IS NATURAL BIRTH ESSENTIAL TO BE SAVED?  BY STEVE FINNELL

According to some, men must be born of natural birth to enter the kingdom of God. There are many who declare that Jesus said you must be born of the water (amniotic fluid) to enter the kingdom of God. What did Jesus say?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Was Jesus saying you must be born of natural birth (amniotic fluid) to enter the kingdom of God? Of course not.

Men do need to be born of the waters of baptism to enter the kingdom of God.

On the Day of Pentecost (2:22-41) the apostle Peter preached Jesus as a miracle worker. Peter preached Jesus as both Lord and Christ. Peter told them that God raised Jesus from the dead. When the three thousand believed, they where told to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. After the three thousand received Peter's word they were baptized in water and added the the kingdom of God on earth, which is the church of Christ.
Peter did not tell one soul that they had to be born of natural birth (amniotic fluid) to enter the kingdom of God. The church is the kingdom of God on earth. The requirements for entering the kingdom of God on earth are the same as for entering the eternal kingdom of God. You must be born of water and the Spirit.

The new birth (Acts 2:38) Water baptism and the Holy Spirit.
The new birth (Titus 3:5) Washing of regeneration (water baptism) and renewing of the Holy Spirit (born of the Spirit).
The new birth (John 3:5) Born of water(water baptism), and born of the Spirit (the Holy Spirit).


BEING BORN OF THE WATER OF NATURAL BIRTH (AMNIOTIC FLUID) IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT!  by steve finnell

Are there doctrines being preached today that the apostles did not command?

Acts 15:1-24 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.".......24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law'---to whom we gave no such commandment---

It could be said today that certain men are teaching doctrines that the apostles did not command.

1. Certain men are teaching that you saved are by faith alone; that water baptism is not essential in order to be saved. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

2. Certain men are teaching that we are saved by grace alone; that God selects certain predestined individuals for salvation and that all others will burn in hell. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

3. Certain men are teaching that believing in Jesus is one of many ways to be saved. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

4. Certain men are teaching the men are guilty of the sin of Adam and therefore need to be baptized as infants to have their sins washed away. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

5. Certain men are teaching that God authorized a Pope to be head of the church here on earth. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

6. Certain men are teaching that men cannot seek God and that they have no free-will. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

7. Certain men are teaching that you have to speak in tongues as a sign of your salvation. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

8. Certain men are teaching that God approves of interdenominational and inter-religious worship. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

9. Certain men are teaching the Jesus is not the only mediator between man and God. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

10. Certain men say God did not create the earth in six twenty four hour days; that God took billions of years using theistic evolution. [The apostles gave no such commandment.]

11. Certain men are teaching that women have the right to kill their unborn babies.[The apostles gave no such commandment.] 

  

WASHED IN THE BLOOD BY STEVE FINNELL

All sins have to be washed in the blood of Jesus in order to be forgiven.

Revelation 1:5 and Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.

The question is what are the terms men have to meet in order to have the blood applied? At what point do men contact the blood of Jesus Christ?

When did Jesus wash Saul (the apostle Paul) in His blood?

Saul Believed in Jesus on the road to Damascus and ask Him "What shall I do Lord?" (Acts 22:6-10) Did Jesus wash Saul's sins away with His blood at that moment in time? No, Saul was still not forgiven. Saul was not forgiven the minute he believed.

Saul was in Damascus three days later at the house of Ananias. Ananias layed hands on Saul so he could receive his sight. (Acts 22:13) Did Jesus wash away Saul's sins by His blood at that time? No, Saul was still in his sins.

What was the contact point for the blood of Jesus Christ?

Acts 22:16 ' And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

1. Jesus did not wash away the sins of Saul, with His own blood, the minute Saul believed while on the road to Damascus.
2. Jesus did not wash away the sins of Saul, with His own blood, the minute Saul repented while on the road to Damascus.
3. Jesus did not wash away the sins of Saul, with His own blood, because Saul prayed for three days while on the road to Damascus.
4. Jesus did not wash away the sins of Saul, with His own blood, until Saul arrived in Damascus three days later, when Saul was baptized in water.  

THE TIME OF CONTACTING THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS WATER BAPTISM.

The terms for forgiveness. 1. Faith, John 3:16. 2. Repentance, Acts 2:38 3. Confession, Romans 10:9-10 and 4. The point of contacting the blood of Christ---WATER BAPTISM Acts 22:16    
  

DECEITFUL WORKERS? by steve finnell

Once a person has been deceived it is next to impossible to get them them to repent and and believe the truth. When confronted with the truth they normally will simply ignore it. Pride is a terrible road block to admitting error. Even when Scripture is quoted, it is ignored in favor of a long held lie. No one likes to admit they have been deceived into believing Satan's lies.

2 Corinthians 11: 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.(NKJV)

No one is going to believe someone who openly admits they are perverting the gospel of Christ. Men need to be convinced they are being taught by apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms forms himself into an angel of light.(NKJV)

Satan is the great deceiver.

How are believers in Christ deceived?

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds  may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (KJV)

Adam and Eve spoke directly to God and were deceived by Satan. Why would anyone believe that Satan's spokesmen cannot deceive men today?

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you may well put up with it. (NKJV)

The Jesus of the Bible, the one Paul and the apostles preached, said (Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.)

Are those who claim that Jesus did not mean you had to be baptized in water in order to be saved the deceivers or is Jesus Christ the deceiver?

If you are preaching that Jesus said you do not have to be baptized in water to be saved, are not preaching another gospel plan of salvation?

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (NKJV)

Was the apostle Paul deceiving all men when he told them they all had the opportunity to accept God's grace and be saved or are those who claim God only offers grace to a select few, and that all others will burn in hell are the ones guilty of deception?  

Matthew 4:10 The Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."(NKJV)

Who are the deceivers, the ones who say that praying to the Pope, the Virgin Mary and other dead saints is worship and therefore a sin against God or are the ones who say praying to the Pope, the Virgin Mary, and other dead saints is not worship and is acceptable to God?

Deceitful worker can only flourish when men are too proud to admit the Bible is correct and doctrine contrary to Scripture is a perversion of the truth. 

   

WHAT IS FAITH? BY STEVE FINNELL

What is faith? Faith is believing in something you cannot prove.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (New International Version-1984)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of thing hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (New American Standard Bible)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (King James Version)

I have faith that Jesus is the Son of God. I have faith that He performed miracles. I have faith that Jesus was resurrected from the grave by God the Father. I believe this because I have faith that the historical record of the Bible is accurate, yet I cannot prove it. There are no living eyewitness to confirm that Jesus was who He said He was or that He was resurrected from the dead, I accept it by faith, I believe it, however, I cannot prove it.

Atheists do not believe the fact that Jesus was the Son of God or that there even is a God, they cannot prove their unbelief, they accept it by faith.

Romans 8:24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he already sees?(NASB)

We have hope we have been saved, but we hope because of faith. We cannot prove we have been saved. We believe that we have been save because we  believe, by faith, that the Bible is accurate and trustworthy.

John 20:27-31 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with you finger, see My hands and put them into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!'29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." ...... (NASB)

Thomas had proof that Jesus was resurrected from the grave. Men today cannot prove the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, they accept it by faith.

There were more than five hundred brethren, including the apostles, who saw Jesus alive after He faced death on the cross. They were eyewitnesses, they had proof of the resurrection of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

Those of us alive today have to have FAITH that the Biblical accounts of Jesus and His resurrection are true. We cannot prove they are true. NO ONE IS ALIVE TODAY WHO WAS AN EYEWITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS.

FAITH IS BELIEVING SOMETHING YOU CANNOT PROVE!

NOTE: Atheists believe, by faith, that God does not exists, but they cannot prove it.     

IS AN UNTIMELY DEATH AN INOCULATION AGAINST OBEYING THE GOSPEL? by steve finnell

Some say that immersion in water, [that being baptism], is not essential for salvation. The reasoning is because if a believer should die before he has time to be baptized God would forgive him anyway. Their logic being a loving God would not condemn a person because of an untimely death.

Jesus gave us the gospel terms of pardon. Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved....(NKJV)

If a person can be saved because they died before they were baptized, then, why could they not be saved before they believed that Jesus is the Christ?

If a person heard the gospel, but died minutes before they believed that Jesus is the Christ,  would they be saved? Of course not.

If a person hears the gospel and does not believe nor is not baptized, is it because he died an untimely death or simply because he rejected the gospel terms for pardon.

God has the power to insure that believers have time to be baptized.

In Biblical examples men were baptized the same day they believed. No one died before they had a chance to be baptized. Acts 2:37-41....41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.(NKJV) Acts 8:26-38.....So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. (NKJV) Act 16:25-33.....And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.(NKJV)

[NOTE: There is no Scripture where Jesus says. "Baptism will not save you." There is Scripture where Jesus says "Is baptized will be saved."(Mark 16:16) 

INSIGHT INTO BIBLE PROPHECY #58

Jesus' Coming: Loud and Visible

by David Vaughn Elliott

Ever notice the complete title and subtitle of the initial "Left Behind" book? "Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days." A novel! Indeed! Those who know their Bible have known all along that the fantasies claimed for the "rapture" were just that: a novel. 

For example, they claim it will be secret, that the people supposedly left behind on earth will have no understanding of how and why so many people disappeared. 

A leading "proof text" for the rapture theory is I Thessalonians 4:13-18. What does it say about secret? "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God." Shout! Voice of an archangel! Trumpet of God! Hardly your typical covert operation. 

Long before Paul wrote, Jesus had already specifically warned his disciples not to believe the false prophets who would claim His return to be a secret, hidden affair. "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:26,27). A very public event for all to witness. 

If someone tries to explain to you that Jesus was seen by those "with the eyes of understanding" in 1914, do not believe him. If someone else, just as falsely, tries to convince you that Jesus will secretly snatch away the believers without the world knowing what happened, do not believe him. No TV newsperson will have to tell anybody of the return of Jesus. It will be like the lightning: visible to all. No explanations needed. Everyone will know it is the end. 

Novels may be captivating best sellers; but we would be wise to reject them in favor of the all-time-best-seller: the Bible. 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

FAITH ONLY PROOF-TEXTING BY STEVE FINNELL

The proposition that Christians are saved by faith only is  supported by proof-texting. Using a select verse of Scripture to validate a doctrinal position without using all Biblical accounts is proof-texting.

EXAMPLES OF FAITH-ONLY SALVATION, PROOF-TEXTING.

1. PROOF-TEXT: Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

a. Abraham was not a Christian.

b. Abraham was not saved under the New Covenant.

c. Abraham was also justified by works. (James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?)

d. Abraham did not believe that Jesus was 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.") If you can be saved like Abraham, then you can be saved without believing Jesus was the Son of God.

Was Abraham saved? Yes. Can men living under the New Covenant be saved like Abraham? No, they cannot.

2. PROOF-TEXT: Luke 23:39-43.....43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

a. The thief on the cross was not saved under the New Covenant.
b. If you can be saved like the thief, then you can be saved without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (John 7:39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.)
c.If you can be saved like the thief, then you can be saved without believing in the resurrection of Jesus. (Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.) The thief did not believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus was still alive when the thief was saved.
d. If you can be saved like the thief, then you can be saved without being baptized in water for the forgiveness of your sins.(Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16)

Was the thief saved? Yes. Can men living under the New Covenant be saved like the thief? No, they cannot.

3. PROOF-TEXT: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

a. If by believing only you could be saved, then the demons could be saved.(Matthew 8:28-31 .....And suddenly they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?".....31....the demons......) The demons believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Faith only did not save them.
b. If believing only could save, then men would not have to confess Jesus before men to be saved. (John 12:42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;) (Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father in heaven. 33 "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My father who is in heaven.)

Believing only cannot save anyone.

SAVE BY FAITH ONLY IS A DOCTRINE OF MEN, IT IS NOT GOD'S DOCTRINE.

Men are justified by faith.(Romans 5:1) But not by faith only.
Men are justified by grace. (Titus 3:7) But not by grace only.
Men are justified by the blood of Christ. (Romans 5:9) But not by blood only.
Men are saved by water baptism.(1 Peter 3-21) But not by baptism only.
Men are save by confessing Jesus and believing in His resurrection. (Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10) But not by confession only nor by believing only.
Men are saved by repentance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) But but not by repentance only.

Men living today need to be saved by the terms of the New Covenant. FAITH-John 3:16 REPENTANCE- Acts 2:38 CONFESSION Romans 10:9-10 WATER BAPTISM 1 Peter 3:21

Men can be save in two hours more or less---NO WORKS OF THE LAW OF MOSES NOR GOOD DEEDS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SAVED.

(All Scripture from : NEW KING JAMES VERSION)    

WHO IS A HERETIC?  BY STEVE FINNELL

Heresy is an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and formation of sects. Christian heresy is opinion contrary to the Scriptures. Christian heresy is opinion in opposition to the doctrines of God.

One man's heretic is another man's truth teller.

There are men who believe there are many ways to heaven. Was Jesus being a heretic when He said (John 14:6 ..."I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.)

There are believers in Christ as well as others who believe that that it took God millions or billions of years to create the heavens and the earth. Was Moses being a heretic when he wrote in Genesis of a six day, twenty four hour day creation? (Genesis 1:1-31......31 God saw all that He made, and behold, it was very good. And that was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.)

Many believers in Christ believe and teach that water baptism is not essential to have sins forgiven. Was the apostle Peter being heretical when he said (Acts 2:38 ....and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins..)

Some believe that Jesus is God the Father. Was the apostle Paul guilty of heresy when he said (1 Corinthians 15:20-28.....24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He has abolished all rule authority and power......28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.)

Some men believe that you do not have to believe in Jesus to be saved. Other men assert that water baptism is not a requirement for salvation. Was Jesus demonstrating an act of heresy when He said (Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved...)

There are those who proclaim that Christians cannot fall from grace. Was the apostle Paul deemed a heretic when he said (Galatians 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.)

There are a few who believe that God only offers salvation, by His grace, to a select chosen few. Was the apostle Paul showing his heretical side when he said (Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all men) Gods grace is available to all who accept His terms for pardon.

Are Jesus, Moses, the apostles, and the writers of the Bible, all heretics?

Is it heretical to be opposed to denominational doctrines that are contrary to the facts found in the Bible?

Are Jesus and the apostles heretics because they disagree with denominational doctrines?

WHO IS A HERETIC? 

      

IT TAKES A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL by steve finnell

It takes a skilled professional to convince men that  perversions of the gospel facts are true.

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

It takes a skilled professional to convince men that salvation is not for all who believe in Jesus, because men do not have the free-will to believe. How is it possible to persuade some that God selects only a chosen few for salvation?

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

It takes a master of deception to convince men that water baptism is not essential in order to be saved. No one could reach that conclusion without being convinced by a trained professional.

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)

It takes a competent, skilled, deceiver to persuade men to believe that you can deny who Jesus is and still be on your way to heaven.

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

It takes a professional deceiver to persuade men they can be saved without believing in the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the grave.

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)

It takes a deceiver of certain skills to convince men their sins can be forgiven without repentance.

It takes a master of deception, a skilled professional to convince men the Bible is wrong and that their false doctrines are God's gospel plan of salvation.

No man who is truly seeking God's truth about salvation can read the Bible and reach these perverted conclusions alone. IT TAKES A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL.