We’re all familiar with the saying, “It’s not what’s on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Did you know that is in the Bible? Seriously....in 1 Samuel 16:7, ”But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Apparently, people during Old Testament times were just as concerned with body image as we are today.
What spurred my thoughts to run to jiggley arms and muffin tops? I just read Margot Starbuck's book, Unsqueezed: Springing Free From Skinny Jeans, Nose Jobs, Highlights, and Stilettos. If you're not familiar with Margot, she has a dry, sarcastic, witty sense of humor and draws heavily on her own life for examples. Stiffling chuckles and silently being convicted as I read, I began to think about body image, relationships, and life in general.
The Bible says we are made in God’s image (Gen 1:27), and our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). I fail to see anything divine in the jiggly underarm wings and muffin tops we develop as we get older. But wait......could it be that we defiled our temple with daily runs to Starbucks for caramel macchiatos and to McDonalds for super-sized value meals? Jesus walked--a lot--and ate a healthy diet. If we are to care for our bodies, we should follow suit.
It's not just our eating habits in which we are negligent. We are also apathetic in our pursuit of Christianity. Our lives have become convenient and comfortable. Christianity has shifted from a "go" mentality ("go ye therefore into all the nations...baptizing..teaching) to a "come" mentality (come to church and see what God can do for you).
Stay tuned as we explore these themes in upcoming articles!
Blessings!
Showing posts with label basic tenents of Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basic tenents of Christianity. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
New Age Lies Exposed
This is a repost from my personal blog that, sadly, I have been lax in keeping.
A friend told a story to me this week. She heard it on television, but couldn’t remember which religious show she heard it on. It went like this, “Some teenage boys wanted to see an R-rated movie, however, their father refused. Sulking, they went to their bedroom. Meanwhile, the father gathered some dirt from outside and poured it into the brownies that he was baking. When the boys tasted the brownies later that night, they wondered what was wrong with them. Their little brother, who was not eating any, laughingly explained to them what their father had done. In astonishment, they stared at their father. He lovingly explained to his boys that the dirt represented the things of the world that they wanted to participate in: things that didn’t seem too bad, but that went against their Christian values. While one or two movies might not seem like a big deal to them, it would have an effect on them nonetheless. This was the best way he knew to illustrate to them that a little dirt did affect the batter just as a little sin affects our lives.”
What is being done to Christianity today is similar to the dirt in the brownies. The Bible is the inerrant word of God. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yet, in today’s world, we see an increase in people and denominations attempting to manipulate the scriptures to fit their modern lives. There are many verses in the Bible that warn us to not be deceived by false teachers. In her book, New Age Lies Exposed: How To Stand Firm In God’s Truth, Dr. Sandra Clifton gives a brief history of the New Age Movement, explains the difference between Gnostics and true Christian mystics, and defines the differences between the various definitions of humanism. From her book, you will also learn the gradual shift from a God-centered theistic humanism to deistic humanism, to naturalism where God doesn’t exist and finally to the modern New Age rhetoric being spouted by people such as Eckhart Tolle, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Wayne Dyer. Clifton presents detailed explanations of New Age arguments mentioned above as well as existentialism, relativism, pantheism, and quantum physics. More importantly, she also tells you how to recognize their rhetoric, gives prayer strategies to combat them and pertinent Bible verses to meditate upon.
I have encountered many Christians who faithfully watch Oprah (not all of her shows are bad) and who claim that they have learned from and been benefited by the books of Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne and Wayne Dyer. They have even attempted to point out that the books reference God and that some reference Jesus. It is not the Jesus of scripture, however. The books do not mention Jesus as Savior; rather Jesus is one of many enlightened teachers. These people have been misguided by self-proclaimed experts who use a little truth combined with their new age rhetoric to manipulate scripture so that it fits their lives. Just as a little dirt in the batter ruined the brownies, a little new age rhetoric that sounds good in the moment can pollute the true meaning and message of the Bible. New Age Lies Exposed will show you how to address these arguments. The book is available from sources such as the publisher at www.bridgelogos.com or from www.amazon.com
A friend told a story to me this week. She heard it on television, but couldn’t remember which religious show she heard it on. It went like this, “Some teenage boys wanted to see an R-rated movie, however, their father refused. Sulking, they went to their bedroom. Meanwhile, the father gathered some dirt from outside and poured it into the brownies that he was baking. When the boys tasted the brownies later that night, they wondered what was wrong with them. Their little brother, who was not eating any, laughingly explained to them what their father had done. In astonishment, they stared at their father. He lovingly explained to his boys that the dirt represented the things of the world that they wanted to participate in: things that didn’t seem too bad, but that went against their Christian values. While one or two movies might not seem like a big deal to them, it would have an effect on them nonetheless. This was the best way he knew to illustrate to them that a little dirt did affect the batter just as a little sin affects our lives.”
What is being done to Christianity today is similar to the dirt in the brownies. The Bible is the inerrant word of God. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yet, in today’s world, we see an increase in people and denominations attempting to manipulate the scriptures to fit their modern lives. There are many verses in the Bible that warn us to not be deceived by false teachers. In her book, New Age Lies Exposed: How To Stand Firm In God’s Truth, Dr. Sandra Clifton gives a brief history of the New Age Movement, explains the difference between Gnostics and true Christian mystics, and defines the differences between the various definitions of humanism. From her book, you will also learn the gradual shift from a God-centered theistic humanism to deistic humanism, to naturalism where God doesn’t exist and finally to the modern New Age rhetoric being spouted by people such as Eckhart Tolle, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Wayne Dyer. Clifton presents detailed explanations of New Age arguments mentioned above as well as existentialism, relativism, pantheism, and quantum physics. More importantly, she also tells you how to recognize their rhetoric, gives prayer strategies to combat them and pertinent Bible verses to meditate upon.
I have encountered many Christians who faithfully watch Oprah (not all of her shows are bad) and who claim that they have learned from and been benefited by the books of Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne and Wayne Dyer. They have even attempted to point out that the books reference God and that some reference Jesus. It is not the Jesus of scripture, however. The books do not mention Jesus as Savior; rather Jesus is one of many enlightened teachers. These people have been misguided by self-proclaimed experts who use a little truth combined with their new age rhetoric to manipulate scripture so that it fits their lives. Just as a little dirt in the batter ruined the brownies, a little new age rhetoric that sounds good in the moment can pollute the true meaning and message of the Bible. New Age Lies Exposed will show you how to address these arguments. The book is available from sources such as the publisher at www.bridgelogos.com or from www.amazon.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Basic Beliefs of Christianity
I’ve found an alarming trend that is on the increase. If you ask professed Christians to name the basic tenets of Christianity, most will not be able to do it. They are unable to verbalize what they believe or why they believe it. I’ve watched interviews with a well known pastor who admits to not knowing the Bible or anything about theology. In one interview, when asked about a well known cult that claims to be Christian, he said that if they claimed to be Christian, that was good enough for him. Exasperated, the secular interviewer attempted to point out doctrine while he just smiled and shrugged. Satan has entered the church in the form of fear and indifference.
Applying the label, “Christian,” to yourself and saying you believe in God is not proof positive of being one. Christianity was a term that was applied to “Christ followers”. The very essence of Christianity is the belief in Jesus as your personal savior. So many people seem to miss this point. If living a good life and professing a belief in God is all it takes, Muslims could refer to themselves as Christians, yet they don’t because they know that they are not. (It should be noted that Allah is also different than our God). Although they recognize Jesus as a prophet, He is not their Messiah. So, too, God’s chosen people, the Jewish, while believing in God, deny Jesus as the Christ.
Before delving into cults and world religions, it is important that we first examine the basic tenets of Christianity so that you can begin to recognize false doctrines. Let me begin by stating, differences in procedures and customs are not what defines a cult. You will find many differences and disagreements over liturgical matters from one denomination to another, however, the core beliefs are not in dispute. Cults form when Christian doctrine is altered. The Bible is clear that neither are we to add nor detract from God’s word. “Every word of God is PURE: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. ADD YOU NOT unto His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar" (Prov. 30:5-6).
In case you’ve ever wondered, the basic tenets of Christianity can be traced back to Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. An oversimplified explanation for the council is that it was ordered by the emperor Constantine to settle the divisions within the church that were caused by the faulty doctrines being taught by the eastern church (Arianism: denied deity of Jesus saying he was made by God and was fully human). (For a simple, yet more detailed, explanation of the Council of Nicea see http://www.gotquestions.org/council-of-Nicea.html ). The 300 Bishops met, voted and affirmed that Jesus was divine and fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures. It is important to note, the Council did not make up the Trinity or the doctrines surrounding Jesus. They gave official recognition to the Old Testament doctrines and confirmed that Jesus fulfilled them. The term, trinity, though not referred to with that word, is in the Bible. The writings, in 160 A.D., of Theophilus, the Bishop of Antioch, are the first written example we have of the use of “trinity.”
So, what do Christians believe?
1. There is one God (Isaiah 43:10) who is eternally existent in 3 individuals (not three separate gods): Father, Son and Holy Spirit (refer to Matthew 28:19, Colossians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
---Jesus is fully God, begotten not made (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9)
---the Holy Spirit is God (spirit—not flesh and bones, is not a “force” but is alive) (Acts 5:3—4. 13:2, Luke 24:39)
2. The Bible is the infallible word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and is not to be added to or detracted from (Deuteronomy 12:32, Galatians 1:9-10, 2 Corinthians 11:4, Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22: 18-19)
3. The ONLY way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ and is not through works or obedience to the 10 commandments (John 3:16—18, John 14:16, Matthew 7:13, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:21, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 5:11, Romans 3:20)*****obedience and works are outward signs that will follow faith and becoming a Christian
4. That believers are commanded to be baptized as a sign of their new birth and regeneration through Jesus (Acts 2:38, John 3:7)
5. Upon death, all will face judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10)
6. Existence of Hell (Matthew 23:33, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 12:5, 2 Peter 2:4, Revelation 14:10-11, Revelation 20:10)
7. Existence of Heaven (Matthew 5:12, Matthew 6:20, Mark 16:19, Luke 15:7, John 14:2—3, 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
8. Those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior are guaranteed eternal life while everyone else will be condemned to hell (Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:1, Romans 10:9, John 3:17—18, John 3:36, Acts 4:12, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 3:17—18, 1 John 5:11)
If we were doing a more in-depth study, there are several other beliefs that could be presented; however, these are the basic beliefs that need to be understood prior to a study of world religions and cults. There are several Bible verses that could have been used for each point. These verses provide a nice starting point to understanding each. As always, questions and comments are welcome, either on this blog or by email to sedminaministries@gmail.com
Applying the label, “Christian,” to yourself and saying you believe in God is not proof positive of being one. Christianity was a term that was applied to “Christ followers”. The very essence of Christianity is the belief in Jesus as your personal savior. So many people seem to miss this point. If living a good life and professing a belief in God is all it takes, Muslims could refer to themselves as Christians, yet they don’t because they know that they are not. (It should be noted that Allah is also different than our God). Although they recognize Jesus as a prophet, He is not their Messiah. So, too, God’s chosen people, the Jewish, while believing in God, deny Jesus as the Christ.
Before delving into cults and world religions, it is important that we first examine the basic tenets of Christianity so that you can begin to recognize false doctrines. Let me begin by stating, differences in procedures and customs are not what defines a cult. You will find many differences and disagreements over liturgical matters from one denomination to another, however, the core beliefs are not in dispute. Cults form when Christian doctrine is altered. The Bible is clear that neither are we to add nor detract from God’s word. “Every word of God is PURE: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. ADD YOU NOT unto His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar" (Prov. 30:5-6).
In case you’ve ever wondered, the basic tenets of Christianity can be traced back to Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. An oversimplified explanation for the council is that it was ordered by the emperor Constantine to settle the divisions within the church that were caused by the faulty doctrines being taught by the eastern church (Arianism: denied deity of Jesus saying he was made by God and was fully human). (For a simple, yet more detailed, explanation of the Council of Nicea see http://www.gotquestions.org/council-of-Nicea.html ). The 300 Bishops met, voted and affirmed that Jesus was divine and fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures. It is important to note, the Council did not make up the Trinity or the doctrines surrounding Jesus. They gave official recognition to the Old Testament doctrines and confirmed that Jesus fulfilled them. The term, trinity, though not referred to with that word, is in the Bible. The writings, in 160 A.D., of Theophilus, the Bishop of Antioch, are the first written example we have of the use of “trinity.”
So, what do Christians believe?
1. There is one God (Isaiah 43:10) who is eternally existent in 3 individuals (not three separate gods): Father, Son and Holy Spirit (refer to Matthew 28:19, Colossians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
---Jesus is fully God, begotten not made (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9)
---the Holy Spirit is God (spirit—not flesh and bones, is not a “force” but is alive) (Acts 5:3—4. 13:2, Luke 24:39)
2. The Bible is the infallible word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and is not to be added to or detracted from (Deuteronomy 12:32, Galatians 1:9-10, 2 Corinthians 11:4, Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22: 18-19)
3. The ONLY way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ and is not through works or obedience to the 10 commandments (John 3:16—18, John 14:16, Matthew 7:13, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:21, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 5:11, Romans 3:20)*****obedience and works are outward signs that will follow faith and becoming a Christian
4. That believers are commanded to be baptized as a sign of their new birth and regeneration through Jesus (Acts 2:38, John 3:7)
5. Upon death, all will face judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10)
6. Existence of Hell (Matthew 23:33, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 12:5, 2 Peter 2:4, Revelation 14:10-11, Revelation 20:10)
7. Existence of Heaven (Matthew 5:12, Matthew 6:20, Mark 16:19, Luke 15:7, John 14:2—3, 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
8. Those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior are guaranteed eternal life while everyone else will be condemned to hell (Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:1, Romans 10:9, John 3:17—18, John 3:36, Acts 4:12, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 3:17—18, 1 John 5:11)
If we were doing a more in-depth study, there are several other beliefs that could be presented; however, these are the basic beliefs that need to be understood prior to a study of world religions and cults. There are several Bible verses that could have been used for each point. These verses provide a nice starting point to understanding each. As always, questions and comments are welcome, either on this blog or by email to sedminaministries@gmail.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
All Roads Lead Back To The Basics
A friend told a story to me this week. She heard it on television, but couldn’t remember which religious show she had heard it on. It went like this, “Some teenage boys wanted to see an R-rated movie, however, their father refused. Sulking, they went to their bedroom. Meanwhile, the father gathered some dirt from outside and poured it into the brownies that he was baking. When the boys tasted the brownies later that night, they wondered what was wrong with them. Their little brother, who was not eating any, laughingly explained to them what their father had done. In astonishment, they stared at their father. He lovingly explained to his boys that the dirt represented the things of the world that they wanted to participate in: things that didn’t seem too bad, but that went against their Christian values. While one or two movies might not seem like a big deal to them, it would have an effect on them nonetheless. This was the best way he knew to illustrate to them that a little dirt did affect the batter just as a little sin affects our lives.” I’ve since heard from another reader who said that she had heard the story in the 1980’s. Instead of dirt, it was dog poo. Yuck! For our article, I’ll stick with the dirt.
What is being done to Christianity today is similar to the dirt in the brownies. The Bible is the inerrant word of God. Yet, in today’s world, we see an increase in people and denominations attempting to manipulate the scriptures to fit their modern lives. Secular Humanism is the accepted norm. Daytime talk shows promote the new age rhetoric of Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne and Wayne Dyer. Their books mention Jesus, however, not my Jesus. Their Jesus is an enlightened teacher. My Jesus is more than that. He died because I am a sinner and he loved me enough to save me.
In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus instructed us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”(KJV). Legislation enacted to protect against racial and religious discrimination has created a society of political, social and religious tolerance. Nobody should be discriminated against based upon race or religion. This does not mean, however, that Christians should stop defending their faith.
While preaching the gospel of prosperity is appealing, we need to get back to the basics. Many people don’t defend their faith because they lack an understanding of why they believe what they believe. Others are accepting of the teachings of the New Age Movement and the Christian-based cults because they think anyone who professes a belief in God is a Christian.
Join us as we begin a discussion of cults and the New Age Movement. We will present articles that will give you the background on some cults, their beliefs, and why they are not Christian. It is our goal to lay a solid foundation and assist you in being able to discern faulty doctrines. After all, a little false doctrine is like a little dirt in the brownie batter.
What is being done to Christianity today is similar to the dirt in the brownies. The Bible is the inerrant word of God. Yet, in today’s world, we see an increase in people and denominations attempting to manipulate the scriptures to fit their modern lives. Secular Humanism is the accepted norm. Daytime talk shows promote the new age rhetoric of Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne and Wayne Dyer. Their books mention Jesus, however, not my Jesus. Their Jesus is an enlightened teacher. My Jesus is more than that. He died because I am a sinner and he loved me enough to save me.
In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus instructed us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”(KJV). Legislation enacted to protect against racial and religious discrimination has created a society of political, social and religious tolerance. Nobody should be discriminated against based upon race or religion. This does not mean, however, that Christians should stop defending their faith.
While preaching the gospel of prosperity is appealing, we need to get back to the basics. Many people don’t defend their faith because they lack an understanding of why they believe what they believe. Others are accepting of the teachings of the New Age Movement and the Christian-based cults because they think anyone who professes a belief in God is a Christian.
Join us as we begin a discussion of cults and the New Age Movement. We will present articles that will give you the background on some cults, their beliefs, and why they are not Christian. It is our goal to lay a solid foundation and assist you in being able to discern faulty doctrines. After all, a little false doctrine is like a little dirt in the brownie batter.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What we believe
1. The Bible is God’s word to mankind. Although it was written by human authors, they were under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; Proverbs 30:5)
2. There is one True God who is eternally present in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are commonly referred to as the Trinity. (Matthew 28:19; Colossians 2:9)
3. Jesus is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He was born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless life while on earth. He offered himself up as a living sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. On the third day, he arose in fulfillment of the scripture to demonstrate his power over death and sin. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth. ***Jesus was
God in Heaven. He is not the first creation of God the Father. He is not the angel Michael. Fully God in Heaven, he came to earth and assumed a human body. After his death, his body--not just a spirit form--was resurrected in fulfillment of the scriptures. (Matthew 1: 22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1—5, 14: 10—30; Hebrews 4:14, 15:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1: 9—11; 1 Timothy 6;14, 15; Titus 2:13)
4. The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. He is present in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living and for understanding spiritual truth. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16: 7—13, 14: 16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
5. There is one path to salvation and that is through the repentance of your sins and the acceptance of Christ Jesus as your Lord and personal savior. Salvation is not achieved by works. It is because of salvation that a Christian desires to do good works, however, works do not save. You are saved by your belief and faith in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2; 8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Hebrews 9:2; John 3:16)
6. Every man will be judged to everlasting life in Heaven or everlasting damnation in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1—9, Romans 6:23, John 3:16; John 2:25, John 5:11—13; Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, 1 John 5:11-12, Matthew 25:31—46)
7. We were redeemed by Christ’s death on the cross. Part of the redemptive work on the cross continues to provide healing of the human body in answer to prayer. (Matthew 8:7; Isaiah 53:5)
8. We serve a living God whose gifts are not dead and were not just for the time when Christ walked the earth. Spiritual gifts are still relevant to today. The baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues is an available manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to all believers who ask God for it. (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12: 4—11; Hebrews 13:8; Acts 2:17)
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; Proverbs 30:5)
2. There is one True God who is eternally present in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are commonly referred to as the Trinity. (Matthew 28:19; Colossians 2:9)
3. Jesus is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He was born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless life while on earth. He offered himself up as a living sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. On the third day, he arose in fulfillment of the scripture to demonstrate his power over death and sin. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth. ***Jesus was
God in Heaven. He is not the first creation of God the Father. He is not the angel Michael. Fully God in Heaven, he came to earth and assumed a human body. After his death, his body--not just a spirit form--was resurrected in fulfillment of the scriptures. (Matthew 1: 22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1—5, 14: 10—30; Hebrews 4:14, 15:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1: 9—11; 1 Timothy 6;14, 15; Titus 2:13)
4. The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. He is present in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living and for understanding spiritual truth. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16: 7—13, 14: 16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
5. There is one path to salvation and that is through the repentance of your sins and the acceptance of Christ Jesus as your Lord and personal savior. Salvation is not achieved by works. It is because of salvation that a Christian desires to do good works, however, works do not save. You are saved by your belief and faith in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2; 8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Hebrews 9:2; John 3:16)
6. Every man will be judged to everlasting life in Heaven or everlasting damnation in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1—9, Romans 6:23, John 3:16; John 2:25, John 5:11—13; Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, 1 John 5:11-12, Matthew 25:31—46)
7. We were redeemed by Christ’s death on the cross. Part of the redemptive work on the cross continues to provide healing of the human body in answer to prayer. (Matthew 8:7; Isaiah 53:5)
8. We serve a living God whose gifts are not dead and were not just for the time when Christ walked the earth. Spiritual gifts are still relevant to today. The baptism of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues is an available manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to all believers who ask God for it. (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12: 4—11; Hebrews 13:8; Acts 2:17)
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