Antipodean59's Blog

Restored New Testament Christianity

Archive for the tag “bible”

16 Nov 2011

A logical look at what killed the dinosaurs

The atheist/evolutionist clambers around devising theory after theory to explain the extinction of the dinosaur rather than look at the obvious answer God supplies in Genesis.
The recent discovery in Mongolia of parrot beaked dinosaurs heaped together in a mass grave should stir the mind to look at the atheist/evolutionist argument and logically compare it with the creationists’ alternative.
Be honest with yourself for it doesn’t affect my standing with the Maker upon Judgement Day, just you according to Romans 2:6.

Graham

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10 Oct 2011

The onus is on you to prove it

The apostle Paul said to make sure that one “Prove all things” (I Thessalonians 5:21). Just because something is widely accepted as being true and is therefore the supposed starting point i.e., an axiom, doesn’t prove anything. If it is true then you are under obligation to “prove” it.

The apostle Peter told the 1st Century church to do as much regarding their faith. He said they were obligated to give a “reason” for their “hope” (I Peter 3:15).  For instance the axiom “God is love” needs to be proven with valid reasoning if it is to be convincing. After all faith in such, according to Paul, can only come about by hearing God’s word (Romans 1:17; 10:17) which implies a reasoning mind.

The axiom that is widely accepted as being true is that of organic evolution. That is life somehow started from a single cell and grew to the complexity of life we see before us today.  If that be true then the adherent must prove it to be so.

Here is an excellent article that might help to explain why I say such and help you as well (that is, of course, if you have the willingness of mind to indulge:)

Graham

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Faith, Jesus, New Testament, Religion, Religions, Science and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
29 Sep 2011

So much for religious freedom in the UK

The following information you might find unsurprising if the story emanated from, say, Saudi Arabia, Iran or Afghanistan but no this comes from the UK.

Police invoke public disorder act to shut down Bible verses 

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Current Events, Faith, God, Jesus, News, Opinion, Politics, Religion, Religions and tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
15 Aug 2011

Be careful you do not skew the Bible message by your ommission

An excellent article regarding fundamental Bible understanding where the author says “One must take the “sum” of truth on a

particular item (Psalm 119:160) — not “some” of the truth.”

Go to the article and build your faith.

Graham

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Denominations, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion, Religions, Scripture Error, Truth and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment
09 Jun 2011

Are We Added or Do We Join?

Many people are confused about the question of whether or not one joins the church which the Christ built or is added to it. Some rather casually say that they have decided to join the church of Christ. However, is that statement one that can be made accurately in light of what the Bible says about this subject? To find the answers, consultation of the Scriptures will be necessary. Acts chapter two describes the inception of the church. At the end of the chapter, Luke records this, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). An examination of this verse in the Greek text reveals that “the Lord” is the subject of this sentence. As the subject of this sentence, the Lord is doing the action, which is the Greek word translated “added.” Hence, God is performing the action of adding. Webster’s dictionary from 1828 gives these definitions for “add”: “…1. To set or put together, join or unite, as one thing or sum to another, in an aggregate; as, add three to four, the sum is seven. 2. To unite in idea or consideration; to subjoin… 3. To increase number… 4. To augment…” (E-sword, 2007). Those who were “added” were united or brought into the church by God. The next point that should be understood is the object of the “adding.” The Greek participle and its article “tous (article) sozomenous (participle)” is translated “such as should be saved” which we would understand as “the being saved ones.” This Greek word and its article are in the accusative case meaning that it is the direct object of the verb. “The being saved ones” were being added.

Who then are these saved ones? Our Lord clarified this in Mark chapter sixteen, “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). Jesus plainly stated that the saved are comprised of those that believe and obey the Gospel. Now please consider Acts 2:38-41. Those that were baptized (remember Mark 16:16) were those that had hearkened unto Peter’s sermon. Peter preached the Gospel, (again, please remember Mark 16:16) they believed, and were baptized; thus, becoming part of the saved. And it is the saved that were “added” by the Lord. There is an indirect object in this sentence, as well. The Greek noun and its article “ta (article) ekklasia (noun)” are in the dative case meaning that they are indirect objects. “The church” is the body into which the saved were added. The verb “added” was done to the saved and the saved were placed into the church. All of this was done by God.

The above explanations are somewhat in depth, though certainly not exhaustive. The verse which has been examined is a very simple and straight forward pronouncement of the process in question. Daniel chapter two supports the fact that the Lord adds one to the church, not man.

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the
clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Dan. 2:44-45). This kingdom (which is the church) would not be established or founded by men.

Our Lord said that He would build (establish) His church (Matt: 16:18). The adding of souls to that church was certainly a part of its establishment. Jesus said He would build His church. He is saying by implication that He would be adding to His body. The Lord is head over the church (Col. 1:18); and as Head, He determines the way into His body.

Our Lord rules over His kingdom (Col. 1:13, 18). Headship of the church, salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the giving of commandments to be obeyed belongs to the Christ. The church was prepared, established, and is kept by God and not by man. The church is not a man-made nor human ruled body, to which we may join ourselves at our own discretion and upon our own terms. Acts 2:47 states the matter very plainly: the Lord adds us to church upon our obedience to the Gospel.

John Rose
Naples, Florida

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Denominations, Faith, New Testament, Religion, Religions, Scripture Error, Truth and tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
13 Mar 2011
2 Comments

Refuting those who say Jesus will return to reign on Earth

Many who subscribe to the unscriptural position that Jesus is coming back to earth and will reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem will surely be disappointed according to this outline.

The fact is, the Bible is mans only guide to matters concerning the Kingdom of God and it clearly implies the premillennial doctrine is fantasy.

Graham

Posted in Apostasy, Bible, Deity, Denominations, Faith, False Religion, God, Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion, Religions, Scripture Error, Sin and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
17 Jan 2011

Before you cross your Rubicon

To cross the Rubicon is a metaphor meaning to deliberately go beyond the point of no return.

An interesting article that may open your eyes can be read here

Think about the consequences before you leap!

Graham

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Death, Denominations, Faith, God, Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus, New Testament, Opinion, Religion, Religions, Sin, Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
14 Dec 2010

Be prepared or you will suffer

Degrees of Punishment

“But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.” (Matthew 11:22)

The subject of eternal hell is so repugnant to the modern ungodly world that people desperately search for some scientific rationale to justify their rejection of God’s Word. Charles Darwin was an example. He became an apostate from Christianity, not because of his scientific “discovery” of natural selection, but because of Christ’s teachings that unbelievers (including his own father) would end up in hell.

Nevertheless “the fearful, and unbelieving . . . and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). These are words from God Himself!

But is there no difference in the punishment of, say, blaspheming and wicked unbelievers and the mere careless unbeliever? Yes, there is. As Christ said, the idolatrous inhabitants of Tyre would have repented if they had seen His mighty works, but the Galileans of Chorazin and Bethsaida who had seen His miracles and heard Him preach had not. Consequently they will suffer more.

Similarly, He said concerning those who would reject the gospel preaching of His disciples that “it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:15). The wicked populace of Sodom, “giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh,” will suffer “the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7), but even greater punishment awaits those who willfully reject God’s love in Christ.

There will, indeed, be degrees of punishment in hell, but they will be determined largely in proportion to degrees of “light” rejected. This is an unwanted–but urgently needed–message in these last days!

By Henry Morris (Institute of Creation Research)

 

 

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Death, Denominations, Faith, God, Hell, Jesus, New Testament, Religion, Religions, Sin, Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
18 Nov 2010

If Baptism Is Not a Condition of Salvation, Will You Answer These Questions?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

1.If baptism is not a condition of salvation, why did Peter mention baptism since he was answering the question of what to do to be saved? (2:37).

2. If baptism comes after salvation, would not repentance also follow salvation, since they are joined by the conjunction and?

3. Is not repentance and baptism in this verse both for the same purpose?

4. If salvation comes before baptism, why does Peter say it is “for the remission of sins”?

5. If the phrase, “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38 means because of remission, would not the same phrase in Matthew 26:28 mean because of remission of sins?

6. Did Jesus shed His blood because men were already saved?

7. If Christ did not shed His blood because men were already saved, would it not follow that men are not baptized because they were already saved? The phrase in Matthew 26:28 and Acts 2:38 are identical in both the Greek and English.

8. Would it not be a false doctrine to teach that Christ shed His blood because men were already saved?

9. Likewise, is it not a false doctrine to teach that men are baptized, because they are already saved?

10. If the people on Pentecost were saved before they were baptized, why were they not added to the church until they were baptized, since such as should be saved were added to the church? (2:47).

11. The word church means “the called out” and only those baptized were added to the church. If one is saved before he is baptized, would he be saved before he is called out of the world?

12. Is salvation in the world or in Christ? (2 Tim. 2:10). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “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). “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).

1. Can one be saved and not receive the Word?

2. All who received the Word on Pentecost were baptized.

3. Were there any on Pentecost who were saved that did not receive the Word?

4. Does the Word say baptized for the remission of sins or baptized because of remission of sins?

5. How is it possible for one to be baptized as the Word teaches, and not be baptized for the remission of sins?

6. If you were not baptized for the remission of sins, you were not baptized as the Word teaches and therefore were not saved.

7. If not, why not?

Franklin Camp, Deceased

 

 

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09 Nov 2010

New Testament Church

The following is a chart of information concerning the New Testament church as described in the scriptures. It was constructed by Charles Burke, gospel preacher in Bisbee, Arizona. It is an excellent teaching tool for use in teaching the establishment and organization of the Lord’s church.

1) The Reign Of The New Testament Church

  • In Prophecy – Isaiah 2:2-3
  • In Preparation – Matthew 16:13-18
  • Its Establishment – Acts 2:1-47
  • Its Existence – Hebrews 12:22-29
  • Its Destination – 1 Corinthians 15:24-29

2) The Spiritual Nature Of The New Testament Church

  • A Spiritual House – 1 Tim. 3:15
  • A Spiritual Temple – Ephesians 2:19-22
  • A Spiritual Assembly – Hebrews 12:23
  • A Spiritual Body – 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • A Spiritual Kingdom – John 18:36

3) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between Christ And The NT Church

  • The Builder – Matthew 16:18
  • The Purchaser – Ephesians 5:25
  • The Head – Ephesians 5:22-32
  • The Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11
  • The Saviour – Ephesians 5:23

4) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between The NT Church And Christ

  • The Bride – Ephesians 5:23-32
  • The Body – Colossians 1:24
  • The Kingdom – John 18:36
  • The Flock – Acts 20:28
  • The Candlestick – Rev. 1:12-20

5) The Divine Names Of The NT Church

  • The Church of God – 1 Corinthians 1:2
  • The Church of Christ – Romans 16:16
  • The Church of The Firstborn – Hebrews 12:23
  • The Church – Ephesians 3:10
  • The Kingdom – Matthew 16:19

6) The Biblical Names Of The Members Of The NT Church

  • Christians – 1 Peter 4:16
  • The Children of God – Gal. 3:26
  • Brethren – Gal. 6:1
  • Saints – Romans 1:7
  • Disciples – Acts 11:26

7) Membership Into The NT Church

  • Hear – Romans 10:17
  • Faith – Hebrews 11:6
  • Repentance – Acts 17:30-31
  • Confession – Acts 8:37
  • Baptism – Acts 2:38

8) The True Worship Service Of The NT Church

  • Communion – Acts 20:7
  • Prayer – Acts 2:42
  • Singing – Ephesians 5:19
  • Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
  • Preaching – 2 Timothy 4:1-4

9) The True Organization Of The NT Church

  • Elders (aka pastors, elders, bishops, overseers) – 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Eph. 4:11; Phil. 1:1; Acts 20:28
  • Deacons – 1 Tim. 3:8-13
  • Preacher(s) – 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  • Teachers – Hebrews 5:12-14
  • Members – 1 Corinthians 12:23-27

10) The Purpose Of The NT Church

  • To Evangelize – Matthew 28:18-20
  • To Restore – Gal. 6:1
  • To Worship – Matthew 4:10
  • To Serve – Hebrews 12:28-29
  • To Minister – Gal. 6:10

11) The Divine Authority Of The NT Church

  • Christ Our Saviour – Luke 2:8-13
  • Christ Our Mediator – 1 Tim. 2:5
  • Christ Our Lawgiver – Matthew 28:18-20
  • Christ Our Ruler – Ephesians 1:22-23
  • Christ Our Judge – 2 Corinthians 5:10

12) The Divine Acceptance Of The NT Church

  • Glorious – Ephesians 5:25-27
  • Spotless – 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Holy – Gal. 1:6-9
  • Faultless – 2 Peter 3:16-17
  • Flawless – Jude 1:1

Conclusion
Let us pray that as we consider the above scriptures relating to the church of our Lord, we will always remember that we (the church – Ephesians 5:23, 30) are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (marginal reading – or a purchased people); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

For more information see Essential Pattern

 

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