April 17, 2001

The Other Gospel
By Phil Bliss

Is there such a thing as the Other Gospel? No, not really. But Jesus and several apostles warned us that many would come in Jesus name and some would even claim to be Jesus. Jesus was very clear about how he would return and anyone that claims differently is an antichrist. The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians(Gal 1:6-7) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-Which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

So what is The Other Gospel? It is just what it says. It is changing the words of our Lord or his disciples around to suit the needs of an individual or organization. We often refer to these groups as cults. Many organized religions today have been around for quite some time, yet they have the The Other Gospel and are flat out cults. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, The Latter Rain Movement are some examples.

So what is the The Real Gospel? The real Gospel is what is said in the Holy Bible. It is what was spoken by and written about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is nothing more and nothing less.

How can you be sure your church organization preaches The Real Gospel? Salvation is one key issue to look for. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world. That is all of us. You and me. That he gave his one and only son. That is Jesus Christ. So that who so ever believes in him, shall not perish. AKA Go To Hell. But have ever lasting life. Heaven. That is the Gospel in a verse. Of course there is more to it, but that is the main idea. Salvation does not come from works. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, it is however a way to show obedience to God. Salvation cannot be bought for a price. Salvation is God's grace freely given.

Anyone who preaches anything differently is preaching The Other Gospel. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but by me." Jesus was God, in the flesh, as a human. Many will tell you that Jesus was not God in the flesh. This is simply not true. (See 2 John:7-11) Many will tell you that their way leads to God. If it does not involve Jesus Christ, then it is simply not true.

Muslims and Hindus, Jews and Gentiles, Catholics and Protestants can all get to heaven if they have faith in Jesus Christ. If they know that Jesus Christ is the only way like he said he was, then they can get to heaven. Otherwise, Hell awaits their soul.

So how do you become a Christian? How do you have a belief in Christ? It is simple. Just speak to God. Just speak to him and he will hear you. Tell him you acknowledge his son was the savior and that he gave up his life to save yours. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and believe in your heart, always, that Jesus Christ died for you. Then my friend, you will attain your free trip to Heaven. For more information on becoming a Christian, click here.

How can you be sure I am telling you the truth? I am telling you what is written in the Holy Bible. Nothing more, nothing less. You can see for yourself. Look up the passages found in The Real Gospel.

Some current other gospels that are being preached and spread:

• Not 3, only 1: These people say there is only one God and Jesus is not the son of God. They even go so far as to say he was only a man. The Bible clearly says different. See the book of John for several references to Jesus being God.
• No Deposit NO Return: Some say Jesus Christ died and was buried and never rose again. You will hear that the Disciples stole his body to fake the resurrection. You will hear the story was made up. Christ will return to this Earth again and put his enemies under his feet. The Bible says this in Revelation.
• All Paths: This is a common false doctrine. Many people feel that all religions lead to the common God. Just like each nation has its own language, each religion is different too but all lead to God. Jesus said in John 14:6 I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but by me. I am really sorry but all religions do not lead to God. The Bible teaches us differently.
• Missed the Bus: A common preterist belief is that Christ has already returned and we are now in the millennial kingdom. This is not true. Christ will return in the clouds and the Earth as we know it will be changed forever. Do not believe this if you are told.
• Immaculate Deception: A common belief among the Jehovah Witnesses is that Christ was not incarnate. The gospel of Luke teaches us that Jesus was born to a virgin, Mary. A virgin meaning that she did not have relations with a man before the conception of Jesus. It clearly says she was a virgin and I don't see how anyone could not believe this.
• Faith plus baptism: Many Christians will tell you that you must be baptized to attain salvation. If they mean baptism with water, then they are teaching a false doctrine. Baptism of the Holy Spirit, if taught properly is required. Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not mean you need to speak in tongues or faint or any other action that many Pentecostal teachers will teach you. Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at the moment you accept Jesus Christ as you personal savior and believe as much in your heart. At this moment the Holy Spirit dwells within you and you are a part of the family of God.

Do not be fooled by the teachings of anyone. Even pastors can be deceived and offer false teachings either knowingly or un-knowingly. Test everything you hear against the scriptures. Acts 17:11 explains how the Bereans tested everything Paul taught them. We should do the same so as to not be deceived. If you are unsure about a teaching, post a question on the message board at this site or follow one of the many Christian Links listed.

Denominationalism
By Staff Writer Sharon Barrett

Editor's Note: Although I agree that debates and dissention over minor doctrinal issues dishonors God and mocks the basis of the Gospel, I cannot make the leap to associating "demon" with "denomination." Nonetheless, I respect her viewpoint and present Sharon's article which I am sure will bless you. Be sure to visit her new web site... see link below the article.

I believe that the Lord has laid it upon my heart that any ''Denomination and certainly debate the rightness of any'' would be dishonoring Christ and thus Christianity .

I believe being a true Christian is beyond the Self Ego of saying ''I am better than you... my Religion is better than yours. '' If our beliefs can not be taught from God's Word, scripture by scripture... and are only backed up when we pick and chose His Word and twist it to fit each moment of need... we are not on the Straight and Narrow path, then we are not on the right path.

Can you not see what the problem really is and how such back and forth debating can start and fuel the fires of wars ?

Christianity was never meant to be lumped into the bucket of Men's Religion, I.E.: denominations! Look at the word denominations... now look at the word demon (another word for satan)... look at the first five letters of each word. What does the Holy Spirit say to you about this?

A denomination follows a Man's Doctrine... not necessarily Christ's Word.

It is not the building... not the name on the building... not the country or state in which it sits... it is not anything of yourselves that makes the True Church... but the Living, Loving , Forgiving, and the Merciful Holy Spirit of Christ. If you repent and admit that you are a sinner and that you are not great of yourself and you ask Jesus into your heart as your Saviour, accepting His Salvation. Then daily striving to obey His commands, patterning your life as His shadow, in His steps...

Fellow Servants if we can not move beyond debating something created by men... denominations (demon - the first five letters with the third letter switched) to divide and conquer the carriers of the Truth and Light... get past looking at things with human feelings first and start thinking and looking with a more Spiritual outlook, then we ourselves can not truly call ourselves Christians (Christ Followers, Little Christ) and we will never have True Unity among ourselves... Our Power through Christ and for Christ. What things could be achieved to Glorify God if we could only lose the human ego and find the true love of Christ for our fellow brothers and sister and unite against the power of darkness... TURN THE LIGHT ON! ! ! !

My Lord came as a gentle loving servant not putting men's traditions or thoughts in His teachings. He never made Himself stand above any one person. He never forced His teachings or thoughts on anyone, and He never would have wasted precious time debating even with one of His disciples. He would have shared the truth (rebuked in love) and left them to decide which path they would follow.

We all have a passion to reach different peoples or to fight one evil of the world that our heart hurts for... that is where our differences should not be forced upon another. The Lord has laid upon each heart where their gifts can best be put to use, but that is where our differences should really end... if we are True Christians

A joyful servant of Christ until His return or He calls me home,
Phyllis < <

Too many times we as humans take it upon ourselves to judge others. And the LORD has placed it on my heart to tell each of you that judging another is his job not ours. (John 7:24;1 Cor.4:4) When we judge too quickly we can miss out on so much, a good friend, a kind person, a wise person, specially one of God's children. Maybe the Lord has placed that person in your life to make a difference to you and you missed out. Please give it some thought. And please check out For The Sake Of God, and In The Lords Arms
Sheri

Where Is He?
By Staff Writer Janet Davis

I couldn't find him, I looked and looked, for so long, and yet I just couldn't seem to imagine where I had put him.

I looked under the bed, in the closet, down in the basement. I even went out to the 'shed.' But what was I looking for?

My mom used to tell us that Jesus could not be seen, but I didn't believe her. He had to be here somewhere. I have to keep on looking. I just don't know or understand this "Jesus thing. " She said that one day I would find Him in my heart. My heart is too little for a man to be in there. Right.........? Oh well,maybe when I grow-up.

It's been a long time now since mom told me about the "little man" in my heart - many years. I'm grown now and still looking. Isn't that silly?

I'm growing old now, I've seen and done so much. Married, children, have taken care of my parents for many years. I've done it all. And once again I'm still looking, seeking the answers.

Maybe I should pray.? I don't know how to pray. Do I get on my knees, (that might get 'his' attention). Or perhaps sit here. I don't know. Gosh, I wish I had asked mom, she would know what to do. She knows where that "little man" is. Didn't she say he was in my heart? No, that was just when I was a kid. I keep thinking there is something missing about me, but I...

So many times we don't know where to turn, we search for answers, but we are to afraid to ask. We never find what we are looking for until there is a crisis. Either in our personal lives, or the lives of others we care for.

For those who are searching, looking and seeking - the answer is directly in front of you. Open your eyes, open your heart (it won't hurt), that "little man" you are looking for is the biggest man you will ever know. He is always with you, next to your side. In happiness, tragedy, just daily living.

His name is Jesus. No matter where you want to hide Him. He sees all, knows all. Always has and always will.

That person in your heart wants you to keep Him right there. To call upon Him at any time, any day. All of your days.

Just ask. It is free, and it won't hurt.

How wonderful. For the rest of your earthly life. For eternity.

His Name Is Jesus Christ.

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