifestyle has nothing to do with the second death you may endure.

Ezekiel 18:4 Behold all souls are Mine,; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die.(NASB)

The person will die because he sins, not because Adam sinned.

James 1:14-15....by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.(NASB)

Does Adam's lust and sin bring forth your death? No, man's own lust brings forth his sin and death.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness? (NASB)

Your own sin results in the second death. Men need to stop blaming Adam's sin. No one can repent of Adam's sin. Men are not guilty of Adam's sin. 

Original sin is a false doctrine invented by men.     

UNBELIEVERS BAPTISM by steve finnell

Denominations who practice infant baptism believe that unbelieving infants so-called original sin and sins to be committed are forgiven and they become members of the body of Christ when they are sprinkled with water. If that is true, then, why not force unbelieving teenagers and adults to be sprinkled with water?

The problem is sins of unbelievers are not forgiven. It does make any difference whether they are baptized or just sprinkled with water. (NOTE: Immersion is the only baptism)

All infants and children who die before the age of accountability will be in heaven. They have no sin that needs forgiven.

No person who has reached the age of accountability can have their sins forgiven nor can they be added to the kingdom of God unless they are believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

John 8:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in yours."(NASB)

It does matter how many time you sprinkle water on infants or adults unless they believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and was raised from the dead, They will die in their sins.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall shall be condemned.(NASB)

Disbelievers will be condemned, it make no difference if they were sprinkled with water or baptized in water as unbelieving infant or unbelieving adults, they will be lost. No unbeliever has ever been added to the body of Christ.

Acts 2:40-41....Be saved from this perverse generation!"41 So, then those who received his word were baptized; and that day day there were added  about three thousand souls.(NASB)

Who was added to the body of Christ. Those who believed and were baptized. 

Acts 2:47 ....And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.(NASB)

 

  

   

THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH  BY STEVE FINNELL

Why was the Ethiopian eunuch so concerned about being baptized in water?

1. Did the eunuch want to be baptized so he could join the the 1st Church of Philip?

2. Did the eunuch want to be baptized as a testimony of his faith?

3. Did he want be baptized because Jesus commanded it and he wanted to be obedient?

4. Was he in a hurry to be baptized because he realized that water baptism had nothing to do with the forgiveness of his sins?

5. Did the eunuch want to be baptized because his sins were already forgiven?

6. Did he want be baptized to demonstrate that he was saved before he was baptized?

The answer is NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, and NO.

The Ethiopian was in a hurry to be baptized because:

1. He wanted his sins forgiven. (Acts 2:38)

2. He wanted his transgressions forgiven. (Colossians 2:13)
3. He wanted to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21)
4. He wanted to be baptized into Christ. (Romans 6:3)
5. He wanted to walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
6. He wanted his body of sin done away with. (Romans 6.6)
7. He wanted wanted to live with Christ. ( Romans 6:8)
8. He wanted to be saved. (Mark 16:16)
9. He wanted wanted to be clothed with Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
10. He wanted to have his sins washed away. (Acts 22:16)
11. He wanted to be saved. (Titus 3:5)
12. He wanted to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
13. He wanted the Lord to add him to His church. (Acts 2 :41,47)
14. He wanted to be sanctified. (Ephesians 5:26)
15. He wanted to be blameless and holy. (Ephesians 5:27)
16. He wanted to be free of spots and wrinkles.(Ephesians 5:27)
17. He wanted to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

THE CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH (Acts 8:26-38)

Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch.

The first question the eunuch ask was "What prevents me from being baptized?"

Philip said Acts 8:37 [... "If you believe with all your heart you may." And he answered and said , I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

When Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch he must have told him what Jesus said in Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH WAS SAVED ON THE ROAD FROM JERUSALEM TO GAZA; BUT ONLY AFTER HE BELIEVED AND WAS BAPTIZED!

NOTE: In the New Testament Scriptures there is not one single account of anyone denying  water baptism as being essential for the forgiveness of sins. Not one mention of anyone saying I was saved before I was baptized. Not one person stated they were saved before baptism, but were baptized so they could join the local church. Not one individual said I was baptized as a testimony of my faith, but it had nothing to do with my salvation. WHY DO YOU NOT READ ABOUT THESE THINGS HAPPENING IN THE 1ST CENTURY CHURCH? WHY? BECAUSE THESE ARE ALL MAN-MADE TRADITIONS THAT ORIGINATED MUCH LATER. (SEE MY APRIL 17 POST---"THE PRICE OF TRADITION')

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)    

SAVING FAITH COMES FROM HEARING GOD'S WORD   BY STEVE FINNELL

Do men receive faith, that saves, because God arbitrarily bestows them with faith? Does God predetermined who will be saved and then cause them to have faith so they can be saved? No and No.

Faith comes from hearing God's word preached.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.(NKJV)

Romans 10:14 How they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?(NKJV)

Faith comes when men believe the gospel. Faith is not forced on men by God. 

MISUNDERSTOOD PROOF-TEXT EPHESIANS 2:8

Ephesians 2:8 is used to prove that faith is a gift from God, however, that is not what is says.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God,(NKJV)

Salvation is the gift from God. Faith is not the gift.

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Why would Jesus condemn men who do not believe if God is the one who arbitrarily bestows faith on men so they can be saved?

To have faith that Jesus is the Son of God is a choice. To trust in God is a choice. To believe that God resurrected Jesus from the grave is a choice. To believe that Jesus is both Lord and Christ is a choice. God does not force men to have faith. Saving faith is the not a gift from God. Salvation is the gift from God.

WHAT MUST MEN DO TO BE SAVED? 

1. Hear the gospel. Romans 10:17
2. Believe. John 3:16
3. Confess. Romans 10:9
4. Repent. Acts 3:19
5. Be baptized in water. Acts 2:38    

     

IS THE BIBLE UNCLEAR?  by steve finnell

Is the Bible unclear to you when you attempt to understand the terms for pardon, the history of God and how to live the Christian life? Would that be self imposed confusion?

What might the reasons the Bible is unclear to you?

1. Hebrews 5:8-14..... 11...it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing....(NASB)

Is the Bible unclear because of being spiritually hard of hearing?

2. 2 Peter 3:15-16 ....some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.(NASB)

Is the Bible unclear because so many receive their instructions from the untaught and unstable?

3. Colossians 2:14-22.....in accordance with the commandments and teaching of men?

Is the Bible unclear to you because you are submitting to the commandments of Men?

4. Titus 1:10-16.....14......not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.....(NASB)

Is the Bible unclear because men trust myths and commandments of men more than Scripture?

5. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ...will not endure sound doctrine; wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,4....(NASB)

Is the Bible unclear to some because they do not like God's view?

6. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12......10....because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false...

Is the Bible unclear because many reject the truth, and God sends them a deluding influence?

7. Romans 1:18-32....28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind...(NASB)

Is the Bible unclear because men reject God and then their depraved mind is activated.

8. Ephesians 4:17-18....18 being darkened in their understanding , being excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart.

The Bible may be unclear to you because a your hard heart.

9. Mark 7:1-8....8 Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men.(NASB)

The Bible unclear to men because they reject God's commandments found in the Bible and follow man-made creed books, books about the Bible, Bible commentaries, church leaders opinions, their own desires and books of so-called new revelation.

God's commandments are found in the Bible alone. Man-made tradition is found everywhere else. 

OBEDIENCE NOT REQUIRED? -----HUH?   BY STEVE FINNELL

The Calvinist answer to the question, "WHAT MUST I DO DO BE SAVED," is, absolutely nothing, God does it all. Calvinists' assert obedience has nothing to do with the salvation of mankind. What do the Scriptures say?

OBEDIENCE

Hebrews 5:8-9 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having  been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.

Jesus became the source of salvation for those who obey Him.

Calvinists' proclaim that God elects  a few to be saved; therefore man's obedience is not required.

TO OBEY JESUS YOU MUST!

A. BELIEVE: John 6:28-29 Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and  said to them, "This is the work of God , that you believe in Him whom He sent."

Obedience is required, the work of believing that God sent His only Son so that men might be saved.

B. BE BAPTIZED: Mark 16:16 ....and has been baptized shall be saved....

Jesus said immersion in water was a prerequisite to salvation. Obedience is required.

C. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Salvation follows the obedience of confession. Yes, men have to do something in order to be saved.

D. REPENTANCE: Act 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Repentance is essential to have sins forgiven.(Repentance means to make the commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God) Obedience is imperative. God does not force anyone to repent. God does not select a few men for salvation and then compel them to have a change of heart.

It takes a highly trained professional and a willing student for  anyone to believe that FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION, AND WATER BAPTISM are not acts of obedience that are required for salvation.

You cannot reject faith, repentance, confession or water baptism as being essential for salvation and honestly claim you learned that from prayerfully searching the Scriptures. YOU NEED EXTRA-BIBLICAL TEACHERS AND OR EXTRA-BIBLICAL SOURCES TO REACH THOSE CONCLUSIONS. 

OBEDIENCE IS REQUIRED!

Acts 5:32 And we are witness of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

The Holy Spirit was given to those who obeyed. 
They obeyed by believing.
They obeyed by confessing.
They obeyed by repenting.
They obeyed by being baptized in water.
AFTER THAT OBEDIENCE THEY RECEIVED THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

OBEDIENCE IS REQUIRED!

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

OBEDIENCE IS REQUIRED!
SALVATION  WITHOUT OBEDIENCE IS AN UNCLAIMED GIFT!

AN AFFRONT TO DENOMINATIONS by steve finnell

An affront to denominations occurs when their doctrines are compared to God's doctrines.

Denominational Doctrines

1. The doctrine of original sin is contrary to God's doctrine.

2. Saved by faith only is contrary to God's doctrine.

3. Worshipping the Virgin Mary by praying to her is contrary to God's doctrine.

4. Teaching that salvation is by grace alone is contrary to God's doctrine.

5. Teaching that men are born totally depraved is contrary to God's doctrine.

6. Teaching theistic evolution is contrary to God's doctrine.

7. Teach that water baptism is not essential to salvation is contrary to God's doctrine.

8. Teaching that there are many Gods and that all men may become a God is contrary to God's doctrine.

9. Teaching that only certain men can baptize is contrary to God's doctrine.

10. Teaching that men are saved before they are baptized is contrary to God's doctrine.

11. Teaching that sprinkling water on men or infants is baptism, is contrary to God's doctrine.

12. Teaching that babies are guilty of sin is contrary to God's doctrine.

13. Teaching that it took God millions or billions of years to create the heavens and the earth is contrary to God's doctrine.

14. Teaching that priests or pastors can forgive men of the sins they commit against God is contrary to God's doctrine.

15. Teaching that once a person is saved they can never be lost is contrary to God's doctrine.

16. Teaching that God chooses a few men to be saved and sends all others to hell is contrary to God's doctrine.

17. Teaching that Jesus is just one of many ways to heaven is contrary to God's doctrine.

18. Teaching that there are modern day apostles who can perform miracles and speak in tongues is contrary to God's doctrine.

19. Teaching that unless you use the baptismal formula, in Jesus name, your baptism is not valid, is contrary to God's doctrine.

20. Teaching that men will get a second chance for salvation when Jesus returns is contrary to God's doctrine.

21. Teaching that men can live a sinful lifestyle without repenting and still enter the kingdom of God is contrary to God's doctrine.

22. Teaching that Christians never sin is contrary to God's doctrine.

23. Teaching that the Bible is untrustworthy so you should use creed books written by men for the complete truth is contrary to God's doctrine.

24. Teaching that men are guilty of Adam's sin is contrary to God's doctrine.

25. Teaching that God is giving new revelation that is equal to Scripture is contrary to God's doctrine.

What God's doctrine does to denominations. It irritates, it offends, it alienates, it antagonizes, it provokes, it angers, it annoys. Yes God's doctrine is an affront to denominations. 

THE WAGES OF SIN by steve finnell

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.(NASB)

The wages of sin is death. The wages for whose sin? Many believe men receive spiritual death because of Adam's sin when they are still in the womb or at birth. The truth is men become spiritually dead because of their own sins.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and death spread to all men, because all sinned---(NASB)

Death spread because all sinned.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,(NASB)

All fall short of God's glory because they have all sinned, not because Adam sinned.

Psalm 51:1-2 O God...2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.(NASB)

David did not ask God to cleanse him of the guilt from Adam's sin.

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a Son: and you shall call His name Jesus , for He will save His people from their sins."(NASB)

Jesus will save people from "their sins." Jesus will not save people from Adam's sin, because no one is guilty of Adam's sin, but Adam.  

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NASB)

Peter said, "The forgiveness of your sins," Peter did not say for the forgiveness of Adam's sin.

Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name!(NASB)

Ananias did not tell Saul to wash away Adam's sin. Ananias said wash away "your" sins.

Colossians 2:12-13...having forgiven us all our transgression,(ASB)

God forgave us all of "our" transgressions. God did not forgive us of Adam's transgression.

There is not one Scriptures that states men have to be forgiven of Adam's sin, the sins of  relatives, sins of friends nor sins of anyone else. 

      

PREDESTINATION? GRACE ALONE?   BY STEVE FINNELL

Did God foreordain those who would receive salvation and predestined all others to eternity in hell? Are men saved by, grace alone, due the the fact God imputes to, a chosen few,  faith so that they might be saved? No, He does not!

The church of Christ was predestined for salvation. Individuals were not predestined, preordained or preselected to become a part of the body of Christ. All men have a choice to accept or reject Jesus as Lord and savior.

Ephesians 1:1-15......5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.....(NASB)

God predestined all who would believe in Jesus as the Christ to have eternal life. God did not select a few men to be saved and all others to burn in hell.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.(NASB)

In order to support to the position of those who believe that men are saved by a system of "GRACE ALONE- PREDESTINATION" by which God gives faith to a few to be saved, you would have to rewrite John 3:16.

THE REWRITE: John 3:16 "For God so loved a selected few of the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that those He imputes faith to, shall not perish, but have eternal life.(MAN-MADE TRADITION)

1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.(NASB)

God desires all men to saved. All men includes every man.

2 John 2:1-2 .....Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not only for ours only, but those of the whole world.

Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Jesus did not shed His blood for only a selected few.

To take the position of, predestination, would mean that men are not responsible for their unforgiven sins. How could men be charged for sins that they have no opportunity to have forgiven.

IF MEN HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY IN REJECTING JESUS OR ACCEPTING FORGIVENESS THROUGH HIM, THAT WOULD MAKE MEN MERE PUPPETS OF GOD.

PREDESTINATION-SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, IS TRULY A MAN-MADE DOCTRINE!   

  

INHERIT ORIGINAL SIN?   by steve finnell

If the false doctrine of original sin is true how would Christian parents pass it on to their children?

Ephesians 5:25-27...just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy  and without blemish. (NKJV)

How would it be possible for the church to be holy without blemish and be able to pass the inherited guilt of Adam's sin to children of Christian parents?

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said , "Behold The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (NKJV)

Does Jesus take away all sin except original sin? Original sin inherited by men is not found in the Bible.

If children of Christians inherit the sin of Adam then why do they not inherit the individual  sins of their parents such as drunkenness, murder, adultery etc.? Why, because children do not inherit any sin at all.

Men are only guilty of the sins they themselves commit.

Men die physically because of Adam's sin.

Men die spiritually because of the their own sins.

The doctrine of total depravity and original sin that is inherited from Adam is a fabrication of men.

How would it be possible to inherit sin from a Christian who has been cleansed of all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ?         

      

CONTEMPORARY PHARISEES AND SCRIBES by steve finnell

 Men who write and, or preach from creed books that add to or take away from Scriptures are following in the footsteps of the Pharisees and scribes. They are contemporary Pharisees and scribes. 

If creed books do not add nor take away from Scripture, then what purpose do they serve? Why not just teach from the Bible and the Bible alone?

Mark 7:1-9 1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes...6 ....."Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written; 'These people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 7 'But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching for doctrine the precepts of men! 8 Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men." 9 He was also saying, "You are experts at setting aside the commandments of God in order to keep your traditions. (NASB)

Proverbs 30:6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.(NASB)

If creed books add to God's words they are lies.

Deuteronomy 12:32 "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. (NASB)

Was God saying that for those living under old testament only? Do those living under the new covenant not have to follow God's commands?

God says do not add too nor take away from prophecy in Revelation. (Revelation 22:18-19)

 God commands us to be immersed in water so we can be saved, have our sins forgiven, enter God's kingdom, be clothed with Christ, be sanctified, be holy and blameless, have transgressions forgiven, and walk a new life. If men deny those truths are they not taking away from God's word? (Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38, Colossians 2:11-13, Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:2-7, Ephesians 5:25-27, John 3:5)

The Bible is God's word.

 Creed books are men's opinions, man-made traditions, additions to and subtractions from God's word.    

REASONS NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE TO AVOID WATER BAPTISM   BY STEVE FINNELL

Here listed are non-Scriptural reasons to reject water baptism.

1. Do not be baptism because it is an act of obedience and obedience is not essential to be saved.

2. Do not be baptized because the thief on the cross was not baptized and he was saved.

3. Do not be baptized because it is essential to join a denominational church, however, you can get into heaven without being baptized in water.

4. Do not be baptized because baptism is a work of the law of Moses, and works cannot saved.

5. Do not be baptized because being baptized by someone is working your way to heaven.

6. Do not be baptized because your preacher said it was not essential in order to have sins forgiven.

7. Do not be baptized because your creed book says you are saved the very minute you believe.

8. Do not be baptized because certain men claim that Mark 16:16 should not be included in the Bible.

9. Do not be baptized because some Bible commentaries state that men are baptized because they have already been saved.

10. Do not be baptized because all of your friends and church members believe that baptism is not essential to the forgiveness of sins.

11. Do not be baptized because it is simply a testimony faith, but is not necessary to be saved.
12. Do not be baptized because God was not smart enough to have Acts 2:38 translated correctly. Baptized for the forgiveness of sins is wrong. It should be because your sins have already been forgiven. Do not be baptized because the Bible cannot be trusted. 

If baptism is not essential to salvation why would you want to get wet?

BIBLICAL REASON TO BE BAPTIZED IN WATER

1. Be baptized so your sin can be forgiven. (Acts 2:38)

2. Be baptized so your sins can be washed away. (Acts 22:16)

3. Be baptized so your trespasses can be forgiven. (Colossians 2:12-13)

4. Be baptized in order to be saved. (Mark 16:16)

5. Be baptized so you can walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

6. Be baptized so you can be freed from sin. (Romans 6:7)

7. Be baptized so you can be saved. (1 Peter 3:31)

8. Be baptized so you can have a clear conscience toward God. (1 Peter 3:21)

9. Be baptized so you can be sanctified and cleansed. (Ephesians 5:26)

10 Be baptized so you can be holy and without blemish. (Ephesian 5:27)

11. Be baptized so you can put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

12. Be baptized so you can enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)

13 Be baptized to you can be saved and added to the Lord's church.(Acts 2:40-41) (Acts 2:47)