What does your church teach you about God's Kingdom?
Remember the model prayer that Jesus taught his followers to pray? It said in part, "Let your Kingdom come and your will be done (or take place) . . ." (Matthew 6:10) So, since you're praying for it, does it make sense that you know a little about it? What is your churches position on the matter? What does it do? and Why should be pray for it to come?
Did you know that Jesus is King of that Kingdom? Luke 1:31-33 says, "You are to name him Jesus. This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as King over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his Kingdom."
This Kingdom was the central theme of Jesus' preaching. Matthew 9:35 says, "Jesus set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the Kingdom and curing every sorte of disease and every sort of infirmity."
Jesus gave his disciples a sign to help them know when the Kingdom was about to come. Matthew 24:7 says, "For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one pkace after another" and then in verse 14 after he finished telling them about this "sign" of the end of this system of things, he continues "And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
God's Kingdom - The location:
God's Kingdom is a real government set up by God in heaven, Daniel 2:44, Matthew 4:17
The Purpose of that Kingdom:
God's Kingdom will transform the earth into a paradise home where all humans will live in peace and harmony and never get sick or die. Psalm 37:10-11, 29 God's Kingdom will, "wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mournng nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4 then in verse 5 it says, "And the One seated on the throne said: "Look! I am making all tehings new" also, he says: "Write, for these words are faithful and true.""
The Rulers in that Kingdom:
God appointed Jesus as the King to rule in heaven along with the 144,000 co-rulers who have been bought from the earth. Luke 1:30-33, 12:32, and Revelation 7:4, 14:1-3
The Subjects of that Kingdom
The subjects of the Kingdom will live here on earth and willingly submit to Jesus' rulership and obey the Kingdom laws. Matthew 7:21
Today, it is Jehovah's people earthwide that are busy preaching and teaching this good news of the Kingdom to as many hearers as possible. Would you care to learn more about this Kingdom? Is this what your church is teaching you about this Kingdom?
What the Truth can do for you! God, who can only speak truth, offers you and all obedient people here on earth the hope of everlasting life. (John 3:16)
What do you need to do? - Learn what God's word of truth says - John 17:3, 17
Choose to obey God as your ruler - Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Apply God's practical guidance in your life - James 1:25
Jehovah's Witnesses all over the world are experiencing the benefits of lerning the truth from the Bible. They will be happy to share what they are learning with you. To learn more about God's purpose for humans, see Chapter 3 of the book What Can the Bible Teach Us? published by Jehovah's Witnesses and is available online at www.JW.org for free.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
14. Is Jesus God?
So just who was Jesus? Is he God? Is he God's Son? Is he God in his son? Since there seems to be a bit of confusion on the subject, I thought I'd use the Bible and a little bit of common sense reasoning to answer this question.
Q: Is Jesus God? What does the Bible say?
A: John 1:33b-34 says: ‘Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one who baptizes in holy spirit.’ 34 "And I have seen it, and I have given witness that this one is the Son of God.”
Discussion:
Common Sense - Q: If Jesus is God, when he was on earth, who did he pray to? or as some would say it, "To whom did he pray?"
A: Matthew 6:9-10 says: 9 “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth." Jesus here continues to use the word "your" which signifies that he is talking to or referring to someone other than himself. He refers to: Your name, your kingdom, your will. This is not a term someone would say when referencing his own property. Hebrews 1:9 says: ". . . that is why God, your God, anointed you . . . more than your companions."
Here in this prayer or model prayer, Jesus prayed not to himself, but to his Father who was in the heavens. He asked to let His name be sanctified, for His kingdom to come, for His will to take place.
Q: If this is a prayer to God, was he praying to himself?
A: He must have been praying to his father since he continually referred to: your name, your kingdom and your will.
Q: How did the Apostle Peter refer to Jesus? Did he consider Jesus to be God?
A: Matthew 16:16 says: "Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”"
John 17:1 Jesus asks: "Father, glorify your Son" and in vs. 3, it says, "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you the only true God and the one you sent, Jesus Christ.
So just what is The Truth About God and Christ? Let's consider first: Just Who is God? and What is God's name?
God himself says: "I am Jehovah. That is my name." (Isaiah 42:8) The personal name of God appears some 7,000 times in the Bible. However, many Bible translations improperly substitute this name with a title, such as "Lord." God wants you to be his friend, so he encourages you to "call on his name." (Psalm 105:1)
Does God go by titles? What are the titles for God listed in the Bible?
The Bible refers to Jehovah by such titles as
1. God
2. The Almighty
3. The Creator
4. The Father
5. Lord and also
6. Sovereign.
Many prayers are recorded in the Bible in which Jehovah is addressed by both a respectful title and also by his personal name, Jehovah. Daniel 9:4
God's Form
God is an invisdible spirit. (John 4:24) The Bible confirms that "no man has seen Godl." (John 1:18) The Bible reveals his feelings. People can cause him grief, or they can bring pleasure to him. (Proverbs 11:20; Psalm 78:40-41)
God's Attribuites
God is impartial toward people of all nations and backgrounds. (Acts 10:34-35) He is also merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth. (Exodus 34:6-7) However, 4 attributes of God are especially appealing. Power is one. Since he is God Almighty, he has unlimited power to accomplish whatever he promises. (Genesis 17:1) God's Wisdom surpasses that of anyone else including computers and anything else man may have or ever will create. In that sense, The bible says that he alone is wise. (Romans 16:27) Justice is another quality we can rely on. God always does what is right. His actions are perfect and he is never unjust. (Deuteronomy 32:4) The Bible says that God is Love (1John 4:8) which is another quality we can rely on. Not only does God show love, he is the very personification of love. His superlative love influences everything he does, and it benefits us in many ways. All of these qualities sets God apart from any other creation.
So just what is the difference between God and Christ? Jesus is not God. Jesus is unique, he is the only person created directly by God. That is why the Bible calls him God's Son. (John 1:14) is one of a number of scriptures that refer to Jesus as God's Son. After creating Jesus, Jehovah used his firstborn as "a master worker" to create everything and everyone else. (Proverbs 8:30-31, Colossians 1:15-16)
Jesus never claimed to be God instead, he explained: "I am a representtive from God, and that One sent me." (John 7:29) When speaking tro one of his disciples, Jesus called Jehovah, "my Father and your Father" and "my God and your God." (John 20:17) After Jesus died, Jehoah resurrected him to life in heaven and gave him great authority at His right hand. (Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:32-33) It is not logical that he sat at his own right hand. And it does not take Jesus to complete the Godship figure. Jehovah was God before the creation of His son.
Jesus reflects God's qualities perfectly in fact so closely that he could accurately say: "whoever has seen me, has seen the Father also." (John 14:9) Jesus drew people to God by reflecting his Father's love in his own words and deeds. He said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) He also said; "True worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him." (John 4:23) Notice that Jesus here is talking in the 3rd person as if talking about someone else instead of referring to himself. Imagine that! Jehovah is looking for people like you who want to get to know the truth about him.
Q: Is Jesus God? What does the Bible say?
A: John 1:33b-34 says: ‘Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one who baptizes in holy spirit.’ 34 "And I have seen it, and I have given witness that this one is the Son of God.”
Discussion:
Common Sense - Q: If Jesus is God, when he was on earth, who did he pray to? or as some would say it, "To whom did he pray?"
A: Matthew 6:9-10 says: 9 “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth." Jesus here continues to use the word "your" which signifies that he is talking to or referring to someone other than himself. He refers to: Your name, your kingdom, your will. This is not a term someone would say when referencing his own property. Hebrews 1:9 says: ". . . that is why God, your God, anointed you . . . more than your companions."
Here in this prayer or model prayer, Jesus prayed not to himself, but to his Father who was in the heavens. He asked to let His name be sanctified, for His kingdom to come, for His will to take place.
Q: If this is a prayer to God, was he praying to himself?
A: He must have been praying to his father since he continually referred to: your name, your kingdom and your will.
Q: How did the Apostle Peter refer to Jesus? Did he consider Jesus to be God?
A: Matthew 16:16 says: "Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”"
John 17:1 Jesus asks: "Father, glorify your Son" and in vs. 3, it says, "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you the only true God and the one you sent, Jesus Christ.
So just what is The Truth About God and Christ? Let's consider first: Just Who is God? and What is God's name?
God himself says: "I am Jehovah. That is my name." (Isaiah 42:8) The personal name of God appears some 7,000 times in the Bible. However, many Bible translations improperly substitute this name with a title, such as "Lord." God wants you to be his friend, so he encourages you to "call on his name." (Psalm 105:1)
Does God go by titles? What are the titles for God listed in the Bible?
The Bible refers to Jehovah by such titles as
1. God
2. The Almighty
3. The Creator
4. The Father
5. Lord and also
6. Sovereign.
Many prayers are recorded in the Bible in which Jehovah is addressed by both a respectful title and also by his personal name, Jehovah. Daniel 9:4
God's Form
God is an invisdible spirit. (John 4:24) The Bible confirms that "no man has seen Godl." (John 1:18) The Bible reveals his feelings. People can cause him grief, or they can bring pleasure to him. (Proverbs 11:20; Psalm 78:40-41)
God's Attribuites
God is impartial toward people of all nations and backgrounds. (Acts 10:34-35) He is also merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth. (Exodus 34:6-7) However, 4 attributes of God are especially appealing. Power is one. Since he is God Almighty, he has unlimited power to accomplish whatever he promises. (Genesis 17:1) God's Wisdom surpasses that of anyone else including computers and anything else man may have or ever will create. In that sense, The bible says that he alone is wise. (Romans 16:27) Justice is another quality we can rely on. God always does what is right. His actions are perfect and he is never unjust. (Deuteronomy 32:4) The Bible says that God is Love (1John 4:8) which is another quality we can rely on. Not only does God show love, he is the very personification of love. His superlative love influences everything he does, and it benefits us in many ways. All of these qualities sets God apart from any other creation.
So just what is the difference between God and Christ? Jesus is not God. Jesus is unique, he is the only person created directly by God. That is why the Bible calls him God's Son. (John 1:14) is one of a number of scriptures that refer to Jesus as God's Son. After creating Jesus, Jehovah used his firstborn as "a master worker" to create everything and everyone else. (Proverbs 8:30-31, Colossians 1:15-16)
Jesus never claimed to be God instead, he explained: "I am a representtive from God, and that One sent me." (John 7:29) When speaking tro one of his disciples, Jesus called Jehovah, "my Father and your Father" and "my God and your God." (John 20:17) After Jesus died, Jehoah resurrected him to life in heaven and gave him great authority at His right hand. (Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:32-33) It is not logical that he sat at his own right hand. And it does not take Jesus to complete the Godship figure. Jehovah was God before the creation of His son.
Jesus reflects God's qualities perfectly in fact so closely that he could accurately say: "whoever has seen me, has seen the Father also." (John 14:9) Jesus drew people to God by reflecting his Father's love in his own words and deeds. He said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) He also said; "True worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him." (John 4:23) Notice that Jesus here is talking in the 3rd person as if talking about someone else instead of referring to himself. Imagine that! Jehovah is looking for people like you who want to get to know the truth about him.
13. Does God hear all prayers?
12. When your religion says that God hears your prayers.
Q: Does God hear all prayers?
A: Matthew 6:5-6 says: “Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.
Discussion:
So, as you read in vs. 5 above, do you think God is listening to the prayers of the hypocrites? Before you answer, consider what would make a persons’ prayers unacceptable to God:
A. When the football game begins, the players of “Team A” all huddle in a circle and pray to their god to win the game. The players of “Team B” all huddle in a circle and pray to their god to win the game. Whose side is god on? If “Team A” wins, does this show that the god of “Team A” was the stronger or better god? Did god favor “Team A” for some reason?
B. After the race, the winner is interviewed. He acknowledges that it was because of his relationship with god that allowed him to win. This is not an uncommon statement for people to say during their interview. But does this make any sense? Was god really favoring him during this race?
C. Matthew 6:5 says, “When you pray, you must not be as the hypocrites, because they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the broad ways to be visible to men. Truly I say to you, they are having their reward in full.”
D. Proverbs 28:9 says, “He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law of God, even his prayer is something detestable.”
E. Micah 3:4, “At that time they will call to Jehovah for aid, but he will not answer them. And he will conceal his face from them in that time, according as they committed badness in their dealings.”
F. James 1:6-7, “Let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. In fact, let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from Jehovah.”
G. James 4:3, “You do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose, that you may expend it upon your craving for sensual pleasure.”
So back to the question:
Q: Is he listening to you when you Pray?
Q: Does God hear all prayers?
A: Matthew 6:5-6 says: “Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.
Discussion:
So, as you read in vs. 5 above, do you think God is listening to the prayers of the hypocrites? Before you answer, consider what would make a persons’ prayers unacceptable to God:
A. When the football game begins, the players of “Team A” all huddle in a circle and pray to their god to win the game. The players of “Team B” all huddle in a circle and pray to their god to win the game. Whose side is god on? If “Team A” wins, does this show that the god of “Team A” was the stronger or better god? Did god favor “Team A” for some reason?
B. After the race, the winner is interviewed. He acknowledges that it was because of his relationship with god that allowed him to win. This is not an uncommon statement for people to say during their interview. But does this make any sense? Was god really favoring him during this race?
C. Matthew 6:5 says, “When you pray, you must not be as the hypocrites, because they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the broad ways to be visible to men. Truly I say to you, they are having their reward in full.”
D. Proverbs 28:9 says, “He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law of God, even his prayer is something detestable.”
E. Micah 3:4, “At that time they will call to Jehovah for aid, but he will not answer them. And he will conceal his face from them in that time, according as they committed badness in their dealings.”
F. James 1:6-7, “Let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. In fact, let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from Jehovah.”
G. James 4:3, “You do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose, that you may expend it upon your craving for sensual pleasure.”
So back to the question:
Q: Is he listening to you when you Pray?
12. Was "man" created?
Q: Was "man" created? Or did he evolve from nothing?
A: Genesis 1:27 says: "And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them."
Discussion:
It has been agreed upon and proven that man, at some point in time, came into existence.
Q. How long have men/humans been on the earth?
A. Scientists say that men have been on the earth for millions of years. They also say that somewhere between 40,000,000 and 60,000,000 years, there seems to be a void. In their response, there’s a void of some 20,000,000 years. They have differing philosophies depending on which textbooks you read. Then when they think that all has been settled, they come up with a new carbon dating system that throws everything into a loop. The final answer is, with the equipment and technology as it exists today; they really have no way of telling.
B. A minimal amount of logic causes us to question, “If we’ve been here so many millions of years, how is it that only now, in the last few thousand years, that we (mankind) have begun to count time? How come that property down the street from your house has never been lived on? How come with all the advances we are now experiencing, that only in the last 150 years or so, we have experienced technical and modern inventions such as the radio, TV and now the computer? What were we doing for the last 40-60 millions of years? It just doesn’t make sense that mankind is that old. And if we accept the scientists version of how old we are, what happened with such great differences between 40,000,000 and 60,000,000 years? Remember, that’s 20,000,000 years unaccounted for! Then think about this: With this line of thinking, do you mean to tell me that we have lived here on the earth for 59,998,000 years on only in the last 2,000 years decided to invent a monetary system of coins? And even if they were correct in their estimation of when man came into existence, what do they say was on earth before the last 60,000,000 years?
C. Some scientists as well as religionists admit that after the flood of Noah’s day, which most accepted trained historians agree upon, that no equipment currently available is able to accurately tell the date of an object even when using the carbon 14 dating system.
D. The Bible has a different version of accountability. It is a mathematical genealogy that suggests that Adam was created in the year 4026 B.C.E. (before our common era). They began counting time in the year 1 C.E. (in our common era). There was no -0- year.
E. Logic would then have it that our living in the year 2000 really begins to make sense. However, would it be possible that we have been here on the earth for the millions of years scientists claim and just about 2000 years ago they decided to start counting the years? Why not start counting time some 50,000,000 or 60,000,000 years ago? Their logic just does not make any sense when you begin to ask logical questions about their illogical position.
F. However, a logical conclusion would be that we are now living in the beginning of time. It would also make sense that if we are living in the beginning of time, that we would be constantly crossing over new horizons in the various fields of inventions, just as we are doing in today’s world. Things that were invented only a few years ago are of no value in today’s world. Our modern world has taken on a completely new horizon and continues to do so every year. What is modern today is obsolete tomorrow. Can you still adjust your TV antenna? Do you know where to buy a needle for your record player? Try find an 8 track player for your cassette. Do you remember when Air Conditioners and Radios were just invented and were options in your newly purchased vehicle?
A: Genesis 1:27 says: "And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them."
Discussion:
It has been agreed upon and proven that man, at some point in time, came into existence.
Q. How long have men/humans been on the earth?
A. Scientists say that men have been on the earth for millions of years. They also say that somewhere between 40,000,000 and 60,000,000 years, there seems to be a void. In their response, there’s a void of some 20,000,000 years. They have differing philosophies depending on which textbooks you read. Then when they think that all has been settled, they come up with a new carbon dating system that throws everything into a loop. The final answer is, with the equipment and technology as it exists today; they really have no way of telling.
B. A minimal amount of logic causes us to question, “If we’ve been here so many millions of years, how is it that only now, in the last few thousand years, that we (mankind) have begun to count time? How come that property down the street from your house has never been lived on? How come with all the advances we are now experiencing, that only in the last 150 years or so, we have experienced technical and modern inventions such as the radio, TV and now the computer? What were we doing for the last 40-60 millions of years? It just doesn’t make sense that mankind is that old. And if we accept the scientists version of how old we are, what happened with such great differences between 40,000,000 and 60,000,000 years? Remember, that’s 20,000,000 years unaccounted for! Then think about this: With this line of thinking, do you mean to tell me that we have lived here on the earth for 59,998,000 years on only in the last 2,000 years decided to invent a monetary system of coins? And even if they were correct in their estimation of when man came into existence, what do they say was on earth before the last 60,000,000 years?
C. Some scientists as well as religionists admit that after the flood of Noah’s day, which most accepted trained historians agree upon, that no equipment currently available is able to accurately tell the date of an object even when using the carbon 14 dating system.
D. The Bible has a different version of accountability. It is a mathematical genealogy that suggests that Adam was created in the year 4026 B.C.E. (before our common era). They began counting time in the year 1 C.E. (in our common era). There was no -0- year.
E. Logic would then have it that our living in the year 2000 really begins to make sense. However, would it be possible that we have been here on the earth for the millions of years scientists claim and just about 2000 years ago they decided to start counting the years? Why not start counting time some 50,000,000 or 60,000,000 years ago? Their logic just does not make any sense when you begin to ask logical questions about their illogical position.
F. However, a logical conclusion would be that we are now living in the beginning of time. It would also make sense that if we are living in the beginning of time, that we would be constantly crossing over new horizons in the various fields of inventions, just as we are doing in today’s world. Things that were invented only a few years ago are of no value in today’s world. Our modern world has taken on a completely new horizon and continues to do so every year. What is modern today is obsolete tomorrow. Can you still adjust your TV antenna? Do you know where to buy a needle for your record player? Try find an 8 track player for your cassette. Do you remember when Air Conditioners and Radios were just invented and were options in your newly purchased vehicle?
11. When your church says to get involved with the government of your land
Q: Is it wrong to be involved in the government of the land where you live?
A: Micah 4:3-5 says: 3 "He will render judgment among many peoples And set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.
4 They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one will make them afraid, For the mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken. 5 For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, But we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever."
Discussion:
Does your church encourage you to be actively involved in your local Government or does your church advocate being politically neutral?
A. At the beginning of a war, the priest (clergy, church leader, pastor etc.) shows up on the side of Country “A”. He blesses the guns and the soldiers. Another priest (clergy, church leader, pastor etc.) from the same religious shows up on the side of Country “B” and blesses the guns and their soldiers. During the war, each side kills soldiers from the other side. There were Catholics and Protestants fighting for Country “A” and for Country “B”. Does the outcome of the war prove which side God was on? Was he on either side? If now, who were the priests praying to? Was God listening to their prayers? Does God approve of war? If not what were the priests doing there supporting the war efforts?
B. Ephesians 6:12 says, “because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”
C. Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will no be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
D. Daniel 3:15-18 (here King Nebuchadnesszer demanded that the faithful Hebrews known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego worship the image he created in recognition of his government/kingdom) He said: “you will fall down and worship the image that I have made. But if you do not worship at that same moment, you will be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. And who is that god that can rescue you out of my hands? (their response was) O Nebuchadnesszer, we are under no necessity in this regard to say back a word to you. If it is to be our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us, out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O King, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, O King, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up, we will not worship.
E. Consider: Daniel 7:10, Revelation 12:3-4, 9. What is your churches position on this?
Also, on the topic of voting -
When your religion says that you should be involved in the voting process of your land.
Q. Is it wrong to vote?
A. The meaning of voting does not carry with it a negative atmosphere. And depending on what you are voting for, it may not be wrong to vote. However, when voting for a government or for the political system, your vote attaches you as a member of that agency. Due to the previous items of research, it becomes obvious that Jehovah does not take lightly a persons’ involvement with the governments of the world.
B. Revelation 14:9 If anyone worships the wild beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he will also drink of the wine of the anger of God that is poured out undiluted into the cup of his wrath. In the Bible book of Revelation, the governments of the world are called the “wild beast”. There is the image of the wild beast and it has seven heads and ten horns. The worlds’ governments are also referred to as the Kings of the Earth. Would you like to learn more about this “wild beast”? Please ask me! There exists ample information on this subject.
C. So . . . what’s your churches position on being involved in your government? Do they encourage you to get involved? Did you know and were you aware that almost all religions on the face of this earth encourage you to be involved in the government in the land in which you are living?
6. When your religion says that they approve of the mixing of Government with their religion.
Q. How does God view my religions involvement with the Government?
A. Religions of the world are viewed in the Bible as Babylon the Great and as the Great Harlot. Revelation 18:9-11 “And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her, when they look at the smoke from the burning of her while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say, ‘Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived.’ Also the traveling merchants of the earth are weeping and mourning over her, because there is no one to buy their full stock anymore.”
B. So . . . Is the church you are currently a member actively involved with the government in your land? Do they encourage your participation?
A: Micah 4:3-5 says: 3 "He will render judgment among many peoples And set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.
4 They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one will make them afraid, For the mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken. 5 For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, But we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever."
Discussion:
Does your church encourage you to be actively involved in your local Government or does your church advocate being politically neutral?
A. At the beginning of a war, the priest (clergy, church leader, pastor etc.) shows up on the side of Country “A”. He blesses the guns and the soldiers. Another priest (clergy, church leader, pastor etc.) from the same religious shows up on the side of Country “B” and blesses the guns and their soldiers. During the war, each side kills soldiers from the other side. There were Catholics and Protestants fighting for Country “A” and for Country “B”. Does the outcome of the war prove which side God was on? Was he on either side? If now, who were the priests praying to? Was God listening to their prayers? Does God approve of war? If not what were the priests doing there supporting the war efforts?
B. Ephesians 6:12 says, “because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”
C. Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will no be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
D. Daniel 3:15-18 (here King Nebuchadnesszer demanded that the faithful Hebrews known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego worship the image he created in recognition of his government/kingdom) He said: “you will fall down and worship the image that I have made. But if you do not worship at that same moment, you will be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. And who is that god that can rescue you out of my hands? (their response was) O Nebuchadnesszer, we are under no necessity in this regard to say back a word to you. If it is to be our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us, out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O King, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, O King, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up, we will not worship.
E. Consider: Daniel 7:10, Revelation 12:3-4, 9. What is your churches position on this?
Also, on the topic of voting -
When your religion says that you should be involved in the voting process of your land.
Q. Is it wrong to vote?
A. The meaning of voting does not carry with it a negative atmosphere. And depending on what you are voting for, it may not be wrong to vote. However, when voting for a government or for the political system, your vote attaches you as a member of that agency. Due to the previous items of research, it becomes obvious that Jehovah does not take lightly a persons’ involvement with the governments of the world.
B. Revelation 14:9 If anyone worships the wild beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he will also drink of the wine of the anger of God that is poured out undiluted into the cup of his wrath. In the Bible book of Revelation, the governments of the world are called the “wild beast”. There is the image of the wild beast and it has seven heads and ten horns. The worlds’ governments are also referred to as the Kings of the Earth. Would you like to learn more about this “wild beast”? Please ask me! There exists ample information on this subject.
C. So . . . what’s your churches position on being involved in your government? Do they encourage you to get involved? Did you know and were you aware that almost all religions on the face of this earth encourage you to be involved in the government in the land in which you are living?
6. When your religion says that they approve of the mixing of Government with their religion.
Q. How does God view my religions involvement with the Government?
A. Religions of the world are viewed in the Bible as Babylon the Great and as the Great Harlot. Revelation 18:9-11 “And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her, when they look at the smoke from the burning of her while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say, ‘Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived.’ Also the traveling merchants of the earth are weeping and mourning over her, because there is no one to buy their full stock anymore.”
B. So . . . Is the church you are currently a member actively involved with the government in your land? Do they encourage your participation?
10. Can I Just go to church? any church?
Q: Does your church say that all churches acceptable to God?
A: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone saying to me Lord Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? and yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you, get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Discussion:
9. When your church suggests the main thing is just go to any church.
Q. How does God view my religion?
A. 2Timothy 3:3-4 says: "For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories"
B. Revelation 18:2 “She has fallen. Babylon the Great has fallen and she has become a dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhilaration and a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird.”
C. Revelation 18:4-5 “Get out of her my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.”
D. Micah 3:11 “Her own head ones judge merely for a bribe, and her own priests instruct just for a price, and her own prophets practice divination simply for money; yet upon Jehovah they keep supporting themselves, saying: ‘Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? There will come upon us no calamity.’”
E. Revelation 19:2 “For he has executed judgment upon the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication and he has avenged the blood of his slaves at her hand.”
F. Jeremiah 29:8-9 “ Let not your prophets who are in among you and your practicers of divination deceive you, and do not you listen to their dreams that they are dreaming. For it is in falsehood that they are prophesying to you in my name. I have not sent them.
G. So . . . What is your churches position on this question? Does God approve of your religion?
A: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone saying to me Lord Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? and yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you, get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Discussion:
9. When your church suggests the main thing is just go to any church.
Q. How does God view my religion?
A. 2Timothy 3:3-4 says: "For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories"
B. Revelation 18:2 “She has fallen. Babylon the Great has fallen and she has become a dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhilaration and a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird.”
C. Revelation 18:4-5 “Get out of her my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.”
D. Micah 3:11 “Her own head ones judge merely for a bribe, and her own priests instruct just for a price, and her own prophets practice divination simply for money; yet upon Jehovah they keep supporting themselves, saying: ‘Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? There will come upon us no calamity.’”
E. Revelation 19:2 “For he has executed judgment upon the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication and he has avenged the blood of his slaves at her hand.”
F. Jeremiah 29:8-9 “ Let not your prophets who are in among you and your practicers of divination deceive you, and do not you listen to their dreams that they are dreaming. For it is in falsehood that they are prophesying to you in my name. I have not sent them.
G. So . . . What is your churches position on this question? Does God approve of your religion?
9. As long as your a good person, Does it matter?
Q: If I am a good person and don't do bad, isn't this acceptable to God?
A. Romans 10:2 says: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God, but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God."
Discussion:
8. When your religion teaches in principle that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are good and don’t hurt people.
Q. Is it possible to have a zeal for doing good and still be unacceptable to God?
A. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.”
A. Romans 10:2 says: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God, but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God."
Discussion:
8. When your religion teaches in principle that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are good and don’t hurt people.
Q. Is it possible to have a zeal for doing good and still be unacceptable to God?
A. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.”
8. Just what is Christmas
Q: Does your church celebrate Christmas?
Discussion:
7. When your religion practices or condones the celebrating of Christmas
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas? Does your church celebrate it?
A. What does a fat person in a red costume sliding down a chimney, flying on a sleigh with reindeer have to do with the birth of Christ? I mean,
1) can reindeer even really fly?
2) If this belief is taught by your church and it’s a lie, why in the world would they promote it?
3) Do you promote this lie to your children? Is it OK to tell a lie if your motives are pure? Are your motives here pure?
It is an established fact that Jesus died when he was 32 ½ years old. It is a known fact that Jesus died in late March or Early April. Backing off 6 (six) months from the end of March, the month is late October or early November. How is it possible that he was born in the end of December?
It was stated that the wise men came across the land to bring him (who later turned out to be Jesus) gifts.
Q: Who were these wise men?
Q: What was their real purpose of finding Jesus?
Q: Who sent them?
Q: Why do some churches display the “nativity” scene which often includes these wise men offering gifts to Jesus as well as the star which led them to Jesus when considering the following information?
Q: Is it possible that these churches simply haven’t read the following data yet?
Q: Is it possible that they’ve read the information but just don’t understand what they’re reading?
Q: Is it possible that in this case, the blind are leading the blind?
Q: Is it possible that their ways are just so steeped into religion that they don’t want to change their position for fear of losing their flocks?
A: Compare: Matthew 15:14. Are you being taught and educated by a blind guide? Matthew 2:7 “Then Herod secretly summoned the astrologers and carefully ascertained from them that the time of the star’s appearing . . . vs. 14 says, “However, because they were given divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another way. After they had withdrawn, look! Jehovah’s angel appeared in a dream to Joseph saying: ‘Get up, take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I give you word; for Herod is about to search for the young child to destroy it!’”
1. The wise men were not intending to bring gifts to Jesus as its advertised in religions. They were going to learn of his location, report back to King Herod and have him killed.
2. The star was obviously not Jehovah or one of his angels, because Jehovah knew the purpose of the three wise men. So the only logical explanation of the Star that guided the wise men to Jesus must have been Satan.
3. The sheep were out in the pastures.
4. In December, the weather in Jerusalem is extremely cold and there would have been snow on the ground. During the winter months, the shepherds put their sheep into barns and kept them out of the cold.
5. It is common for parents of today to tell them that Santa Clause is real. They make cookies for him and give gifts to their children from him.
Q: Is lying to your children about this occasion proper?
Q: Is it something that builds trust in your kids?
Q: Is it possible that once your kids grow up and learn the truth that they might conclude that it’s OK to lie about certain subjects depending on the situation?
There is sufficient proof that this holiday is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God if you observed or advocated it, now would it?
Q: Do you feel that it is no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends?”
Q: I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
Q: So . . . what’s your churches position on the issue of Christmas?
Q: D you still feel that it's No big deal?
Q: How about other so called religious holidays? Please continue reading on other pages.
Discussion:
7. When your religion practices or condones the celebrating of Christmas
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas? Does your church celebrate it?
A. What does a fat person in a red costume sliding down a chimney, flying on a sleigh with reindeer have to do with the birth of Christ? I mean,
1) can reindeer even really fly?
2) If this belief is taught by your church and it’s a lie, why in the world would they promote it?
3) Do you promote this lie to your children? Is it OK to tell a lie if your motives are pure? Are your motives here pure?
It is an established fact that Jesus died when he was 32 ½ years old. It is a known fact that Jesus died in late March or Early April. Backing off 6 (six) months from the end of March, the month is late October or early November. How is it possible that he was born in the end of December?
It was stated that the wise men came across the land to bring him (who later turned out to be Jesus) gifts.
Q: Who were these wise men?
Q: What was their real purpose of finding Jesus?
Q: Who sent them?
Q: Why do some churches display the “nativity” scene which often includes these wise men offering gifts to Jesus as well as the star which led them to Jesus when considering the following information?
Q: Is it possible that these churches simply haven’t read the following data yet?
Q: Is it possible that they’ve read the information but just don’t understand what they’re reading?
Q: Is it possible that in this case, the blind are leading the blind?
Q: Is it possible that their ways are just so steeped into religion that they don’t want to change their position for fear of losing their flocks?
A: Compare: Matthew 15:14. Are you being taught and educated by a blind guide? Matthew 2:7 “Then Herod secretly summoned the astrologers and carefully ascertained from them that the time of the star’s appearing . . . vs. 14 says, “However, because they were given divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another way. After they had withdrawn, look! Jehovah’s angel appeared in a dream to Joseph saying: ‘Get up, take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I give you word; for Herod is about to search for the young child to destroy it!’”
1. The wise men were not intending to bring gifts to Jesus as its advertised in religions. They were going to learn of his location, report back to King Herod and have him killed.
2. The star was obviously not Jehovah or one of his angels, because Jehovah knew the purpose of the three wise men. So the only logical explanation of the Star that guided the wise men to Jesus must have been Satan.
3. The sheep were out in the pastures.
4. In December, the weather in Jerusalem is extremely cold and there would have been snow on the ground. During the winter months, the shepherds put their sheep into barns and kept them out of the cold.
5. It is common for parents of today to tell them that Santa Clause is real. They make cookies for him and give gifts to their children from him.
Q: Is lying to your children about this occasion proper?
Q: Is it something that builds trust in your kids?
Q: Is it possible that once your kids grow up and learn the truth that they might conclude that it’s OK to lie about certain subjects depending on the situation?
There is sufficient proof that this holiday is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God if you observed or advocated it, now would it?
Q: Do you feel that it is no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends?”
Q: I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
Q: So . . . what’s your churches position on the issue of Christmas?
Q: D you still feel that it's No big deal?
Q: How about other so called religious holidays? Please continue reading on other pages.
7. Just what is Easter
Does your church celebrate Easter?
6. When your religion practices the celebrating of Easter.
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Easter? Does your church celebrate it?
A. What does a rabbit and eggs in a basket have to do with the resurrection of Christ Jesus?
B. What do rabbits have to do with eggs? Rabbits don’t lay eggs!
C. Is this just another harmless lie to teach our children?
1. The only correlation that rabbits and eggs have in common is that the rabbit was the symbol of reproduction and eggs for their fertility. But there is definitely no connection with the resurrection of Jesus here. This holiday too is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God to become involved with it.
D. Do you feel that it is no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends!” I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
E. So . . . what’s your churches position on celebrating Easter?
6. When your religion practices the celebrating of Easter.
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Easter? Does your church celebrate it?
A. What does a rabbit and eggs in a basket have to do with the resurrection of Christ Jesus?
B. What do rabbits have to do with eggs? Rabbits don’t lay eggs!
C. Is this just another harmless lie to teach our children?
1. The only correlation that rabbits and eggs have in common is that the rabbit was the symbol of reproduction and eggs for their fertility. But there is definitely no connection with the resurrection of Jesus here. This holiday too is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God to become involved with it.
D. Do you feel that it is no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends!” I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
E. So . . . what’s your churches position on celebrating Easter?
6. Just what is Halloween?
11. When your church practices the celebrating of Halloween.
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Halloween? Does your church celebrate it?
A. Halloween is commonly referred to as “All Souls Day”.
B. It began with the worshipping of ancient dead ancestors.
C. Since we have already discussed what happens to the dead when they die, it would be of no value to continue that practice, especially when now it has been concluded that the holiday is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God. Do you feel that it’s no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends!” I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
D. So . . . what’s your churches position on celebrating Halloween?
Q. Is it wrong to celebrate Halloween? Does your church celebrate it?
A. Halloween is commonly referred to as “All Souls Day”.
B. It began with the worshipping of ancient dead ancestors.
C. Since we have already discussed what happens to the dead when they die, it would be of no value to continue that practice, especially when now it has been concluded that the holiday is filtered with other pagan practices. It certainly would not bring any honor to the true God. Do you feel that it’s no big deal and then say, “I’m not celebrating it like the rest of the world! It just seems to be a good time of the year to get specials at stores and have a party with close friends!” I wonder how it is looked at from God’s viewpoint, actually as he sees it, knowing this holidays’ roots and what it truly represents in His eyes?
D. So . . . what’s your churches position on celebrating Halloween?
5. Idols, are they used in your church?
Does your church use idols; such as the Cross? or statues of "saints"? or other relics of history of churches gone by?
5. When your church uses idols or images in their worship
Q. What does the Bible say about making images for use as objects in worship? What is your churches position in this matter/
A. Exodus 20:4-5 “You should not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven or on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth.”
B. Leviticus 26:1 “You must make no idols; you must set up neither a carved image nor a standing stone to prostrate yourself in front of it.”
C. 2 Corinthians 6:16 “The temple of God has no common ground with idols.”
D. 1 John 5:21 “My little children, be on your guard from idols.”
E. John 4:232-24 “True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”
F. 2 Corinthians 5:7 “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
G. Other scriptures to consider: Isaiah 40:18, 42:8, 44:13-19, Acts: 17:29, Jeremaiah 10:14-15, Ezekiel 14:6, 7:20, Deuteronomy 4:25-26, 7:25-26, Psalms 115:4-8
H. So . . . Just what is your churches position? Have you ever asked them?
5. When your church uses idols or images in their worship
Q. What does the Bible say about making images for use as objects in worship? What is your churches position in this matter/
A. Exodus 20:4-5 “You should not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven or on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth.”
B. Leviticus 26:1 “You must make no idols; you must set up neither a carved image nor a standing stone to prostrate yourself in front of it.”
C. 2 Corinthians 6:16 “The temple of God has no common ground with idols.”
D. 1 John 5:21 “My little children, be on your guard from idols.”
E. John 4:232-24 “True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”
F. 2 Corinthians 5:7 “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
G. Other scriptures to consider: Isaiah 40:18, 42:8, 44:13-19, Acts: 17:29, Jeremaiah 10:14-15, Ezekiel 14:6, 7:20, Deuteronomy 4:25-26, 7:25-26, Psalms 115:4-8
H. So . . . Just what is your churches position? Have you ever asked them?
4. Is the Trinity scriptural?
Does your church teach the Trinity doctrine?
4. When your church teaches the trinity doctrine as scripturally accurate.
Q. Is the use of any form of a trinity doctrine taught in the Bible? And is Jesus – God?
A. If Jesus was God, who did he pray to when he was on the earth?
B. Colossians 1:15-16 He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation.
1. If Jesus is God, how can he also be called the image of God?
C. Mark 13:32 Of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
1. If Jesus is God, how is it that the Father knows something that Jesus does not know?
D. Some religions pray using the words, “Holy Mary, Mother of God”, Does God have a mother?
E. Matthew 12:31-32 Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Any whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
1. If Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God are all one and the same being, how is it that a sin against Jesus will be forgiven but a sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven?
F. John 14:28 Jesus said, “If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
1. If Jesus is God, why did he then say that the Father was greater than he was?
G. 1 Corinthians 11:3 I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of Christ is God.
1. If Jesus is God, how can it be said that the head of Christ is God?
H. Revelation 1:1-3, 3:14 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him.
1. If Jesus is God, how is it that the information in the book of Revelation was given to him by God?
I. Matthew 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, 8:5-6, 1 Peter 1:3 for a few other scriptures to consider. For a more complete breakdown on this subject, see the blog entitled: “Trinity”
4. When your church teaches the trinity doctrine as scripturally accurate.
Q. Is the use of any form of a trinity doctrine taught in the Bible? And is Jesus – God?
A. If Jesus was God, who did he pray to when he was on the earth?
B. Colossians 1:15-16 He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation.
1. If Jesus is God, how can he also be called the image of God?
C. Mark 13:32 Of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
1. If Jesus is God, how is it that the Father knows something that Jesus does not know?
D. Some religions pray using the words, “Holy Mary, Mother of God”, Does God have a mother?
E. Matthew 12:31-32 Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Any whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
1. If Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God are all one and the same being, how is it that a sin against Jesus will be forgiven but a sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven?
F. John 14:28 Jesus said, “If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
1. If Jesus is God, why did he then say that the Father was greater than he was?
G. 1 Corinthians 11:3 I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of Christ is God.
1. If Jesus is God, how can it be said that the head of Christ is God?
H. Revelation 1:1-3, 3:14 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him.
1. If Jesus is God, how is it that the information in the book of Revelation was given to him by God?
I. Matthew 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, 8:5-6, 1 Peter 1:3 for a few other scriptures to consider. For a more complete breakdown on this subject, see the blog entitled: “Trinity”
3. Where do you go when you die? What about animals?
Does your church teach that when you die you go to heaven? hell? purgatory? reincarnation? to a state of limbo until God gets around to deciding your fate?
3. When you die, where do you go? To heaven? To Hell? To pergatory? To other planets? Do we become animals or plants? Do we just cease to exist?
Q: What happens when you die?
A: Genesis 3:1-5 says, ". . . "So it said to the woman: “Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” 2 At this the woman said to the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’” 4 At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. 5 For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.”
Q. Was man created by God to die? And where are the dead?
A. Genesis 2:17 God warned Adam against disobedience since being disobedient would cause his death. Satan challenged Jehovah’s right to rule and the necessity of mans dependency on him. He called God a liar. He said, “You positively will not die, but you will be like God.”
B. Fact: Since the time of Adam, all men have died. No man has survived death.
C. Logic would have it that if dead people were alive in any condition, such as a spirit, in another realm or even in an animal or plant someplace or any place, then Satan would have proved God a liar simply because the man was in fact alive in another form.
D. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for dust you are and to dust you will return.
1. The punishment, sentence and judgment herein stated was levied against Adam and all his offspring due to his disobedience.
E. A few other scriptures to consider are: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, Psalms 146:4, John 11:11-14, Ezekiel 18:4
F. If a known bad person died, have you ever heard where the pastor or priest said that the person who was bad is going to hell?
G. So . . . what is your churches position on this question? Are you being taught that when you die you go to heaven or some other spiritual realm?
Q: Do animals go to heaven?
A: From Pope Francis who recently weighed in on the topic, as reported here: “The Holy Scriptures teach us that the realization of this wonderful plan covers all that is around us, and that came out of the thought and the heart of God,” Pope Francis said, as quoted by Italian news site Resapubblica. The Pope then went on to say that “heaven is open to all creatures, and there [they] will be vested with the joy and love of God, without limits.”
Discussion: Did you ever wonder what the bible has to say on the subject? Ecclesiastes 9:4 says: “A live dog is better off than a dead lion.” Animals were not created with the hope of everlasting life. This was something reserved as a gift for humans. When Adam was in the Garden of Eden, this was a time when all things were perfect. Plant life, animal life and human life including the atmosphere and the earth were all perfect. Adam obviously saw animals die. He knew what death was because when Jehovah told him the penalty for disobedience was death, Adam knew what that meant. The concept of dying and going to heaven was a recent philosophy.
People simply have an enduring love for their pets and it's this emotional attachment that leads to their hope in seeing them again. Their hopes are based on emotion, not scriptural training.
3. When you die, where do you go? To heaven? To Hell? To pergatory? To other planets? Do we become animals or plants? Do we just cease to exist?
Q: What happens when you die?
A: Genesis 3:1-5 says, ". . . "So it said to the woman: “Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” 2 At this the woman said to the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’” 4 At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. 5 For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.”
Q. Was man created by God to die? And where are the dead?
A. Genesis 2:17 God warned Adam against disobedience since being disobedient would cause his death. Satan challenged Jehovah’s right to rule and the necessity of mans dependency on him. He called God a liar. He said, “You positively will not die, but you will be like God.”
B. Fact: Since the time of Adam, all men have died. No man has survived death.
C. Logic would have it that if dead people were alive in any condition, such as a spirit, in another realm or even in an animal or plant someplace or any place, then Satan would have proved God a liar simply because the man was in fact alive in another form.
D. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for dust you are and to dust you will return.
1. The punishment, sentence and judgment herein stated was levied against Adam and all his offspring due to his disobedience.
E. A few other scriptures to consider are: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, Psalms 146:4, John 11:11-14, Ezekiel 18:4
F. If a known bad person died, have you ever heard where the pastor or priest said that the person who was bad is going to hell?
G. So . . . what is your churches position on this question? Are you being taught that when you die you go to heaven or some other spiritual realm?
Q: Do animals go to heaven?
A: From Pope Francis who recently weighed in on the topic, as reported here: “The Holy Scriptures teach us that the realization of this wonderful plan covers all that is around us, and that came out of the thought and the heart of God,” Pope Francis said, as quoted by Italian news site Resapubblica. The Pope then went on to say that “heaven is open to all creatures, and there [they] will be vested with the joy and love of God, without limits.”
Discussion: Did you ever wonder what the bible has to say on the subject? Ecclesiastes 9:4 says: “A live dog is better off than a dead lion.” Animals were not created with the hope of everlasting life. This was something reserved as a gift for humans. When Adam was in the Garden of Eden, this was a time when all things were perfect. Plant life, animal life and human life including the atmosphere and the earth were all perfect. Adam obviously saw animals die. He knew what death was because when Jehovah told him the penalty for disobedience was death, Adam knew what that meant. The concept of dying and going to heaven was a recent philosophy.
People simply have an enduring love for their pets and it's this emotional attachment that leads to their hope in seeing them again. Their hopes are based on emotion, not scriptural training.
2. What does your religion teach about Baptism
2. When your church approves of the baptizing of babies of children
Q. Is infant baptism proper? Was it practiced by early Christians? Is there any biblical record that you know of wherein an infant was baptized?
A. Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them.
B. Acts 8:12 when they believed Philip, they proceeded to be baptized, both men and women. Children were not included.
C. Logic would have it from the listed scriptures that an educational process was necessary. It was a baptism by choice. Faith, knowledge and baptism were thus always connected with each other.
D. So . . . where does your church stand on the issue of infant baptism?
Q. Is infant baptism proper? Was it practiced by early Christians? Is there any biblical record that you know of wherein an infant was baptized?
A. Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them.
B. Acts 8:12 when they believed Philip, they proceeded to be baptized, both men and women. Children were not included.
C. Logic would have it from the listed scriptures that an educational process was necessary. It was a baptism by choice. Faith, knowledge and baptism were thus always connected with each other.
D. So . . . where does your church stand on the issue of infant baptism?
1. Blood Transfusions
1. When your church approves of the use of blood in a transfusion.
Q. Is it scripturally permissible to have a blood transfusion?
A. Genesis 9:4 Only flesh with its soul, its blood you must not eat.
B. Leviticus 7:26 you must not eat any blood.
C. Leviticus 17:13-14 pour its blood out and cover with dust. You must not eat blood of any flesh.
D. Acts 15:19 keep abstaining from blood.
E. So . . . What’s your churches position on the use of blood? Is it possible that this particular law is outdated and is no longer of value? Has God changed his mind on the use of blood? If so, where do you get that updated information?
If your church doesn’t have a position or does not want to discuss the above data with you, perhaps some more “Red Flags” should go up and cause you to think twice about your affiliation with that particular organization. In any event, are you interested in learning more about this direction? If you find it interesting, I have other data which may help to stimulate more concerns of yours into a question with merit that demands an answer. Questions such as:
1. Are there such things as God given rules? Do these "Rules" that apply in today’s world? If so what are they? Where in the Bible can I find them?
2. If we’re living in the beginning of time, is this planet the only planet with human life on it?
a. If there was human or human like life on other planets anywhere in the universe, what would be the merit of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice with regards to the primary issue of Gods’ sovereignty?
b. Would the rules found in the Bible only apply to those living on earth and not apply to other planets in the universe?
c. Do other planets have other sets of rules?
d. Are there other gods out there that have the right to rule in their portions of the universe?
e. Is there one head god that runs all these sub-gods? And if so, what is that head gods name? and what are all these sub-gods named? Or is this line of questioning cycling right back to the main issue discussed earlier in this Red Flags document?
3. Do you believe that the primary issue in the Bible is Jehovah’s Sovereignty and his right to rule? What about the establishment of His kingdom and the vindication of His name?
4. Is God interested in Mankind?
5. Does he have a plan for the future of the Earth?
6. What does it take for me to factor into that plan?
7. What is going on in the world today that makes it so difficult to enjoy life and what’s it going to take to live in true peace and security?
8. If Adam and Eve were crated on earth in a paradise with the intention of living forever, what happened? And will that purpose ever again be offered to mankind?
9. Will there ever be a time when there will be an end of sickness and old age?
10. Will mankinds governments of this world ever solve this world’s problems and end sickness and old age, crime, poverty, true peace and security and happiness or should we expect some divine intervention? If there will be divine intervention, as the Bible suggests, where and when will God step in and correct things? Does your church have a position on the scripture at 1 Corinthians 15:24-28?
11. Will we ever be able to see our lost loved ones who have died again? Well, where and when will that be?
12. What is your churches position on the subject of Divorce? Is it allowed? Is it condemned? Can they justify their position by using the scriptures?
13. What’s your position on language? If you are currently going to a church and you use band language in your everyday conversation, is there a reason that your church hasn’t had enough influence to cause you to change? Is it no big deal to you? Are they just words? Does your church teach you that it’s wrong to9 use bad language? Have you ever read the scripture Matthew 15:11, Ephesians 4:29 or at James 3:10-11?
14. Do you know what your church teaches? Do you know what your church doctrines are? What is your churches position on . . . . ?
15. Does your church teach you about proper grooming? How’s about modesty in how you dress? If you’re a man and you have long hair, have you ever read the scripture in 1 Corinthians 11:14?
16. Do the preachers of your church get paid a salary? Is preaching from the pulpit how your minister makes his living? Do you know? Do you care? Does this bother you or raise red flags when considering scriptures such as Matthew 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 2:17?
Have you ever contemplated the thought that we are living in the beginning of time and that the rules of the universe are still being written, challenged and now are being tested? If this is not the beginning of time, as the data seems to suggest, then imagine if you were someone who actually was living in the beginning of time, don’t you think it would be possible that he or she would be having this same conversation? Ever meditated on the idea that you are watching the beginning tests of how man was perfect, became imperfect and then was guided back to perfection back to a paradise as was intended from the beginning? Just some thoughts I thought you might want to consider.
__________________________________
End of this report!
But . . . Still under construction
Q. Is it scripturally permissible to have a blood transfusion?
A. Genesis 9:4 Only flesh with its soul, its blood you must not eat.
B. Leviticus 7:26 you must not eat any blood.
C. Leviticus 17:13-14 pour its blood out and cover with dust. You must not eat blood of any flesh.
D. Acts 15:19 keep abstaining from blood.
E. So . . . What’s your churches position on the use of blood? Is it possible that this particular law is outdated and is no longer of value? Has God changed his mind on the use of blood? If so, where do you get that updated information?
If your church doesn’t have a position or does not want to discuss the above data with you, perhaps some more “Red Flags” should go up and cause you to think twice about your affiliation with that particular organization. In any event, are you interested in learning more about this direction? If you find it interesting, I have other data which may help to stimulate more concerns of yours into a question with merit that demands an answer. Questions such as:
1. Are there such things as God given rules? Do these "Rules" that apply in today’s world? If so what are they? Where in the Bible can I find them?
2. If we’re living in the beginning of time, is this planet the only planet with human life on it?
a. If there was human or human like life on other planets anywhere in the universe, what would be the merit of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice with regards to the primary issue of Gods’ sovereignty?
b. Would the rules found in the Bible only apply to those living on earth and not apply to other planets in the universe?
c. Do other planets have other sets of rules?
d. Are there other gods out there that have the right to rule in their portions of the universe?
e. Is there one head god that runs all these sub-gods? And if so, what is that head gods name? and what are all these sub-gods named? Or is this line of questioning cycling right back to the main issue discussed earlier in this Red Flags document?
3. Do you believe that the primary issue in the Bible is Jehovah’s Sovereignty and his right to rule? What about the establishment of His kingdom and the vindication of His name?
4. Is God interested in Mankind?
5. Does he have a plan for the future of the Earth?
6. What does it take for me to factor into that plan?
7. What is going on in the world today that makes it so difficult to enjoy life and what’s it going to take to live in true peace and security?
8. If Adam and Eve were crated on earth in a paradise with the intention of living forever, what happened? And will that purpose ever again be offered to mankind?
9. Will there ever be a time when there will be an end of sickness and old age?
10. Will mankinds governments of this world ever solve this world’s problems and end sickness and old age, crime, poverty, true peace and security and happiness or should we expect some divine intervention? If there will be divine intervention, as the Bible suggests, where and when will God step in and correct things? Does your church have a position on the scripture at 1 Corinthians 15:24-28?
11. Will we ever be able to see our lost loved ones who have died again? Well, where and when will that be?
12. What is your churches position on the subject of Divorce? Is it allowed? Is it condemned? Can they justify their position by using the scriptures?
13. What’s your position on language? If you are currently going to a church and you use band language in your everyday conversation, is there a reason that your church hasn’t had enough influence to cause you to change? Is it no big deal to you? Are they just words? Does your church teach you that it’s wrong to9 use bad language? Have you ever read the scripture Matthew 15:11, Ephesians 4:29 or at James 3:10-11?
14. Do you know what your church teaches? Do you know what your church doctrines are? What is your churches position on . . . . ?
15. Does your church teach you about proper grooming? How’s about modesty in how you dress? If you’re a man and you have long hair, have you ever read the scripture in 1 Corinthians 11:14?
16. Do the preachers of your church get paid a salary? Is preaching from the pulpit how your minister makes his living? Do you know? Do you care? Does this bother you or raise red flags when considering scriptures such as Matthew 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 2:17?
Have you ever contemplated the thought that we are living in the beginning of time and that the rules of the universe are still being written, challenged and now are being tested? If this is not the beginning of time, as the data seems to suggest, then imagine if you were someone who actually was living in the beginning of time, don’t you think it would be possible that he or she would be having this same conversation? Ever meditated on the idea that you are watching the beginning tests of how man was perfect, became imperfect and then was guided back to perfection back to a paradise as was intended from the beginning? Just some thoughts I thought you might want to consider.
__________________________________
End of this report!
But . . . Still under construction
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