MARIAN APPARITIONS: DIVINE OR DEMONIC?

A woman named Maryann recently commented on my personal testimony which I have posted on this blog. In my testimony I tell of how the Lord delivered me out from the darkness of Roman Catholicism. Maryann testified of how she also left the Catholic church as a teen, after she questioned the teachings of the church. Maryann’s mom told her that she was an atheist when she heard her daughter say that she believed the apparitions (appearances) of Mary were Satanic.I was not surprised at all by the reaction that Maryann received from her mom. Why? Because I know that we are involved in spritual warfare, and I know because I was once on the other side of the fence. I was also a staunch defender of the Marian apparitions at Medugorje, Yugoslavia.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the subject at hand, let me give you a brief explanation. Websters New World Dictionary gives the following definition of the word apparition:

1) anything that appears unexpectedly, or in an extraordinary way; esp, a strange figure appearing suddenly and thought to be a ghost

2) the act of appearing or becoming visible. [Websters New World Dictionary, Second College Edition, Prentice Hall Press]

When I speak about the “apparitions of Mary”, I am speaking about the alleged appearances of “Mary” which have occurred over the centuries in places such as Guadalupe in Mexico, Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, Akita in Japan, Medugorje in Yugoslavia and other places. Here are two of the messages which came forth from the apparition of Mary in Medugorje, Yugoslavia which is the “apparition” that I am well acquainted with.

July 18, 1985 “Dear Children, Today I am begging you to put more blessed objects in your homes, and that every person should carry blessed objects on himself. Let everything be blessed so that satan will tempt you less because you are armed against him. Thank you for your response to my call.”

If you search the scriptures you will find no such command from God, regarding placing blessed objects in ones home, or on their person. Growing up as a Roman Catholic I was taught to pray before a crucifix, and I was also taught to wear Marian scapulars which were used as a ” spiritual form of protection”. I also wore the “miraculous medal” which had a graven image of “Mary” on it. That medal came about as a result of another apparition of “Mary” seen by a woman named “Sister Catherine” back in 1830. What does the Miraculous Medal medal have written on it? “Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”

The Bible does not teach us that Mary, the mother of Jesus was conceived without sin, but it teaches this:

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

Regarding the spiritual battle against Satan, the Bible teaches the following:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

We are told in the scriptures about the “spiritual armour” required to fight against those wicked powers. We are told to have our “loins girt with truth” and to put on the “breastplate of righteousness” and to have our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. We are also told to take the “shield of faith”, the “helmet of salvation”, the “sword of the Spirit” and then we are told to pray. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Another message from the “Mary” of Medugorje:

August 8, 1985 “Dear Children, I am calling you to pray against satan in a special way. Satan wants to work more now that you know he is active. Dear children, dress up in clothes of armor against satan; with rosaries in your hands you will conquer. Thank you for your response to my call.”

I assure you that this apparition of “Mary” is NOT the Mary that the Bible tells us about. It is a demonic counterfeit and a camouflage which is meant for the destruction of the soul. I know that because it was the Spirit of truth who brought me out of that very darkness, and He showed me the truth which is found in the scriptures (the Bible).One of the weapons that the Jewish apostle Paul wrote about was the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)The word of God is the weapon that exposes this apparition as being a demonic counterfeit because the message tells its followers to “pray the rosary” which are mainly prayers to Mary. The rosary is not included in the list of spiritual weapons that Paul gave to us. The Bible also informs us that there is only ONE mediator that we need to go to and His name is Jesus Christ.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus is the only mediator because He is the ONLY one who was (and is) both God and man. Jesus Christ is the only one who was without sin and therefore He is the mediator of the New Testament.

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

Here is another one of the messages from the “Mary” of Medugorje: July 25, 1985″

Dear Children, I want to shepherd you but you do not want to obey my messages. Today I call you to obey my messages and then you will be able to live everything that God tells me to relate to you. Open yourselves to God and God will work through you and give you everything you need. Thank you for your response to my call.”

The only problem with the message that came forth from this apparition of “Mary” is that it is in conflict with the very words of Jesus Christ who said:

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)

Jesus Christ is the only good shepherd, and He is the only one who laid his life down for the sheep. His true sheep know the “voice” of the shepherd through His word.Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the comforter and also as The Spirit of truth:

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)

There is the key. Jesus told us that the “Spirit of truth” would testify of HIMSELF and then He said:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-14)

The Spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit) will guide us into all truth and He will glorify JESUS. The apparition of “Mary” spoke about wanting to “shepherd” her followers, but Jesus is the only good shepherd, and the only one that can lead you to heaven. (John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12)

How can we DISCERN whether a “prophetic messenger” is from the Lord, and God-sent? We can discern the root source of a messenger by studying the contents of the message. If the MESSENGER is proclaiming to speak TRUTH in the name of the Lord, BUT the MESSAGE is in contradiction with the word of God (The Bible), then God is definitely NOT the source of that message. Do not ever forget that!

The apparitions at Medugorje have been occurring since 1981. There have been numerous books and videos written in favor of them, not to mention the millions who have gone to visit Medugorje. I have a book entitled “God Sent: A History Of The Accredited Apparitions Of Mary” [ By Roy Abraham Varghese The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York] which has a picture on the back cover of the late Pope John Paul II blessing a copy of the book. That particular book devoted pages 184-213 to the apparitions at Medugorje, so I can only assume that the apparitions at Medugorje were never rejected by that Pope.

Idolatry is the main fruit which comes forth from all of the apparitions of “Mary.” Statues, medals and scapulars are just a few examples of that, and over the years they have sold in the millions.

About a week ago I was talking with a Roman Catholic woman and she was in agreement with me that Purgatory, a Catholic teaching, does not exist. She told me that there is only a heaven and a hell. I then told her that the apparition of “Mary” teaches about purgatory and the souls that are still there. I then asked her if she still believed that it was the real Mary appearing in Medugorje. She answered “Yes, I still believe that the apparition is the real Mary. “

Why is it important to talk about these things? Simply because these are precious souls for whom Jesus Christ died. If we do not sound the alarm and warn them then who will? Do I believe that ALL of the apparitions are demonic in nature? Yes I do, and I will continue to sound the alarm because that is exactly what the word of God commands us to do!.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

AUDIO: MARIAN APPARITIONS: DIVINE OR DEMONIC?

AUDIO: THE DECEPTION OF MARY WORSHIP

SMOTHERING THE GOSPEL TRUTH IN THE LAST DAYS!

It never ceases to amaze me what I hear being preached on the airwaves in this modern day. I came across an interview that Pat Robertson (700 Club) had with a man named Michael Eisner. In that interview Pat fails to give the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Mr Eisner, after the man expressed his concern about “going to Heaven” because of his being Jewish. Pat Robertson then refers to the scripture where it says ” . . . all Israel will be saved . . .” (Romans 11:26)  giving the impression to Mr Eisner that he was alright with God, simply because he was Jewish. Mr Eisner was very delighted by the words which flowed out of the mouth of Pat Robertson, and he then extended his hand across the table and shook hands with Pat Robertson, saying  ”WOW! Thank You very much . . .” and Pat Robertson sat there laughing with him. Here is a video excerpt from that interview:

Why did Pat Robertson hold back the basic Gospel scriptures, which were spoken by Jesus Christ  and his followers? Why do so many preachers soft-soap the Gospel?  I believe with all my heart, the reason so many modern day “preachers” hold back the truth about ALL people being lost without faith in Jesus Christ, is that they know that this type of preaching will bring hatred and persecution, which is exactly what Jesus promised us. (Matthew 10:22, 24:9 John 15:20)  Another reason might be that the donations to certain ministries would greatly decrease, should they preach the truth to the people.

It seems like this soft-soaping of the Gospel is becoming the norm, and not just a random occurence. The end result is that people are left without a true witness of the Gospel. The Bible is emphatically clear that any person who rejects Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Hell. Remember that the scriptures proclaim these truths, and here are some ACTUAL QUOTES from Jesus Christ and his followers:

 The following verse was spoken by Jesus Christ to the unbelieving Jewish people of his day:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40)

The Jewish apostle John walked side by side with Jesus Christ for over 3years, and he wrote this:

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:10-12)

Eternal life is found in the person of Jesus Christ, and there is no ethnic group (including the Jewish people) who are exempt from that biblical truth. John declared that those who do not believe the record (testimony) regarding his Son Jesus Christ make God out to be a LIAR. Mr Eisner should have been told that he needed to repent and believe the gospel, simply because that is what the Bible tells us to do.

Jesus preached repentance before he died:

” . . .  The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)

Jesus preached repentance after he rose from the dead:

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:44-48)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

Folks, Jesus Christ was slain upon the cross for our sins, and the BLOOD that he shed is the only way for a persons sins to be washed away. There is no other way. Jesus made it very clear that a person would be DAMNED if they did NOT believe in him, and that word is as true today, as when he first spoke those words.

Pat Robertson took a scripture out of context and made it sound like Michael Eisner was in good standing with God, simply because he was of Jewish descent. Nothing could be further from the truth. Remember that it is salvation by GRACE and not by RACE!  Besides that, the Israel of God is speaking of both Jewish and Gentile people who believe in Jesus Christ.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:14-16)

Listen once again to the words of Jesus Christ regarding salvation:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Once again the scriptures are clear as Jesus Christ tells us that the believer is NOT condemned, but the UNBELIEVER is condemned ALREADY, because they do not believe in him.

The Jewish apostle John made it clear that the wrath of God was upon every person who did not believe in Jesus Christ

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36):

Those are just a sampling of the scriptures which Pat Robertson could have shared with Mr Michael Eisner that day. Instead, Mr Eisner left the Television studio that day with a false sense of security regarding his very own soul. The following scripture speaks about the majority of the Jewish people who rejected Jesus Christ when he came to them:

He came unto his own (Israel), 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: (John 1:11-12)

Every Christian has the choice to be a servant of man or a servant of God, but you cannot have it both ways according to the apostle Paul:

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

THE SEDUCTION BY ROME IN THE LAST DAYS!

Back in 2005 there was a Pastor who was fired from his job as host on a Christian radio program, because of something that he said on the air. Here is an excerpt from an article from Charisma Now:

“Marty Minto 39, a senior Pastor of the 100 member, Turning Point Community Church in New Castle, was fired earlier this month after three years as a host on WORD-FM in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported . . . Minto said he was told he was ‘alienating listeners’ . . . After the April 2, death and funeral of the Pope, Minto discussed with callers John Paul ll’s deep devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Catholic beliefs, such as Purgatory  . . . I made it clear that the discussion was not an attack on the character of the Pope but rather a look at the teachings – not only of John Paul ll, but of the Catholic Church, Minto said. Minto said he responded to the question about whether the Pope, would go to Heaven with the belief held by many evangelicals that a person must be a born-again believer. [Charisma Now April 21,2005 Online Edition]

Now there was absolutely nothing wrong with what Pastor Minto discussed on his radio program that day. I mean after all, we are supposed to be preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are constantly making it clear to people that the wages of sin is death, and that there is a Heaven and a Hell. Pastor Minto was told that he was ‘alienating listeners’ but that is to be expected, because the true Gospel has always brought confrontation and division, even as Jesus Christ promised it would:

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:32-38)

Pastor Minto is one of a rare breed in this day of apostasy, mixture and compromise. Pastor Minto simply counted the cost, and then he simply spoke the truth, which is what every Christian is supposed to do. His view was diamatrically opposed to the mainstream “Christian” view that does not make waves, lest their ecumenical apple cart of compromise should be disturbed.

I was not surprised by the statement that Pat Robertson (700 Club) made after the death of Pope John Paul ll.

“I am deeply grieved as a great man passes from this world to his much deserved eternal reward. John Paul ll has been the most beloved religious leader of our age – far surpassing in popular admiration the leader of any faith. . . I pray for the Cardinals of the Catholic Church that they might have God-given wisdom in selecting the successor to this great man . . .” [CBN.com Virginia Beach, VA - April 2, 2005]

Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship is another well known ecumenical comromiser, and one of the main people involved in the ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together) document of 1994. Chuck made this statement after the death of Pope John Paul ll.

“Pope John Paul ll was one of the truly heroic figures of the 20th Century . . .I had the honor of meeting his Holiness, and I have been part of a collaborative fellowship called Evangelicals and Catholics Together . . .”[Prison Fellowship Newsroom, Press Kit, Washington, April 2,2005]

What an incredible contrast are the statements of Pat Robertson and Chuck Colson, compared to that which was spoken by Pastor Minto, who was fired from his radio program. I believe that there will be  much more of this type of thing happening in the coming days, as the apostasy snowball gathers incredible speed.

Dr Henry Halley was a man who had a strong conviction that everyone ought to read the Bible. He is best known as being the author of the “Halley’s Bible Handbook” which has sold over 5 million copies over the years. Halley’s Bible handbook started out as a 16 page booklet and it ultimately grew into a 864 page almanac of Biblical information. Near the back of that book there is a small section (pages 757-804) on Church History, which contains the true history of the gross wickedness of the Popes and the Papal persecutions. It also contains the history of those who rebelled against Rome, and sought to reform it. Here are some excerpts from Dr Halley’s book:

“The Papacy’s methods: It brought itself to power through the prestige of Rome, and the name of Christ, and by shrewd political alliances, and by deception, and by armed force; and by Armed Force and Bloodshed has maintained itself in power.”

“The story of the Papacy has been written as a background to the Reformation, in the belief that we ought to be familiar with the wherefore of the Protestant movement and the Historical foundations of our Protestant Faith. Some of the things told herein seem Unbelievable. It seems inconceivable that men could take the religion of Christ and develop it into an Unscrupulous Political Machine on which to ride to World Power. However, all the statements made herein may be verified by reference to any of the completer Church Histories.” [Halley's Bible Handbook, 24th Edition, Zondervan Publishers, pages 783-784]

In her well documented book entitled “Billy Graham And His Friends” Cathy Burns wrote the following concerning the well known Evangelist, Billy Graham:

“Not only does Graham not attack the falseness in the Catholic Church, but he even protects the wrong. For instance . . . around 1961, Billy Graham bought the rights to Halley’s Pocket Bible Handbook. The original Halley’s up until the 22nd Edition (1959), warned about the Jesuits. There are chapters about the Roman Papacy, and the Jesuits. According to Mrs Halley, Mr Halley spent years working on those chapters and never would have permitted the book to be changed. However when he died, Billy Graham bought the rights, and REMOVED all the research and warning about the Jesuits in the editions Billy Graham printed.” [Billy Graham and His Friends, 2001, by Cathy Burns published by Sharing]

I went online to see if I could get a hold of a copy of the Billy Graham Edition,  which Cathy Burns had mentioned in her book. I found the book online (Billy Graham Crusade Edition 1962) and purchased it at a great price, just to see if what she wrote about was true. I already owned a hard cover copy of Halley’s Handbook which contains the information about Rome, and I compared that book with the Billy Graham edition and sure enough, that WHOLE SECTION on Church History was missing! All of the information on the Papal persecutions and the history of the  Popes was nowhere to be found. It was as if those pages never existed in that handbook!

My wife Cathy and I trained and worked as Christian Counsellors for the 1991 Billy Graham Crusade in Central Park NYC. When a person makes a “decision” for Christ at the end of the meeting they are given a card to fill out by the Cousellors. Cathy gave a card to one young lady who had raised her hand, and the lady filled out the card, and put down her local Roman Catholic Church on the card. The Billy Graham organization will then send that lady back to that very same church.

A fisherman will often use what is known as a “lure” to try to catch fish. some of the “lures” that I have seen in the stores are very colorful and attractive. They are made that way because the purpose of the “lure” is to entice and snare the fish, through the promise of the bait. The fish is not aware of the very sharp hook that hides beneath the soft colorful brushlike hairs which hide it very well. Christians are being “lured” into a FALSE and very dangerous UNITY, with the system known as Roman Catholicism. The undiscerning Christian is totally unaware of the deceitful “hook” that is hiding under the “lure” of the colorful UNITY of ALL “Christians” and ultimately ALL religions. They are ignorant and unaware that this DEMONIC deception is geared to the very destruction of their own eternal soul. We would do well to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he spoke before he was killed:

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:3-4)

POPE CALLS POMPEII “THE CITADEL OF MARY”

Pope Benedict XVI called Pompeii  “the citadel of Mary and of hope”  in his visit to Pompeii, according to an AP article By ALESSANDRA RIZZO, Associated Press Writer   Sun Oct 19, 12:58 pm ET

The pope celebrated an open-air Mass in front of the 19th century shrine to the cheers of tens of thousands of faithful.

The pope praised the shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the rosary, and its founder as a beacon of hope and faith. The town was reborn around the sanctuary, he said, showing “how God transforms the world: by filling the heart of man with charity and turning it into an ‘engine’ for religious and social renewal.”

Benedict called Pompeii the “citadel of Mary and hope.”  

FULL AP ARTICLE HERE

The definition of the word citadel according to ”yourdictionary.com” is as follows:

cita·del (sit′ə del′, -dəl)

noun

1. a fortress on a commanding height for defense of a city
2. a fortified place; stronghold
3. a place of safety; refuge

The Bible tells us that the Lord our God, is our refuge, and our fortress, not Mary. The Jewish virgin Mary, was a humble servant, who was used mightily by the Lord, but it ends right there. Mary was a created human being, and a sinner, just like the rest of us. IMPORTANT NOTE: God does not have a mother.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Psalms 91:2)

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalms 62:5-8)

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. (Psalms 142:5)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)

RELATED POSTS:

POLL: SHOULD A CHRISTIAN PRAY TO MARY?

WAS MARY A SINNER OR IS SHE “THE MOTHER OF GOD”?

 

POLL: SHOULD A CHRISTIAN PRAY TO MARY?

WAS MARY A SINNER OR IS SHE ”THE MOTHER OF GOD”?

WAS MARY A SINNER OR IS SHE “THE MOTHER OF GOD”?

What does the Bible teach us about Mary, the mother of Jesus? That is the question of the hour. Was Mary a sinner like the rest of us? Is Mary the mother of God? Should my focus be on Mary or on Jesus Christ?

Was Mary A Sinner?

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” (Luke 1:46-56)

In the passage above we find Mary giving all the praise and glory to God because he regarded her low (humble )estate. Mary also rejoiced in God her Savior, and we know that only sinners need a Savior.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

Mary also recognized the fact that the Lord was remembering the mercy that He had promised to Israel through Abraham and His seed (offspring).

The Lord chose this humble Jewish virgin to bring forth Jesus into the world. He would bring redemption to both Jew and Gentile.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:4-6)

The Lord came into this world at just the right time. The fact that Jesus would be born of a virgin was prophesied by Isaiah hundreds of years before the event actually happened!

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

The word Immanuel (or Emmanuel) means God with us, and that testifies to the deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus would come forth from the womb of this Jewish virgin because Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. There was no human sexual relations between Mary and a man.

“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:21-24)

In the passage above, we are given further proof that Mary was a mere mortal like the rest of us. Mary observed the Jewish Law and she did exactly what that Law told her to do (see Leviticus 12:1-8). Mary was unclean for seven days and on the eighth day she brought Jesus to be physically circumcised, in accordance with Leviticus 12:2-3. Mary then continued in her days of purification (33 days) because that was what was required of her under the Jewish law (Leviticus 12:4). Mary then brought forth the required sacrifices as is written in the following scripture:

“And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.” (Leviticus 12:8)

As recorded in Luke’s gospel account (Luke 2:24), Mary brought forth the offerings required in “the law of the Lord.” It is most important that you see that one of the offerings was for the burnt offering and the other one was for a SIN offering. To declare that the Jewish virgin Mary was conceived without sin is to dispute and contradict scripture. So we may rightly conclude, that according to scripture, Mary was in fact a sinner. I was raised as a Roman Catholic so I formerly observed the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Roman Catholicism teaches that Mary herself was conceived without sin. In other words they teach that she, like Jesus, was born sinless. I turned away from that false teaching.

Is Mary The Mother Of God?

It is obvious from the sections above that Mary cannot be described as the Mother of God, because that would make her deity or divine. Simply put God does not have a mother. The last time that we find Mary mentioned in the Bible is in the book of Acts:

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

Mary is listed in the passage above alongside the other followers of Jesus Christ. Here we find Mary in prayer and supplication along with everyone else. There is not even a hint that she held a position above anyone else in that upper room, nor is there a hint that any of them were praying to her. In the passage below we find a situation where Mary and other family members were outside a room where Jesus was preaching the word of God. Because of the large crowd they could not get inside:

“Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” (Luke 8:19-21)

What did Jesus do when he was told about this? When Jesus was told about this, he told them that his mother and brethren were those who were inside the room listening to him preach the word of God. Why did Jesus make such a statement? He did this because he was showing the people the difference between the natural family and the spiritual family. Yes, Mary was outside. Yes, she was the natural mother of Jesus, but Jesus was showing the people that the spiritual family is what really counts. Jesus showed no partiality even when it came right down to his natural family on this earth. Jesus did not exalt his own mother above anyone else and we should follow that example also.

Should My Focus Be On Mary Or Jesus Christ?

It is rather interesting that the Roman Catholic doctrine regarding Mary mimics actual truth regarding Jesus Christ.

The Roman Catholic teaching known as The Immaculate Conception (Mary being conceived without sin) is a DEMONIC COUNTERFEIT of the sinlessness of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Roman Catholic teaching of The Assumption (Mary was raised into heaven without dying) is a DEMONIC COUNTERFEIT of the actual ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:8-11)

The Roman Catholic teaching of Mary being the Queen of Heaven is a DEMONIC COUNTERFEIT of Jesus Christ being the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalm 136:3, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

The Roman Catholic teaching of Mary as a mediator (mediatrix) is a DEMONIC COUNTERFEIT of Jesus Christ being the one and only mediator for mankind! (1 Timothy 2:5)

I do not apologize for telling you that those teachings are not of God at all. They are demonic in origin and they are meant to divert a persons attention away from the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the only sinless human being to walk this earth. Jesus was the only person who could possibly atone for the sin of the world and that is what he did when he shed his sinless blood upon the cross. Peace has been made through the blood of the cross and a person can be reconciled back to God because of what Christ has done on the cross. (Colossians 2:14, 20, Romans 5:6-10) Jesus Christ rose from the dead and he ascended into heaven where he is reigning NOW as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 17:14, 19:16) After he rose from the dead he told his disciples that ALL power has been given unto him in heaven and earth, and if that does not speak of power and authority then nothing does. (Matthew 28:18-20)

I cannot overemphasize the truth that there is absolutely no hope outside of the person of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is in the Son and Mary has absolutely nothing to do with the salvation of any soul. Satan will do anything that he can do to divert your attention away from the only one who can save your soul, and that is Jesus Christ. You can read my other article “Marian Apparitions: Divine Or Demonic?” or listen to the message on audio.

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

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)

POLL: IS JESUS CHRIST GOD?

POLL: IS JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN?

PREACH THE GOSPEL AND SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET!

We are living in a day where there is an incredible arrogance against the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I remind you that I am not talking about that wishy washy Gospel that mixes the truth with secular man pleasing slogans, and man made tradition. I am talking about the Gospel that was once delivered to the followers of Jesus Christ. Listen to the words of Jesus Christ here and compare them to what is being preached on the airwaves today.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily [truly] I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Matthew 10:14-15) 

Jesus the Christ [Messiah] told His followers to preach the Gospel, and if a certain town rejected their words, Jesus told them to shake even the dust from off their feet. Folks that is some pretty heavy stuff that the Lord spoke, is it not? Not only that, but then the Lord told them that it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on Judgment Day than for that city!

WHAT? How could that be? Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by the Lord hundreds of years before Jesus ever walked this earth!

Yes that is true, but many people are unaware that even though the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by the Lord because of their great sin, it is also true that those same people await that ONE day and the ONE general Judgment of Almighty God!

Where are the people of Sodom and Gomorrah right now? They are in Hell [Hades] awaiting that final day of Judgment.

So why did the Lord testify that it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah then for the towns that rejected His Gospel?

The Lord said that because Sodom and Gomorrah did not have the Messiah Himself [Jesus] preaching in their cities. The people in the towns of Israel had Jesus the Christ [Messiah] actually walk on their ground, something that Sodom and Gomorrah never had. The people in the towns of Israel also had the followers of Jesus the Christ [Messiah] preaching that very same Gospel to them, something that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah never had.

I thank God for the day that I was born again of the Spirit and delivered out from the deception of Roman Catholicism and their man made tradition. I am amazed that so many refuse this soul saving gospel and still hold onto their religion, or atheism or  whatever else they might believe.

Looking Forward To Judgment Day

There are literally billions of people in Hades [Hell] at this present moment awaiting that final day of Judgment.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell [Hades] delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:13-14)

It is truly hard to fathom the thought that the group from Sodom and Gomorrah could have an easier time, on Judgment day, than those that rejected the preaching of the Lord and His followers, but that is exactly what the scriptures declare.

Folks it is going to happen,

exactly the way the Lord said it would happen.

The people who rejected Christ and His Gospel, in the towns of Israel, are also presently in this place called Hell [Hades] right now. When that final day of judgment comes, it will be so much harder for those who rejected the Christ [Messiah] because they will realize that the very King of Kings, and Lord of Lord’s, was in their midst but they refused His counsel.

When you read the book of Acts you will see that same principle at work when the people refuse the preaching of the Gospel by the Lord’s followers:

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 13:50-52)

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ[ Messiah] they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. (Acts 18:5-6)

Folks, do not listen to those bogus ministers who tell you that there is a different plan of salvation for the Jewish people. There is no more abominable spiritual fraud then that. Take the words of Jesus the Christ [Messiah] and study the scriptures for yourself. Listen to the words of Jesus Christ which are printed below, and take them to heart.

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luke 10:9-16)

IS JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN?

Does it really make a difference what a person believes?

Will all religions take us to the same place in the end?

What could be any more important than knowing where you are going to spend eternity? Perhaps the thought of what will happen to your soul after you die has crossed your mind over the years but somehow you manage to squash the thought whenever that happens. Today I would like you to consider that thought and follow it through as I address the question of whether Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Of course this article will be answering that question in the affirmative and I will be using the Bible, which I believe to be the Word of God, to defend my position.

Bible Study Synopsis

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way –

to the Father (John 14:6) – his Father is in heaven ( Matthew 7:21, 10:32-33) so He was telling us that He was the only way to heaven. Jesus also said that some who called Him Lord were not truly His children (Matthew 7:21) but only those who do the will of the Father. Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, and Peter acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah) (Matthew 16:13-17). Either Jesus Christ is the Messiah or He is not! That means that every person on the planet, whether Jewish or Gentile, has a choice to make concerning the Messiah.

The Disciples Found The Messiah -

Andrew declared unto Simon Peter that “we have found the Messias (Messiah) (John 1:40-42) which is another confirmation that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

Jesus Revealed Himself As The Messiah -

To a Gentile Woman – who was a Samaritan. (John 4:21-26). This woman believed in Jesus Christ, along with many others from her village, which shows us that Gentiles were getting saved before Christ died on the cross. Jesus also told this woman that God must be worshiped in “spirit and in truth” showing her that spiritual worship (from the heart) is not and cannot be limited to a physical place, including Jerusalem.

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Savior

- Having proven the case that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) it can be easily shown that Jesus is the Saviour also, and therefore the only way to heaven for anyone.

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

This is a very well known verse of scripture and this is the verse where Jesus makes the claim that He is the only way to the Father. I would like to go to some other scriptures in the Bible where Jesus mentions the Father, and heaven, in the same breath so that you can see the point that I am trying to make. I am doing this because Jesus did not mention heaven in John 14:6 and I know that there will be some that will try to twist the scriptures to say something that they do not say. I want to emphasize the point that Jesus Christ is absolutely the only way to heaven and that there is NOT an alternate route to get there.

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. (Matthew 7:21)Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)

In the verses above we can see that the Father is in heaven. Given the fact that Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father, then it can also be said that Jesus is also the only way to heaven where His Father resides.

The Disciples Find The Messiah

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John 1:40-42)

Here is a very clear verse in the scriptures which show us that Jesus Christ was recognized early on to be the Messiah. Please do not believe those who tell you that there is a different plan for the Jewish people and the Gentile people. There is only ONE Messiah and ONE Saviour according to the scriptures, and His name is Jesus Christ.

I would like to look at some other scriptures from the Word of God just to prove the point that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that He came at a certain prophesied moment in time. The one thing we must remember is that Christ became the sacrifice for sin, so I am moving through the scriptures with that in mind.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17)

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT “I AM”?

Here we are getting to the very root of the question as to whether or not Jesus is the only way to heaven. Here Jesus was asking His very own disciples (followers) what the rest of the people were saying about Him. They responded by telling Jesus that some of the people thought that He was John the Baptist, (resurrected) while others thought that Jesus was the prophet Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets of the past.

At this time Jesus put the very same question to them “But whom say ye that I AM?” And Peter responded by telling Jesus that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. By the way that word Christ means Messiah, so Peter was in fact telling Jesus that He was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Now Jesus makes a very important statement here in telling Peter (Simon Barjona) that he was a blessed man because that spiritual revelation did not come from flesh and blood (meaning another human being) but from His (Jesus) Father in heaven.

Keep in mind that the disciples were hearing the Word of God directly from the mouth of the Lord, which later became part of the book that we now know as the Bible. The Word of God, which is the truth, came directly into the heart of Peter. His “spiritual light” was turned on to the truth that Jesus was in fact the Messiah.

Jesus Reveals Himself As The Messiah

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias (Messiah) cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee AM HE. (John 4:21-26)

In this passage of scripture the Lord comes into contact with a Samaritan woman by divine appointment. This woman was surprised by the fact that Jesus was even conversing with her because the Jews and the Samaritans did not get along with each other. The woman got a glimpse into the prophetic realm when Jesus revealed her sinful past and the fact that she had five husbands, and that she was currently living with a man that was not her husband. (John 4:16-18)

The conversation then turned to spiritual things. The Lord made it clear to the woman that God must be worshiped “in spirit and in truth” stressing the importance of worship from the heart. It had nothing to do with a geographical location. After a while the Lord revealed to this woman that He was the Messiah. (John 4:26)

Do not miss the fact that the Lord specifically mentioned Jerusalem here when He was speaking on the topic of true worship. Jerusalem in Israel is a city much like many other big cities around the world. In that city there are some who worship the Lord Jesus Christ, but for the most part, He is still rejected, as He was when He walked in Jerusalem back then.

Jesus told us that God must be worshiped in Spirit and truth.

Jesus told the woman that a geographical place, including the earthly city of Jerusalem, did not matter because true worship in Spirit and truth precluded that.

Jesus was able to see into the sinful lifestyle of the woman.

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to this same Gentile woman.

When the Lord’s disciples showed up, they were just as perplexed as she was, that Jesus was speaking with a Samaritan woman. The woman then decided to go back and testify to the people from her village.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

Lessons Learned

The Samaritan woman got saved.

The Lord is able to save anybody in the whole wide world, Jewish or Gentile.

The Lord knew the Samaritan woman’s past but still offered her mercy.

The Samaritan woman became an instant evangelist for Jesus.

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Saviour of the world.

Jesus the Messiah was saving Gentiles even before the cross

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Saviour

We have learned through the most recent passage of scripture that many of the Samaritans came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ calling Him the “Saviour of the world”. Given the fact that the Lord revealed Himself to the “woman at the well” as the Messiah, we can naturally conclude that Jesus is both Messiah and Saviour. We can also conclude that Jesus is offering salvation to both Jew and Gentile.

I would like to look at just a few scriptures in the Bible that contain the word Saviour to further prove that Jesus is the only Saviour.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

This verse tells us clearly that the Saviour is Jesus Christ and it mentions the city of David, which is Bethlehem, where Christ (Messiah) was born. That was the very place where Micah the prophet said that He would be born. (Micah 5:2)

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:29-32)

In the passage above we see that Peter confronted the Jewish religious leaders, including the High Priest, and told them that obedience to God was more important than obedience to men. He told them the “God of our fathers” (meaning the God of Israel) was the one who raised up Jesus (from the dead)! Jesus, the one that they killed! Peter then went on to say that Jesus was exalted to be a prince and a Saviour offering forgiveness to Israel. Peter then includes the Holy Ghost in his list of witnesses.

The main thing that I want you to get is that the people of Israel were given the same opportunity that the Gentiles were given to accept this person of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Paul himself said that the gospel was for the Jew first:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

In this next passage of scripture Titus mentions “God our Saviour” and “The Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” within the span of two verses. This not only proves Jesus to be the Saviour but it also proves Jesus is God.

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 1:3-4)

In the next two verses of scripture we learn that there is no other God beside the one who is the just God and Saviour:

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  (Isaiah 43:11)

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (Isaiah 45:21)

In the New Testament book of Acts the same theme is followed, telling us that Jesus Christ is the only name by which a person can be saved:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

Considering the fact that all people on planet earth have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that there are none righteous (Romans 3:10-11) there can be no other way for anyone to be saved apart from the Saviour whom God has provided for us. The blood is the only thing that will atone for the soul (Leviticus 17:11) and the blood that Jesus shed on the cross is the blood that was shed for all mankind.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

We have proven through the scriptures that there is only ONE Messiah who also is the ONE Saviour. Jesus Christ is still the “way, the truth and the life” and there is NOT a single person who will enter heaven unless they come through Him.

The Ethiopian Eunuch Gets Saved

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:25-39)

The angel of the Lord sent Philip to witness to this man.

The angel saw the man studying the book of Isaiah (53:7-8).

The Ethoipian man inquired as to whom Isaiah was speaking about.

Philip immediately preached Jesus unto this man.

The man was baptized and made a public profession

This is the choice for you today, salvation in Christ or damnation without Him.

That is what Jesus taught.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:14-16)

Review

Jesus declared that He was the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)

The Father is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21,10:32-33)

The disciples found the Messiah. (John 1:41-42)

Peter recognized Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-17)

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to a Gentile woman. (John 4:21-26)

The Samaritans recognized Christ to be the Saviour. (John 4:39-42)

Titus told us that God was the Saviour. (Titus 1:3)

Titus told us that Jesus Christ was the Saviour. (Titus 1:4)

Isaiah declared that there is only one Saviour. (Isaiah 43:11, 45:21)

There is none other name to be saved by but that of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:10-12)

The BLOOD of Jesus Christ was shed for YOU. (Romans 5:8-9)

Believers in Jesus Christ are not condemned. (John 3:16-18)

Those who do not believe in Christ are condemned already. (John 3:16-18)

Salvation in Christ or damnation outside of Christ. (Mark 16:14-16)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE . . . AUDIO MESSAGE

WHEN FAMOUS PEOPLE DIE

For some strange reason it seems that whenever a well known person dies it tends to get our attention and makes us think about the afterlife a little more than we usually do.  If we read the newspaper or watch the evening news we will often be given a chronology of that persons life.  If a person was a movie star, the media will talk about their greatest movies and then go on to rehash the intimate details of that persons life.  If  a person was a famous athlete, all of the statistics of that persons career will be given for people to remember.  If a person was a rock star the public will be given the list of their greatest hits, and how many millions of albums were sold over the years.

Often the writers will go on to say that this famous person is now at peace and in Heaven.  Sometimes the newspaper cartoonist will have a cartoon with a sketch of that famous person sitting in the clouds with other famous faces from that same field of business.  If they were a movie star they will show that person with other famous movie stars of the past who have died.  If they were a famous rock star they will tell you that this famous rock star is now “jamming with the music greats in Heaven” who passed on.  If the famous person was a baseball player then perhaps they might show that person sliding into homeplate with the clouds  and the “Pearly Gates” as a background.  This all sounds nice, and it most definitely will evoke many wonderful memories from the past, but the question must be asked doesn’t anybody go to Hell anymore?

Should we go by what the media reports tell us or should we look to the Word of God for the answer to that question?  I choose to belive the Bible and more specifically, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Here the Lord is talking about the way of eternal life, which ultimately takes a person to Heaven.  The Lord Jesus Christ tells us that there are only a few who find it, and not the majority as most people would probably say today.  Many people believe that only hard core murderers and others like them end up in Hell but that is not true.  The Bible tells us this about the human heart:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

It is a natural human tendency for us to see ourselves as basically “good people” but a fair reading of the Bible will show us the exact opposite.  If we examine ourselves using the murderers as the standard then we may not look that bad, but if we let the Word of God examine our hearts then there is not a one of us who will come out “looking good.” The Bible even says this about people who are Christians regarding their former past:

And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

Do you see that?  The Bible tells us that we as believers in Jesus Christ were “by nature children of wrath even as others.”  The only thing that a Christian has to boast about is the mercy and grace that Christ has shown them.  God’s Word tells me that I was a child of wrath by my own very nature!  I deserved nothing but the lowest part of Hell and it was only the Lord who showed me that.  Not only that but the Bible tells us in that passage of scripture that we used to walk in the same way of “disobedience” as “others” which means that the “others” are still walking that way and therefore they are at present still “children of wrath.”

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke often about Hell and He told the story of a rich man who went to Hell and could not get out. In that passage of scripture  the man spoke with Abraham and begged him for water:

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luke 16:24-26)

We can see from this passage of scripture that a person is conscious in Hell and they are most definitely in pain.  The one telling this is Jesus Christ, the creator of Heaven and Earth and the most compassionate person to ever walk this Earth.  I encourage you to read the whole account in Luke 16:19-31 to get a clearer picture of what a person can expect if they die without Jesus Christ.

So this is what happens after death according to Jesus Christ for those who do not turn to Him for salvation.  I remind you that these are not my opinions but they are the words of my Creator, my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ.  The apostle Paul, who was a former murderer, wrote these words:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:8-10)

BIBLICAL PROOF: YOM KIPPUR PERFECTLY FULFILLED AT THE CROSS OF CHRIST!

The Jewish holiday that is known as Yom Kippur (The Day Of Atonement) is a feast day which can be found in the Old Testament, but which has been clearly FULFILLED already in Jesus Christ. You can find the details of this Old Testament feast day in Leviticus 16, 23:26-32 and Numbers 29:7-11. The New Testament fulfillment of Yom Kippur in Jesus Christ can be found by reading Hebrews chapters 8,9 and 10. 

Right before Jesus Christ died on the cross for the SIN of mankind he cried out   

 

 ” . . .IT IS FINISHED . . .” (John 19:30)

which signified that Jesus the Christ (Messiah) had completed and finished the work that the Father had called him to do. It was no coincidence that the veil in the temple was torn in two, the moment that Jesus Christ died. It was no coincidence that it was torn from top to bottom either, because that was a sign that the Lord from above had done this thing. 

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (Matthew 27:50-51) 

In the New Testament book of Hebrews, the writer describes the Old Covenant along with it’s tabernacle offerings and sacrifices, mainly because he is about to show us the ultimate FULFILLMENT in Jesus Christ.

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. (Hebrews 9:1-6) 

The writer describes the Holiest of All (Holy of Holies) which is behind the second veil, in the tabernacle, and which also contained the Ten Commandments, the manna and Aarons rod that budded. He spoke about the service that the priests did in that tabernacle. The high priest would take the blood from the sacrifices, and put it upon the “mercy seat” which was the lid that covered the Ark of the Covenant. 

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (Hebrews 9:7-10) 

In this passage of scripture the Day of Atonement is being described, because that is the day when the High Priest, and him alone went behind that second veil, once a year with the blood offering which would be sprinkled upon the mercy seat. Today we can look back at those events and those sacrifices as types and shadows which pointed to the ultimate BLOOD sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself. Mercy is available for ALL of us today because Jesus Christ became the PROPITIATION (mercy seat) for ALL our sins, (Jewish and Gentile). These are described as carnal ordinances here, and it is speaking about the earthly animals, which were sacrificed, and the earthly ordinances which were meant to point to the HEAVENLY realities, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:11-14) 

Here is the point that I want you to see right here ladies and gentleman. Jesus Christ is described here as the High Priest, and the PERFECT tabernacle. Jesus “tabernacled” among us almost 2000 years ago, and his purpose in coming was to die for our sins, and thus become the ultimate atonement. The Greek word kaphar is what is used here to translate the english word atonement and it is defined as follows: 

to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:– appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). 

The death of Jesus Christ was meant to cover our sins, and to cancel them out in the sight of a holy God. We have been shown the greatest mercy that can possibly be given to any living human being, and what a terrible and soul damning thing, it is to reject this offer of mercy and forgiveness. The Bible makes it very clear that it is the BLOOD alone, which can atone for our souls.

 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11) 

As you take a look at the land of Israel you will notice that there is no longer a Temple standing there where animal sacrifices are being offered. The last temple was ultimately destroyed in 70AD, a judgment which was prophesied by Christ in a parable. (Matthew 22:1-14) The Jewish people still celebrate the feast of Yom Kippur, but they do it in a way, that is obviously unbiblical. I have read that some Jewish people celebrate the feast of Yom Kippur, by killing roosters or hens as atoning sacrifices, which they then swing around their head as a symbol of expiating sins. Others take their money and place it inside a handkerchief, and then give it to the poor. 

As a former Roman Catholic I can remember the little “Gold colored Tabernacle” that sat inside the church, which contained the “consecrated hosts” which were the bread communion wafers. Those wafers were changed  into the ACTUAL body and blood of Jesus Christ through “transubstantiation” according to Roman Catholic teaching. That could be done only by an ordained Roman Catholic priest.

There was a little curtain which covered the tabernacle, which would be opened up by a string, which would then reveal a locked door, which the Catholic priest would open up with a key. The “consecrated hosts” which were not used during the Mass would be placed inside that “tabernacle” and that was known as the “Blessed Sacrament,” where the Roman Catholic people would often come to kneel and pray. This “Blessed Sacrament” was believed to be the “real presence of Jesus Christ” and sometimes a “consecrated host” would be placed inside a monstrance, and be carried in an indoor or outdoor procession. After I was born again the Holy Spirit showed me that this was pure idolatry. 

The bottom line is that there is no atonement for sin for any person in the world, outside of the BLOOD that Jesus Christ shed almost 2000 years ago. A person can gain access into the very presence of God through simple faith in Jesus Christ. 

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:6-9) 

The good news is that God is willing and able to save even the most wicked and vile among us, solely because of the perfect BLOOD that his Son Jesus Christ shed for us. There is no longer a need for an “earthly priest” to bring a sacrifice before the Lord anymore, because Jesus Christ, our great high priest has paid the price in full. Any person, man or woman, rich or poor, black or white, Chinese, or Spanish, Korean or African and every other ethnic group in the world is invited to come to Christ, and have their sins atoned for (covered) because of what Jesus Christ did almost 2000 years ago. When you trust Jesus Christ with your soul, you then become part of the “royal priesthood of believers” in Jesus Christ. 

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO BLESS ISRAEL: PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THEM!

The Lord Jesus Christ told his followers that those people who are not OFFENDED by him are BLESSED. In other words the people who had believed in Jesus Christ are most certainly BLESSED, because God the Father is the very one who sent him to this earth.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Luke 7:22-23)

The word OFFENDED is derived from the Greek word SKANDALIZO and is defined as follows:  to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):–(make to) offend.

Jesus knew that many people were OFFENDED by his claims to be the CHRIST which means MESSIAH, and the majority of Jewish people then, and now do NOT believe that Jesus is the Christ, and the very eternal Son of God. That can also be said for the majority of Gentile people also. I am dealing with the Jewish people in this post to combat the FALSE teaching that the Jewish people are still in COVENANT with God, despite their rejection of Jesus Christ.  I am writing this post to show you that Christ himself did not give any hint that the Jewish people could be BLESSED outside of faith in him.

For the past two thousand years people have been born, and people have died, by the billions. The majority of those people, which includes both Jewish and Gentile people, have died in their SINS. God shows no partiality toward anyone.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

The apostle Peter made it ever so clear to the people of Israel, that there was no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. Any person in this modern day who preaches a different message is not being inspired by the Spirit of God, but by the father of lies. The testimony of the apostle Paul still stands TRUE to this day:

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:13-23)

That is the message for the Jewish people in this modern day also. There cannot be a BLESSING upon the Jewish people outside of FAITH in Jesus Christ. You need not fear a CURSE coming upon you my dear fellow Christian, if you are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people, the EXACT same way that you preach it to everybody else. Do not be FOOLED by the modern day preachers who love to rub elbows with the modern day politicians, and who love to elevate Jewish leaders without ever preaching repentance and faith in Jesus Christ to them. Read the Gospel accounts and the book of Acts and you will see a church who never minced words, who stood for the truth and suffered greatly for that stand. What you are witnessing today, is a BOGUS Christianity, where the Gospel is witheld and ethnic and national Israel is exalted. Let Jesus Christ be your example (Read the Gospel accounts). Let the apostle Paul be your example. (Read Acts 9, Acts 26) Let the disciple Stephen be your example (Read Acts 7) Do not ever forget the words of Jesus Christ himself, where he told us that those who did not believe in him were ALREADY CONDEMNED! Whose report will you believe? Will you believe the report of Jesus Christ, the one who created ALL things (John 1:1-3), and who laid down his life for you, (Romans 5:8-9) or the report of the modern day wolves, who seek to please men, and enjoy the pleasures of this world?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

FALSE UNITY ALERT: TBN SELLING ROMAN CATHOLIC BOOKS

I have a book entitled “The Glories Of Mary” by St Alphonsus Liguori which encourages people to call upon Mary and to pray to her in time of need. This same book (different publisher) is actually being sold at the TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), along with many, many other books about Mary, the Rosary, Pope Benedict, Pope John Paul II, The Roman Catholic Mass etc. I was aware that TBN compromised with Rome, but I must say that I was amazed at the volume of Roman Catholic material that is being sold through their website. Check out this short video to see for yourself.

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I am so glad that the Lord opened my eyes to the truth about salvation back in 1989, and delivered me from the gross deception of Roman Catholicism. I now have discernment in these things simply as a result of the Holy Spirit, opening the scriptures to me and pointing me to Jesus Christ.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)

Not only that but I know that the BLOOD of Jesus Christ has delivered me from the wrath to come, and I have no fear about going to Purgatory: The Place That Does Not Exist.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

As a new creation in Jesus Christ, I do not need any Catholic masses to be said for me either, because the great high priest Jesus Christ, has paid the price in full for me at the cross. If the BLOOD of Jesus Christ is not sufficient to pay for our sins then nothing will ever be enough. I am saved by the mercy and grace of almighty God, and that is good enough for me.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

What we need now in this modern day is another reformation to rekindle these simple and basic Bible truths, and less of the absolute compromise, capitulation and demonic square dancing that we see in places such as TBN.

Here is an excerpt from a book  entitled “The Glories Of Mary” which is available for sale on the TBN website.

“Bernard de Bustis relates that a bird was taught to say ‘Hail Mary’ A hawk was on the point of seizing it, when the bird cried out ‘Hail Mary!’ in an instant the hawk fell dead. God intended to show thereby, that if even an irrational creature was preserved by calling on Mary, how much more would those who are prompt in calling on her when assaulted by devils, be delivered from them.” [The Glories Of Mary, By St. Alphonsus Liguori, TAN Books and Publishers, Rockford, Illinois, 61105, page 67]

The Devil will always steer a person away from the only hope and refuge for their soul, and that is the person of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to check out the other resources listed below for further understanding on this subject.

THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD

In this article I would like to speak with you today concerning the authority of God’s Word. Here is a brief outline of this article.

The New Testament Men Of God Honored God’ Word- The apostle Paul declared that all scripture is inspired by God and is everything we need in the way of righteousness. Peter one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ, and an eyewitness to many incredible miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ, exalted the Word of God above them all. (2 Peter 1:16-21) We can depend upon the Word of God to be a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105) We must not mix the Word of God with man made tradition, psychology, our own opinions or anything else. Any type of mixture will produce a perverted and corrupt Gospel.

The Old Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word – Jeremiah said that it brought a rejoicing to his heart (Jeremiah 15:16) and he compared it to fire and a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29) Isaiah declared that the Word of God was the determining factor of whether a person had “light” in them. (Isaiah 8:20)and that the word of God would never return void. (Isaiah 55:11) Job said that God’s Word (spiritual food) was more important than his necessary (physical) food. (Job 23:12)

The Old Testament Prophecies Prove God’s Word True- Micah prophesied the birthplace of Jesus the Messiah in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2/Matthew 2:6) Zechariah prophesied that the King of Israel, just and having salvation, would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9/Matthew 21:1-5) Isaiah prophesied of the death of the Messiah approximately 700 years before the event actually took place. (Isaiah 53:1-12) No other “Holy Book” can make the claim that the Bible makes because no other book has Biblical prophecies with a 100 percent accuracy rate.

Jesus Christ Honored The Word Of God - Jesus Christ quoted from God’s Word three different times in fighting off the devil when he came against Him. (Matthew 4:1-11, Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, 6:13) and Christ also declared that the very words He spoke would be what judged us in the last day. (John 12:48)

The New Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The apostle Paul penned those words nearly two thousand years ago and they are just as true today as they were back then. We need not look any further than the scriptures themselves, to find everything we need, concerning the salvation of our soul and how to continue on in our walk with the Lord. It is all found in the Word of God.

The apostle Peter was one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ and as a close companion of Christ he was a witness to the many things that Jesus did.

Peter Was There When:

Jesus performed many incredible miracles

Jesus cast demons out of the possessed

Jesus raised the dead to life again

Jesus healed the sick of their diseases

Jesus caused a raging storm to cease with three words “Peace Be still”

Jesus was transfigured on a mountain top and spoke with Elijah and Moses about His coming death at Jerusalem

And yet after all of those amazing experiences Peter wrote the following words:

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21)

The apostle Peter shows us in this excerpt from one of his letters that he knew the value of the scriptures and he placed them above any of the experiences mentioned above. Peter made a point of writing down the fact that he was there as an eyewitness of the majesty of Christ upon that holy mount (mountain) when the glory of God shone upon Jesus Christ. Peter was referring to the time when he along with John and James saw Jesus Christ transfigured before their very eyes and they saw the glory of God all over Him. They also saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about the death which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:28-31)  I encourage you to read the gospel accounts in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:1-13, and Luke 9:28-36 because there is much to learn there.

Peter contrasts that awesome mountaintop experience, described above with the “more sure word of prophecy” which are the scriptures themselves. Peter learned through experience that even after being an eyewitness to such great things that his faith could still be attacked. Do not forget that Peter denied the Lord three times when trouble came his way, and the rest of the disciples also vanished at that same point in time. Peter would eventually learn to trust in the Lord and the infallibility of His Word and stare death in the face. (John 21:18-19).

We cannot separate TRUE faith from believing the Word of God. They are absolutely inseparable. If you say that you believe in God then you must believe the words that He spoke! And within the Word of God you will find the right path that God wants you to take.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

A fatal trap that many people fall into is when they start to MIX the Word of God with something else and therefore pollute the scriptures and come up with a mixture that will lead them astray.  Beware of those who add their own books and place them alongside the Bible and tell you that they are on an equal par with God’s Word.  The Lord does raise up people to teach and help others understand His Word but we are not to ADD or TAKE AWAY from His Word.

It is NOT the Word of God plus the traditions of man

It is NOT the Word of God plus man made psychology

It is NOT the Word of God plus man made opinions

It is NOT the Word of God plus something else

It is JUST the Word of God!

The Old Testament Men Of God Honored God’s Word

Jeremiah the prophet said this regarding the Word of God

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29)

Isaiah the prophet said this regarding the Word of God

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

Job the man of God said this regarding the word of God

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:12)

The Bible has something that every other “Holy Book” does not have and that is prophecy.  There are scores of prophecies that are found in the Bible and many of them deal specifically with Jesus Christ.  This is not one of those tabloids that you buy in January that makes some predictions, most of which never happen but these are prophecies that were spoken hundreds of years beforethe evnts actually took place. Can you name ONE other “Holy Book” that can make that claim? Do not think too hard because there are NONE! Here are just a few references that you can check out for yourself.

The Old Testament Prophecies Prove God’s Word True

Micah, the prophet declared that the Messiah, the one who was “from everlasting”, meaning eternal, was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and that is the very place where Jesus Christ was born. (Matthew 2:6)

Zechariah the prophet prophesied that the King, who is just, and having salvation would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (ass). (Zechariah 9:9) and Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (ass) just as Zechariah declared He would! (Matthew 21:1-5)

Isaiah prophesied of the death of Christ almost 700 years before the event actually took place. (Isaiah 53:1-12) and Christ, the Messiah, died just as he prophesied. (John 19:30)

There are absolutely scores of other prophecies in the Bible and I encourage you to take the time to study them for yourself.

Jesus Christ Honored God’s Word

Jesus Christ Himself used the Word of God to refute the temptations and the lies of the devil when he came to tempt him in the wilderness. Three different times the Lord quoted from the book of Deuteronomy , and He preceded each of those quotations with the words “IT IS WRITTEN!” (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, 6:13) refuting the DEVIL at every single point with the scriptures. (Matthew 4:1-11)  If the Lord Jesus Christ found the Word of God to be that important, how much more do we need to know and use the Word of God ourselves? Not only that but Jesus told us that the very words that He spoke would be what would judge us in the end:

Have Ye Not Read?

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? (Matthew 12:1-5)

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (Matthew 19:3-4)

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.(Matthew 22:31-32)

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: (Mark 12:10)

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. (Psalms 118:22)

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)

Preach God’s Word

It is the Word of God that makes all the difference and it is the Word that needs to be preached to the lost souls all over the world. The pulpit is the place where the Word of God is to be preached and expounded on because it is the truth that sets people free. It is not a crime to have a healthy and sanctified sense of humor but when that becomes the rule and jokes become too common it can cheapen the gospel and send off the wrong message to the listeners especially when souls are at stake.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5 )

MP3 AUDIO: THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD

Elaina commented    “Keep spreading the Good News!!!! I have gained so much from this!!!!”

FALSE UNITY ALERT: POPE’S MARATHON BIBLE READING WITH MUSLIMS AND JEWS

An article over at  BREITBART said that the Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI would begin a Bible reading marathon starting Sunday.

“Pope Benedict XVI will kick off a week-long reading of the Bible on Italian television starting Sunday, with readers to include three former presidents and Oscar-winning actor Roberto Benigni.

Some 2,000 people will take turns reading the Bible’s 73 books, from the Old Testament’s Genesis to the New Testament’s Book of Revelations, at Rome’s Holy Cross in Jerusalem basilica.”

” . . .  A number of Muslims and Jews will also take part, but Rome’s grand rabbi Riccardo Di Segni declined an invitation, telling Italian media the event seemed “too Catholic” for him though he had total respect for the initiative.”  (FULL ARTICLE HERE)

Many people are unaware that the Roman Catholic Bible contains a group of additional books which are known as the APOCRYPHA, and those books are not accepted by the majority of Christians today. The Roman Catholic Bible has 73 books, whereas the most common Protestant Bibles, such as the KJV which I use, has 66 books. The Roman Catholic Bible also contains 2 additional chapters (Daniel 13-14) which cannot be found in the KJV Bible.

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SURVEY: 57 PERCENT OF EVANGELICALS BELIEVE OTHER RELIGIONS LEAD TO ETERNAL LIFE!

A recent survey by the PEW FORUM on Religion and Public Life declared the following:

“Most Americans agree with the statement  that many religions – not just their own – can lead to eternal life. Among those who are affiliated with a religious tradition, seven-in-ten say many religions can lead to eternal life. This view is shared by a majority of adherents in nearly all religious traditions, including more than half of members of evangelical Protestant churches (57%).” (pewforum.org)

So according to this survey then, 57% of people who sit inside Evangelical churches do not believe the words of Jesus Christ which he spoke in the following verse:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

That verse is probably the best known verse in the Bible regarding the claims of Christ and his being the only way. He declares here that NO MAN will get to the Father [in heaven] unless they come through him. That same 57%  of Evangelicals would also disagree with the following words spoken by Jesus Christ.

And he (Jesus) said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:23-24)

In the passage above Jesus the Christ [Messiah] was speaking to the Jewish religious leaders who refused to believe in him. He told them that he came from above [from heaven] and that they were from beneath [this earth]. Then the Lord Jesus Christ made a very bold proclamation that they would die in their sins if they did not believe in him [that he was the Messiah, Son of God]. That is a very heavy duty scripture passage and it still stands true today, as it has for the past two thousand years. Now check out the following words by Jesus Christ once again:

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. (John 8:42-47)

Jesus continued to speak with the Jewish people who refused to believe in him. Jesus waxed even bolder in telling them that the DEVIL was their father. Folks this is the pure unadulterated truth of God’s word that is found in the Bible.  If a person makes the claim to be a Christian, and a BELIEVER in JESUS CHRIST, then they must be in agreement with the words of Jesus, and BELIEVE his words, or they make him out to be a liar. If they do NOT believe the words of Jesus Christ then they would fit into the very same category of the people that Jesus was rebuking in this passage!  Read it again here: “And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” and again here: “And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”  Is it possible then that the 57 percent of Evangelicals are NOT really Christians at all? Jesus himself gave us the answer:  ”He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

People often twist the scriptures to their own destruction and still make the claim that they are Christians. How can  people (57%)  believe that there are many roads that lead to eternal life, when there are scriptures like the following throughout the Bible.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

The words above were spoken by the apostle Peter, and here he was speaking to many people including “the people of Israel.” Peter let it be known loud and clear that there was absolutely no other name, than that of Jesus Christ, by which a man might be saved.

What about the people of Islam? Do they believe that Jesus Christ is the only name by which a person might be saved? Of course they do not. In fact they teach that God does not even have a Son, which is obvious heresy and false teaching. Can they expect to end up in heaven believing what they believe? Not according to the REAL Jesus Christ they can’t. There are tons of different belief systems throughout the world who deny that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, such as the Hindus, Buddhists and many other groups. They too will find themselves shut out of Heaven according to the REAL Jesus Christ.

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made him a LIAR; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:9-12)

The apostle John tells us here that the person who does not believe the record [testimony] that God gave of his Son, Jesus Christ, makes him out to be a LIAR. Can we not declare that those 57% are in fact calling God a LIAR? How about YOU? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven?

That same apostle John wrote the following:

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

John could not make it any clearer than this here, and he is in full agreement with the rest of the scriptures in making this proclamation. The wrath of God is already abiding upon the people who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ, and that wrath can only be removed through repentance and faith in him. Can that group of 57% of Evangelicals be trusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to evangelize the lost, if they do not believe that everyone is lost without Jesus Christ? It is obvious that they cannot be trusted with the Gospel, because Jesus himself said that those who did not believe in him would be DAMNED. Something to think about.

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16) 

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HAVE YOU BEEN HOODWINKED BY A RELIGIOUS FALSE UNITY?

A recent article in the Times Online entitled  “Pope Benedict XVI Selects Rabbi to speak to Roman Catholic Synod” by Richard Owen in Rome (September 25, 2008) got my attention.

“In an historic move to reinforce Jewish-Catholic dialogue Pope Benedict XVI has asked an Israeli Rabbi to become become the first Jewish spiritual leader to address a Roman Catholic synod.

Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said Shear-Yashuv Cohen, Grand Rabbi of Haifa, would address the two day Synod of Bishops in Rome next month, convened by the Pope to discuss the Bible, with the theme “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.”

More than 200 bishops are expected to attend. Rabbi Cohen is to explain to the bishops the Jewish interpretation of the Bible, whose first five books comprise the Torah, Judaism’s most sacred writings. He told the Catholic News Service (CNS) in Jeusalem that he saw the invitation as a “signal of hope bringing a message of love, coexistence and peace for generations.”

Rabbi Cohen is already well known in Italy and the Vatican for his active promotion of Jewish-Catholic relations. In April Pope Benedict, who has followed John Paul II in giving priority to Jewish-Catholic dialogue, became the first pontiff to enter a synagogue in the United States. He is also due to meet Muslim scholars in the Vatican this autumn.” (UK Times Online, Richard Owen, September 25,2008)

This is just another example of the emerging false unity that has hoodwinked and bamboozled the majority of people throughout the world, (and the “church”). It has always amazed me how so few Pastors will ever speak up about these issues for the fear of offending people. What a contrast this is to what you will find in the Bible, which is the Word of God. Listen to the Jewish apostle Paul as he testifies before King Agrippa:

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. (Acts 26:8-11)

This is the beginning of a true testimony from a man who had a genuine conversion to Jesus Christ. Paul by his own admission, gave his voice against many true believers in Christ, and allowed them to be put to death. Paul was an absolute madman in his persecution of the “saints” and in the prison he compelled them to commit blasphemy. Please take notice here that the “saints” were living believers in Jesus Christ, and every true Christian can also claim that title.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. (Acts 26:12-15)

This is one of the most amazing passages in the entire Bible. Here Paul is testifying before a King, by divine appointment (Mark 13:9) and he is telling him that Jesus Christ confronted him out of the sky. Paul made it clear to King Agrippa that the light he saw, was even brighter than the Sun in the sky at the middle of the day. Go outside and try to stare at the Sun at noontime to get an idea of what Paul was telling Agrippa. Do not look too long because you may cause damage to your eyes. This voice from the sky identified himself as Jesus, and this must have put the fear of God into the heart of Paul, considering the fact that he was on his way to persecute Christians.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:16-23)

We must all be amazed at the mercy of God right here folks. Paul was an absolute tyrant in his persecution of Christians, and yet God not only SAVED him, but he commissioned him to preach the very same gospel that he formerly despised! Paul was given a commission from the ultimate commander from Heaven above. That message has not changed one drop since the day that the Lord delivered it to Paul. That message is the same for Pope Benedict XVI as it is also for Rabbi Cohen, and as it is for the Muslim scholars that the Pope is going to meet with in the autumn. Paul was told to preach to the people so that their “eyes” (spiritual eyes) may be opened, and that they may turn from darkness to light. Keep in mind that Jesus is called the “light of the world” (John 8:12) Paul was told to preach so that the people would come out from the power of Satan unto God. Every person without Jesus Christ is totally unaware that they are operating under the power of Satan (the “god of this world”, 2 Corinthians 4:4). That was the case with Paul until he was confronted by the power of Jesus Christ, and that was the case with EVERY person (including myself), until the moment we converted to Christ. Paul then spoke about receiving the forgiveness of  sins and the ultimate inheritance (in Christ), and ultimately Heaven.

Paul continued to testify before King Agrippa and he told him that he did not DISOBEY that vision from Heaven. He told him that he preached at Damascus, Jerusalem, Judaea and then to the Gentiles. The message that he gave to them all was that was that they should REPENT, and do works proving that they repented. The Gospel is not a gospel of works but there will be a “fruit” of a true conversion when it takes place. Take a look at Paul before and after his conversion, and that should give you an idea of what this means.

Then Paul went on to tell King Agrippa that the Jews caught him in the Temple and wanted to KILL him. Paul was formerly one of them, and now he has made a complete turn around (repentance) and he was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do not miss the fact that Paul told King Agrippa that he was preaching nothing outside of what Moses and the Prophets declared would come to pass. In the love of Jesus Christ, I must say that this is something that Rabbi Cohen needs to read for himself for the sake of his own soul. Paul made it clear that the Old Testament prophets had prophesied the very suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That message is what every human being needs to hear and it will never change. There is nothing wrong with dialogue as long as the TRUE GOSPEL is preached and people understand that they will die in their sins without Jesus Christ. (John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12)

The false unity that has hoodwinked the multitudes throughout the world will continue to grow, and the true believers in Jesus Christ will continue to suffer persecution. In the USA, we as Christians have not suffered what others have suffered throughout the world, in places like India, but I believe that this will change very soon. Friends, do not be hoodwinked by the false unity that is growing by the minute, but stick close to the REAL Jesus Christ, the one according to the scriptures.