Author: Timothy Anderson

The Good News Is when this gift is finally opened there will be no disappointment. Expectations will be beyond our imagination. The eternal warranty guarantees unending happiness. The craftsman is the greatest and assures what we get will never wear out.

What is this gift?

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

Who paid the cost?

Mark 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Who and where do I present this gift?

Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 21  But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. KJV

How compelled should we be to share this gift?

1Co 9:16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. KJV

How many Gospels are there and should I be aware of sharing Gospel knock-offs?

Gal 1:6  I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel– 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! NIV

How do I know if I am sharing a fraudulent Gospel?

Gal 1:9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. NIV

How does Jesus reveal the True Gospel to us?

Eph 3:4  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. What is the true Gospel? KJV

What is the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?

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

Will everyone accept this gift?

Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. KJV

Don’t I have to obey the True Gospel before I share it?

2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

The Good News Is this gift will be the best thing you will ever share with another person. It is important that you and all who want this gift obey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

By Tim Anderson Evangelist and Minister at the Eastern U.P. Church of Christ

The Good News is the war has already been won. The devil has not conceded as of yet and there are still skirmishes that still seem to rage on. Battles over who will have our eternal souls continue till the moment we draw our last breath. Our Adversary, the Tempter and the Father of all Liars will persistently try to draw us away from the side that has already been victorious. If you are battle worn, please consider the following:

Who is this battle with?

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. KJV

What do we use to fight the foe?

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: KJV

What are the weapons that the devil uses?

Acts 20:29  Act 20:29  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. NIV

How do we know the war has been won?

Luke 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. KJV

How desperate is the devil to win our souls?

Rev 12:12  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. KJV

Who is it that will benefit from the armies of God?

Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. KJV

In the heat of the battle, are we allowed to defect?

Rev 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. KJV

How can we lose all the battles and the war?

2Th 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; KJV

What is the final victory?

1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. KJV

 

The Good News is if we obey the Gospel and remain faithful till death to the winning side, we will have eternal rest from the battles. The Good News is that when we obey the Gospel we will have help spiritually to fight any battle that threatens our eternal souls.

By Tim Anderson Evangelist and Minister Eastern U.P. Church of Christ

The Good News is you can trust someone. Relatives and friends have at sometimes in our lives disappointed us. When we need support for whatever we might be going through our closest perceived allies seem to vanish from the face of the earth. There are times when we think we have no one at all in this life to count on. There is someone who we can always count on. Consider this:

We can have a home we can always go back to.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. KJV

How close of a relationship can we have with God and His Son?

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. KJV

What do we do when we need spiritual help?

John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. KJV

How long can we depend on Jesus?

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

 

How does Jesus define His family?

Mark 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? 34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. KJV

What kind of Friend is Jesus?

John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Does God want to help us?

1Pet 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Is God interested in keeping the relationship when we mess things up with Him?

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

How do we know that God loves us?

1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. KJV

John 3:14  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. KJV

The Good News Is You Can Trust God. In a covenant relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ we can be sure our back is covered. As long as we remain faithful in that relationship, God will come through. When we sin and turn our backs on God, He will be forgiving when we truly repent and come back to Him. The Good News Is we can truly have a friend in Jesus. The Good News Is there is no greater loving Father than God and no better faithful brother than the Lord Jesus Christ.

By: Tim Anderson Evangelist and Minister Eastern U. P. Church of Christ

The Good News is there is a Way That Leads to Heaven

The religious world today leads us to believe that there is no punishment for those who believe in God and continue to sin. Pastors say that there are many ways to get to heaven. This false teaching includes those who do not even believe in God. Statements like, “He didn’t go to church but was a good man while he lived; he has got to be in heaven even though he did not obey God. God will certainly not condemn him.” God will judge but this false belief stems from wanting to justify ours sins and the sins of the ones we love. This man-made doctrine makes us feel good. Will any of these non-biblical beliefs lead us to heaven? If we are all honest with ourselves we know the answer to that question. Our way will leads us to eternal destruction and darkness. God’s way is the only way that will lead us to heaven through and by His Word. He who can hear let him hear and consider the following statements, are they true or not?

All branches are not individuals but all the churches and Jesus recognizes them all. It is alright to have many churches and faiths and baptisms.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. KJV

Eph 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, KJV

Mat_16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

All I have to do is follow my heart and what I feel is right. That will be good enough to get me into heaven.

Pro 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. KJV

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? KJV

I cannot find the Sinner’s Prayer anywhere in the Bible and have been taught this my whole life, but it is enough to get me into heaven. It is a very popular teaching. Everyone who believes in God is going to heaven.

Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. KJV

I trust our pastor, he would not lead me astray. I trust him and my eternal soul to what he teaches.

1John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. KJV

Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. KJV

Anything that is written in the Bible that is a direct command is a work and I do not have to obey because I am saved by grace. All I need to do is believe.

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. KJV

2Thes 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; KJV

1Peter 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? KJV

 

I love Jesus that is all I need to do.

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments. KJV

So what command from Jesus do I need to obey to have eternal life?

Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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

Surely all these different ways the denominations teach about being saved and attaining eternal life cannot be all wrong. Can they?

2Cor 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. KJV

Gal 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. KJV

All this talk about hell, what about heaven?

John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. KJV

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

 

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

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

 

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The Good News is, there is a Heaven. Heaven is something that can be attained if we follow God’s road map and not man’s way. God’s grace has let you live to this very moment to act on your belief and obey His Gospel. The Good News is you can share this Gospel with the ones you l0ve. The Good News is you can be sure that your belief and faith after obeying the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will lead you to a home with Him when this life is over.

By Tim Anderson

 

The Good news is you can have purpose in this life.

Today suicides are increasing in all age groups especially in our youth. Why? When all the expectations of this life’s goals are met, the euphoria is realized as only temporary. Consider rock stars and entertainers who have reached what they would define as life’s precipice. Sadly, theses iconic models fall dramatically, dispatching themselves from their lofty heights.  We need to honestly analyze the things here in this life we think will bring happiness. In the end, will these temporary things be defined as only benefiting one’s self? Self-servitude is a dark and lonely place and breeds disparity. These loveless feelings and lack hope discourages a person’s ability to look forward. The temporal faith creates a personal god that is self-condemning. Denial of a life to come also justifies the disappointment this life has to offer.  The deception of no eternal goal is the devil’s tool to create hopelessness and a life without purpose. An honest self-examination gives us the real reason we find ourselves in such a dark and loveless state. Consider the following:

Why am I so conflicted?

Jer. 31:33  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. KJV

Ecc. 3:11  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. KJV

Does God really have a purpose for me?

Jer. 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. KJV

I have done so many ungodly things, does God still want me?

2Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV

If I repent and follow God, I will have to leave some things behind to move forward.

Mark 10:29  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. KJV 

How do I overcome being self-serving?

Mark 9:35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. KJV

How do I begin having purpose in life serving and loving God and then having eternal life?

John 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. KJV

Have I waited too long to serve Christ with my life and receive a servants reward?

Mat. 20:8  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11  And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, 12  Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. KJV

The Good news is you can start a new life now that has purpose. The Good news is you can be a servant as a good example of repentance and lead others to Christ. The Good news is that you can now have the hope of eternal life. Would you like to start that life now? The Good news is you can obey the Gospel!

By   Tim Anderson. Evangelist and minister at the Eastern U.P. Church of Christ

The Good News Is I Can Find Strength

Weakness in faith is one of the most effective tool in the devil’s tool box. All of us at one time or another have doubted the power of the Word of God. The deception lies in the devil’s ability to convince us we can be alright outside of the authority that is in God’s Word. None of the benefits and strengths can be realized in disobedience to God’s Word. Outside of the living Word of God an individual becomes a god to themselves. An unhardened heart gives an honest self-examination. An honest heart tells us that separation from God’s Word will eventually leave us separated from God eternally. How do we keep strong in what we believe?

Very Simply:

Consider keeping your mind receptive to the Word of God

Hebrews 3:8  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 5  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. KJV

Consider going to God and His Word and not away from Him

Hebrews 10:22-23  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) KJV

James 4:7-8  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. KJV

Consider the benefits of having the faith that leads to obedience to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV

Rom 8:38-39  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV

1John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. KJV

Mat 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. KJV

Consider the lack of faith that does not lead to obedience to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

2Thes 1:8-9  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; KJV

Consider that our faith needs to be with the Word of God only, so there is no weakness and doubt

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. KJV

Consider if the Word of God was compromised when we came to have faith, what validity does that belief have in the eyes of God?

Mat 7:21-23  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. KJV

Consider that there is a way to have confidence in your faith

Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV

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

Consider that when our faith and our belief in the Word of God in Jesus Christ has power, our sins are truly forgiven

Act 2:37-38  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. KJV

The Good News is that we can have confidence in our belief when our faith is based only on what the Word of God through Christ Jesus teaches. The Good News is that when we become weak, that through prayer we can be strengthened. The Good News is that the pure Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ saves us and if we obey that Gospel and remain faithful we will have a home with him for eternity.

By Tim Anderson

Am I on the right road that leads to eternal Life?

Steven Covey references an individual who works hard his whole life climbing the ladder of success only to find when he gets to the top that his ladder was on the wrong wall. How sad would it be for those who had followed the doctrine of one of 300,000 denominations only to hear these words at the Judgement Day from our Lord and Savior, “Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. KJV  The Apostle Paul found his ladder on the wrong wall on the way to Damascus.  Acts chapters 9, 22 and 26 recounts Paul’s realization to how misguided he was. Paul was sincere in what he believed but was sincerely wrong. We can see from his actions that Paul moved his ladder. There are questions we should all ask when it comes to what we belong to and where it will lead us.

If there are a lot of People who belong to this or that denomination, are they automatically right?

Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. KJV

So what foundation should the church have in the doctrine it teaches?

Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. KJV

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: KJV

Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. KJV

What will happen to the churches that are based loosely on scriptures and more on what men have introduced?

Mat 7:26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. KJV

Mat 15:13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.KJV

How many churches does the Bible recognize, and how many beliefs or faiths are there?

Eph 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. KJV

Eph 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, KJV

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. KJV

As long as there is some of the doctrine from the New Testament included is it ok to add man’s rules and teaching to the church?

Mat 15:9  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. KJV

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. KJV

 

Does what I feel like doing a guide for worship?

Pro 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

Do I or anybody else get to decide how a person becomes a Christian?

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

 

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

1Cor. 12:12-14  Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body–whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

 

2Th 1:8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The good news is there is one Church. The good news is you can belong to that church that teaches the true way that leads to eternal life according to scripture. The good news is you can get off the ladder that leans on a wall that will fall and get on the new wall that will take you up to eternal life. Start climbing today. Make the move that leads to Heaven.

The word denomination literally defined is division. The questions everyone should ask who belong to denominations are:

What is this church a division of?

Was that church that it divided from recognized in the New Testament as being “The Lord’s Church?”

Are the practices used in worship or doctrine developed by man or by God’s Word?

Members of nondenominational churches should ask questions as well:

Is this church still using some of the same practices as the denominations do?

Everyone should ask this question:

Does the church I belong to, the church I have my children or grandchildren associated with, the church I am banking my eternal salvation on, is this the Church that Jesus died for and will someday present to His Father in the last day?

Does this church I attend even honor the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

 

Very Simply:

1. Did Jesus want His Church divided?

John 17:20-23  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

 

1Co 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14  I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15  Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.16  And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

2. What is the definition of the Church, who is in charge and how many churches are there?

Eph 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Eph 5:29-30  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Col 1:24  Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

3. How many churches does the Bible say there are?

Eph 4:46  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

4. Does the vine and branches teaching say that all churches are recognized by our Lord, or does this refer to an individual?

Joh 15:4-9  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

5. How is a church recognized as belonging to Christ?

Eph 2:16-21  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

6. Who does the Church belong to?

Mat 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

7. What about churches that are built on man’s foundation and not God’s foundation?

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Mat 15:3-13  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?:

Mat 15:7-9  Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, :8  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.:9  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mat 15:13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

8. How many churches will Jesus present to His Father and will anything outside of what is taught in the Bible concerning the church be accepted?

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

9. Does the Bible teach about a time when the New Testament Church would see division?

1Ti 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6  If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7  But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2Ti 3:1-14  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2Ti 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

10. How does the New Testament Church work according to the Bible?

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

The Good News Is: The New Testament Church of Christ exist even today. After all that has happened since the beginning of its existence in Acts chapter 2, the gates of Hell have not prevailed against it. Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. The Good News Is: We still have the Word of God to make sure we are in the right church to enter into eternal life in Heaven. We all need to analyze the following statements. “I am a ___________.” Or “I am a member of the ________ church,” Will our answer be recognized by our Lord and Savior  as being His Body, His Church?

By Tim Anderson