...English In Acts 16:30, after God shows his power and transformation to a jailer, he asks Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (ESV). This is a common question asked by so many today when God is working in their lives. Many have a desperate desire to know how they can be saved from God's wrath but it seems so unclear in today's culture. However, although it can be complicated, it is also very simple what God requires for salvation. Ultimately, the way to God is a personal relationship with him. However, in order to have this relationship, there are three certain beliefs and truths that Christians put faith in, although many believe that one must do more to be in Christ. The three essentials to the Christian faith are: God's word is authoritative, Jesus is the perfect son of God who came as a Man to die on the cross and rose again to save Man from their sin, and it is by faith and repentance in Christ that man is able to have a relationship with Him. Although the belief is not supported by the Bible, many people say that it is essential to salvation to be baptized, thus turning Christianity into a works based religion. Church of Christ believes that it is necessary to be baptized to be saved, using Mark 16:16 as evidence (Wright). Mark 16:16 says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (ESV). However, Houdmann states that one must notice "While this verse tells us something about believers who have been baptized...
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...anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ...” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, then you are a Christian. According to the New Testament, you are also a new creation. You are beginning a whole new life! And just as a newborn baby needs certain things in order to be healthy and to grow up, so do you, as a new Christian, need certain things to grow spiritually. First, you need to be in fellowship with other Christians. It is through fellowship that you will learn more about God and about how to live as a Christian. You should plan to attend church regularly and join a kinship group so that you can develop close friendships with other believers. Vineyard has many kinship groups that meet on different days and in different locations throughout central Ohio. Choose one that is convenient for you so that you can be encouraged in your new relationship with God! Second, you need to pray, which is simply talking to God. Prayer is how you will grow in your relationship with God and how you can begin to allow Him to work in areas of your life. And third, you need to read the Bible on a regular basis. It is through the Bible that God will speak to you about Himself and your life needs. Beginning the Christian Life Series was developed by Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Columbus for new Christians. It is a series of Bible studies that...
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... Credentials are important when you are choosing a religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Bible as the guiding source based on worthy credentials. Their truths are based on the sacred writings of the Bible. For example Genesis 1:1 says: There is one almighty God and Creator who made all things. They believe in one creator who has a name, and that name is Jehovah. Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a World Wide Christian Religion who share with others information about God and his son, Jesus Christ. They base their belief mainly on the principles found in the Holy Bible, and view first century Christianity as their source. Their founder is Charles Taze Russell whose background and study of the Bible led him to conclude that hellfire does not exist, God is not a Trinity, and that 1914 marked the second coming of Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that all scriptures are inspired of God and beneficial, but some people have even claimed that they are not even Christians. They believe that “There is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved, which is Jesus Christ”. That is quoted in Acts 4:12 of the Bible. They believe that God is greater than Jesus, and that Jesus himself acknowledged that: “The Father is greater that I am,” (John 14:28) they also believe that they should be like Jesus by making God’s name manifest to others. They take the name Jehovah’s Witnesses because they imitate Jesus, “the Faithful Witness...
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...profession of faith in and on the Lord Jesus Christ but has made mistakes along the way of growing into discipleship or may have been led astray by false doctrine or mis-representation of the Word of God. Most of the times when we here someone say they want to be sure they are saved it is after they have decided to have a relationship with the Lord but state they don’t “feel anything” or those who may have experienced a tragic life change or may be sick unto death. Either way a good time to have an assurance of one’s faith is when and while there is still breath in the body. Some of the major questions are “Am I really a child of God? How do I know my sins are truly forgiven? When I die, am I going to heaven?” While working at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association many calls would come in from those who had just been diagnosed with life threating diseases, those who converted from Catholism and from widows who knew their spouses were saved and have gone on to be with the Lord, but wanted to be sure that they too would make it to heaven and not only see Jesus but see their loved one again. Some had no idea where they stood with God. We would gently ask the callers if they would like to know how they could be absolutely certain that they were indeed going to heaven. We would explain that Jesus Christ had died for their sins and paid all of our debt and the Word of God promises us if we would believe by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior; we...
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...Why is it important to know what you believe and why you believe it? The importance of knowing what I believe in would give me the optimum confident in my faith; and in order for that to happen I would have to be accurate in my knowledge of beliefs. I would need to know for myself what the truth is in order to speak belief to someone else. I would also have to present a sense of patience in my actions. I do not think that I would convince anyone of my belief if my tone of voice was hostile and abrupt. I feel if a person is calm they would be more substantial and convincing to believe in. Belief, I feel, is a feeling of preciseness and being confident of what is stated; and if there isn’t any confidants; nor knowledge of what we believe in there isn’t a reason of cause. Identify what you believe about God, the Bible and Jesus Christ. Why do you believe them? I know that God is real and that he created me and love me. We all are place on this earth with a purpose that is given by God and without him I believe there is no existent, he is the source for our lives. It is known by me that being separated from God will result in a disastrous life. The Bible I know is philosophic book of words of God, which is written to give us guide lines, of the way that we lived in the past and present. Jesus Christ is the son of God and he gave his life for our sins; I also believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We all have different beliefs about our savior Jesus Christ and...
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...written for? 3. Why do some have mistaken ideas about Christianity? Chapter 1 1. What year was Jesus born? 2. When was Christianity made Rome’s national religion? 3. What is the Incarnation? 4. Does the Bible states that Jesus was the creator of the world? 5. Did Jesus claim to have supernatural origins? 6. Who baptized Jesus? 7. Did Jesus allow people to worship him? Etzel & Gutierrez: Introduction & Chs. 1–5 1. Why does the author say that everyone is a theologian? 2. What areas of our lives are influenced by the way we see God? 3. How did Jesus show that he is worthy of our faith? 4. Do Christians need to ignore intellect and reason in order to have faith in Jesus? 5. What does Jesus teach about truth? Online Excerpts: “Understanding the Faith” 1. What is more important than the sincerity of your belief? 2. What are the six types of faith that describe the believer's relationship to God? “Prolegomena to Theology”—Pg. 18–24 1. What are the four tools for accurately arranging a systematic theology? 2. What four questions must we ask about faith? 3. What 5 factors can limit our theology? “The Names of Christ” – Pg. 160–173 1. What chapter of the New Testament does the author suggest contains the most names of Jesus? 2. Which of God’s names do some scholars think that Jesus is claiming with his “I am” statements? 3. What is the term “only begotten”...
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...Exegesis of Ephesians 2:8-13 Interpreting the Bible Blake Castator University of the Cumberlands November 27, 2012 Introduction Ephesians 2:8-13 are very important scriptures that need to be studied by Christians everywhere. These scriptures are for everyone, for people that have been Christians quite awhile, for brand new Christians, and for non-believers. These scriptures deserved to be studied more because people sometimes overlook them because they have heard the message plenty of times. There are many sermons on these scriptures and the idea of grace and salvation. This exegesis will dig deep into the true meaning of these scriptures and what the meaning of words like grace, faith, salvation, workmanship really means. The true meaning will be unveiled and how people can apply these scriptures to their lives. Also some of these scriptures may seem confusing and this will clarify any confusion. These scriptures can sometimes be misinterpreted by people that do not do their research, and if they are preaching or teaching on these scriptures they need to fully understand what it says. People deserve to be taught the true meaning of the scriptures, what it meant to the original audience, and how to apply it today to their lives. This will explain the relationships between the Jews, Gentiles, and God. Many people may skim over these scriptures and not know any background information on these two groups of people. This exegesis will dig deep into many...
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...1. Why is it important to know what you believe and why you believe it? (50–100 words) 2. Identify what YOU believe about God, the Bible and Jesus Christ. Why do you believe them? (50–100 words) For me, it is important to know what I believe and why is because I want to do just as stated in 1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" I was recently caught in a situation where I couldn't, and I felt ashamed that I couldn't answer a question about God and some of the more deeper things about God and what I believe. What I believe about God is He is the head of the trinity and oversees and commands everything. I believe He sent Jesus to die for us so we can have a way to pay for our sins. I believe Jesus suffered much pain, and temptations. Therefore He knows what we go through every day and wants us to trust Him. The Bible is where I go to in order to find answers to all questions in life. All three are the foundation of my life, and I couldn't do anything without them. What is it important to know what you believe and why you believe? I feel it is important to know what you believe and know why—so you may be a better witness for the Lord. I believe through learning you are able to give solid evidence as to why you believe and why someone else should believe too. Also, with the power of knowledge you are able to have a productive...
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...“lost” person come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It starts with oneself knowing that God loves you. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” God loves us so much that He had His son Jesus die on the cross to save us from our sin. Knowing we were going to live lives of a sinful nature He died for us out of His everlasting love. Therefor; the second step to the four spiritual laws is that man is sinful and separated from God. This means that we fall short of the glory of God just as Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Its clear that accepting that we are sinners is important; saying this we know already that God has died for our sins. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wage of sin is death,” we know that God has already paid this price for us as we earlier stated in John 3:16. Thirdly the step that states Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin, means that you only get into heaven by accepting Christ as you savior. John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” This means that no matter how good of a person you believe you are of how many good deeds you do, it is not enough; Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God…”. Lastly step 4 says, we must individually receive Jesus as Savior and Lord...
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...Jesus was the son of God. Jesus Christ came to Earth to live among mankind and to teach and minister to us. Jesus provided mankind with the hope of everlasting life and happiness if only we lived by God’s word. Jesus taught us that life was a gift and through his teachings he was able to show us that God only wants the best for us and if we chose to live by his word we will have this. Jesus was sent to live among mankind by God. He was born to the Virgin Mary and to Joseph a carpenter. God knew that if Jesus was born to a virgin it would show that Jesus was pure and truly from God. Joseph didn’t want to marry Mary once he found out she was pregnant, but when God appeared to him in his dreams he knew that Jesus was going to save us from our sins and decided to stay married to her. Once it was time for Jesus to be born, his poor parents could find no place to have the baby and resorted to Jesus being born in the stable. However, this was the best decision because it showed that Jesus came in poverty and with humility so that Jesus could identify with weakest among us. As Jesus grew up, he began to teach to people. His disciples were his primary focus, for they were to carry on his message to those that he could not come in contact with. Jesus had to perform miracles to prove to nonbelievers that there was a God and that God truly had their best interest at heart. These miracles Jesus performed were simple, but were significant. In one of them for example, Jesus came upon a man...
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...laws that governs are relationship with God. These laws were given in different throughout the Bible. Law one: God loves you, and offers a wonderful plan for your life. In John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” In this verse gave us the solution to all of our problems, He loves us so much He gave us a way out from all of our sins. This was Jesus plan when He came to Earth, in John 10:10 says, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly”. The reason most people don’t experience an abundant life is because of the second law. Law two: Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life. In Roman’s 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” This verse alone states that everyone is a sinner, and everyone fall short of the glory of God. When Adam chose to go on his own independent way, the fellowship with God was broken. Sin became are natural nature in our lives, this is why there’s no one righteous through the eyes of God. In Roman 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death” meaning we are spiritually separated from God. The third law is the only way we could be righteous through the eyes of God. Third law: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. In Roman 5:8, “God demonstrates His own love toward us,...
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...salvation through Bible verses in the book of Romans. It establishes who needs salvation, why we need salvation, how God provides that salvation, how can man respond to Gods provision of salvation, and the result of man responding to Gods salvation. The benefit of using the seven verses is that they are all located in the book of Romans. This method the Bible verses are ordered into a straight forward teaching that is easy to outline to a person that you may be trying to share the Gospel with. Initially the case is established who is in need of salvation, (everyone), then . “As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12 New International Bible {NIV}). “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 NIV) In these few verses we establish the fact that everyone is unrighteous before God and in need of Salvation. After establishing the need for salvation “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV). The result of our sin is death. God however provides a way for our salvation “ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the...
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...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY “A Select Issue in Contemporary Theology: God-Is-Dead Theology” Submitted to Dr. Eunice Abogunrin In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of THEO 510-B05 Survey of Theology By John Kohler Whitley October 5, 2014 Introduction Friedrich Nietzsche believed God is dead, and he has based his theology around these three words. Why does he believe God is dead? Friedrich Nietzsche could have called his theology God does not exist and easily conveyed his message. Nietzsche purposefully chose these three words to send a message to the Christian faith. Since the beginning of time the existence of God has been questioned. Science has attempted to provide humanity with an explanation for human origin and has failed. Atheists argue that God does not exist and do not really offer any strong counter argument to the contrary. Muslims, Jews, and Christians each claim they serve the one supreme Creator of the universe. Who is right and who is wrong? If God is dead, why is religion alive and well? This paper will attempt to answer these questions by providing examples and counter examples. By taking a closer look at the life of Friedrich Nietzsche, his beliefs, morals and values, one will find that he does not possess any evidence that God is dead. Friedrich Nietzsche The life of Friedrich Nietzsche started out rather sadly. Nietzsche’s father, Karl Ludwig Nietzsche, developed a problem in the brain...
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...as in the 4th century. The modern day Arians are Jehovah Witnesses. Although they do not threaten us bodily, they threaten us spiritually. They are a heresy that should be treated as a threat. They do not believe the same things we do. Most importantly, they do not believe in the one thing that saves us, the Son of God-- Jesus Christ. Early in the 4th century, there was a pastor named Arius. He was a pastor in Alexandria, Egypt. He believed that there was only one true God. God could not share his deity with someone else. Only he could be immortal. He believed that Jesus is a good teacher, a wise rabbi, a beautiful example, and a martyr for a noble cause. However, he was not God. (Arianism Today) He couldn’t believe that some people believed in the Trinity. He knew there was only one true God, so why is everyone worshipping 3? He started teaching that Jesus was not true God, but a created being. Of course people listened to him. It was completely logical. Even though it may be logical, we are told in the bible that Jesus is in fact, God. John 10:30 says, “I and the Father are one”. His bishop tried to dissuade him, but Arius was not easily silenced. There was a time that Arianism was actively favored. There were even influential church positions held by Arians. (EWTN) Once the belief that Jesus was not God started becoming popular, the Christian leaders saw that they needed to do something about it. In 325, they held the Council of Nicea. They felt that they had to put Arianism...
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...I believe that God has chosen to reveal Himself through miraculous means to include physical appearances of God, dreams, and visions, the written Word of God, and most importantly—Jesus Christ. The Bible records God appearing in physical form many times (Genesis 3:8, 18:1; Exodus 3:1-4, 34:5-7), and the Bible records God speaking to people through dreams (Genesis 28:12, 37:5; 1 Kings 3:5; Daniel 2) and visions (Genesis 15:1; Ezekiel 8:3-4; Daniel 7; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7). Also, God chooses to reveal Himself as taught in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Like Psalm 19, Romans 1:20 teaches that God’s eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen” and “understood” from what has been made. I believe the primary importance in the revealing of God is His Word, the Bible. God miraculously inspired the authors of Scripture to correctly record His message to mankind, while still using their own styles and personalities. God sets forth in the infallible Scriptures combines Jesus’ own declaration of the present reality of the Kingdom of God with the apostles’ account of the person, place, and work of Christ, and how sinful humans benefit from it. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is inspired, profitable, and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God determined to have the...
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