Agur's Observations

He Alone Is Worthy.

³Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
…
²God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
³Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
…
¹³And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
…
⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
…
⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
…
¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
…
⁹Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
…
⁹Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
¹⁰Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Psalms 24:3-4, 53:2-3, John 3:13, Philippians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 15:4, Philippians 2:9, & Psalms 24:9-10

Against the Lord, There is No Defense.

³The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?⁴Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.
– Obadiah 1:3-4

By Agur Israel Thomas
20 August, 2020

You don’t have to be in the military to know this, but in case you do not, ask anyone in the infantry, what is the most ideal topography to defend, and they’ll all say that it is the mountains.

The reason for that answer is because of height, slope, and size. Height gives an all-around view of the battlefield: no one can approach without being seen. Slope negates speed and impact of the attack as no matter how fast and powerful the force, they’re also fighting against gravity. Finally, the size of the mountain will surely tire even the strongest of men. There is an added advantage to mountains more relevant today, and that is cover and concealment.

The sheer ruggedness of the Afghan mountains offered the Mujihadeen and the Taliban greater protection and enabled them to hide and move almost unseen because the face of the mountains are covered with boulders and clefts. Soviet in the 1980’s and Americans and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) struggled against them because it is all but impossible to see, find, and kill them. Often caught in an ambush, they often resorted to calling artillary and airstrikes to surpress until the attackers withdraw.

And all this Edom enjoyed. Their sense of security is something we also feel in the United States as the oceans separates us from the rest of the world, our land is almost as large as China, and our neighbors are nowhere near as powerful as we are. But a state, no matter how powerful or secure, is not always destroyed by outside forces as it can be destroyed inwardly. And God, who have created all can eliminate all key factors of that country’s source of safety, strength, and prosperity.

In the case for Edom, though they’ve dwelled in the mountains will not gaurantee them victory or survival, and histroy bore that out with the Babylonian invasion led by Nebuchadnzzar, followed by Persia. God promised judgment and He delivered.

For us today, as Americans, it is easy for us to feel invulnerable just like the Edomites for the aforementioned reasons. but the destruction of the state doesn’t always come from outside of our borders. The finest example of this is Rome.

IMAGE SOURCE:
ID 2904101 © David Solodar | Dreamstime.com https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/jordanian-valley-4-2904101.jpg

Discerning Between True and False Apostles/Prophets (Part 2-2).

By Agur Israel Thomas

07-19-2020 (Updated: 14 November, 2020).

^{Qualifications of a True Apostle & Prophet – Part 2: Miraculous Healings}

Faith, in of itself, is not a vital requirement for one to be healed (2 Kings 5:10-14 & Matthew 17:20).
– The reason why Jesus healed to the woman with an issue of blood to the Roman Centurion with a mortally ill servant is because they believed He was the Messiah…not just because He has the power to heal (John 11:23-27).
– Their faith was such that the former needed only to touch the hem of His garment (Matthew 9:20-22) & the Centurion required only His word… without physically meeting him
– Not only that, He healed even if their faith did not lead to their salvation (Luke 17:12-19), because miracles was to the Jews, proof that one came from God (Exodus 4:1-9 & 1 Corinthians 1:22); thus, He was performing miracles as a testimonial proof that He is the Messiah & the Son of God (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Healings must be done simply, and plainly
Healing happens immediately.
– In the Old Testament Naaman, Captain of the Syrian Army had Leprosy & was healed when Elisha instructed him to dip seven times in the Jordan river [Note that he had serious doubts over Elisha’s claim because the latter would not come to him and had to the seemingly silly thing of dipping himself seven times to be healed. (2 Kings 5:10-14)]
– However, in the New Testament, Jesus gave a simple instruction & it was done (Mark 2:8-12)
– The only exception was in John 9 with the healing of the blind man, and yet when applied, the healing was instantaneous (John 9:1-7)

Your healings must be absolute as the person you’re helping must have a complete healing. For example, if s/he has a type of Cancer that tended to return, that form of cancer must be completely gone and to never return (John 5:14)
Healings must be open to all. Jesus healed not just the Blind & the Deaf but the profoundly disabled (Mark 2:3-12), The Lepers (Luke 17:12-19), and those with severed organs, limbs, etc (Luke 22:50-51)
You must be ready and willing to defend your Apostleship or Prophetship (1 Corinthians 9:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:2, & 11:13-15)

Beware Of False Apostles and Prophets

There are many people who’ve called themselves Apostles and Prophets, and will likely continue until Christ returns. From my perspective, there are far more false Apostles and Prophets than there are bonafide due to the sheer popularity and need of miracles.

The True Nature of False Apostles and Prophets

The popularity and need for miracles would naturally spring forth charlatans who would claim Apostleship or Prophetship can almost be compared to those committing Stolen Valor, pretending to be Tier-3 to Tier-1 Special Operations members of the military. Or, just feign themselves as ordinary servicepersons, typically as veterans, to gain undeserved public respect, generosity, and/or take advantage of local, state, and federal benefits.

However, unlike persons guilty of Stolen Valor they want material wealth and power (Titus 1:9-11); Their god their belly (Matthew 7:15 & Philippians 3:18-19). They’ll claim that God has spoken to and chosen them to be His direct oracle, receiving revelations from God that only they can reveal. They’re typically attractive in terms of charisma and form (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

They typically target the poor, the desperate, and the needy so they promise healings, health, happiness, and wealth if they give generously according to their need [the more you give, the more you get (Matthew 15:1-6, Luke 20:47, & 21:2-3)].

And when they’ve bewitched their congregation they will be able to gain what they want, and only the very few in their congregation will question their validity, policy, and character; for to question them is to question God. And when faced with criticism and scrutiny outside their congregation and influence, they would most commonly reply, “Touch not mine anointed…” taking the quote out of context to prevent criticism against [as contextually it actually means “Do not harm my chosen” (1 Samuel 24:6 & 1 Chronicles 16:16-21)].

In extreme cases, they can commit heinous sins and crimes Jim Jones in the 1960-70’s, David Koresh in the early 1990’s, and Warren Steve Jeffs in the early 21st century have been known for, but for the most part are like Benny Hinn who have amassed such wealth that it became a scandal in itself. According to his nephew, Costi Hinn who have begun his own ministry against the Word of Faith movement for which his uncle is part, Benny stayed in hotels 50k a night, have his own jet, and mansions.

IMAGE SOURCE:
Marcus Catoiu, “Transfiguration of Christ” Restored Traditions Pintrest.com Accessed 16, August 2020 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419538521540969320/

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
American Gospel: Christ Alone (DVD) http://www.americangospelfilm.com/

John MacArthur. “Abusing the Poor”(Luke 21:1-4) Grace to You, Grace Community Church. March 17, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBT8RL0Atk

BTW, if you do not know what the Gospel is, please click on the link below:
https://wordpress.com/view/disraelthomas.com

Discerning Between True and False Apostles/Prophets (Part 1-2).

By Agur Israel Thomas

07-19-2020 (Updated: 14 November, 2020).

Introduction

Since the 4th century, over the Reformation and the Awakenings, and into the 21st century there has been a number of misunderstandings over Apostleship and Prophetship.

Before the Reformation period, there were a series of Apostles in the form of Popes as the Catholics believed in the doctrine of Apostolic Succession which continued to this day. Then, after the Great Awakenings, Apostles and Prophets began to surface with the Pentecostals in the 19th century, the Charismatics in the 20th century, and the cults such as the LDS and Christian Science.

Apostles and Prophets seemed to have multiplied wildly with the Charismatics and it continued with the Word of Faith movement in the 1950’s, on. Since then, it has become commonplace to see them in every major city and town in the Americas, and all over the world where the church is allowed to flourish.

The question now is: “How does one discern between true and false Apostles and Prophets”? Why, because in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:15-22, Isaiah 41:21-24, 2 Corinthians 11:14-16, & 1 John 4:1-2 warns of false Prophets and Apostles.

The following is a list of what they are, what they do, and what they do not do, according to scripture.

Traits of Apostles and Prophets

Apostles:

They are the primary delegate, ambassador, messenger of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
They evangelize and debate (Acts 4:16-19, 9:27, & 17:17)
They have personally seen were personally chosen by the risen Christ (1 Cor. 9:1-2)
They can perform different kinds of miracles including speaking in tongues, heal, and drink poison & not die (1 Corinthians 14:18, Acts 5:15, Mark 16:17-18, & Acts 28:3-5)
There are no female Apostles
Their role is evangelistic: to preach the Gospel in Israel & abroad

Prophets:

They are the heralds and spokespersons of God (word search: “Thus saith the LORD”)
Their primary role is to call nations (states) to repentance (Isaiah 6:8-9 & Jeremiah 1:5)
They are called personally by the Lord (i.e.: 1 Samuel 1:4-11, 3:10-13, & Jeremiah 1:4-5)
They’re not the primary bringers of good promises but judgment (Jeremiah 8:11)
Only once did a Prophet rule which was during the time of the Judges (Judges 4:3-4)
There are male and female Prophets

The Commonalities Between the Two

They do not oversee any organizational entities including the church
The scriptures does not evidence Apostles & Prophets holding a leadership positions in the church congregation
They do not own estates, nor are they rich, but live simply (2 Kings 5:15-16, 20-27, Mattthew 3:1-8, & Philippians 4:10-13)
The scriptures does not evidence them holding public offices

Qualifications of a True Apostle & Prophet – Part 1: Miraculous Credentials

If you believe that you are or will be called to be an Apostle or a Prophet then the following must be met:

You must be personally & directly called by God Himself to qualify as a Prophet
Only Apostles are ones who’ve not only have seen the resurrected Christ, but are personally called by Jesus Himself
If you are an Apostle, you must display proofs of your Apostleship [i.e.: invulnerability to poison & any other deadly toxin (Acts 28:3-5)]
Your words cannot contradict the word of God in any way (Deuteronomy 13:1-4 & 18:23)
Your prophesying [preaching (definitional i.e.: 2 Peter 1:20-21)] will not be done with exaggerations or given to misspeaks (1 Corinthians 14:33)
The miracles that are done in church are for edification only (1 Corinthians 14:3-4, 23. 27-30, 33)
Your miracles must be verifiable such as to remove all genuine doubt of falsehood
You will not use Illusionary “Sleight of Hand” tricks, Hypnotic techniques, use any means to elevate Adrenaline, manipulate emotion for greater effect, and any other forms of trickery by any means (Matthew 7:15-19, 9:1-7, & John 9:6-8, 19-20)
Those who are healed must be verified as actual sufferers of through medical records and willing and able witnesses
True predictions are not vague, general, or broad words but are done in detail in terms of when, where, why, & how, so as not to allow you to claim personal error, misunderstanding, or apply the fallacy of “Moving the Goal Post” (i.e.: Jehovah’s Witnesses & May 2011 & September 2011 Harold Camping)
Your predictions must be fulfilled, completely and in detail. One failed prediction disqualifies you as an Apostle and Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22 & Isaiah 41:21-24).
And if there are cases of partial fulfillment then there must be a preceding prophecy clearly in relations to. For example, the Old Testament predicted the coming of the Messiah and King. The Jews expected a king to return, defeat the Romans, and rule Israel but the following must precede before His return:
In Isaiah 53:1-6, 10, Daniel 9:26, & Psalm 16:10 the Messiah must first preach, suffer, die, & rise again from the dead. The Gentiles must be drawn into salvation (Hosea 2:23). The Antichrist must then appear (Daniel 9:27). The Day of the LORD must come in the form of judgment and wrath upon all (Isaiah 13:6-11). Judgment must come to the Jews first (Jeremiah 30:7 & Zechariah 13:8-9) then to the Gentiles (Zechariah 12:3, Joel 3:9-16, & Ezekiel 38:16-23). Israel must believe in the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10-14)

IMAGE SOURCE:
Marcus Catoiu, “Transfiguration of Christ” Restored Traditions Pintrest.com Accessed 16, August 2020 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419538521540969320/

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
American Gospel: Christ Alone (DVD) http://www.americangospelfilm.com/

John MacArthur. “Abusing the Poor” (Luke 21:1-4) Grace to You, Grace Community Church. March 17, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBT8RL0Atk

BTW, if you do not know what the Gospel is, please click on the link below:
https://wordpress.com/view/disraelthomas.com

The Denominational Divide…An Unforeseen Blessing.

By Agur Israel Thomas
3 July, 2020 (Updated 10 August, 2020)

We all know the negatives with regard to denominationalism:

Division is wrong in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
It sends a bad message to the world
Catholics use it as proof of the need of the Papacy and Papal authority over canon and scripture interpretation while
Cults tout themselves as the very opposite of the Protestant dysfunctionalism.

After I got saved I came to learn of it & became ardent for Non Denominationalism; indeed, the very notion of having any name in relations is akin to the violation of 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.

Divisions sometimes cannot be Avoided
As I grew older in the faith gaining knowledge & experience along the way, I began to understand the reason why there are divisions.

Biblical discoveries (or, rediscoveries) will almost always face skepticism

The Protestant Reformers were virtually Reformed because of the teachings of St. Augustine. So, when Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) raised doubts or concerns about the extent of God’s sovereignty, and man’s depravity which soon sparked a debate between those who sided with Arminius and those who were with John Calvin (1509-1564).

The result was a permanent split between these groups. I consider these two, the two main divisions which over time, formed into subgroups.

Human fallibility guarantees contention.

As inspired as Paul & Barnabus were, as both men were personally chosen by Jesus Christ [thus becoming Apostles which means, “Sent Forth” (1 Corinthians 9:1-2)], they’ve ended up going their separate ways due to disagreement over the question of bringing John (Acts 15:36-40).

Often, denominations come about for four main reasons I can think of:

To promote what is discovered/rediscovered in scripture, i.e. Adult Baptism (Anabaptists to Baptists)
To separate due to persecution (Puritans)
To reform the church, i.e. reaching out to the outcasts as at that time, no one was (Methodists)
To bring back what is lost or forgotten, i.e. church unity (Non Denominationalism)

Thus, it is not so much violation of 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 as it is an unfortunate quarrel amongst members of the body.

Actual Benefits of Denominations

Now to the point, it is actually a good thing we have denominations; not that I welcome the disobedience of the given verse, but it is one of the unforeseen blessings.

Two Opposing Groups will Learn from Each Other
Knowledge of the Scriptures will Grow and gaining also, a Greater Appreciation for, or gaining a New Understanding of God
Multiplicity of Growth
Blame Not to the Whole

Two Opposing Groups will Learn from Each Other
In the subject about Free Will (Unlimited Atonement) vs. Predestination (Limited Atonement), the one in writing about the latter will try to be fair in the attempt to explain what it is & why it is believed. However, s/he will be tempted to commit the Straw Man fallacy, or, will mischaracterize the doctrine because his/her idea of, is a presumption.

Limited Atonement is not the easiest doctrine to accept for anyone.

But when s/he is engaged in a discussion or debate with the other, s/he will gain a far better understanding of the doctrine as it does not come from his/her own side but from the very side s/he is opposed to.

In the subject about Free Will (Unlimited Atonement) vs. Predestination (Limited Atonement), the one in writing about the latter will try to be fair in the attempt to explain what it is & why it is believed. However, s/he will be tempted to commit the Straw Man fallacy, or, will mischaracterize the doctrine because his/her idea of, is a presumption.

Limited Atonement is not the easiest doctrine to accept for anyone.

If we were in that position we would be invested in defending what we believe in so what do we do? Search the scriptures to see if:

See of the claim is at all, valid (Acts 17:10-11)
If it is invalid then it is our duty to undermine that claim (Titus 1:9-11)

Knowledge of the Scriptures will Grow… Gaining a New understanding and appreciation for God.
In either case, we would search the scriptures to truly know if one or the other is true and through it our knowledge of the scriptures will only increase. This always come when we explore new subjects. Some of us are more curious than others, but in hearing of viewpoints we find disagreeable would not only spark curiousity but provoke investigation if the matter, stands.

And in the process of, or the in the end of searching, we will gain a new view of God; not a complete revision but rather an aspect of God we may have never thought of before. If for example you are an Arminian, you would gain a greater appreciation for God’s sovereignty, or the love of God for all people, if you are a Calvinist. If you are not a Methodist (not speaking of United Methodists) but belonged to an extremely closed and exclusive church, reading about Methodist history offers a lesson on Evangelism where class impartiality God blesses. Finally, if you belonged to a theologically weak church, a neighboring church that happened to be the opposite of your own is a godsend alternative.

Blame Not Laid on the Whole
With that, if a scandal hjas erupted one church, i.e.: “The 2nd Baptist Church of Atlanta”, then all the other Baptist churches would not be seen as guilty as they’re not associated with, or under the leadership of that particular church. That benefit most surely extended to non-Baptist denominations. While many would still fault the church as a whole, they cannot deny the totally decentralized nature of Protestantism unlike the Roman Catholic church whose reputation greatly marred by recent scandals which makes it far easier for its enemies to label it as evil.

Multiplicity of Growth
Do you remember reading Nehemiah where the wall was built most speedily because everyone worked on their own wall as it is close to their home? So it is with denominations, but only this time, it is individual movements.

Individual denominations, unincumbered by a hiearchy or chain of command, can individually start their missionary endeavor at their pace, employ their own methods, and empowered by their own leadership. This is in itself can be a fatal weakness admittedly. In Nehemiah’s wall, you have individual builders who might have used different construction methods and standards which can easily result in the feet of Nebuchadnessar’s statue made of Iron mixed with miry clay. And yet, those individuals are building the wall not just to protect Jerusalem but their own homes… they will build their walls as strong as they could do so. So it is with denominations.

Sure, those denominations have beliefs we disagree with, but they do believe in the right Gospel. And, because of so many denominations, if a hostile government eliminates one group of missionaries, there are many more waiting to replace them.

What Denomination is Winning the Church Debate, or Will We ever Know?

You might be wondering if there is ever an end to denominationalism, as in, would we know what denomination is right, or mostly right after all, before Jesus’s 2nd coming? Maybe. And while it might be a denominational bias on my part, I’ve seen more Baptist churches than any other I can recall. There are Baptist churches of various kinds from traditional Baptists to nondenominational churches yet have in their practices, Believer’s Baptism (Adult Baptism, but the rite not strictly for adults), rather than Pedobaptism, and the same churches believe in what’s called “Eternal Security” (For Calvinists, it’s Perseverance of the Saints but unattached to Limited Atonement).

However, it may have more to do with what makes sense to us as Americans than what is more biblical. Particularly in the United States we treasure the notion of individual freedom and free will, and so between Adult Baptism, Believer’s Baptism, and Pedobaptism (Infant Baptism) … Adult Baptism and Believer’s Baptism would be the most sensible than Pedobaptism. What is likely the trend rather than not is a view that the congregation (or the Laity) has the final word on church policy rather than the leadership (Clergy). The United States is a “Democracy” (a Republic, actually), and so average American Christian would be uncomfortable with the Clergy dictating policy without their say.

While it may merely be a trend according to national sensibilities, it did not stop God from using the Baptists. It may be that the Baptists have the least biblical confessions, but nevertheless used them to great effect around the world, just as He used some of the weakest of Christians for His glory.

By the way, if you do not know the Gospel, or are only familiar with the Four Spiritual Laws, please go to this link: https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/107887481/posts/3144016129 Thank you!

IMAGE SOURCE:
Montpelier Methodist Church of Baldwin County. RawPixal.com
https://www.rawpixel.com/image/433838/free-photo-image-church-christian-methodist

Eight Things Christians Must Know To Properly Share the Gospel (Part 2-2).

Part 2 For those who refuse the Free Gift, the Last Things, and Helpful Aids.

By Agur Israel Thomas
01-07-2020

7th – The Penalty for Works-Based Gospel

In case you have a participant who is a Catholic, a Mainline Church of Christ, or a cult member, the 7th would be most helpful for them.

For those who try to earn salvation are self condemned for the same reason we’re under condemnation.

But for those who try to earn their salvation, despite being given the Gospel, is to reject the free gift of salvation; which also denigrates the sacrifice of Christ (Galatians 2:21, 3:10-13). They’ve also become debtors to the law (Romans 4:2-5) and have fallen from Grace (Galatians 5:4).

Finally, they might ask: “If we shouldn’t obey the commandments to be saved, then why does the Bible tell us to follow it”? The answer is this:

To show our need for a savior (Romans 3:19-20)
To do what is right and avoid wrongdoing (Ibid 7:7)
Because saved us (1 John 4:19)

8th – The Doctrine of Assurance.

The problem with some of the current gospel invitation models is that they lead the hearer to believe that they’re saved solely because of a decision they’ve made and how sincere they were (Jeremiah 17:9). In the word of my first spiritual mentor:” They may be sincere, but they’re sincerely wrong”

With that, the Doctrine of Assurance can be summed up in one word: evidence. What is the evidence of true conversion (James 2:14-26 & the entire 1st John)? How do you, and they, know that they’re saved?

First, how much of the Gospel factored in their decision? Do you or they believe because they evidenced godly sorrow that leads to repentance and surrender or just to be safe from damnation (as to obtain a “Get-out-of-Hell, free!” card)?

Second, do they know that they’re to be new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17 & 1 John 3:6-9) and do they know how they’re transformed (Philippians 1:6, Galatians 2:20, & Ephesians 2:10)? And that they’re being kept by Him for eternity (John 6:37-39 & 10:28-29)?

Third, are they aware of the cost of following Christ; have they made the decision to believe anyway, or just get their “Best Life Now” (Matthew 13:5-6 & 2 Timothy 3:15)?

Moreover, do they know to examine and test themselves to see if they’re in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)? Like the test of Prophets, a true believer should naturally bear good fruits (Matthew 7:15-23 & 1 John 3:6-9).

Finally, are they showing signs of a true Christian by their growth and maturity in: A. Theology (John 17:2 & 2 Timothy 2:15), B). Doxology (Psalms 63:1-4, 135:3, 136:1, & 1 John 4:19), C. Praxis (Galatians 5:16-25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, & James 1:27)?

True Christians are Regenerated Christians… and Regenerated Christians will show signs of conversion. Their life ought to match their doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).

Now… the Last Things

I would that Christian clubs not only teach the Gospel to them but also basic doctrines of the faith as this is a Christian club. If it’s just a Christian self-help club then why are you preaching the Gospel to them? And if you’re preaching the Gospel to them then why not teach them fundamental theology, peradventure, the saved are ignorant of them?

Not all of us have come from good congregations as you know that there are leaders who care more about numbers and profits than saving lives. So they avoid subjects that offend such as sin and damnation yet Jesus talked about both more than all the Apostles combined because they’re of such vital necessity (Matthew 10:34-39, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, & Matthew 28:19-20).

If you do not know what doctrine they’re ignorant of then please do the following:

Have them teach you, on paper and in class, what the Gospel is.
Conduct a theological test (https://carm.org/theological-test)
Impress upon them the importance of church history for their personal study, s through it, they can understand how doctrines, creeds, and confessions have developed over the centuries.

The following doctrines are very helpful to new converts and those not familiar with them:

The Nicene, Athanathian, and Apostles Creed
The Protestant Reformation
The Four Solas

If you do not want to teach them any of the fundamental doctrines because of time then buy for each and every one of them Evangelical/Protestant Confessions such as the Heidelberg, Wesleyan, Methodist, or Congregational. They differ only on the minor and not on the major fundamental doctrines.

For Part 1 please click here: https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/disraelthomas.com/42

Recommended Sites

WWUTT is a biblical answers to the questions and issues facing the church today)

When We Understand the Text 13 Sept. 2013 http://www.wwutt.com/

Ryan Reeves (Church history in how we’ve arrived to the doctrines, creeds, confessions, traditions and ecclesiastical movements we have today)
30 Nov. 2011 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrI5U0R293u9uveijefKyAA

Blimey Cow (Humorous, satirical, and apolitical focus on issues facing the youths of today and common sense and logical approach to solving them)
Blimey Cow 27 June 2006 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0jIctUPBK6lHw4AYnGHvCA

Got Questions Ministries covers major theological issues: https://www.gotquestions.org/

Hell’s Best Kept Secret, a method of evangelism virtually forgotten by the contemporary church titled, “The Way of the Master” https://www.livingwaters.com/hells-best-kept-secret/

OneMillionTracts is an online store where you can buy tracts and other resources that uses the “Way of the Master” method.
http://onemilliontracts-com.3dcartstores.com/

SermonIndex (A channel where one can listen to current and classical preachers in Evangelical history): https://www.youtube.com/user/sermonindex/featured

Christian Apologetics Research Ministry is an all around apologetics ministry to equip Christians in their effort to defend and reach the lost. To me, this is one of the best Apologetics site as it tackles issues from heretical doctrine to alleged bible contradictions https://carm.org/

Acts17Apologetics is a Youtube channel that biblical defense against Islam https://www.youtube.com/user/Acts17Apologetics

ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry is one that reaches out to the chosen people of God – the Jewish people. It includes apologetics, and testimonial outreach to the Jewish People): https://www.oneforisrael.org/

Eight Things Christians Must Know To Properly Share the Gospel (Part 1-2).

Part 1: Problems with the Current Gospel Presentations & How to Fix it.

By Agur Israel Thomas
01-07-2020

I need to tell you the biggest problem I see in Evangelism today. I know that the gospel is preached and an invitation is given, and yet the gospel being given is disturbingly short, making it superficial. If we’re to preach the Gospel we need to preach it well.

All that is said are four very basic statements, at the end of every message, and over and over again:

“God loves/cares for you”
“The bible says you’re a Sinner”
“He died for your sins”
“All you have to do is believe and repent”

Every one of those points are true but preaching those points superficially can only produce superficial converts (Luke 7:47). In clubs for example, you hear that message over and over again, and it gets boring. Not that they should spend another hour in preaching the gospel, but it feels like they’re preaching to you

A hard heart be made soft by a feather unless it is plowed; only then seed of the Gospel can be embedded and taken root (Matthew 13:3-9).

These are the 8 Points I want to share with you. Due to the length of this article you can simply read the words in Bold. If you already understand why I’m but if you don’t know why I’m arguing for it, please… please… read through it.

1st – They need to know the Character of God.

Why is God so loathed sin and severe on sinners is because He is naturally and eternally, good (Psalms 136:1 & Malachi 3:6). And because He is good He is Holy and Just.

When God created man, it was not solely for relationship. Certainly we were made for that purpose but it is not for the reason of loneliness. He does not need us (Acts 17:24-25); He created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7).

But we’ve become the very opposite of Him, of what He intended us to be.

2nd – They need to know what they are before this God

It is not enough to tell them that they’re sinners, it needs to be explained thoroughly.

And it is not just the fact that we’ve broken a few of God’s “Thou Shalt Not” commandments (which in itself is true… you are what you do); we are sinners by nature…(Genesis 8:21). We have a rebellious hatred for God and His law (Ibid 8:7).

That is why we break God’s laws in the first place and hellbound irreversibly (Exodus 34:6-7, Psalms 5:4-5 & 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

3rd – What is Truly Expected of them to go to Heaven.

Not only that, they’re condemned not just but failed to meet God’s standard of righteousness. This is why in Romans 3:23 it says “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…”

He requires them to be morally perfect by proactively obeying the commandment of God: by the letter and conscience (Deuteronomy 18:18, 27:26, Matthew 5:20, Romans 2:6-10, 14-16, 17-25, & James 4:17).

4th – His Justice must be Satisfied

For that reason they’re on their way to eternal damnation because in His holiness He cannot allow sin into His presence (Psalm 5:4-5) and in His Justice demands payment (Exodus 34:6-7); neither could He hear their prayers except by His grace (Habakkuk 1:13).

Sin is eternally evil to Him which therefore requires an eternal sentence.

Once the sin is done; it cannot be undone.

Worst of all, in James 2:10 it says that whoever keeps the whole law and commits one sin violated all of the commandments. And there are over 613 Commandments.

Imagine sinning 5x a day, multiplied that by 7 days, then by 5 weeks, and 12 months. Now times that number by 613 and sum total is 1,287,300 commandments broken in a single year.

Multiply the sum by 100 years and Jesus said we will not get out until they’ve paid the very last cent (Luke 12:58-59).

Someone might ask “Why can’t He just forgive us?” A good judge simply cannot pardon one who committed a crime and to do the opposite is an act of abomination to Him (Proverbs 17:15). In Paul Washer’s words: “If God is just, He cannot forgive you”.

5th – The Penal Substitutionary Sacrifice of Christ

However, in His goodness He is also merciful and loving in that He gave His only Son, the 2nd person of the Trinity.

God became fully man (John 1:14) and despite His many temptations kept perfectly the Law w/out sinning (Hebrews 4:15).

Despite His innocency He was condemned as guilty (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Why? It is because on the cross, He became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As a consequence Jesus didn’t just took the scougings, the beatings, the bearing of the cross, and the crucifixion, but on the cross He drank in full, God’s wrath (Matthew 26:39, Deuteronomy 27:15-26, Psalms 75:7-8, Isaiah 53:5-6, 10, John 19:30, & Romans 3:24).

Afterward, the resurrection is equally important because without it, the word of God is proved false for the many messianic prophecies made about Jesus.

If Jesus did not rise again then He is a liar and we’ll be condemned (Proverbs 12:19-21, Isaiah 9:6, John 2:19-21, & 1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

Since He had He is now “…the Just, and the Justifier of those who believe” (Romans 3:26). He can legally dismiss our case (Ibid 8:1-2).

6th – How are they Saved

Given all that are said here, the key to salvation is by Grace (undeserved kindness) through Faith Alone. What does it mean to have faith? What is belief? Faith (Pistis) means to have hope (Hebrews 11:1) & to believe is to trust.

Salvation is not accomplished by us, or in cooperation with God, but given solely by God (Romans 8:29-31 & ).

Salvation is also a process also not by us, but by God (Philippians 1:6 & Jude 1:24)

We are saved immediately when we believe, past tense (John 5:24); we are being saved, present tense (Galatians 2:20), and we will be saved, future tense (Romans 8:11, 26).

Only the saved will be changed and bear fruit (See: 8th – “Doctrine of Assurance”)

For Part 2 please click here: https://disraelthomas.com/2020/08/11/eight-things-christians-must-know-to-properly-share-the-gospel-part-2/

Recommended Sites

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When We Understand the Text 13 Sept. 2013 http://www.wwutt.com/