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Tracts are in Alphabetical Order.
Peter's Testimony and Comments Concerning Jesus from the Gospels, Acts & His Epistles
The Biblical Story, from the Gospels Matthew & Luke, of What is Called Christmas
The Angel Visit to Zacharias thru Caesar Augustus Tax Decree & Jesus's Birth
Dave Goodwill's Testimony of Faith in Christ
Some of the Simple Obvious Differences between Catholicism and Christianity
Gleaned from the Book or Newly Discovered
GARY WESTGERDES COMBINED TESTIMONY
Raised Catholic but Scripturally Born Again
Testimony of Gary's New Birth, Prodigal Child Return
Holy Spirit guided rejection of Catholicism
Malefactor Crucified Next to Jesus Received the Promise
New Believers are Immediately Seated with Christ in Heaven
New Believers Immediately are a Habitation of God through the Baptism/Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Gleaned from a Catholic Book Who's Catholic Author Shares Both the Catholic and Christian View
The White-eousness of Jesus & All Believers and the JOY that Awaits Jesus's Bride
"Everyone that is of the Truth Heareth My Voice." Jesus's Red Letter Comments - His Gospel
Mary of Fatima, Who Came in Her Own Name and Promised Peace on Earth, is this Possibly Satan in Disguise?
Jesus Who Came not to Bring Peace but a Sword, Jesus Who Would Divide Believers from Unbelievers, is this Jesus the Savior Who Brings Peace With God?
A Five Step Presentation of Why We All Need Christ
Testimonies: Sivini a Revenge Killer from Papau New Guinea
Apostle Paul a Previous Persecutor and Murderer of Christians
SIXtH DAY MINISTRIES CALLED UNTO LIBERTY
For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
UNDERSTANDING CATHOLIC SACRIFICES FOR SIN
Gleaned from Three Separate Articles to Better Clarify the Role of Human Suffering in Mankind's Salvation
UNDERSTANDING JESUS SACRIFICE FOR SIN
Jesus's Sinless Sacrifice Offered Once, for All Sin
Our: Prophesied & Crucified Savior, Rock, Creator, Friend, Protector and White-eousness
Tracts laid out for Translation (In Progress)
APOSTLE PETER JESUS
Apostle Peter's Testimony Concerning Jesus
Matt. 16:16 - John 6:68–69
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God—Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of he living God.”
Acts 2:8, 16–44, 47
“And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?—But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye (You) men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye (you) yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye (you) have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
For David speaketh (speaks) concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore, did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake (spoke) of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye (you) now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore,
“Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye (you) have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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?
“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 (you) shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
“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—Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:”
“And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly (firmly, faithfully) in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common—Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Acts 3:6–26
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength—Peter … answered unto the people, Ye (You) men of Israel, why marvel ye (you) at this? or why look ye (you) so earnestly on us, as Though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye (you) delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye (you) denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye (you) see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye (you) did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye (you) therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye (you) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, That every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye (You) are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
Acts 10:34–48
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation (Gentiles). he that feareth (fears) him, and worketh (works) righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye (you) know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem;
Whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, That through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake (spoke) these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision (Jews) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Acts 15:7–20
“And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men, and brethren, ye (you) know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, which knoweth (knows) the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye (you) God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence and gave audience—James answered—Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.”
1 Peter 1:1–3, 7, 13
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth (perishes), though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ—Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Pet. 2:5; 3:21; 4:11; 5:10, 14
“Ye (You) also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ—
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen—But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye (you) have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you—Greet ye (you) one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
2 Pet. 1:1–2, 8, 11, 14, 16; 2:20; 3:18
“Simon Peter, a servant, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord—For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye (you) shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ—For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me—For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning—But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and Forever. Amen.”
BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM COMES (For your personal viewing or reading only.)
“Behold The Bridegroom Comes!” https://www.thebereancall.org/content/april-2011-extra-behold-the-bridegroom-comes
by: Dr. Renald Showers - (excerpts); April 2011, TBC EXTRA, www.thebereancall.org
“Those who live in the modern western world do not catch the full significance of Jesus’s promise [in John 14:1–3 that he would go to his Father’s house to prepare a place for them, and then come back and receive them to Himself.] [“Let not your heart be troubled: ye (you) believe in God, believe also in me. 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. 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 (you) may be also.” (John 14:1–3)]
This is due to the fact in his promise Jesus was drawing an analogy from Jewish marriage customs in biblical times.
By Jesus’s time, it was usual for [a marriage] covenant to be established as result of the prospective bridegroom taking the initiative. [He] would travel from his father’s house to the home of the prospective bride. There would negotiate with the father of the young woman to determine the price (mohar) that he must pay to purchase his bride. Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage [and betrothal] covenant was thereby established, and the young man and woman were regarded to be husband and wife. From that moment on the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified, set apart exclusively for her bridegroom.
[T]he groom would leave the home of the bride and return to his father’s house. There he would remain separate from his bride for a period of twelve months. This period of separation afforded the bride time to gather her trousseau and to prepare for married life. The groom occupied himself with the preparation of living accommodations in his father’s house to which he could bring his bride.
At the end of the period of separation, the groom would come to take his bride to live with him. The taking of the bride usually took place at night. The groom, best man, and other male escorts would leave the groom’s father’s house and conduct a torchlight procession to the home of the bride. Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the exact time of his coming. As a result, the groom’s arrival would be proceeded by a shout. This shout would forewarn the bride to be prepared for the coming of the groom.
Shortly after arrival [at the groom’s father’s house], the bride and groom would be escorted by the other members of the wedding party to the bridal chamber (huppah). Prior to entering the chamber, the bride remained veiled so that no one could see her face. There in the privacy of [the bridal chamber, the bride and groom] would enter into physical union for the first time, thereby consuming the marriage that had been covenanted earlier.
After the marriage was consummated, the groom would announce the consummation to the other members of the wedding party waiting outside the chamber “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth (stands) and heareth (hears) him, rejoiceth (rejoices) greatly because of the bridegroom's voice.”(John 3:29)
Upon receiving this good news, the wedding guests would feast and make merry for the next seven days. During the seven days of the wedding festivities, which were sometimes called “seven days of the huppah,” the bride remained hidden in the bridal chamber. At the conclusion of these seven days, the groom would bring his bride out of the bridal chamber, now with her veil removed, so that all could see who his bride was.
In the examination of the analogy [of Jesus’s promise to His disciples], the first thing that should be noted is the fact that the Scriptures regard the Church to be the Bride of Christ “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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.” (Eph 5:22–23)
In addition, just as the Jewish bridegroom took the initiative in marriage by leaving his father’s house and traveling to the home of the prospective bride, so Jesus left His Father’s house in heaven and traveled to earth, the home of His prospective Church, over1,900 years ago.
In the same manner as the Jewish bridegroom came to the bride’s home for the purpose of obtaining her through the establishment of a marriage covenant, so Jesus came to earth for the purpose of obtaining the Church through the establishment of a covenant. On the same night in which Jesus made His promise in John 14, He instituted communion. As he passed the cup of wine to His disciples, He said: “This cup is the new testament in my blood.” (1 Cor 11:25)
This was His way of saying that He would establish a new covenant through the shedding of His blood on the cross. Parallel to the custom of the Jewish groom paying a price to purchase his bride, Jesus paid a price to purchase His bride, the Church. The price that He paid was His own life blood. It was because of this purchase price that Paul wrote the following to members of the Church: “Know ye (you) not that … ye (you) are not your own? For ye (you) are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor 6:19–20)
Analogous with the Jewish bride being declared to be sanctified or set apart exclusively for her groom once the marriage covenant was established, the Church has been declared to be sanctified or set apart exclusively for Christ “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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.” (Eph 5:25–27) “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours—And such were some of you: but ye (you) are washed, but ye (you) are sanctified, but ye (you) are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus,. and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor 1:2; 6:11) “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all—Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” (Heb 10:10; 13:12)
In the same manner as the Jewish groom came to take his bride to live with him at the end of the period of separation, so Christ will come to take His Church to live with Him at the end of His period of separation from the Church “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 (you) may be also.” (John 14:3)
Analogous with the Jewish bride not knowing the exact time of the groom’s coming for her, the Church does not know the exact time of Christ’s coming for her. In the same way that the Jewish groom’s arrival was preceded by a shout, so Christ’s arrival to take the Church will be preceded by a shout “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.” (1 Thess 4:16)
Similar to the Jewish bride’s return with the groom to his father’s house after her departure from her home, the Church will return with Christ to His Father’s house in heaven after she is snatched from the earth to meet Him in the air “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.” (1 Thess 4:17) “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. 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 (you) may be also.” (John 14:2–3)
Corresponding with the Jewish bride remaining hidden in the bridal chamber for a period of seven days after arrival at the groom’s father’s house, the Church will remain hidden for a period of seven [years] after arrival at Christ’s Father’s house in heaven. While the seven-year Tribulation Period is taking place on the earth, the Church will be in heaven totally hidden from the sight of those living on the earth, Just as the Jewish groom brought his bride out of the bridal chamber at the conclusion of the seven days with her veil removed, so that all could see who his bride was, so Christ will bring His Church out of heaven in His Second Coming at the conclusion of the seven-year Tribulation Period in full view of all who are alive, so that all can see who the true Church is “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye (you) also appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4)
GW - “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Rev 22:20–21)
Originally Published by: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. Used with Permission
The Berean Call P.O. Box 7019 - Bend Oregon 97708-7019 - Copied with Permission
The Keys of Heaven Ministries/Tracts - Gary Westgerdes, 313 E Wayne St, Celina OH 45822 www.3keysofheaven.com
Contact Gary: [email protected] text: 419-953-4633
CATHOLICISM’S – EUCHARIST
Catholicism's Eucharist - Why Christian’s Reject Jesus’s Real Presence & Adoration
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We (the Jew) have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people (Jews & Gentiles) with his own blood, suffered without the gate. [We, the Christians have no right to eat.]
“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not (Share: What is mine is yours): for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Heb 13:8–16)
We Have No Right to Eat, Instead Please God:
OFFER SACRIFICES OF PRAISE - GIVING THANKS, DO GOOD AND SHARE.
“Jesus—Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye (You) seek me, not because ye (you) saw the miracles, but because ye (you) did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth (perishs), but for that meat which endureth (endures) unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered—This is the work of God, that ye (you) believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:26–29)
“My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.”
“For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world—I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth (believes) on me shall never thirst—And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth (sees) the Son, and believeth (believes) on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day—Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth (believes) on me hath everlasting life.”
“I am that bread of life.”
“Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:32, 35, 40, 47–51)
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:10–14)
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye (you) eat the flesh of the Son of man (the word of God, the scriptures: see *John 6:67–69), and drink his blood, ye (you) have no life in you. Whoso eateth (eats) my flesh, and drinketh (drinks) my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth (eats) my flesh, and drinketh (drinks) my blood, dwelleth (dwells) in me, and I in him.” (John 6:53–56)
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ, (by grace ye (you) are saved;) And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:4–6)
“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth (eats) me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth (eats) of this bread shall live forever—Doth this offend you? What and if ye (you) shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? “It is the spirit that QUICKENETH; The flesh profiteth (profits) nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:57–58, 61–63)
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)
Jesus didn’t use the metaphor of eating his Father’s flesh but he did commit himself to doing his Father’s will and finishing his work (the cross). When Jesus asked his disciples to eat his flesh and drink his blood Jesus wanted them to commit themselves to do his will and finish his work. Peter understood that when Jesus asked “Will ye (you) also go away?” *(John 6:67–69)
Paul: “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47)
GW – The Christians meat is to preach the cross. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Gal 6:14)
“But there are some of you that believe not—No man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” (John 6:64–65)
“But whom say ye (you) that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
“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.
“And I (Jesus the Christ vs. 21) will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven—how that he must go unto Jerusalem and *suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be *killed, and be *raised again the third day.” (Matt 16:15–21)
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye (you) also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him,
Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the WORDS (Bread) of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that CHRIST, the Son of the living God. *(John 6:67–69)
“When the tempter (Satan) came to him, he said, If thou (Jesus) be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
[ ? Command that this bread be made your body and blood ? ]
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth (proceeds) out of the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:3–4; see also Duet 8:3; Luke 4:4)
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily BREAD.” (Matt 6:9–11)
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye (you) may grow thereby.” (1 Pet 2:2)
“Everyone that useth (uses) milk is unskillful in the WORD of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong MEAT belongeth (belongs) to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb 5:13–14)
“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” (Psalm 119:50)
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
“Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in [the] process of time, it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel—brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.” (Gen 4:2-5)
God had respect to Abel’s offering because it involved a death and shed blood.
God had no respect to Cain’s offering because it did not involve a death or shed blood.
God said Cain was “very wroth” so wroth he went out and killed his brother and shed his blood.
During the sacrifice of the Mass/Eucharist “Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” (CCC–1367)
Just as God had no respect for Cains unbloody sacrifice God has no respect for the bloodless sacrifice of the Mass/Eucharist.
Jesus Christ who once for all, “offered himself in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross,” has had this offering respected by God proven by Jesus’s resurrection from the dead.
It does not ever need to be reoffered again.
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission [the unbloody Mass cannot pay for sin]. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth (enters) into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Heb 9:22–28)
CHRISTMAS PART ONE
The Biblical Story (Part 1) Of What Is Called Christmas
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Matt 1:1, 16–17
“The book of the generation of JESUS CHRIST, the son of David, the son of Abraham – And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”
Luke 1:1–79
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. It seemed good to me also, HAVING HAD PERFECT UNDERSTANDING of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest (might) know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
“And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel. said Unto him, .Fear not,. Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
“And many of the children of Israel SHALL HE TURN to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD.
“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest (believed) not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled (marveled) that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus, hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
“HE SHALL BE GREAT. and shall be called THE SON OF THE HIGHEST: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And HE SHALL REIGN over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom THERE SHALL BE NO END.
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON OF GOD. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
"And the angel departed from her.
“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake (spoke) out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed Art Thou Among Women and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for JOY. And Blessed is She that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. My soul doth magnify the Lord. And My spirit hath rejoiced in GOD MY SAVIOUR. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm, he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake (spoked) to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
“And Mary abode with her about three months and returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John.
“And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
“And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John..
“And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! “And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his Servant David; As he spake (spoke) by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware (swore) to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us,
"That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called THE PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of SALVATION unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 2:1, 3–6
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed—“And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
“(Because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
“To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
John 3:16–21
“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be SAVED.
“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.
“And this is the condemnation, That light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
“For every one that doeth evil hateth (hates) the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
CHRISTMAS PART TWO
Coal, a wish, or Jesus’s gift? The Biblical Story of What is Called Christmas Part 2 Two
“There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre (Scepter) shall rise out of Israel.” (Num. 24:17)
Matthew 1:18–25
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall SAVE his people FROM their SINS.”
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, A Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Luke 2:7–39
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye (You) shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, The Shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
“And They Came With Haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And The Shepherds Returned, Glorifying, and Praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
"And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of The Child, His Name Was Called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen THE LORD'S CHRIST. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest (let) thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
“And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) That the thoughts of many Hearts May be Revealed.
“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she, coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake (spoke) of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
“And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.”
Matthew 2:1–23
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is Born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to Worship Him.
“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for Out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye (you) have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, They Rejoiced with Exceeding Great Joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, And Worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth (appeared) to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy (Jeremiah) the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth (appeared) in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for They are dead which sought the young child's life.
“And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither:
“Notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Luke 1:80
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
John 1:2-17, 29–37
"The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. IN HIM WAS LIFE; AND THE LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth (lightens/inextinguishable flame) every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own (Israel) received him not. But as many (Jew and Gentile) as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake (spoke), He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth Came by Jesus Christ.”
Thoughts shared by a family member gleaned from the devotional “Our Daily Bread” titled “Celebrating Jesus.”
“A line from a familiar Christmas carol keeps ringing in my mind: ‘The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’ Dreams and grief are crucial themes of the Christmas story found in the Gospel of Matthew. In a literal dream, an angel explained the miraculous conception of Jesus to Joseph (1:20). Another dream warned the Magi to avoid the murderous Herod (2:12). And an angel told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with the baby Jesus (2:13). We welcome the dreams of Christmas. The sadness, however, intrudes like a rude guest. Rachel weeps is representing Israel—Jeremiah 31:16, for soon after the first Christmas a paranoid king, (Herod) would slaughter many helpless children. It’s a scene we yearn to see deleted from the story. Why must there be so much sadness in this, the greatest of all stories? JESUS, himself is the only satisfying answer to that question. The Baby who escaped the Bethlehem tragedy grew up to conquer all such tragedies, even death itself, dying and rising for all of us. Again, ‘The Hopes And Fears Of All The Years Are Met In Thee Tonight.’”
CLAP YOUR HANDS
CLAP YOUR HANDS!
A Young Catholic Encounters Christ.
BY LARRY TOMCZAK
Copyright © 1973 by Logos International, All Rights Reserved, Nihil Obstat: M. J. Arrowsmith, S.T.L. Imprimatur: The Most Rev. W. W. Baum, S. T. D. The—official declaration that a book—Is free of doctrinal or moral error.
Larry Tomczak’s book, Clap Your Hands was instrumental in my returning to the Lord. In the book Larry shares the gospel with his dad who responds with faith in Christ. A portion of this dialogue is presented in the following pages.
Larry Shares With His Dad Some Questions
“Why was the Bible written?”
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye (you) may know that ye (you) have eternal life, and that ye (you) may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13, KJV)
If God asked you: “‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ What would you reply?”
Dad: “Well, I’ve tried to be a good Catholic—lead a decent life and obey the Ten Commandments. I’ve never intentionally missed Mass. I don’t think I’ve been too bad—I’ve been an usher…and helped out in a lot of parish projects. I’ve always given my Sunday offerings, too!”
Larry: “Dad, I’ve got some good news for you! Heaven is not something a person earns, or deserves, or works for. According to the Bible, heaven—eternal life—is an absolutely free gift.”
Dad: “Oh, go on, nothing’s free!
Jesus Answered, “If thou (you) knewest (knew) the Gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest (would) have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” (John 4:10 KJV)
Paul, “For if through the offence of one (Adam) many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, (Jesus Christ). Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” (Rom. 5:15–18 KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23 KJV)
Dad: “I never knew that!”
“Enter ye (you) in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13–14 KJV)
“Well, if only a few find this gift of eternal life, wouldn’t you like to be one of them?”
Dad: “‘Of course!” “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23 KJV) Dad: “I know that everyone is a sinner.”
Larry: “Well, because man is a sinner, and a sinner can-do no-good thing of himself anyway, it is impossible for him to earn his way into heaven, even if it weren’t free.”
“For by grace are ye (you) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8–9 KJV).
Dad: “I want to receive this gift of eternal life. What do I do?”
Larry: “Faith is the key that opens the door to eternal life.”
“Do you fully understand what the Bible means here by ‘faith’?”
“Thou (You) believest (believe) that there is one God; Thou (You) doest (do) well: The devils also believe, and tremble.” (Jas. 2:19 KJV)
Larry: “‘We’re talking about ‘saving faith’ and not just an intellectual assent to certain historical facts’...‘When you trust the Lord to take care of our family—that we might call family-faith. When you trust Him to help you pay the bills—that might be called financial-faith...these things are temporary—they’ll all pass away some day.’
‘But what is saving faith?’
“‘Saving faith is trusting Jesus Christ to save you forever, eternally, no matter what else may happen—I tried to be a faithful church member. I tried to live a decent life. I tried to obey the Ten Commandments. I, I, I, I, I was really trying to be my own savior.’
“‘I transferred my trust from myself—from what I could do—to Jesus Christ and what He had done already. I accepted His gift of eternal life.’” (pgs. 134–137)
Apostle Paul Wrote
“The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, (Jesus I want you to be the Lord of my life.) and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, (Jesus, I believe you were victorious over sin and death) thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth (believes) unto righteousness; (born again through the baptism of the Holy Spirit) and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (I have been forgiven, I am and have been saved by my Lord, Jesus Christ!) For the scripture saith, Whosoever, believeth (believes) on him shall not be ashamed—for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (Lord Jesus Save Me) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:8–13)
Jesus Answered
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose, it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, (The victorious/glorious message of the Cross, Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection.) the same shall save it. For what will it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.” (Mark 8:35–36)
“The world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified.” (1 Cor. 1:21–23)
“Jesus—I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
“Let the floods Clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together.” (Ps. 98:8)
“O Clap your hands, all ye (you) people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” (Ps. 47:1)
“For ye (you) shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall Clap their hands.” (Isa. 55:12)
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever Shout for joy, because thou defendest (defends) them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” (Ps. 5:11)
“I will Greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh (decks) himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth (adorns) herself with her jewels.” (Isa. 61:10)
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a Joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.” (Ps. 95:1)
“Blessed is the people that know the Joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.” (Ps. 89:15)
“And my soul shall Be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” (Ps. 35:9)
“Sing, O heavens; and Be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted.” (Isa. 49:13)
Paul: “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am Exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 7:4)
“And they Sing the Song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” (Rev. 15:3)
FREEDOM FROM HOMOSEXUALITY
The Journey To Freedom From Homosexuality - This Is Dave's Story
Maybe your story has some different players and components, but some of the same thoughts plague:
* I have to accept who I am and just live with it.”
* I can’t talk to anyone about this because they won’t understand.”
* I know there’s only one way out of this. I’ll just end it all, and it will be easier for everyone.”
But, as Dave’s story emphasizes, there is hope!
I struggled to break free
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt that I was different. However, I could never say exactly why. At about the age of 14, I discovered what I thought was the reason I felt different. I was with a friend from school and had my first experience with homosexuality. At that time, I believed I had discovered what I was searching for and that this was the lifestyle for me. After many years of living this way, I discovered this lifestyle left me feeling unfulfilled and empty, but I didn’t know why.
Years later at a home bible study, I came across a verse that stated my homosexual encounters were morally wrong. I wanted to do what was right. I wanted out of this lifestyle, and I desperately hated what I’d become. I told myself “no problem, it’s wrong; I hate it; I’ll quit it.”
As I struggled to break free of this, I encountered people’s opinion on homosexuality. This ranged from ridicule to hatred. I realized that I could not go to any of my family or friends for help. Their reaction would be rejection of me, not my lifestyle. I was all alone as I fought this battle raging within. I felt the only safe place I could possibly discuss my feelings was with my gay friends, and the gay community. However, they could offer none of the help I desperately wanted. The attitude of the gay community and also the “world” is, “You are what you are; just accept yourself for what you are.” For over 15 years, I tried and failed to get free of the grip that homosexuality had on my life. This cycle of trying and failing threw me into a deep depression. My career at that time was a cross country truck driver. While in this depressed state, the solution was placed in my mind. 'The reason you have such a struggle is because you can’t change what you are. Either accept it or die.'
Suicide was not the “way out”
I happened to be in Pennsylvania crossing Snowshoe Mountain when the “way out” presented itself. This mountain offered me an escape. On the way down, there is a ravine about a ¼ of a mile deep with lots of trees. I’d be free of these homosexual feelings forever. It would be just another truck driver that fell asleep at the wheel. It’s a terrible thing, but it happens. Ready to take this way out, I headed towards the ravine. Just before I hit the edge, One of the Bible study lessons I had recently studied flashed across my mind. My life is a gift from God and to throw that away would be far worse than anything I could ever do or have done. Suicide was not the 'way out.'
I didn’t have to struggle alone
I regained my composure and got back on the road where I belonged. On my way home, I stopped at my neighbor’s house. He knew me well enough to know that I was in deep trouble. He offered prayer and suggested that I get involved in Christian fellowship somewhere. Following this recommendation, I attended North Park Church in late 1989. The love and compassion I felt on my first visit assured me that this was the right place for me and may hold the keys to my “way out.” After a couple of visits, I confided in the pastor about some issues in my life, carefully avoiding the important issue of my homosexuality. As he helped me through those areas, I began to trust him more and more. Finally, I shared my homosexual struggles with him. The response was one of love and acceptance of ME. Now, I didn't have to struggle alone.
It was like a giant weight had been lifted. Now in times of overload and depression, help was just a phone call away. I became involved in a discipleship class. I continued to grow in the Lord and eventually felt comfortable enough to talk with another brother about my sinful past. As I learned to walk away from this behavior, they became my accountability net, encouraging me in times of weakness. And during times of severe trials. In each, they worked to get me back on track with God’s will and never gave up on me.
However, the temptations were as strong as ever.
However, temptation was out there, no matter what I did or where I went. Even my thoughts were used against me. Thoughts like 'Remember how much easier living was when you just accepted what you were' or 'Just this once won’t hurt, who is going to find out?'
I left the truck driving profession because I thought this would stop the temptations since this profession seemed to offer an abundance of opportunities. However, the temptations were as strong as ever. I discovered at times like these, the memorized word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the tough questions I knew I would get from my accountability group gave me the strength to resist. I began to rely on 1 Corinthians 10:13 'There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye (you) are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye (you) may be able to bear it.”
This verse helped me in two ways. First, it assured me that this isn’t something new that has never happened to anybody else, so God won’t be surprised or shocked. I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last. Second, it told me that God always provides a way out. The way out can be many things such as a place, a thing, or a person to go to for support.
I learned that my best defenses were building my relationship with the Lord through prayer and Bible study and by building my relationships with fellow believers. I learned that if I were to succeed, these two things had to happen. Without these, my life would only get further out of control.
I realized God had a plan for my life
As time went on, I realized God had a plan for my life. The Lord wanted to use me and the experiences of my life to help others. With the support of other believers, I began this journey. My biggest step was to tell the story about the struggles I’ve had with homosexuality. A secret I would have rather kept to myself. It has been a long hard struggle to get to where I am now, and it is a long way from over. Of all the difficult things I’ve had to do in my life, letting anybody see a side of me that is not pretty was one of the most difficult. But as I am following the Lord’s will for my long journey with Him I… hope that maybe somebody else will not have to struggle and suffer alone as long as I did.
I’m not asking anyone to accept homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. It is imperative to understand that God makes it clear in His holy word that homosexuality is wrong. This can be found in Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God—nor effeminate—shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye (you) are washed, but ye (you) are sanctified, but ye (you) are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
If you feel trapped in homosexuality, I want you to know there is HOPE. You don’t have to stay in this lifestyle there is a way out and a chance to change through Jesus Christ. It isn’t easy or an overnight change no matter how much anyone wishes it could be, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Help is available through the Lord and His people. As a matter of fact, it has been my experience that it is impossible to do it alone.
"And finally, if you have a family member, a friend, or a fellow worker trapped in homosexuality’s ugly grip, they need you more than you will ever know. Don’t reject them or turn your back on them. Simply show them the same Love Jesus showed you when you were struggling. The Bible says, “With God, all things are possible,” and in the words of Jesus, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32) —by Dave Goodwill
Sinners
“Neither fornicators / idolaters / adulterers / effeminate / abusers of themselves with mankind / thieves / covetous / drunkards / revilers / extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye (you) are washed, but ye (you) are sanctified, but ye (you) are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:9–11)
Your Sin Debt Has Been Paid in Full
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth (believes) in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16–17)
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2)
GARY WESTGERDES COMBINED TESTIMONY
Gary Westgerdes raised Catholic but Scripturally Born Again!
At the age of seven I was being taught about heaven and hell in my Catholic Catechism class. I was being convicted of my sinfulness and I feared God and the possibility of going to hell. After thinking upon this for a couple of days or weeks our teacher shared with the class, the bible verse:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
With childlike faith I took the verse to heart. I believed Jesus died for my forgiveness of sin and to give me eternal life. The moment I believed, God’s assurance of salvation and the joy of the Holy Spirit’s lifting away of the burden of my sin filled my heart, I knew I was forgiven! I wanted to obey Jesus, be like him and be nice to others.
Next, around 4 to 6 months, during the summer, the day before my eighth birthday, my parents were having our home dedicated to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. On that day, a church leader or Priest asked me why I was so happy I told him “Because I’m going to heaven when I die” he stood up, stepped back chuckling and laughed saying, “Oh No! You can never know for sure if you’re going to heaven or not until after you are dead, because you can never know for sure if you’ve been good enough or not.” I was in shock!
After his visit, I remember looking at four of my brothers and sister running around the house screaming and Mom scolding one and thinking “If you have to be good enough to get to heaven no one in this family is going to make it!” However, my religious upbringing taught that eternal life is something that you must work towards through the Church, with good deeds, sacraments, and devotions.
I always hoped the priest or leader was wrong and God’s word was true, but I had nowhere to turn. I was a good kid growing up but after high school, and then during my tour of duty in the Navy, (USS D. D. “IKE” CVN 69)
I began conforming to the world’s pattern. After three years, my rank was moving up I was having a good time and my daily jogging had me in excellent health. (I had received a few witnesses about Jesus, and took them to heart, but I didn’t really do anything about them, I felt my life was altogether.) I remember telling God jogging is what I wanted to do with my life. That very week I was given a desk job and began having pain in my leg. The pain continued and increased and three weeks later I found myself hospitalized with a blood clot in my lungs which had passed from my leg and through my heart.
With my life at age twenty-three coming so close to death I began to reconsider my life and its direction. So, after recovering from the clot and being placed on limited duty, I began to think about my sin and my accountability towards God, I wanted to know where I would have gone if I had died.
I started going over to the library to read God’s word and God began to work on my heart. A friend asked if I were worried about my leg, and I said, “No, because I knew God could work things out for the best.” He asked if I was a Christian, and I said, “I did not know,” he then invited me to his church. I went and after the service I went forward to pray and seek God. Afterwards my friend encouraged me to read the Bible.
That week, as I was reading in first John, this verse hit me hard, “He That Committeth Sin is of The Devil” (1 John 3:8). I had always thought I was a rather good person, but suddenly I knew I deserved and was headed for hell. I was shattered. God had placed his finger on my sin, and I could not deny it. I went back to the library to read 1 John again the next two days, with the same results. I knew my life wasn’t worth living if I was just going to die and end up in hell. I cried out to God about my struggle but did not communicate this to my friend.
That following Saturday my friend helped me pick out two or three Christian books. One of the books chosen was by Larry Tomczak. CLAP YOUR HANDS! A Young Catholic Encounters Christ. It shared the simple gospel message that I had always hoped was true back when I was seven. The scriptures shared showed that there is nothing of myself that I can offer to God for my sins. My sins deserve the eternal punishment of a Holy God. But God’s love reached out to me through Jesus Christ.
Throughout the week I had acknowledged my sinfulness to God, I then read, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8–9), and, realized that eternal life is given as a gift to all who believe in Jesus. It was then that God’s mercy, grace, and peace flooded my soul with understanding and forgiveness, I knew that what I was told at age seven, by the Priest or Church leader, was false. My joy returned as my eyes were opened to the truth of God’s Word that salvation was through faith in Jesus and his atoning sacrifice on the cross. I had experienced Emmanuel “God with us” (Matt. 1:23; Isa. 7:14).
Praise God: “Now in Christ Jesus ye (you) who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).
Larry Tomczak, CLAP YOUR HANDS! © 1973
Larry is sharing the gospel with his dad.
“Why was the Bible written?”
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye (you) may know that ye (you) have eternal life, and that ye (you) may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13, KJV)
If asked by God: “‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ What would you reply?”
Dad: “Well, I’ve tried to be a good Catholic—lead a decent life and obey the Ten Commandments. I’ve never intentionally missed Mass. I don’t think I’ve been too bad—I’ve been an usher… and helped out in a lot of parish projects. I’ve always given my Sunday offerings, too!” Larry: “Dad, I’ve got some good news for you! Heaven is not something a person earns, or deserves, or works for. According to the Bible, heaven—eternal life—is an absolutely free gift.” Dad: “Oh, go on, nothing’s free!”
Larry: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23 KJV) “Enter ye in at the straight gate: For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13–14 KJV)
“Well, if only a few find this gift of eternal life, wouldn’t you like to be one of them?”
Dad: ‘Of course!’
Larry: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23 KJV)
Dad: “I know that everyone is a sinner.”
Larry: “Well, because man is a sinner, and a sinner can-do no-good thing of himself anyway, it is impossible for him to earn his way into heaven, even if it weren’t free—"For by grace are ye (you) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8–9 KJV)
Dad: “I want to receive this gift of eternal life. What do I do?”
Larry: “Faith is the key that opens the door to eternal life—Do you fully understand what the Bible means here by ‘faith’?”
Larry: “Thou (You) believest (believe) that there is one God; Thou doest well: The devils also believe, and tremble.” (Jas. 2:19 KJV) Larry: “‘We’re talking about ‘saving faith’ and not just an intellectual assent to certain historical facts’... ‘When you trust the Lord to take care of our family—that we might call family-faith. When you trust Him to help you pay the bills—that might be called financial-faith... these things are temporary—they’ll all pass away some day.’... ‘But what is saving faith?’ “‘Saving faith is trusting Jesus Christ to save you forever, eternally, no matter what else may happen—
Larry: “I tried to be a faithful church member. I tried to live a decent life. I tried to obey the Ten Commandments. I, I, I, I, I was really trying to be my own savior—I transferred my trust from myself—from what I could do—to Jesus Christ and what He had done already. I accepted His gift of eternal life.’” (pgs. 134–137)
My Final Step in Catholicism
I struggled quite intensely when trying to decide whether to stay in or leave the Catholic faith; Did I need to pray to Mary plus be a born-again Christian? Et Cetera. After around six weeks, surprisingly, I decided to stay—I went to Mass the next Sunday and the first thing the Priest said was “Don’t worry about reading the book of Revelation because no one can understand it anyway!” —Well, I will tell you what, upon hearing that, unsurprisingly, the Holy Spirit told me, “Gary, now you can leave the Catholic Church.”—I had already read the book of Revelation and verse 1:3 says blessed is he who reads the words of this book. I needed that one last step—the confirmation from the Holy Spirit and I have never looked back.
“Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb 11:6) Read God’s word.
“So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
“And when he (Jesus) saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” (Luke 5:20)
GARY'S BOOK CHEAT SHEET
We Agree! The Tomb is Open But What Comes Next? Christianity vs Catholicism by Gary Westgerdes
1. Catholicism: “Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ—it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.” / "Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life.” / “The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.” / “It is by faith in the Gospel and Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation that is the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of the new life.” (CCC-1277, 1274, 1250, 1427)
Christianity: A Believer’s water baptism comes after they have been saved. Immersion represents the new Christian’s faith in Jesus’s payment for the debt of their sin, baptism pictures Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. The new life or being born again comes through the baptism and sealing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s baptism comes immediately at the moment of saving faith in CHRIST as Saviour and Lord. (See Acts 10:39–48)
2. Catholicism: Jesus’s crucified body and shed blood are reoffered to God during the sacrifice of the Mass, offered daily, many times, throughout the world, in an unbloody manner, Jesus does not die again nor is he re-crucified. Your suffering and good works may be, added, to the Mass offering. If needed, to “achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven,” Purgatory provides the final cleansing. See–(CCC-1362–1372; CCC-1030–32)
Christianity: Jesus, sacrificed once upon the Cross, dying, and shedding his sinless blood for the sins of the world. His one offering pays your sin debt in full. By faith in his victory, you are gifted with eternal life; all your sin is, removed “As far as the east is from the west.” (Ps 103:12)
3. Catholicism: “By his death and resurrection Jesus Christ has ‘opened’ heaven to us.” Catholics follow the voice of the Church for guidance to “obtain” heaven. See – (CCC-1026, 1030) See also *(CCC-816)
Christianity: Jesus is the door to heaven: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep—I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved—I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (Jn 10:7–11)
4. Catholicism: “Are You Saved? A Catholic Response to a Common Protestant Question,” The Coming Home Network, 07/05/17. “Salvation in the fullest sense is an ongoing process that won’t be complete until after we die—We could choose someday to jump overboard—We still have-the-ability-to turn away from God again—Simply believing in Jesus isn’t enough—Faith is useless, then, without good works.” —Paul Thigpen (CCC-162; 1459)
Christianity: Salvation and Assurance, come from Scripture and the indwelling Comforter the Holy Spirit. “Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” (1 Thess 1:5) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Rom 8:16) Good works are useless before saving faith. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” (Isa. 64:6) “Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” [Without good works your faith is useless in glorifying God and leading souls to Christ. Simply believing in Jesus is enough, for salvation.] “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus—For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:9–10, 1, 6, 8–9)
5. Catholicism: “In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.’” (CCC-1327) “I will spend all my free moments at the feet of the Master hidden in the Blessed Sacrament.”—St. Faustina, a mystic who recorded her visions of Christ, Divine Mercy
Christianity: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ga 6:14)
6. Catholicism: “The social duty of Christians is to respect and awaken in each man the love of the true and the good. It requires them to make known the worship of the ONE TRUE RELIGION which subsists in THE CATHOLIC and apostolic CHURCH.” (CCC-2105) “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church ALONE which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.” *(CCC-816)
Christianity: “We Preach NOT OURSELVES but Christ Jesus the Lord—We Preach CHRIST CRUCIFIED—Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (2 Cor 4:5; 1 Cor 1:23–24) “And that he might reconcile both (Jew & Gentile) unto God in one body by the Cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” (Eph 2:16) “As it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Rom 15:3–7, 13)
7. Catholicism: “The renovation of the World will be brought about only by the Holy Eucharist.”—Pontiff Leo XIII
Christianity: “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to, come. By him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Heb 13:14–15)
8. Catholicism: “The surest, easiest, shortest way is the Eucharist.”—Pontiff St. Pius. “When we go to Communion—we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. The consecrated host is Jesus himself, who comes to dwell in our hearts!”—Francine Bay–Heniing Zang, Stories of the Blessed Sacrament, page 27, Ignatius Press
Christianity: “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.” (John 3:16) Jesus is our Rock: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Heb 13:8) “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world.” (Col 2:8) i.e., >>> CCC-1260 “‘Since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partakers, in a way known to God of the Paschal mystery.’ Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. It may be supposed that such persons would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity.”
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34–35)
Westgerdes, read the entire chapter to learn how God miraculously reached out to Cornelius who was seeking to know God and God responded by sending Peter to preach the gospel to him. The Christian response would be that God would send the seeker a witness to preach the Gospel to them so that they could explicitly believe on Jesus the Christ as their Saviour. This is another example as to how the gates of hell have prevailed against Catholicism because they are not preaching the saving gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection but are instead preaching salvation through the sacrament of Baptism.
Quotes from the Old Testament concerning the ROCK: “For, who is God, save the LORD? And who is a ROCK, save our God—He is the ROCK… A God of truth and without iniquity—Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my ROCK—The LORD liveth; and blessed be my ROCK—Sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the ROCK of our salvation.” (Ps 22:23; Duet 32:4; Ps 28:1; 2 Sam 22:47; Ps 95:1) Jesus is God. He is named the ROCK 35 times in the O.T. and 7 times in the New Testament. Paul: “All [did] drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual ROCK that followed them: and that ROCK was CHRIST.” (1 Cor. 10:4) Jesus: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a ROCK: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a ROCK. But he that heareth, and doeth not—the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:47–49; Matt 7:24–27; See also Rom 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:6–8) Jesus: “But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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. 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. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the CHRIST.” (Mt 16:15–20)
Jesus was calling himself the ROCK, the CHRIST
GW-The so-called Pope and successor to Peter is, now like past Popes, building a One World Religion. No longer is he proclaiming that Jesus is “the CHRIST, the Son of the living God.” The gates of hell have prevailed over Catholicism but not the Christ (Jesus), nor his followers who have believed, and been born again/baptized with the Holy Spirit. They like Peter can boldly say: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words [not sacraments] of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that CHRIST, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68–69)
Paul: “And that he (Jesus) might reconcile both (Jew and Gentile) unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles), and to them that were nigh (Jews). “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus CHRIST himself being the CHIEF CORNER STONE; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:16–22) By the Holy Spirit we become members of the Church and the Bride of Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells every true believer and Christ loves every believer as his bride. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it—For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones—For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Eph 5:25, 29–32)
9. Catholicism: The KEYS of the Kingdom of Heaven. “In the forgiveness of sin both PRIESTS and SACRAMENTS are instruments which our Lord Jesus Christ—wills to use in order to efface our sins and give us the grace of justification.” / “The LITURGY is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the font from which all her power flows.” (CCC–976–987; 1070–74, 1069)
Christianity: Jesus: “I will give unto thee the KEYS of the kingdom of heaven—how that HE (CHRIST) must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer—and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Mt 16:19, 21)
Paul: “Brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel… by which also ye are saved… unless ye have believed in vain—CHRIST died for our sins according to the scripture—he was buried—he rose again the third day according to the scriptures—he was seen.” (1 Cor. 15:1-5)
Peter: “Preaching peace by Jesus CHRIST—whom they slew—Him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly—through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:36–43)
Paul: “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—it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe—we preach CHRIST Crucified… who of God is made unto us wisdom and… redemption: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:17–23, 30, 31)
“Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he, that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16–17)
HEAVEN CAN BE YOURS TODAY
Heaven Can Be Yours! Today!
Psalm 95 “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart.” (Psalm 95:1–8)
Malefactor crucified next to Jesus
Luke 23 “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42–43)
"But now they desire a better country, that is, an, heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." (Heb. 11:16)
Jesus comforted his followers and assured them of his plans
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God believe also in me. 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. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:1–3)
The book of Revelation assures us that a blessing will be received by those who read, hear, and keep the things written therein.
Chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation contain some of “those things,” which God has prepared for those who love him.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: For the time is at hand." (Rev. 1:3)
"I saw a New Heaven and a New Earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away… there was no more Sea… I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as a bride adorned for her husband… I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, The Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God, shall Wipe Away All Tears from their eyes; and there shall be no More Death… Sorrow… Crying, neither… any More Pain for the former things, are passed away… he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all Things New… Write, for these words are true and faithful… he said unto me, It, is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of The Fountain of The Water of Life Freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son … And there came unto me one of the seven angels… saying, Come, hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem. Descending out of heaven from God … And I saw no temple therein: for The Lord God Almighty and The Lamb are The Temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for The Glory of God did Lighten it, and The Lamb is the Light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no Night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no Wise Enter into it anything that Defileth, neither whatsoever Worketh abomination, or Maketh a Lie: but they which are Written in the Lamb’s book of life." (Rev. 21:1–7, 9–11, 22–27)
"And he shewed me a Pure River of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of The Throne of God and of The Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there The Tree of Life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the Healing of The Nations. And there shall be no More Curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no Night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun’ for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever… Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have right to The Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let Him that is athirst Come. And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life Freely… The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Rev. 22:1–6,14–17, 21)
"And this is his commandment, that, we should believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (1 John 3:23)
Apostle Paul Preaches Jesus and the Spirit
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: Yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God. That we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Cor. 2:1–12)
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were Dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [ Today you can be seated in Christ. ] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through 1 Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through 2 faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast—But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one—And that he might reconcile both (Jew and Gentile) unto God in one body by the cross, Having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you (Gentiles) which were afar off, and to them (Jews) that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now. therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens (Jew and Gentile) with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the 3 Spirit.” (Eph. 2:1–9, 13–14, 16–22)
Through: 1 Christ Jesus, 2 *faith, 3 Spirit. TODAY: “Whosoever *believeth” (John 3:16)
HOW CAN I GET TO HEAVEN - CATHOLIC
How Can I Get to Heaven? - Catholic
The Bible’s teaching on Salvation Made Easy to Understand
BY CATHOLIC AUTHOR, ROBERT A. SUNGENIS
Queenship Publishing Company © 1998
Book endorsements and editorial comments from Amazon’s book info.
“The condensed version of the best-selling: Not By Faith *Alone: The Biblical Evidence for the Catholic Doctrine of Justification.”
This Book: “Will clear away the confusion. After reading it, you will know what God expects of you and what will lead you to his heavenly mansion.”
“Imprimatur, Reviews (Priest) George Rutler, 11/23/ 1996” "I am pleased that the important doctrine of justification has received a thorough apologia as this book offers. It is especially gratifying to read so clear an account of a matter which has often been sadly, confused in the rush of polemics."
SUNGENIS—the following, in green, is from his book concerning the Catholic and Christian view of Salvation and Justification. He also spoke on this topic 04/29/2021, “Did Jesus Go To Hell?”
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=518939742442338 —Min. 16:50
WESTGERDES shares support for the Protestant/Biblical Christian view
SUNGENIS— “What did Christ’s suffering and death actually accomplish that allowed (God) the Father to provide the human race with salvation?”
- “Did Christ take within himself the sin and guilt of mankind and suffer the specific punishment for that sin and guilt, as Protestants contend [see # 7]? The answer is *no.”
“The punishment for sin is first physical death, but ultimately it is eternal damnation.
- “Obviously, Christ did not undergo the punishment of eternal damnation; otherwise, he would still be in hell suffering for sin.
- “Further, there is no Scripture specifying that Christ suffered the eternal punishment of hell for sin. GW - see Colossians 2:13–14.
- “If Christ had paid the eternal consequence for everyone’s sin, God would have no recourse to punish anyone because the sin would have already been adjudicated.
- “God could not demand double payment for the same sin. We must conclude then, that Christ did not take upon himself the entire punishment required of man for sin.
- “Although the Scripture sometimes speaks of salvation being purchased, this refers only to the requirements Christ had to satisfy in order to make salvation possible for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1). (SUNGENIS, 56)
“IN CATHOLIC THEOLOGY, justification is not a one-time act of God. Although for New Testament believers’ justification begins at a specific point in time, (i.e., baptism). Justification continues as a process throughout the individual’s life. God gives his grace to the individual at baptism, But he also gives grace continually through-out the course of life. A person gains grace as he lives out his Christian life in obedience. GW - Grace is a gift of God. Eph. 2:8–9. As grace increases, justification increases, and the individual becomes more and more righteous in the eyes of God. If God removes justifying grace from the individual, then justification ceases. This occurs when the individual commits serious sin—In the final analysis, if the justifying grace begun at baptism is not present at the end of a person’s life, then he will remain unjustified and be condemned for eternity.” (SUNGENIS, 150)
7. “THE PROTESTANT [Christian] understanding of … justification—It is simply a legal declaration that “God makes, designating the person to be in a justified state. The justified state means that God has forgiven his sins because Christ took the guilt and paid the penalty for his sins.
“Acceptance by faith means that, though undeserving, the individual receives the righteousness of Christ if he simply acknowledges its availability and efficacy by believing that he can receive it. Once this is done, the theological category of justification is complete and secure and the now justified Christian immediately passes into another theological category called sanctification. The Christian begins to live a holy life by refraining from sin, doing good works, praying, etc.—Justification is a one-time legal act administered by God, while sanctification is the ongoing process of personal holiness.” (SUNGENIS, 149–150)
Gary Westgerdes - Sounds correct, believe in Jesus: eternally – saved, Justified, forgiven! “For all the promises of God in him (Jesus) are *yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2 Cor. 1:20)
Paul’s scriptural support for Christ-ian Justification
“(Jesus) Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification.” (Rom. 4:25)
“And not as it was by one (Adam) that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto Justification.” (Rom. 5:16)
“By the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto Justification of life.” (Rom. 5:18)
The free gift is received by faith
Jesus’s victory becomes yours by faith! 1 John 2:1, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ—the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2)
Your sin debt owed to God has been paid in full
“[God,] Having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and [yes] took it out of the way, nailing it to his (Jesus’s) CROSS.” (Col. 2:13–14)
Here is Paul speaking on the inheritance of believers
“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye (you) also trusted, after that ye (you) heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye (you) believed, ye (you) were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory—That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye (you) may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.” (Eph. 1:12–19)
Paul: Acts 20:28, A WARNING! to Church Leaders
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, (“All the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27) which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Peter’s WARNING! to those of like precious faith
2 Peter 1:1 “Simon Peter—to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Pet. 2:1 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, Even denying the Lord that bought them.” (5. “Christ did not take upon himself the entire punishment required of man for sin.” —SUNGENIS) “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church *ALONE which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.” (CCC-816) Catechism of the Catholic Church © 1994
2 Pet. 2:1 “And bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom, The way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” (1. “Did Christ take within himself the sin and guilt of mankind and suffer the specific punishment for that sin and guilt, as Protestants [in #7] contend? The answer is *no.” —SUNGENIS. Read again, 2–4, 6) / & (John 3:16)
A CATHOLIC VIEW—Infant Baptism in the Bible?
A FACEBOOK POST: TIM STAPLES of Catholic Answers • 1/14/2022 —“Babies need to have original sin removed from their souls. But there is more.”
Revolt Against Reality by Gary Michuta (see: James 1:27)
True religion is a family affair. A Jew became a Jew when he was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. “They did not have to first ‘accept Moses as their personal prophet’ before they could be circumcised.” [GW—Ha. Ha. Funny! However, Christians teach that a sinner who is of age, knowing right from wrong, upon hearing God’s word and the Spirit’s conviction must first, believe “accept Jesus as their personal Saviour” using their own free will. Simultaneously with faith and accepting Jesus, comes the reception of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is called being born again. Included in being born again is the joy, the lifting away of the burden of sin and guilt. This Salvation is followed by believer’s water baptism, and unlike Catholic baptism it is not necessary for salvation.] “And according to Paul, baptism is the fulfillment of circumcision.”—Gary Michuta,
GARY WESTGERDES Concerning circumcision of the flesh: God rebuked the Jews; he wanted their hearts circumcised. In the same sense now in “Christendom” baptism of the flesh means nothing if it comes before faith in Christ. The only baptism that Cleanses away your sin is the Holy Spirit’s. He is the one that knows your faith in Jesus, your heart’s desire for forgiveness and cleansing, and he knows if you really mean it.
Paul did not preach baptism
“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. [*yes] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; (see.# 1) “But Unto us which are saved it is the power of God—it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe—[yes] We Preach Christ Crucified.” (1 Cor. 1:17–18, 21, 23) Not Christ Consumed - via the Eucharist
Jesus paid off your sin debt in full, with his blood. Since he was sinless, his physical death paid your sin debt without him having to spend an eternity in hell. By God’s grace you will be saved through faith, sacramental grace is not necessary.
[yes] “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb. 10:14)
The Mass, a re-offering of the sacrifice of the Cross in an un-bloody manner, is not necessary.
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands—Nor yet that he should offer himself often—For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but [yes] now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Heb. 9:24–26)
The Catholic Priesthood is not necessary
PETER, “Ye (You) also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5) PAUL, [yes] “Let us offer the Sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate (be giving) forget not: for with such Sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Heb. 13:14–16)
Purgatory is not necessary or available
“There is—now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ [yes] Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” (Rom. 8:1–3)
JESUS 2ND COMING
JESUS 2nd Coming
“For as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west; so, shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matt. 24:27)
“For there shall arise FALSE CHRISTS, and FALSE PROPHETS, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect—Immediately, after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man COMING in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matt. 24:24, 29–30)
Jesus is speaking to the Apostles before he ascends into heaven to sit at God the Father’s right hand.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in WHITE apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:8–11)
Apostle John is now speaking to us About Jesus’s second coming As Jesus descends from heaven.
“And I saw heaven opened and behold a WHITE horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war... And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon WHITE horses, clothed in fine linen, WHITE and clean — And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations... And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11, 14–16)
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith The LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as WHITE as SNOW; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isa. 1:18)
The believer’s righteousness is equal to and described as the same as Jesus’s
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days (Jesus) did sit, whose garment was WHITE as SNOW, and the hair of his head like he pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9–10)
“And I saw the dead, small, and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works — And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:12, 15)
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in WHITE raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5)
"His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow." (Matt. 28:3)
“His raiment became shining, exceeding WHITE as snow; so, as no fuller on earth can WHITE them.” (Mark 9:3)
JESUS, “Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are WHITE already to harvest.” (John 4:35)
“Lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with WHITE robes — And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. What are these which are arrayed in WHITE robes? and whence came they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them WHITE in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:9–10, 13–14)
JESUS, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8)
“And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst COME. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)
“He which testifieth these things saith, SURELY, I COME quickly. Amen. Even so, COME, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20).
Westgerdes, The Tribulation Period is the Seven Year Period preceding Jesus’s Second Coming. After Jesus’s return he will establish his reign upon the earth for a Thousand Years during which Satan shall be chained in the bottomless pit. See - (Rev. 20:1–2)
Westgerdes, After the Thousand Years Satan will be released and he will gather his followers in the final great battle to defeat Jesus, Jesus will destroy Satan and his followers in this final Victory. This Victory will be followed by Jesus’s destruction of the current heavens and earth and the creation of a NEW EARTH and a NEW HEAVEN in which righteousness will reign. See - (Rev. 20–22)
Westgerdes, About the RAPTURE, what is it?
It is when Jesus calls up his saints, both dead and alive, to join him in the air. In relation to the Seven Year Tribulation period. There are three views, the rapture will be:
Before — to escape God’s wrath* (1 Thess. 4:13–5:11).
Middle — When the Anti-Christ sets himself up to be worshiped in the newly rebuilt Jewish Temple.
After — at Jesus’s 2nd Coming.
About the Millennial views concerning Jesus’s thousand-year reign
“AMILLENNIALISTS see it as a spiritual reign in heaven — we are currently in the millennium. Amillennialism is not new — by the time of Augustine, it had become the dominant view of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and many Protestants. And it was the view of the reformers, including Calvin and Luther.” —Ed Jarrett,
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-amillennialism.html
Westgerdes, this is significant because those, or some, who believe this view are looking for Christ return as the world gets more peaceful and united thus, they may be deceived into accepting a false Christ, and ultimately, the Anti-Christ. (1 Thess. 5:3)
CONCERNING JESUS’S 2ND COMING
“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.
“And unto them that look for him shall he appear the SECOND TIME without sin unto salvation.” (Heb. 9:28)
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [GW-died after they believed in and surrendered their life to Jesus] will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:14–18)
JESUS: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: [GW-Jesus isn’t waiting for us to prepare the earth for him.]
“If it were not so, I would have told you.
“I go to prepare a place for you. 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
“No man cometh unto the Father, but by me — If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:1–6, 15)
JESUS: “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (consuming to much), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. WATCH ye therefore, AND PRAY always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34–36)
JESUS: “Watch therefore: “For ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore, be ye also ready: For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matt. 24:42–44)
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that BLESSED HOPE, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11–14)
JESUS
“And, behold, I COME QUICKLY. And my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the TREE OF LIFE and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:12–14)
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good faithful servant — enter thou into the JOY of thy lord — The redeemed of the LORD shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting JOY shall be upon their head — and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” (Matt. 25:21; Isa. 51:11)
Amen! What a wonderful day! Eternal Life, Joy, Love & Holiness!
JESUS HIS GOSPEL JOHN 1–8
JESUS “Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37)
Jesus’s Voice Shares His Gospel In John Chapters 1–8, (from the "red letters")
1:43 "Follow Me."
2:16, 19 “Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise—Destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it up.” (His body vs. 21)
3:3,5–8, 12–21
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God—Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God—That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so, is every one that is born of the Spirit—If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life. 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.”
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
4:10, 13–14, 23–24
“If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water—Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life—But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
5:21–29, 43
“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation—I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”
6:26–27, 29, 32–33, 35–40
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed—This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent—Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world—I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at he last day.”
6:47–51
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” ['And (Jesus) the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)]
6:53–58, 61–65, 67–69
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [“Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11)]
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so, he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever—Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not—Therefore, said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father—Will ye also go away?”—
[Jesus: “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven—Simon Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:17–16) “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68–69) “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31) “Thomas—My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28)]
7:37–38 “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
8:12, 15–19, 21, 23–26, 28–29, 31–36
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life—Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go—Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men Is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me—Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also—I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come—Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins—Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him—When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him—If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples; indeed, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free—Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
8:42–47, 49–51, 55–58
“If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God—I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death—If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it and was glad—Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:28–31)
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen.” (Rev 22:16–17, 20 –21)
JESUS HIS GOSPEL 9–14
JESUS “Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37)
Jesus’s Voice Shares His GOSPEL IN JOHN Chapters 9–14
9:1–5, 35, 37, 39, 41
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Dost thou believe on the Son of God? Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee—For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind—If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”
10: 1–18, 25–32, 34–38
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one-fold, and one shepherd. Therefore, doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father—I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? —Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.”
11:4, 7, 9–11, 14–15, 23, 25–26, 34, 39–41, 43–44
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby—Let us go into Judaea again—Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep—Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless, let us go unto him—Thy brother shall rise again—I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?—Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see— Take ye away the stone. Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? —Lazarus, come forth. Loose him and let him go.”
12:23–28, 30–32, 35–36, 44-50
“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name—This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me —Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light—He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
13:7–8, 10, 12–21, 31–36, 38
“What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me—He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all—Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me—Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?”
14:1–4, 6–7, 9–31
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know—I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him—Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 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. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 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. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 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. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.”
“Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:28–31)
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst Come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely, I Come quickly. Amen. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen.” (Rev 22:16–17, 20–21)
JESUS HIS GOSPEL JOHN 15–21; ACTS
JESUS “Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37)
Jesus’s Voice Shares HIS GOSPEL IN JOHN Chap. 15–21; ACTS
Jesus sends Apostle Paul
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:18)
Apostle John wrote, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30–31)
15:1–18, 26–27
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. 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. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
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. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you—But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”
17:1–26
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, [Jesus is the word of God made flesh] that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 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.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;
that they may be one, even as we are one: 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. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
18:4–9, 11, 20–21, 23, 34, 36–37
“Whom seek ye?—I am he.—I am he—Whom seek ye?—I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way—Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none—Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?—I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and In secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said—If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?—Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?—My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence—Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
19:11, 26 – 28, 30
“Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore, he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin—Woman, behold thy son! — Behold thy mother! —I thirst—It is finished.”
20:15–17, 19, 21–23, 26–27, 29
“Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?—Mary—Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God—Peace be unto you—Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you—Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained—Peace be unto you—Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing—Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
21:5–6, 10, 12, 15–19, 22–23
Children, have ye any meat? —Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find—Bring of the fish which ye have now caught—Come and dine—Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not—Follow me—If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?”
Acts 1:4–5, 7–8
“But wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence—It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 9:4–6, 10–12, 15–16
“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?—I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks—Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do—Ananias—Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight—Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”
Acts 26:14–18
“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks—I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
KEYS OF HEAVEN
The *Keys of Heaven Preached, Have-You-Believed
Matthew 16:15 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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—21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and *suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be *killed, and be *raised again the third day.” (Matt 16:15–19, 21)
ACTS 1-10
1:22 “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his *resurrection.”
2:21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord (the Christ) shall be saved—23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have *crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath *raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it—27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption—30 Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him (David), that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would *raise up Christ to sit on his throne. 31 “He seeing this before spake of the *resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God *raised up, whereof we all are witnesses—36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have *crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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 thouand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
3:2 “And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms—6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength—12 Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And *killed the prince of life, whom God hath *raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should *suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he (Jesus) shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having *raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
4:1 “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the *resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in hold unto the next day. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand—8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye *crucified, whom God *raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone, which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved 13—and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus—they conferred among themselves—16 for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.”
5:17 “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. 25—Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers *raised up Jesus, whom ye *slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” 34—A Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law—38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
6:7 “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
8:3 “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word—25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans—27—A man of Ethiopia, an eunuch—28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot—32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the *slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his *life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said,I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
10:33 “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter—said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they *slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God *raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he *rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
13:52 “The disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.”
MARK LENNARTZ TESTIMONY
Mark Lennartz My Christian Testimony
“I was born and raised in a loving caring Catholic family. My parents raised me the best they knew how.
“They took me to church every Sunday and always told me that I had to go to church to learn about God and the Catholic faith.
“On November 22, 1985, I married my wife, Rita, who was also Catholic.
“Sometime in March of 1990 she came to me and said that she turned her life over to Jesus Christ and she felt as she was now, a whole new person and she knew she was going to heaven. I thought to myself “good, maybe she will settle down a little” because she lived a more outgoing lifestyle than I did.
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17).
“She told me that she and her friend, Mary, were praying for me that I would do the same (turn my life over to Jesus).
I told her that I thought I was going to heaven because I was a good person. I was nice to people, went to church regularly, obeyed the Ten Commandments and I went to confession.
“Rita told me I was going about it all wrong. She said I needed a personal relationship with Jesus: So, Rita and her friend, Mary, asked me if I would meet with the pastor at their church. The date was August 12, 1990.
"I agreed and during the meeting the pastor explained to me: Why I need Jesus in my life and what I needed to do to ask Jesus into my life. He told me I needed to admit that I was a sinner because the Bible says: 'All have sinned and come short of the glory of God'” (Rom. 3:23). The only way back to God is through Jesus Christ. I needed to realize that being a good person wasn’t enough. Because it is by God’s grace and our faith that we are saved, and it is a gift of God: 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast'” (Eph. 2:8-9).
“I needed to believe that Jesus died for us sinners: 'But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
“That our sin is forgiven by the shed blood of Jesus: 'But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin'” (1 John 1:7).
“I needed to put my faith in Jesus alone for my salvation: 'And they said, Believe, on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house'” (Acts 16:31).
“And 'Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me'” (John 14:6).
“After the pastor explained why I needed to do this, I prayed with him and accepted: 'Jesus as my Savior!'”
“Now the difference in my life is I know for sure I am going to heaven, instead of: 'I think so.' Now I want to go to church and read the bible, instead of: 'I have to.'"
“Also, I want to be a good person because: 'I am now a child of God.'”
“Is life easier for me now? No, not really, but: 'I know that Jesus is with me during my life’s journey, and I know that I am going to heaven.'"
“I also want to say that God gave me another chance. About 40 years ago I was in, a very serious, car accident and was the only survivor out of four people. My neighbor told me that God wasn’t done with me yet. At the time I wasn’t for sure what he meant by saying that, but now I understand: 'The Lord is — not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance'” (2 Pet. 3:9).
“Praise God! 'Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation… we pray–be ye reconciled'” (2 Cor. 5:17–18, 20). Mark Lennartz
Larry Tomczak CLAP YOUR HANDS! © 1973 A Young Catholic Encounters Christ
Larry: “Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction—many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13–14 KJV).
“Well, if only a few find this gift of eternal life, wouldn’t you like to be one of them?”
Dad: “‘Of course! — I want to receive this gift of eternal life. What do I do?”
Larry: “Faith is the key that opens the door to eternal life.”
“Do you fully understand what the Bible means here by ‘faith?’”
Larry: “Thou believest that there is one God; Thou doest well: The devils also believe, and tremble” (Jas. 2:19 KJV). — We’re talking about ‘saving faith’ and not just an intellectual assent to certain historical facts — When you trust the Lord to take care of our family — that we might call family-faith. When you trust Him to help you pay the bills — that might be called financial-faith — these things are temporary — they’ll all pass away some day — But what is saving faith?’
“‘Saving faith is trusting Jesus Christ to save you forever, eternally, no matter what else may happen — I tried to be a faithful church member. I tried to live a decent life. I tried to obey the Ten Commandments. I, I, I, I, I was really trying to be my own savior.’
“‘I transferred my trust from myself — from what I could do — to Jesus Christ and what He had done already. I accepted His gift of eternal life.’” (pgs. 134–137) —Larry Tomczak
John Chapter 3
1 ”There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 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. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. 25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: This my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:1–36)
1 John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure—8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother—21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” (1 John 3:1–3, 8–10, 21–24) —Apostle John
MARY OF FATIMA & JESUS
MARY OF FATIMA & JESUS
John the Baptist: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matt 3:11–12).
JESUS the Saviour: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:13).
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword, (his word, the one true gospel). For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law” (Matt 10:34–35).
“Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt 11:29).
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:18–20).
“Behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: And behold a voice (God the Father) out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son (Jesus), in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).
“If they hear not Moses and the prophets (God’s word), Neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)
THE CATHOLIC MARY
The Catholic Telegraph 191st year | issue 3 | March 2022
THE BLESSED MOTHER PRAY THE ROSARY Every day for peace in the world.
From: An interior postcard Ad, America Needs Fatima www.ANF.org
“The Blessed Mother knows you and understands your sufferings even more than you do. She is full of compassion, love, and hope. She offers a remedy for every problem and hope for every affliction. She is the Mother of God and yours, so beautifully represented by this miraculous Pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
“At Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, The Blessed Mother gave a saving message to the world. She gave us the solution for America’s moral decline, the coming chastisement, which will end in a Glorious era of hope, peace, and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
“She requested that we pray one rosary of five decades every day. ‘Pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war,’ she told the three young shepherds on May 13, 1917. In each of the six apparitions, she insisted on the necessity of the daily rosary.
“If you see a friend or family member sinking in vice, turn to our Blessed Mother for help. She is truly the *guiding star of the way to Our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Since the Council of Trent the local bishop must bear witness to the validity of Marian Apparitions. (Code of Canon Law 212, 753) GW—not God the Father as he did for Jesus.
“May 13 is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. She is a powerful intercessor and model, especially in a time where sins of the flesh and sins against humanity dominate the culture. Our Lady of Fatima appeared six times to the three shepherd children (Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco) from May 13, 2017 – Oct. 13, 1917. Throughout her apparitions, she stressed prayer, fasting and sacrifice to obtain peace for the world and the conversion of sinners. She particularly encouraged daily devotion to the rosary.”
“Here are seven powerful quotes from Our Lady of Fatima’s Apparitions:
1) "Our Lady: “Do you wish to offer yourselves to God to endure all the sufferings that He may be pleased to send you, as both an act of reparation for the sins with which He is offended and an act of supplication for the conversion of sinners? Lucia: Yes, we do. Our Lady: Well then, you will have much to suffer. But the grace of God will be your comfort.” (First Apparition–05/13/1917)
2) “Pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.” (First Apparition–05/13/ 1917)
3) “[Jesus] wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it; and these souls will be beloved of God like flowers arranged by me to adorn His throne.” (Second Apparition—06/13/1917)
4) “…Pray the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war, for she alone can be of any avail.” (Third Apparition—07/13/1917
5) “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners and say many times, especially when you make a sacrifice, ‘O Jesus, this is for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.'” (Third Apparition–07/13/1917)
6) “Pray, pray much, and sacrifice for sinners, for many souls go to hell because there is no one to sacrifice and pray for them.” (Fourth Apparition–August 19, 1917)
7) “I wish to tell you that I want a chapel built here in my honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue to pray the rosary every day. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.”
Real Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word—And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:38, 46–47)
“Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (The Catholic Hail Mary Prayer)
“Hail, the forgiving Savior Jesus, born full of grace and truth, God his Father is with him! Blessed is the fruit of thy empty tomb Jesus, sinners made saints through the only name that saves us. Holy Jesus, Son of God, strengthen the redeemed to love, may they walk like thee, forgiving others with strength from above. Holy Spirit, third person of God, thank you for praying to the Father the righteous desires of my heart and for the joy awaiting me at the hour of my death! Amen.” (A, Hail Jesus, not a real prayer, by Gary Westgerdes)
JESUS: “I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43) “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) “Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: And I am not come of myself, But he that sent me is true, whom ye know not — “I am the *light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the *light of life — “I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” (John 7:28; 8:12,16) “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” (John 8:18) “I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.” (John 8:23) “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24) “When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28) “Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7) “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, And shall go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14) “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26) “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46) “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13) “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.” (John 14:3) “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:10) “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:11) “At that day ye shall know that “I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” (John 15:1) “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:” JESUS: “For without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, *I will ascend into heaven, *I will exalt my throne above the *stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: *I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; *I will be like the most High.” (Isa 14:12–14)
Apostle Paul: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an *angel of light.” (2 Cor 11:14)
The Blessed Mother, Mary’s apparitions are really Satan in disguise?
The same Mary who says in 6) “There is no one to sacrifice and pray for them (sinners).”
I thought Jesus did that?
“Wherefore, he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them—Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” (Heb 7:25, 27)
JESUS is talking to Saul (the Apostle Paul), “I send you to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:17–18)
FOLLOW & SERVE JESUS
SIVINI & APOSTLE PAUL
Sivini's Testimony from a Revenge Murderer to follower of Jesus Christ and Bible Translator
“Dear Friend … How long since you last met a killer? Give me three minutes and I’ll introduce you.”
“His name is Sivini, and for years, hatred was his business. Hatred is a commodity among the tribes of Papua New Guinea (PNG). One tribe attacks another; people die. Then the other tribe seeks revenge. Sivini was in charge of revenge. Among the Usarufa people, in the eastern highlands of PNG, he was the legendary fight commander from the village of Moife. Time and time again, he led his team into neighboring areas to carry out revenge killings. You’ve probably never met a man with so much blood on his hands. Somehow, in his many years of fighting, he escaped the slightest injury. His people, young and old, revered him for his almost magical longevity. But today we know God wasn’t sparing Sivini for the sake of more dying … He was sparing Sivini for a whole new life—life, and more abundantly—an extraordinary new assignment—that would bring the life-giving Word of God to the Usarufa people and beyond,
IT HAPPENED LIKE THIS.
“The people of Moife grow wheat; for decades they have threshed their wheat by hand. A threshing machine would speed things up. So Sivini traveled from Moife to the city of Ukarumpa to arrange transport of the new contraption. But Ukarumpa is also a major Bible translation hub—with 275 translators working out of this center to meet needs throughout the country … one of the biggest operations of its kind in the world. By God’s perfect timing, a Translators’ Training Course (TTC) was under way that same day. With such urgent demand among the people of PNG for the Scriptures in their many languages, every course is filled to capacity. But at the last minute, one man learned he would be unable to attend; someone would have to go in his place. A friend of Sivini’s knew he was in town—grabbed him—told him he could get in—it would be interesting, he promised—and a blood-thirsty tribal leader found himself learning how to translate the Bible into Usarufa!
“Then, as the group made their way through the tragedy of Cain murdering Abel, translating Genesis 4,
[“Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time, it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: [Abel offered the innocent life and blood of the lamb.] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. [Cain offered a bloodless sacrifice without a death.] And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest (do) well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest (do) not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth (cries out) unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand.” (Gen 4:2–11 KJV)]
“Sivini was stunned. ‘Abel’s blood calling out to God from the ground,’ he remembers—'the words pierced my heart.’ He could almost hear the blood of his many victims calling out to God from the earth where he had so brutally slain them. In that defining moment, Sivini began to feel something he had never felt before: the possibility of cleansing. The very next Sunday, he walked to the front of the local Christian church to publicly repent of his past. He asked for prayer—he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ—and in that moment, the God of forgiveness and peace lifted Sivini’s burden of guilt. Everything about Sivini is different now. Hatred has turned to love, by the miraculous power of God’s Word! ‘Even my looks have changed since I accepted Jesus, Sivini says joyfully, ‘because now I no longer carry the weight of the guilt of my past. Who but Jesus could do such a wonderful thing?’ Today Sivini is committed to the Usarufa Bible translation, ‘turning God’s talk into the Usarufa language so that my people can know the Lord. I want them to find peace, freedom, and forgiveness of sin, just like I have.’”—Wycliffe Associates every verse, every tongue, every task. (Solicitation letter 2008)
“But God commendeth (commends, gives officially/formally) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom 5:8–9) “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God—the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom 3:24–26)
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the CROSS, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2)
Apostle Paul was also a Murderer Forgiven and Cleansed from Sin, his Testimony.
“I am verily a man—a Jew, born in Tarsus--in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye (you) all—this day.
“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness, which is in the law, blameless.” (Phil 3:4–5)
“And I persecuted this way [Christians, followers of Jesus Christ] unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ—I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” (Phil 3:7–9)
“And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest (persecute) thou (you) me? And I answered, Who art (are) thou (you), Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest (persecutes). And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake (spoke) to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do—And one Ananias—And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest (tarry) thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:3–16)
“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth (describes) the righteousness, which is of the law, That the man which doeth (does) those things shall live by them. But the righteousness, which is of faith speaketh (speaks) on this wise, Say not in thine (your) heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith (does it say) it? The word is nigh (near) thee (you), even *in thy (your) mouth, and *in thy (your) heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou (you) shalt (shall) confess *with thy (your) mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt (you shall) believe *in thine (your) heart that God hath (has) raised him from the dead, thou (you) shalt (shall) be saved. For *with the heart man believeth (believes) unto righteousness; and *with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith (says), Whosoever believeth (believes) on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom 10:1–15)
SIXtH DAY OUTDOOR MINISTRY
Sixth Day Outdoor Ministry Called Unto Liberty Gal. 5:13
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)
CALLED TO LIBERTY
A Devotional “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13)
This verse of scripture is giving reference to the brethren!
Those who have repented of their sins and confessed with their mouth that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again for eternal salvation.
Once we become born again, we are called into liberty,
Meaning we are not bound to the laws of the Old Testament. Basically, we won’t be judged for being liars, thieves, blasphemers, and so on. It’s hard for us to wrap our mind around the thought that once we’re saved, we could never lose it, regardless of what sin we may fall into; however, that is what the Bible teaches. When we get saved, we will not be judged for our sin, but notice how this verse in Galatians doesn’t tell us that once we get saved; we can live however we want. It does direct us to keep sin out of our life. It appears in this context of scripture that there may be some contention among believers in the Galatian church because the following verses say, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Gal 5:14–15)
It seems they’re using their liberty in Christ to treat their brothers in Christ in a wrong way. Sure, they won’t die and go to hell for the sins their committing, but God is commanding not just them, but also us, to not use our liberty to please the flesh. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal 5:1)
Too many believers are using their liberty to live life how they want to, but yet can’t figure out why they are so miserable in life. God gets angry with disobedient children that say, “I don’t care, I will live how I want.” “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” (Gal 6:7-8)
Notice how it says, “his flesh," don’t we just love ourselves? It’s always about us right!
How can we apply this to our hunting career?
First off, are you truly saved? Did Jesus Christ really change your life? Why do you still live like an outlaw? You may think its ok to break game laws, but the Bible says, “Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.” Have you ever wondered why your kids are so dishonest? Could it be that dad has been teaching them to lie on their game harvest records? When they fill out a tag to an animal that dad killed, it’s called lying! A lot of Christian men say, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with it, God gave these animals to us. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.” (I Pet 2:13)
If you intentionally break a game law, you are disobeying God. Have you ever cared about your testimony in front of the game warden? Has it ever crossed your mind that he or she might die and go to hell? Do you think he will listen to your gospel witness while he is writing you a ticket for having to many rabbits in your pouch? “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (Phil 2:15)
Is your daily bag limit not enough? This upcoming season, Ohio will allow you to take 6 deer statewide, but yet there will be many illegal deer tagged or not even tagged at all. This is expected of a lost sinner. They’re lost, how else would they act?
Why are Christians doing this? Why have men and women of God justified to themselves that its ok? “Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.” (Gal 5:13)
I have to admit, I’ve had my days in the woods where I made some decisions that could have caused a great deal of trouble, but can I also say there were many other things in my life that was not right with God! As I began to confess my sins and grow closer to the Lord, God showed me that I cannot do wrong and have a right relationship with Him.
What is your story man or woman of God? Will you purposefully break the laws in your state this season? If so, how can you stay unspotted from the world? How can you obey every ordinance of man? “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” (Rom 13:14)
Search the above link for more devotionals.
The Keys of Heaven Ministries Tracts
Apostle Paul, “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: For if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Gal 2:19–21)
“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, She is free from that law; So that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” (Rom 7:1–4)
The Church is the Bride of Christ, Christ is the Husband of the Church
“Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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.
“So, ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Eph 5:24–32)
“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter—Now if I do that I would not, it is No more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me—O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. (Rom 7:5–6, 20, 24–25; 8:1, 8–17)
During The Winter Hunting Season Remember:
“Saith the LORD, Though your SINS be as scarlet, they shall be as white as SNOW.” (Isa 1:18)
“And when he (Jesus) saw their FAITH, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are FORGIVEN thee.” (Luke 5:20)
The Keys of Heaven Ministries Tracts
A Gospel Tract—Sixth Day Outdoor Ministry
Are You a Good Fisherman?
Do you do what is right when the pole is in your hand? Do you: have a license, obey the limits and sizes, obey the speed limit and wake zones. “Matthew 19 tells of a man that came to Jesus seeking eternal life through his good works. ‘And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ (Matt 19:16). Notice how Jesus responds, ‘And he said unto him, why callest me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.’ (Matt 19:17). Romans 3:10, 12 also tells us who is good, ‘As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one—there is none that doeth good, no, not one’—One day, lost sinners will stand before God at a place called the Great White Throne Judgment. The Bible says that they will be judged for their works, ‘And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works—And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.’ (Rev 20:12, 15) —Jesus Christ was born—To pay the consequences for all mankind’s sin. He lived a perfect sinless life, then willingly went to the cross where His innocent blood was shed. After His death, the Bible says He was placed in a tomb, but rose from the grave on the third day. ‘For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.’ (1 Cor. 15:3–4) Everyone has a choice—heaven or hell —The Apostle Paul explains to us what true biblical salvation is in Acts 20:21, “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 10:9–10, 13 makes it very clear that salvation is a decision that must be made in one’s heart. ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession made unto salvation.’” (Excerpts)
UNDERSTANDING CATHOLIC SACRIFICES FOR SIN
Understanding Catholic Sacrifices for Sin
“Five Life - Changing Reasons To Go To Mass” (flyer) The Word among us Press,
“When we come to Mass, we have a chance to offer God our suffering and our problems. As the bread and wine are lifted up to God by the priest, you can also offer your pain to God—Nothing is too small or trivial.” www.wau.org Copyright © 2019 by Angela Burrin.
“A Convert Learning to Love Mary,” Our Sunday Visitor, Vol. 111, NO. 37, Jan. 1–7, 2023, pg. 6,
"Appreciate Mary’s true role in Salvation. It is essential to understand that in her yes to God, Mary cooperates in our redemption: she does not make it manifest. And though Mary cooperates in a privileged way, we also have the ability to cooperate with Christ in our redemption as we unite our sufferings to his.”
"Lent is the moment of Sacrifices," Rev. Barry Stechschulte, 3/18/2011, The Daily Standard, Celina OH.
"During Lent …
“Every year my mom corrected me and said I should be giving up something that really costs me. So, I would end up giving up TV after school or soda pop. And she would tell me to ‘Offer that little sacrifice to God for all the souls out there who needed His grace more than I.’
“I took those lessons from my mom to heart and ever since Lent has always had a special place in the practice of my give up TV (Like my daily ESPN fix) or soda pop (nothing goes better with a burger and fries than a cold Dr. Pepper). I offer these little sacrifices not so much because they have value in themselves, but *UNITED to Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, they take on a redemptive value in the whole economy of salvation.
“That’s the key: We can do little if nothing on our own. But by UNITING it to Jesus’s offering we can really make a difference.
“This fruit of the Incarnation—that God became one with us by becoming one of us. He sacrificed Himself in a human body and soul, in our place. Now he allows us to UNITE our sacrifices of every day to His.
“Not that Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient. It was not. But Christ wants us to participate in our salvation because He participated in our human nature. So, our little offering does matter to us and to Jesus.
“At the Catholic Mass, the priest pours a few drops of water into the cup of wine to be consecrated into the Blood of Christ.
“This symbolizes our little sacrifices offered ALONG WITH the Blood of the Lamb on the altar. For it is at the altar that the one redemptive sacrifice of Christ is made present for us, and it is the best moment to offer our sacrifices.”
"Transform Suffering into Joy" Michael La Corte, SOUL Winter 2011, pg. 3, 4; [email protected]
“Without the Consequences of Suffering, we wouldn’t learn to choose Wisely … Often, suffering appears to be random, severe, and unfair … however we can do our best to minimize our suffering and … of others by following God’s path.
“We can transform our human suffering and … of others by following God’s path.
*We can transform our human suffering into Eternal Salvation for ourselves and for others.
“Our Lady of Fatima brought this message to us through the three shepherd children when she asked them on May 13, 1917, ‘Will you offer yourselves to God, and bear with submission all the sufferings He sends you, in reparation for the sins that offend Him, and for the conversion of sinners?’
“Towards the end of Jacinta’s life Our Lady asked her if she wanted to come to Heaven or suffer more from her very painful disease. Jacinta made her choice and took great joy in learning that the Blessed Mother would send her to two more hospitals, not to get better but to continue to suffer for the conversion of sinners.
“We shouldn’t seek suffering and we should work to overcome it, but as we encounter it or even life’s daily aggravations, We should offer them to God as acts of penance for the reparation of sin.
“These small acts transform something unpleasant into something spiritually good and we should allow it to bring us joy, because by accepting suffering in the way that God has asked, we will be serving God, our fellow man and working toward our Salvation.”
Mary is called
“The Gate of Heaven because no one can enter that blessed Kingdom without passing through her—As the moon standing between the sun and the earth, transmits to the earth whatever light it receives from the sun, so Mary stands between God and human beings and pours His grace upon us.”—St. Bonaventure
UNDERSTANDING JESUS'S SACRIFICE FOR SIN
Understanding Jesus’s Sacrifice for Sin
Heb 10:10–14, 18
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
“And every priest standeth (stands) daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, After he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, Sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified—Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin."
Heb 9:12–28
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, But by his own blood he entered in once Into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
“Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; And without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Heb 7:19–21
“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; By the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; But this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)"
Heb 7:22–28
“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
“And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: For this he did once when he offered up himself.
“For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated forevermore."
1 Pet 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
Rom 6:5–14
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: For ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Jude 1:3
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Luke 13:24–27
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able.
“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye (you) begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; And he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence (place, source, or cause) ye (you) are:
“Then shall ye (you) begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye (you) are; Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”