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 Believers who choose and profess to be followers of Jesus Christ have always been baptized. However, in the Early Church, there were some requirements by individual churches before baptism took place.In most churches, before baptism occurred, the believer would first be instructed in the beliefs and practices of Christianity. These students were called "catechumens," which is a Greek word meaning "oral handing down." Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165) wrote this about the procedure of becoming a Christian... "As many are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. They they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the in same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water."People didn't just raise their hands quietly in a pew, with everyone's head bowed, nor did they dramatically go to the altar with popular music stirring their souls. How did they become a Christian? THEY PRAYED AND THEY FASTED! They prayed and they fasted, because it was a serious and life-changing step that they were committing to, and the decision was not taken lightly. As the years of Christianity expanded, the catechisms of the early churches increased. About AD 215, a Roman writer named Hippolytus wrote about an elaborate process required by an early church to become a Christian. The Christian was first examined for suitability in a detailed process that looked at their background. If they were a slave, their Masters were interviewed. The jobs they held were examined, and many had to give up their jobs or take vows specifically designed to prevent their work from touching their Christianity. For instance, a soldier would have to take an oath that he would not execute anyone, or a scuptor or painter would have to vow never to make a false image. After the lifestyle was thoroughly investigated, they would spend three years being taught the the things of Jesus Christ. Some churches had formal classes, others informal, but most all of them required study of the Word of God before acceptance into the faith. After deep study of the Word of God, and thoroughly learned their religion, they would receive baptism and full membership in the Christian Community. Normally, Baptisms would be saved up and done twice a year, on Pentecost or Easter. Baptisms were often delayed or denied. It was a serious business, and early church leaders did not take baptism lightly. They held a very dim view of those who sinned after baptism, and were allowed sometimes only one major lapse, before they were removed from the congregation. Because of the seriousness of Baptism, many withheld going to the waters, and chose instead to keep sinning until it was all out of them. It was not unusual to wait until just before death before taking baptism. IT SURE IS DIFFERENT TODAY! Sadly, I have seen so many lightly enter into baptism and beginning the walk with Jesus Christ, then giving it up for worldly affairs. It seems like baptism and salvation and redemption are just little activities that are necessary to belong to the newest fads, and once the newness wears off, it matters no more. No one should become a Christian, if the Word of God is not known! No one should become a Christian lightly! No one should become a Christian if rejection of sin and the ways of the world is not upon their lips! No one should become a Christian for any reason other than they choose to follow their Lord Jesus Christ! Christian leaders have a responsibility to teach the Word of God to those who seek to know Him, and to restrict baptism to those who truly seek Him. How can Christian leaders know for sure of the truth behind the request of a seeking person? We can't! But what we can do is establish a program that requires learning the Word of God, that requires walking the ways of Christ, that takes the time to explain what being a Christian is all about. Then, if the person rejects the things of Christ after receiving them, it is completely their fault, and the leader is blameless! “21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:21-22 KJV) David "Bucker" Becker Citation: Hill, Jonathan. "Handbook to the History of Christianity." Zondervan. Oxford 2006.  Why do Protestants claim to go by scripture alone when we read in the Bible itself that we are to follow tradition and scripture? For example, in 2 Thessalonian 2:15, St Paul commands us to "stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter." So why not follow St Paul's command? Protestants often hang their hat on a couple of strong verses of warning in Scripture... “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:1-9 KJV) “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:4-8 KJV) Most Protestants believe that Catholics have faulty doctrine, and that their traditions emulate that untruth. I don't think most are against tradition, and in fact, many practice their own traditions in their own churches. However, when many Protestant believers criticize the Traditions of Catholicism, I think they are actually addressing the false doctrines that the Tradition hides in its pageantry and beauty. So, instead of confronting the differences of belief, searching Scripture and finding common ground, some old-fogey Protestants attack the tradition and avoid the real issues that separate our fellowship. I think that many Protestants attack Catholic Traditions because, underneath the traditions lies doctrine that is false. If Protestants attack Catholic Traditions, then the area of their contention remains unaddressed; specifically, the conflicts concerning the Truth of God and the apparent misinterpretations that these Traditions reflect. On the other hand, many Catholics defend their Traditions, and are completely unaware of the confused doctrines that their traditions represent. It goes both ways...and that's what is wrong with tradition. When the focus is solely upon Tradition (whether it possesses Roman Catholic nature or Protestant nature), and the Word of God is neglected, misused and misinterpreted, both Protestants and Catholics get it wrong. However, if any Protestant thinks that tradition has no place in the worship of God, I personally believe they are missing out and subverting the expression of the holiness of God. On the other hand again, if any Catholic thinks that tradition is the complete worship of God, I personally believe they also are missing out by subverting His teachings and their ability to grow stronger toward Him. If Tradition is based upon the Truth, IT'S VERY GOOD! If Tradition is based upon false teachings, IT's VERY BAD! Our job, as Christians, is to make sure that everything we do is based and conforms upon His Word and glorifies Him! Now to the crux of your question and its suggestion that all Protestants arbitrarily deem Catholic traditions as traditions of men, while not addressing the actual difference themselves. The answer is "Yes, sometimes." There are SOME Protestants that do just that. I can only offer you that explanation for those Protestants that attack Tradition without explanation of the real reason for their disdain. Some Protestants are like some Catholics; yearning to have a growing relationship with the LORD God through Jesus Christ, and experiencing life with as much flavor as God places in their life. Regrettably, others, on both sides of Christian belief, aren't like that at all. I don't think that Protestants are convinced that the Roman Catholic Church is the established Church of Jesus Christ. Please recognize I am not a spokesman for all Protestants; however, I think this reflects their views somewhat...Protestants believe that the Roman Catholic Church was established to replace the falling Roman Empire; that this group became just as corrupted as the government it replaced, and as a result the spiritual things of God were corrupted within it. Interestingly, the father of Protestantism, Martin Luther, accepted Roman-ruled religion, and tried to change the corruption from the inside-out. Apparently that was not the Will of God, because, instead, Luther was moved away from the established Roman rule, and started a movement that put Bibles in the people's hand, gave them a right to approach the LORD God through Jesus Christ, and allowed them to walk with Him. Since then, regrettably, Protestants splintered off into so many different groups, some corrupted, some not. Many Protestant churches are now approaching the same levels of corruption that have been perpetrated upon believers by the powers that lead within the Roman Church. So what do we, as believers, do? We must first look to our God and our Savior. We must trust that Christ will Shepherd us and lead us through the complicated mess that religion has made. We have one guidebook, and that is His Word. For me personally, life is too complicated and religion too corrupted for me to be led by anyone but Him. I have personally chosen to use the Bible as the final authority on all things that I do, with the moving of the Holy Spirit as my guide. For instance, I say that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is blessed among all women, because that is in the Bible. In my studies and worship, I have gone further in meeting Mary on a more personal contemplation, through the moving of the Holy Spirit. However, I cannot take it that next step and place her upon a pedestal equal with Christ, and as co-ruler of Heaven, because the Word of God does not reflect this as Truth. Yet, the Roman Catholic Traditions reflect this in their practices. At some point, every Christian man must decide where their line is. My line is resting firmly on the Word of God, and looking greatly forward to the day when I can participate fully in the pomp and circumstance in celebration of my Lord. But in these times, and in my life, I have no other choice but to draw my line between tradition and the Bible; the Bible is the only thing I know to be Truth completely. If I'm wrong, then when I meet my Lord, I imagine He will point out some of the areas in my life that could have received comfort from the "Tradition" that was given; however, he will not find fault with my belief...it will be True. Now you didn't write me to hear my personal views, however, I don't think you can understand a Protestant's belief, unless it is personalized. While a Catholic believer practices his faith corporately, Protestant's practice their faith personally. That's why the nature of the arguments always escalate to ugliness among the uneducated and the impassioned. One side is talking from a supposed elevated position representing a big world of believers, while the other side speaks generally of one personal belief that usually becomes offended to just discuss these issues. In the end, we all lose out. I've enjoyed our conversation. If you have any more Protestant questions, you can find this middle-of-the-road Protestant Catholic right here, ready to figure it out with you. Thanks for sharing. David "Bucker" Becker  I just read your post on salvation and baptism, and I think I understand. Are you saying that the term born again happens in Baptism, rather than in faith? Faith saves, Baptism brings death. Those two concepts are completely opposite of each other. Our faith in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, and our acceptance of Him as Savior guarantees we will have eternal life. Baptism is the grave. When we go under the baptismal waters, we are put to death. Our old natures, our original sin, cannot survive without a living host; thus when we go under the baptismal waters, the original sin is released. Because Jesus Christ resurrected from the grave, we are able to resurrect also. As we come out of our baptismal grave, we are born again, born a new man, without original sin attached to us. Once we have died in baptism, we are born again, without original sin and we can never die again. That’s why baptized Christians go immediately to Heaven upon their death, where they will rest for awhile, until they assume their new lives on the New Earth. The unbaptized believers sleep in their graves, until Jesus awakens them just before His Last Judgment; they too live forever on, and assume their lives on the New Earth. Even the unbaptized only die once!  In all of my travels, in remembering all of the words spoken by Preachers, Teachers and Evangelists of the Word of God, that is the meaning they understood. DELIVERANCE! Every Christian Church, every Christian Leader, every Christian Faithful believes that Salvation means DELIVERANCE! It is not the definition of the word Salvation that causes the chasms to develop, to misdirect the focus of the Word of God. We all agree on the meaning of Salvation; the disagreement amongst our faithful brethren lies with the things we are delivered from, what results after we are delivered and why we need deliverance in the first place! “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 av) 1. Our souls are not condemned because we do great sin. We are condemned because of our sinful state! 2. All unsaved do bad actions because their heart, their core, their complete being is sin that originated from Adam's transgression against the Will of God. 3. Some unsaved do really terrible sins, and some unsaved have no sign of the terrible condition of sin. That does not mean that some are greater sinners than others. Every living human being has the sinful nature inside him. Some may well be able to subdue those basic instincts, while others are controlled by the same sinful natures to do grievous harm to others, both the noble and the derelict have the same nature inside them. If an unsaved person does not sin, self control may be present, but the sinful nature still exists. The actions of the unsaved may well differ in degree, but not in guilt or cause! 4. Unsaved sinners must understand that they have sinful natures, and are unable to save themselves. 5. All human beings begin life with the sinful nature, and fall short of the glory of God. The LORD God is not present in the sinful realm. Sin is offensive to God. It doesn't matter how much good people do in the world, if their works were done while they harbored their sinful natures, the greatest of works in humanity, religion, science, art, medicine, education and government are made null by the presence of sin. Those who come from families of "good stock" in the Midwest, those who are well educated and able to advance the human condition to rightful places, those who do good daily and give all they have to others, and those who struggle daily to live an honest life, are all short of the glory of God, because they have the natures of sin. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM SINFUL NATURE! “For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 av) 6. Sinners die, no matter what they do in this lifetime. The wages that come to the unsaved is death. Until death is brought to that sinful nature, then it remains inside the unsaved, leading them toward their promised destiny. 7. It takes more than the death of the sinful natures to give the unsaved hope, however. Unsaved people that die and are placed in their graves, are dead unsaved people. Eventually, the unsaved people will be resurrected to face the Judgment of Jesus Christ to answer for the things they did with their sinful natures, but until then, the unsaved lay dead in their graves. 8. The LORD God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to those who seek deliverance from their sinful natures. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM ETERNAL DEATH! “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.” (Ephesians 2:1-3 av) 9. The unsaved people with their sinful natures walk according to the course of the world. The "course of the world" encapsulates all of the degrading, grotesque, ugly things that have developed and become perilously established within our world today. They include those very things spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:1-7... "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7 av) 10. The unsaved who are entrapped by their sinful natures, are led by the prince of the power of air. The prince of the power of air is Lucifer, also known as Satan, the Devil. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM THE CONTROL OF SATAN! 11. People with the unsaved and sinful nature are children of LORD God's wrath. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM THE WRATH OF THE LORD 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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 av) 12. Salvation can only be received through FAITH. FAITH is the gift of God, through his wonderful and undeserved Grace. 13. The Unsaved cannot give FAITH to themselves. If they could, they would boast of their godly ability. Only the LORD God gives those He Wills the faith to turn toward Him, reject their own sinful natures, and reach toward the righteous and holy nature of God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM THE LACK OF FAITH AND BELIEF! “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 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 the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15 av) 14. Everyone will one day stand before the Judgment Seat of the Lord Jesus Christ and be judged according to their works. 15. Those works done by the unsaved are nullified and void. They are vanity. Works are not measured living and righteous when done while the workers had the natures of sin. 16. If the Unsaved maintained their status in their lifetime to their death, then they have no living works that can be measured. 17.Those with dead works, those who chose to go to their grave with their sinful nature and reject the Grace of the Lord God and the salvation through Jesus Christ, will be judged guilty and sentenced to eternal damnation and be cast into the lake of fire. SALVATION MEANS DELIVERANCE FROM ETERNAL DAMNATION AND SENTENCED TO HELL! How does Salvation come to the sinners? “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. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12 av) 18. Through the belief and acceptance of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and His Resurrection from the dead, the unsaved can receive salvation. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only salvation can come to them, free them from the sinful nature, and make them whole. SALVATION COMES TO BELIEVERS THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST! How do the Unsaved receive the gift of Salvation from the LORD God? 19. Salvation is a two step process. The first step is one of belief, and the second step is one of action. If the Unsaved believe, but do nothing, they remain unsaved. If the Unsaved do not believe, but go through the action of a repentant sinner, they too remain unsaved. “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 is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10 av) STEPS TO SALVATION 1. Know that you are a sinner, and cannot save yourself. 2. Confess the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior 3. Believe that Jesus Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to atone for your sins. 4. Be confident that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead. SALVATION COMES BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST ONLY! What are the results of Salvation? “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.” (Galatians 2:20 av) 21. The confessors of Jesus Christ as Savior are crucified with him. (Note...Our Crucifixion is joined to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ through our Faith. Our Burial is accepting the Baptism of Jesus Christ, which we will speak of in a few more paragraphs) 22. Our crucifixion with Christ allows us to receive more faith and the love of the LORD God. SALVATION BRINGS MORE FAITH AND THE LOVE OF THE LORD GOD! “For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” (Colossians 1:19-23 av) 23. Salvation establishes peace with the LORD God. 24. Salvation makes Faithful Believers holy, unblameable and unreproveable in the LORD God's sight. SALVATION MAKES THE SAVED HOLY, UNBLAMABLE AND UNREPROVEABLE IN THE LORD GOD'S SIGHT “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 av) 25. Everlasting life is given those who believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the LORD God. SALVATION BRINGS ETERNAL LIFE “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:4-5 av) 26. The Power of the LORD God is with all saved Faithful through Jesus Christ. SALVATION BRINGS THE POWER OF GOD TO YOUR LIFE What is NOT Salvation? “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].” (Hebrews 4:2 av) Salvation does not come to the Unsaved by simply the physical act of uttering words in prayer form! Their heart must be in it with a solid faith. If the Unsaved receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hear with their heart and agree, then their confession will be heard. Without the understanding and repentant heart, the prayers of the Unsaved are worthless. Salvation is NOT the physical act of walking down the church aisle following an invitation from the Pastor. The Unsaved can be anywhere, at any time, and receive salvation through their belief and confession in Jesus Christ. It doesn't take a church, and it doesn't take people. It just takes a sincere and repentant heart to accept Jesus Christ and be saved! Salvation is not contingent on great emotion (or lack of) during the conversion experience. Some feel great elation, some a quiet piece, and some don't. It is a uniquely individual experience, and varies with the experience surrounding the conversion. Salvation does not come to a person just because they want to be saved from going to Hell! The question of whether someone would prefer Heaven to Hell is stupid. Anyone would readily choose Heaven if given the ability to discern the differences. Salvation comes to those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior; it does not come to those just trying to hedge their bets and cover all bases "just in case". Does Salvation guarantee Heaven? Your belief in Jesus Christ brings salvation to you, and you are guaranteed eternal life. Your faith alone is all that is necessary for eternal life. One of the major conflicts among believers is their confusion over Salvation, Heaven and Baptism. Thankfully, the answer lays solidly in the Word of God... “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 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. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:1-18 av) Do you remember a few paragraphs back, in point 21 concerning Galatians 2:20, where we learned that we are crucified with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ through Faith, and Faith alone, and as a result receive Salvation? All of the benefits of Salvation are given to a Faithful Believer the moment he accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. But there is one more step a believer must fulfill to see Heaven. A Faithful Christian must also be baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, and be buried with Him also. Our Faith allows us to share His Crucifixion, Our Baptism allows us to experience His Burial. 27. When we are baptized with the Baptism of Jesus Christ, we go to our grave in the baptismal waters. When we rise out of the waters, we are resurrected into the NEW LIFE, with a NEW BIRTH. Baptized Believers will never go to the grave again! CRUCIFIED ONCE, BURIED ONCE AND RESURRECTED ONCE! “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And 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, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And 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.” (Revelation 21:1-7 av) Heaven is a temporary dwelling place, until His chosen Time, when a new Heaven and a New Earth will be established according to His Will. The unbaptized Believers, who were faithful in the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but failed to complete the process of going to the grave in Baptism, will go to an earthly grave for a short while. The Unbaptized but Saved Believers will be resurrected from their graves, in His Time, and given Eternal Life through His Grace of Salvation. Through their belief and confession of Jesus Christ, the UNBAPTIZED, BUT SAVED BELIEVERS will go on to Eternal Life after their resurrection from their graves. Through their belief and confession of Jesus Christ, the BAPTIZED, SAVED BELIEVERS will go to Heaven for awhile, and then on to Eternal Life on the New Earth, where all Believers will begin a new and blessed life under the rule of their King Jesus Christ. Note: See preceding blog, "Does Baptism Save You", for a little tighter breakdown of that process. Hope this has helped increase your understanding in His Things. David "Bucker" Becker  (Another letter received from another Christian confused about my belief and teachings has prompted me to add this post. Examination of my teachings can be found throughout this blog, as well as on our Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians site, especially in our salvation handout. If my teachings are not clear in this simple post, please refer to our main site for deeper learning.) Absolutely not in the sense that you are probably speaking! Faith in the saving grace through Jesus Christ is all that is necessary for salvation. I do believe, however, that the word "salvation" is often confused by Christians. Some believe that the word "salvation" means that they get to go to Heaven when they die. Salvation means that a person is saved from the curse and judgment of sin, and given the opportunity to live on. You can read my exact teachings with Scripture reference from our "Salvaton" handout download on our home page at http://www.guidedbiblestudies.com In a very shortened explanation... 1. We can not be in the presence of our LORD God with sin. 2. There is only one way of getting rid of sin, and that is to die. 3. There are two ways to die as a Christian, through the baptism of Jesus Christ and through bodily death. 4. Both deaths are equally able to release the hold of sin that is within you. 5. There are two ways a Christian will resurrect, either through coming out of the baptismal waters in faith of Jesus Christ's resurrection, or on Judgment Day when Jesus Christ raises the dead to answer for their life on this earth. 6. Those Christians who have received baptism in their lifetime will not lie in their grave, but will be immediately taken to Heaven in their sinless state. There they will reside for a while, until the End of Days. 7. Those Christians who were not bapized will sleep in their graves until awakened by Him on that Day, at which time they will stand before Jesus and he will see their faith in Him. 8. Both groups will eventually come together once again to live upon the New Earth and Heavens. 9. Both groups are saved by faith and receive eternal life. However, only those baptized are taken to Heaven for that short time while the things of God unfold. (Remember, eventually, Heaven also comes to an end, and a New Heaven and Earth replace it; Heaven is not the final destination place that Christian folklore has made it to be.) I hoped this has helped explain my belief and teaching. I am confident that Scripture supports my teachings. However, there is a place of consideration that might be worthy of examination with regards to the baptism of a Christian. That would be the answer to this question... "Can a Christian receive the baptism of Jesus Christ without the ceremony of water in which the believer rises from his baptismal grave?" For serious Bible students, this is the question that really needs to be asked. The Word of God is very specific on the process of dying, salvation, resurrection, faith in Jesus Christ and eternal life. It is not, however, too revealing upon the process of the baptism of Jesus Christ, and that, my dear friends, is really the only focus we can consider and debate. Any thoughts? David "Bucker" Becker  New talk about the Son of Judah has arisen again this Easter season. I believe it has come from a documentary reporting that a tomb of Jesus Christ was found that was aired last year in 2007. The film falsely alleges that a tomb found in Jerusalem in 1980 contained the ossuary of Jesus Christ, and blasphemously suggested that Mary Magdalene and their son was buried with him. The film director went as far as to claim that statistical tests and DNA analysis backed his view. Archaeologists and theologians are attacking his claims as unfounded, and believe that the burial cave was probably that of a Jewish family with similar names to that of Jesus, a common name at the time. Construction workers uncovered coffins in Jerusalem's East Talpiot district in March 1980. According to Israel Antiquities Authority, six coffins were marked with the names Mary, Matthew, Jesa son of Joseph, Mary, Jofa (Joseph, Jesus' brother), and Judah son of Jesua. The film, "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" was unveiled at, (duh), as the most holiest season for Christians is beginning, and now it looks like the false teachings are making the rounds again. A look at our archives for this blog will show that every Easter season we are having to disclaim another false prophecy or false teaching that attempts to destroy the things we believe about our Lord Jesus Christ. The facts that this movie and this director are spouting are false! Lies about Jesus Christ are being spread about this Easter season for the same reason they are spread every year. It is Satan moving to remove the confidence of the faithful! Reject this false teaching immediately. Stand firm in your belief of the inerrant Word of God, and do not let one lie pass by you unchallenged! Recognize the evil attempts to destroy the things of God through propaganda, lies and make-believe. Put on your armor of God, and prepare to defend your Lord! Do not let these lying words go unchallenged! Defend the Word of God by refusing to politely debate, but rather stand firm and strong with the harshest stance you can muster that this topic is not open for civil discussion, but rather crosses a line of Christianity that will not be tolerated! We must be brave, and we must start fighting as passionately for the truth of our Lord, as the Muslims fight for their own. The Lord Jesus Christ was not married to Mary Magdalene, he did not sire a child, he was not buried with anyone, and his ossuary was not found. Let me tell you why this is the most hideous and blatant lie against Christianity to date... An ossuary is a stone box that was used by the Jews to bury bones in the past. A dead body would be placed in a cave, until the flesh rotted from the bones. Once the flesh was detached from the bones, then the bones were placed in an ossuary and buried. THERE WERE NO BONES OF JESUS CHRIST TO BURY! TO CLAIM THERE WERE BONES PLACED INSIDE AN OSSUARY IS DENYING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST! Do not allow this claim to go unchallenged! Jesus Christ was placed in a tomb after his crucifixion, and three days later he arose. His bones do not lay in a grave, they do not lay in an ossuary, and to claim they ever did is blasphemous and false witness against the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! Beware! David "Bucker" Becker ¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. 42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. 1 ¶ The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, 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. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19 ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 19:38-20:23)
 One of the things that bothers me in these times is specialized Bible studies for the different sexes. The reason it bothers me is because it has reduced our Christian women to believe they are of a class that should focus merely on women in the Bible with application to homemaking, childrearing and supporting their husbands. While all of these things are important and required by God, women are just as easily used, and often more effectual in teaching and bringing the things of God to those He Wills. In fact, He is bringing many strong Christian women to the table and preparing them for vital works in the exact same way that He prepares men. Women cannot preach in a church if the Word of God is adhered to strictly; however, women can raise those preachers (both their children and others) to perfectly handle the Word of God. The Word of God does not prohibit women from writing books, participating in social protests, implementing social change, bringing religious doctrine closer to the Will of God, teaching His things and leading the lost, homeless, disabled, confused and young to find His path. For these reasons, I include women in all areas of our Bible Studies, and in fact, they are my best authors and teachers. I understand you asked a simple reference, and I seem to be preaching a larger sermon...but this issue is so close to my heart that I jump at every opportunity to share my view. Simply stated, the capabilities of spiritual works have been severely limited in women as a direct result of bad doctrine, arrogant interpretations by pretend Christians and a constant oppression by the devil himself. Many of our women have been subjected to the most henious of assauts, both sexual and mental, as young girls to prevent them from accomplishing the LORD God's Works later in life. Churches prepare simplified women's Bible studies to focus them on simple spiritual stories of Ruth to bring loyalty to mother-in-laws of Faith, and basic training of Esther to manipulate men to achieve God's Will. While these stories bring a certain feeling of mattering to most Christian women, they result in few spiritual Works being accomplished. I have committed to raise up the spiritual potential of all Christian women, and I believe the only way to accomplish this is to require the same demanding of learning the things of God, being held to the same accountability to rightly divide His Word. That means I expect all my women students to start at the basic studies of foundation and move on to the deeper things as God Wills. I believe that our Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians is a perfect teaching tool for this goal, and I have seen many strong Christian men and women learn His Word, and being led by the Holy Spirit to accomplish great things of His as a result. I encourage you to look at our various studies online and prepare to teach your Bible study for women with the same commitment that is displayed continuously for the training up of Christian men. Start with our Foundation of Jesus Christ Bible study, and move on to the deeper things as He leads. God's Blessings in your important Works for Him. David "Bucker" Becker  If you give your hard earned dollars or your easily acquired inheritances or your paid for homes to our ministry at Becker Bible Studies, you will not automatically prosper. Your donation to further our efforts to teach the Word of God to hungry Christians all over the world will not result in a blessing of flowing wealth to come upon you with thanks from the LORD God Himself. In fact, it is not only our ministry that will NOT bring fortunes to you, but every true ministry that is guided and moved by Him. Oral Roberts started the theology of promised fortunes to those who give generous donations, and popular evangelists picked up on the prosperity preaching quickly. People who turn to religion often have reached a point of lost dreams and direction. They are easy targets for the prosperity gospel to flourish under the manipulative hands of the pretend Christian leaders who seek to make fortunes in this world to finance their opulent lifestyles. Sadly, many of the depressed, lonely, lost, confused, widowed, disabled and poor brothers and sisters in Christ are tricked by these virulent techniques to transfer their small change into the pockets of the pretend Christian Evangelist charlatans. God does not want to bless the Faithful with earthly riches! Now hold on! I know there are many Scriptures that are quoted often by the pretenders that convince the hopeful that He truly wants His People to prosper. However, when the true nature of the LORD God, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit are known, and when believers sincerely seek to do His Will, money is the furthest thing from their minds! Why? Because true Christian workers are confident that when a work is given to them by the LORD God, all things are provided by Him to complete that job! Money is neither a worry nor a focus of true workers of God! We have donation buttons on almost every page of our Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians site for just this reason. When God moves faithful people to donate money to fund our ministry, they do it. They receive no blessing for that act alone, but rather will receive great reward from Him as they allow themselves to be used and moved according to His Will. In most cases, those rewards will not come to the generous faithful until they receive their crowns in Heaven. This will be the time when a Christian's works will be judged and rewarded accordingly. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) It is then and only then when reward is received. We cannot expect the life of luxury to be given to us in this world, but rather look for hope of great reward of prosperity in the Kingdom of God. There is only one way to receive this reward, and that is to complete the Works God moves us to do! Not all of us can minister throughout the world...not all of us can shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, comfort the saddened, or adopt the orphans. Some are given these tasks by God, and some are given the works by God to specifically support these efforts through generous financial support as He moves them. If the LORD God is moving you to support our ministry, then push that donation button at the bottom of our site pages, and give according to His Will. If He is not moving you to give financial support, then don't do it! Regardless, don't expect great blessing to come to you in this life; financial support does not guarantee an easy life nor an easy judgment! Every penny that you give to support the Works of God should always be given only as He moves, without any expectations of personal benefit! Care should always be taken that it is His Will and His Word and His Ministry that is being accomplished, and not the ministry of the world that preaches a false gospel of prosperity! The staff, authors and teachers at Becker Bible Studies thank each of you that supported our works for the LORD God this year. We do not have the words to express our deep gratitude for responding to the moving of Him through your generous givings. We remember each of you in our prayers, not only for your generosity, but also your commitment to ensuring His Works are completed according to His Will. There are so few faithful workers, with so little time left to complete our tasks. Your support has shined the light of our ministry and His Grace into places of deep worldly darkness, and given hope to hungry Christians all over the world who crave morsels of His Word and His People to strengthen their own works for Him. Thank you for your support. David "Bucker" Becker “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me. What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-18)  I'm not going to preach another time about how the devil is attempting to destroy the souls of our children when they are young, through the perverse sexual abuse, to prevent them from growing into strong Christian faithful. I've spoken on that several times in these blogs, and there really isn't much more to be said, because the victims know the terrible price they pay as adults for being raped as children, and the perverted sexual molesters have a certain arrogance and confidence as they have watched family members support them and expel the victim with hatred. So, two people know the truth for sure, and probably alot more if you count up the other victims that are abused when the abuser gets away with it the first few encounters. And God surely, most certainly, knows the truth. The abused's second family also knows, as adulthood is reached, and the ghosts of past continually haunt the souls; and somebody else knows and that somebody is who I want to talk about today. I want to speak to the ashamed mothers who know in their hearts that their daughters or sons were molested by husbands or fathers or brothers, or pastors or priests, or friends. I understand the pathetic hatred that men instinctively respond to as they gather family members together to attack the abused, and push them out of the family. See, men have this gut fear (almost everyone of them) that has come out of a real experience. The girlfriend has led on too far, and when the man has responded with the same vigor, has often been at the brunt of being accused wrongly. If not the man, then someone he knows, or somebody he knows that knows somebody. So men don't count. They react with a gut, and stupidly think with parts of their body and personalize accusations like "it could have been me being blamed." It's bull pucky. Child sexual abuse victims don't blame innocent people when they grow up. When the full realization of the impact of sexual abuse has hit them forcefully, usually when the raising of their own children creates a need to define right and wrong in their protection, the adult victim is crushed with emotion, fear, sickness, obsessiveness, compulsiveness, craziness and lingering guilt; the crippling effect of childhood sexual abuse to a grown victim that realizes the magnitude of the victimization is no less that a soldier experiencing the effects of post traumatic stress disorder. But adult victims suffer from one more condition that is almost always suffered only by children of very traumatic events in their victimized life... They split. Now I don't want alot of experts in psychology writing me and telling me that there is no such condition, because I'm telling you there is, and I have spoken to many, many young men and women that have suffered through it. When a child is being brutally raped, or gently prodded into performing acts that they know to be nasty, it is difficult for them to deal with it. So what they do is they split themselves into two people (now I'm not talking schizophrenia or the five faces of Eve...I'm talking about a survival technique that has been used by prisoners of war); they seal a part of their soul so it can't be dirtied by the abuser. Depending on the age and maturity and amount of abuse, and the love they have for their family to cause them to keep the "secret" determines how tightly this part of them is sealed. During their growing up time, if the abuse is continued, the children are usually resilient and able to partially function as if nothing is happening. But look out for adulthood! At some point that abused child is going to grow up, and that soul is going to be opened up (usually by someone they trust showing them real love), and when that soul touches the dirtiness placed within that body by the devil himself, the real battle begins. It ain't perty! When the precious, protected soul of the adult meets the dirtiness of the sin placed upon them, there is a battle, and everyone that loves the adult victim is affected someway. The loving family members often hear over and over of the abuse, and watch the tears be triggered, and then the anger, and then the shame. The cycle goes over and over and over, and lives are ruined because it is a terrible burden that is almost insurmountable. But there is hope...I have seen it. I have seen the Holy Spirit move through the abused and knit their soul s together with the stiching of a LORD God that can make it healed. I have seen victims throw their agony and pain upon the cross of Jesus and praise God in Heaven from finally being released from the most traumatic of human attacks. I have seen Him heal abused victims from all walks of life, and I have praised God that they have become some of my strongest Christian brothers and sisters because of their victory over the wiles of Satan! But here's the sad part...Mother's are you listening to me? Childhood sexual victims lose their families. They are attacked and demeaned as liars, whores or lunatics. They are pushed out and separated from their first families, and their siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents and friends told lies about them. These lies are told by the family in fear that the victim will blame them publicly for the crime, and it is much easier to tighten the family into a ball of lies all blaming the victim, than to confront the devil in their midst and demand an accounting. Families are pushing the wrong person out! Mothers of childhood sexual abuse victims...you are the only ones that can fix the family after the devil has had his way; even then, you must rely on the guiding hand of the LORD God to lead you, and be prepared to suffer greatly...it will be the hardest job you have ever done. Your family can be fixed; but it's going to be hard. Last night, another abused victim was subjected to a hatred over the Internet, and my soul cried to God. Today, I am going to start yelling louder, and longer, and pray that some mother is brave enough to stand up and save their family, and bring their adult child back into the fold where the love once was. So...I'm going to start with some common sense rules that might make a difference. If there are any other abuse victims out there that can add to my list, then start writing. Let's see if we can come up with some guidelines that the mothers of adult sexual abuse victims can use to fix their families and bring the victims back to their bosoms. 1. Mothers...Pray to the LORD God every time you think, or have contact with the victim. 2. Mothers...Don't ever, ever doubt that the adult victim is telling the truth; a child might lie (but probably not). A sane adult would never put themselves through this much pain to spread lies. If the adult victim says they were abused, then they were abused. 3. Mothers, you have an obligation to all of your children; if you failed in protecting them when they were young then make up for it now doubly. How quickly would the adult victims forgive your lapses in protection, if you were able to stop the hounds of horror from attacking their very souls now! 4. Mothers, forgive the adult victims of the confusions and misstatements and fears and emotions that first displayed themselves when the "secret" came out. It is the most terrifying of times, and so traumatic that the victims barely survive the initial release and joining of their soul once again to their bodies. 5. Mothers, shut the men in your life up! They don't know nothing! You know. 6. Mothers! If it was your husband or your brother or your father, it is a crushing blow to you also. You are going through many of the same traumas that your child is, and it really seems unfair that you must deal with such a terrible secret; but you are the only ones that can bring your child home! Trust me...your strength of character and spirit today, will protect you tomorrow as your victimized child comes home with a faith in God, and a spirit of deep love and respect for someone who was willing to rise above evil to protect them. It is never too late! 7. Mothers...don't expect the abused adult to sit down with you after all that has happened and discuss it; they don't trust you, they don't trust anyone that has disbelieved or attacked them in the past. They are barely holding on to themselves as it is, and it is only their faith that keeps them pushing forward. 8. Mothers...for God's sake, don't attack their faith and ridicule their hope in God to be pretentious, fake or hypocritical! For most, that is the only thing they have that keeps them sane! Going for the jugular by attacking their relationship with God might remove their irritating reminders from this life, but you will answer one day to Him! Beware! 9. Mothers...start out with the words I love you, and let the abused say I love you back, in their own time, when you have said the words enough, that the trust begins to be reestablished. 10. Pray, Pray, Pray and demand that the devil leave your house, once and for all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Mothers...this is the hardest job you will ever have, and you may or may not be successful; but, I know this for certain. It is time for mothers and daughters to stand up against the devil and declare that he will know longer have his way with your families. Until that is done, our families will continue to need fixing, and none of us will be able to figure out how to get 'er done! David "Bucker" Becker  I wrote a blog on being despitefully used as a Christian that might begin to answer that fine line... Its rough times for the despitefully used Christians was written in 2005. At the bottom of the blog article is a link to the end story that occurred in 2006 (Make sure you read that too!). It's important that we remember as Christians that sometimes God allows some of our greatest enemies in our path for that one last chance to connect with Him. On the other hand, Christians that pray for each other, and pat each other on the back, and uphold just their own, are not portraying the love of Jesus Christ, who notes that... “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 av) On the other hand, sometimes when Christians face persecution, while prayer for their enemies should remain spoken, there is nothing against the Word of God that prevents them from stepping out of the way. In fact, we are instructed to separate ourselves from the wicked and profane... “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 av) On the other hand...(I seem to be running out of hands!)...Many of the strongest workers for the LORD God that I know have been persecuted tremendously by their families, and have had to leave everything behind to ensure that they could walk firmly and progressively toward the LORD God. At some point, the drama and the hatred of our persecutors overwhelms our spirit so greatly, that we can no longer reach for and receive the blessings of God. If your focus is more on your enemies than on your God, then you must choose. What seems impossible, sometimes is a blessing, and Jesus Christ especially takes extra care with those sheep who have ran from the wolf in search of a flock. The Great Shepherd is watchful over all of his sheep, not only those in the biggest and whitest flocks! On the other of my many hands, we must always take care to never deny Christ in the midst of persecution, as I wrote in my article "Denying Christ with a Gun Pointed at You, is Still Denying Christ!" When is persecution too much? When should our prayers change from expressing love to resorting to asking for curses to be rained down upon our enemies? (Gasp - Can a Christian actually think such thoughts) This is the rule I use...I pray for my enemies amidst the persecution, because that is what Jesus has asked me to do. But I also tattle on my enemies when they are preventing the Works of God, and He resolves those issues so His Will can continue, be fruitful and multiply. (Usually, when prayers reach the tattling stage of the Christian faithful, it is not very good for God's enemies.) I hope these different thoughts help you form a line of spiritual health, that allows you to know when to pray, when to endure, when to stand firm, and when to move on. It's difficult times for all Christians, and persecution is brought upon many. We all must consider the measure of these things, so when it comes to us, we respond effectively in accordance with His Word. David "Bucker" Becker  The headlines today are announcing that diaries of Mother Teresa have been revealed to contain darkened spirit and lingering faith. Oh how the carnal world is rejoicing that even the saintly Teresa, caregiver to the poorest of poor can be slandered by her own words, and brought low to be trampled upon by pathetic men. Mother Teresa showed the greatest of faith in doing the Works of the Lord. How easy is it to do His Things when one feels his power and strength surging through their bones? How much greater of faith when that power is unfelt, and the tiny and stooped body of one woman contains the will to accomplish spreading the true love of Jesus Christ without benefit of assurance! It is a fact...the stronger, the more responsible, the more authority a Christian is given by God in the carrying out of His works on this earth, the less God Himself, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is felt. It is not because God is mad and removing Himself from a Christian. Quite the contrary! When a Christian is strong enough and faithful enough to move at His Will without the need of constant lesson and guidance, then the Christian is given reign and freedom. Just as parents are constantly in a child's life from the beginning, and always present for the crisis of youth, at some point, we want our children to leave our presence, and prove to us that they have embraced our teachings, and gone on to make us proud and accomplished things as a result of our touch. Our LORD God is no different a parent. The most used people in His Kingdom, are those who struggle to feel His presence in the quiet times. Ah, in the beginning, His Presence fills us continually, and moves us almost magically, as we began learning His Things. But when we become mature, meat-eating Christians, our full awareness of His Presence diminishes accordingly, to allow us to take those steps of faith without the feelings of protection we had when first we walked. Don't doubt ever, that our Father is not standing right there next to each of His loved Ones, and preventing them from coming to harm as they accomplish His Will. And don't doubt the awesome works of charity that a simple woman of great faith did in accordance with His Will and His Way to the poorest of poor. This revelation that Mother Teresa was removed from the feelings of confident faith, uplifts her spirit of service even higher, as we realize she loved the Lord so much, that she gave all without regard of feeling the peace given by faith! David "Bucker" Becker “What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:14-26 av) A letter written with regard to my stance of the Five Fold Ministry has caused me to write a strong letter of rebuttal toward a fellow Christian worker, and I am very saddened to do it. What makes it even more sad, is the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to share this on the blog, because there were more faithful workers being led away from their walk with Christ daily. I pray that these words can stop the blind movement of even one of His cherished workers and bring them back to the Word of God. First, I am so happy that my tables don't need to be tipped up! That was a wonderful and illustrative phrase that denotes exactly my reaction to many of the things I read on the Internet. I think we are in full agreement that the LORD God is moving key players into position for these End Times. I also believe that these chosen people are being graced with supernatural gifts to accomplish the tasks that God Wills, as necessary and for specific use. What makes me nervous with your explanation, however, is that you talk about it, and I'm not seeing you prove it with His Word. Up to this point, I have been watching your ministry, and reading your words, to discern and consider your role in the various movements that are occurring now under the direction of our God and the wily countermoves of the devil. This is what I know for certain. Those who are being equipped for the battle, those who are being raised up to bring His Will forward, those who are being placed in strategic spiritual minefields to clear the way for the lost to find their way toward Christ in these End Days aren't talking about it. In fact, it is the quietness among His workers, the protection of the top secret things that we know and are preparing for that causes us to differ from our enemies. One part of that supernatural moving of God allows each of His True Workers to recognize the others who are faithful and trustworthy in His Kingdom. Here is the biggest problem with the Internet...True workers for the LORD God are so busy trying to declare their authority, gifts and talents, to shut-up the naysayers and the laughing fools who challenge faithful work, that they stop doing the work of the Lord, and start playing into the agenda of carnal man. Part of that agenda includes causing the spiritual leaders to focus on proving themselves over and over and over, to write with words that sound heavenly and above the normal speak of man, and complicate the doctrine and points with an intelligent rendering that appears to go over the top of peoples heads, but makes the speaker a foolish toy to be manipulated and condemned. So, my friend, let me put it in the simple words that I speak...Your doctrine as expressed in this letter is part of the movement of Satan to begin the establishment of his complete wicked rule. Your free use of terms that is recognized by me to have originated from specific movements by Lucifer, causes me to reject everything you say. And that makes me sad. Because I am not certain in my soul that you are doing the bidding of the devil. I have seen glimpses of light in some of the things you have shared, and I most certainly have considered the words you spoke while declaring a moving of the Holy Spirit. I have investigated your background, and have known for some time of the disdain of the general Christian community for you. On the other hand, I am very familiar with these days, and know that many of His greatest workers are being placed in those same situations. You are a difficult one |
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