Children’s Catechism

The following is The Baptist Catechism for Children (based on “The Catechism for Boys and Girls” by Carey Publications). Baptists originally called it Spurgeon’s Catechism because of his adaptation of the Shorter Westminster Catechism for use. The words and language have been further modernized and adapted for use by young children.

Catechism is merely an anglicized version of the Greek word, katekeo, which simply means, “to instruct”. The word has come to be known as a style of instruction that teaches the essentials of the Christian faith. Most catechisms are based on a creed or statement of belief. They are usually named for the creed or the author of the catechism. The format of a series of memorized questions and answers is the same regardless of which catechism is used. Some catechisms differ in the wording because of the age level they are addressing. The primary difference is the doctrine that is taught. For example, a catechism for Presbyterians will differ in its statements regarding baptism than a catechism that reflects Baptist doctrine. A good catechism helps one to read the Bible theologically.

There is an app that coincides with the catechism that is available on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store for $1.99. The app helps children (and adults) practice the catechism in a fun and engaging way.

Click here to download this catechism as a PDF.

Questions about God, Man and Sin

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1. Who made you?

God made me. (Gen 1:27)

2. What else did God make?

God made all things. (Gen 1:1)

3. Why did God make you and all things?

God made me and all things for his own glory. (Rom 11:36)

4. How can you glorify God?

I can glorify God by loving him and doing what he says. (Ecc 12:13)

5. Why should you glorify God?

I should glorify God because he made me and takes care of me. (Rev 4:11)

6. Is there more than one god?

No. There is only one God. (Deut 6:4)

7. In how many persons does this one God exist?

God exists in three persons. (John 15:26)

8. Who are they?

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:19)

9. What is God?

God is a Spirit, and does not have a body like man. (John 4:24)

10. Where is God?

God is everywhere. (Jer 23:23-24)

11. Can you see God?

No. I cannot see God, but he always sees me. (John 1:18)

12. Does God know all things?

Yes. Nothing can be hidden from God. (Prov 15:3)

13. Can God do all things?

Yes. God can do all his holy will. (Jer 32:17)

14. Where do you learn how to love and obey God?

We learn to love and obey God from the Bible alone. (1 John 2:4-5a)

15. Who wrote the Bible?

God let holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit write the Bible. (2 Pet 1:21)

16. Who were our first parents?

Adam and Eve were our first parents. (1 Tim 2:13)

17. Of what were our first parents made?

God made Adam from the dust of the ground, and formed Eve from the body of Adam. (Gen 2:7, 21-22)

18. What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies?

God gave Adam and Eve souls that could never die. (Ecc 12:7)

19. Do you have a soul as well as a body?

Yes. I have a soul that can never die. (Matt 10:28)

20. What is your soul?

My soul includes all of me that should know and love God. (Matt 22:37)

21. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve?

God made Adam and Eve holy and happy. (Gen 1:28)

22. Did Adam and Eve stay holy and happy?

No. They sinned against God. (Rom 5:12)

23. What was the sin of our first parents?

They sinned against God by eating the forbidden fruit. (Gen 2:16-17)

24. Why did they eat the forbidden fruit?

They ate the forbidden fruit because they did not believe what God had said. (Gen 3:6)

25. Who tempted them to this sin?

Satan tempted Eve, and she gave the fruit to Adam. (Gen 3:1)

26. What happened to our first parents when they sinned?

Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable. (Gen 3:19)

27. What effect did the sin of Adam have on all people?

All people are born in a state of sin and misery. (Rom 5:19a)

28. What do we inherit from Adam as a result of original sin?

We inherit from Adam a sinful nature. (Ecc 9:3b)

29. What is sin?

Sin is failing to do what God commands. (1 John 3:4)

30. In what ways do we sin?

We sin in thought, word and deed. (Matt 15:18-20)

31. What does every sin deserve?

Every sin deserves the anger and punishment of God. (Rom 1:18)

32. Do we know what God requires of us?

Yes. He has given us his law both in our hearts and in writing. (Ps 119:11)

33. Can anyone go to heaven with this sinful nature?

No. Our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven. (John 3:3,5)

34. What is a change of heart called?

Regeneration is a change of heart that leads to true repentance and faith. (Gal 5:22-23a)

35. Who can change a sinner’s heart?

Only the Holy Spirit can change a sinner’s heart. (Ez 36:26-27)

36. What is God’s righteousness?

God’s righteousness means that God always does what is right and is the final standard of what is right. (Deut 32:4)

37. Can anyone be saved by his own righteousness?

No. No one is good enough before God. (Rom 3:23)

Questions about Salvation

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38. What is a covenant?

A covenant is an agreement between two or more people. (Gen 17:1-2)

39. What is the new covenant?

The new covenant is the agreement God made with his elect people to save them from their sins. (Jer 31:31-34)

40. What did Christ undertake in the new covenant?

Christ undertook to keep the whole law for his people and to suffer the punishment due for their sins. (Heb 9:15)

41. What did God the Father undertake in the new covenant?

The Father undertook to justify and sanctify those for whom Christ should die. (Rom 8:3-4)

42. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit a sin?

No. Our Lord Jesus Christ was holy and without sin. (1 John 3:5)

43. How could the Son of God suffer the anger and judgment of God?

Christ, the son of God, became a man, that he might obey and suffer as a man. (Phil 2:5-8)

44. What is election?

Election is God’s goodness revealed in his grace by choosing certain sinners for salvation. (Eph 1:3-4)

45. What is adoption?

Adoption is God’s goodness in bringing repentant sinners into his own family and treating them as his beloved children. (John 1:12)

46. How do you know that you are God’s child?

I know that I’m God’s child because the Holy Spirit assures me and enables me to love God and other people. (Rom 8:16)

47. What is the atonement?

The atonement is Christ satisfying divine justice, by his sufferings and death in the place of sinners. (1 Pet 3:18)

48. What is justification?

Justification is God forgiving sinners and viewing them as righteous because they are in Christ. (2 Cor 5:21)

49. How can we be justified?

We can be justified only by trusting in Christ to take away our sins. (Rom 10:10)

50. What is sanctification?

Sanctification is God making sinners holy in heart and conduct so that they will demonstrate his goodness in their lives. (Eph 2:10)

51. Is this process of sanctification ever complete in life?

No. Sanctification is certain and continual, but is complete only in heaven. (Phil 1:6)

52. What connection is there between justification and sanctification?

Both justification and sanctification arise out of a union with Christ. (Eph 2:8-10)

53. For whom did Christ obey the law and suffer the anger and judgment of God?

Christ obeyed the law and suffered the anger and judgment of God for those whom the Father had given him. (John 10:11)

54. What kind of life did Christ live on earth?

Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to the law of God. (1 Pet 2:22)

55. What kind of death did Christ die?

Christ experienced the painful and shameful death of the cross. (Ps 22:16-18)

56. How can you be saved?

If you repent of your sin and believe in Christ, you will be saved. (Rom 10:9)

57. What does it mean to repent?

To repent means to be sorry for sin, and to hate and reject it because it is displeasing to God. (2 Cor 7:9-10)

58. What does it mean to believe or have faith in Christ?

A person who believes in Christ trusts him alone for salvation. (Acts 16:31)

59. Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power?

No. I can do nothing good without God’s Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 2:14)

60. How can you receive the Holy Spirit?

God has told us that we must pray to him for the Holy Spirit, but the evidence of his presence is seen most clearly in our trusting and loving the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:13-14)

61. How does the Holy Spirit baptize believers?

The Holy Spirit puts them into the body of Christ by making them a living part of all those who truly believe in him. (1 Cor 12:13)

62. How does the Holy Spirit seal believers?

The Holy Spirit comes to live within them to guarantee that they will receive the riches God has promised for those who love him. (2 Cor 1:21-22)

63. How were godly persons saved before the coming of Christ?

They believed in the promise of God. (Heb 11:13)

64. How did they show their faith?

They offered sacrifices according to God’s commands. (1 Chron 29:20-22)

65. What did these sacrifices represent?

These sacrifices represent Christ, the Lamb of God, who was to die for sinners. (John 1:29)

66. What does Christ do for his people?

Christ does the work of a prophet, a priest, and a king. (Heb 1:1-3)

67. How is Christ our Prophet?

Christ our prophet teaches us the will of God, reveals God to us, and really was God in human flesh. (John 14:24)

68. Why do you need Christ as Prophet?

I need Christ as Prophet because I lack understanding. (1 Cor 2:14-16)

69. How is Christ our Priest?

Christ our priest died for our sins and pleads with God for us. (Heb 4:14-16)

70. Why do you need Christ as Priest?

I need Christ as Priest because I am guilty. (Ecc 7:20)

71. How is Christ our King?

Christ our king rules over us and defends us. (Col 1:13)

72. Why do you need Christ as King?

I need Christ as King because I am weak and helpless. (John 15:5)

Questions about the 10 Commandments

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73. How many commandments did God give on Mt. Sinai?

God gave ten commandments on Mt. Sinai. (Exod 31:18)

74. What do the first four commandments teach?

The first four commandments teach our duty to God. (Deut 6:5)

75. What do the last six commandments teach?

The last six commandments teach our duty to our fellow men. (Lev 19:18)

76. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?

The sum of the ten commandments is to love God with all my heart and my neighbor as myself. (Matt 25:35-40)

77. Who is your neighbor?

Everyone is my neighbor. (Phil 2:4)

78. Is God pleased with those who love and obey him?

Yes. God is pleased with those who love and obey him. (Prov 8:17)

79. Is God displeased with those who do not love and obey him?

Yes. God is displeased with those who do not love and obey him. (Rom 1:18)

80. What is the first commandment?

You shall have no other gods before me. (Exod 20:3)

81. What does the first commandment teach us?

To worship only God. (Matt 4:10)

82. What is the second commandment?

Do not make idols or worship them. (Exod 20:4-6)

83. What does the second commandment teach us?

To worship God in the right way and to not worship idols. (Acts 17:29)

84. What is the third commandment?

Do not use the name of God carelessly. (Exod 20:7)

85. What does the third commandment teach us?

To honor and respect God’s name, word, and works. (Ps 29:2)

86. What is the fourth commandment?

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. (Exod 20:8-11)

87. What does the fourth commandment teach us?

To rest in Christ alone for salvation. (Matt 11:28-29)

88. What day of the week is the Lord’s Day?

The first day of the week is called the Lord’s Day. (Rev 1:10a)

89. Why is it called the Lord’s Day?

It is called the Lord’s Day because on that day Christ rose from the dead. (Luke 24:1-6a)

90. How should the Lord’s Day be kept?

The Lord’s Day should be kept in prayer and praise, in hearing and reading God’s Word, and in doing good to my neighbors. (Heb 10:24-25)

91. What is the fifth commandment?

Honor your father and mother. (Exod 20:12)

92. What does the fifth commandment teach us?

To love and obey our parents. (Eph 6:1-3)

93. What is the sixth commandment?

Do not murder. (Exod 20:13)

94. What does the sixth commandment teach us?

To avoid hatred, all that leads to it, and all that follows from it. (1 John 3:15)

95. What is the seventh commandment?

Do not commit adultery. (Exod 20:14)

96. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

To be sexually pure in thought, word and deed. (1 Thess 4:3-5)

97. What is the eighth commandment?

Do not steal. (Exod 20:15)

98. What does the eighth commandment teach us?

To be honest and not to take the things of others. (Eph 4:28)

99. What is the ninth commandment?

Do not lie. (Exod 20:16)

100. What does the ninth commandment teach us?

To tell the truth and not to speak evil of others. (Col 3:9-10)

101. What is the tenth commandment?

Do not covet. (Exod 20:17)

102. What does the tenth commandment teach us?

To be content with what we have. (Heb 13:5)

103. Can anyone keep the Ten Commandments perfectly?

Nobody since the fall of Adam, except Jesus, ever did or can keep the Ten Commandments perfectly. (1 John 1:8)

104. Of what use are the Ten Commandments to us?

They teach us our duty, and show us our guilt and need of a Savior. (Rom 3:20-22a)

Questions about Prayer

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105. What is prayer?

Prayer is talking with God. (Phil 4:6-7)

106. In whose name should we pray?

We should pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14:13-14)

107. What has Christ given to teach us how to pray?

The Lord’s Prayer. (Matt 6:7-13)

108. How many requests are there in the Lord’s Prayer?

Six.

109. What is the first request?

Hallowed be your name. (Matt 6:9)

110. What do we pray for in the first request?

That God’s name may be honored by us and all people.

(Ps 145:21)

111. What is the second request?

Your kingdom come. (Matt 6:10)

112. What do we pray for in the second request?

That the gospel may be preached to the entire world, and believed and obeyed by us and all people. (Mark 1:14b-15)

113. What is the third request?

Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10b,c)

114. What do we pray for in the third request?

That people on earth may serve God as the angels do in heaven. (Ps 103:21)

115. What is the fourth request?

Give us this day our daily bread. (Matt 6:11)

116. What do we pray for in the fourth request?

That God will give us everything we need for our bodies and souls. (Phil 4:19)

117. What is the fifth request?

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matt 6:12)

118. What do we pray for in the fifth request?

That God would pardon our sins for Christ’s sake, and enable us to forgive those who have sinned against us. (Matt 6:14-15)

119. What is the sixth request?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matt 6:13)

120. What do we pray for in the sixth request?

That God will keep us from sin. (Matt 26:41)

121. What does prayer teach us?

Our complete dependence on God. (Heb 4:16)

Questions about Word, Church and Ordinances

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122. How does the Holy Spirit bring us salvation?

He uses the Bible, which is the Word of God. (1 Pet 1:22-23)

123. How can we know the Word of God?

We are commanded to hear, read and search the Scriptures. (2 Tim 2:15)

124. What is a church?

A church is an assembly of baptized believers joined by a covenant of discipline and witness who meet together regularly under the preaching of the Word of God. (Acts 2:42)

125. What two ordinances did Christ give the church?

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:24-26)

126. Why did Christ give these ordinances?

Christ gave these ordinances to show that his disciples belong to him, and to remind them of what he has done for them. (Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:24-26)

127. What is baptism?

Baptism is the immersion of believers into water, as a sign of their union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. (Rom 6:3-4).

128. What does baptism represent?

Baptism represents to believers that God has cleansed them from their sins through Jesus Christ. (Col 2:11-12)

129. Who are to be baptized?

Only those who repent of their sins and believe in Christ for salvation should be baptized. (Acts 8:12)

130. Should babies be baptized?

No. Only those who give a credible profession of faith in Christ should be baptized. (Acts 2:38)

131. Does Christ welcome little children?

Yes. He invites little children to come to him by faith. (Luke 18:15-17)

132. What is the Lord’s Supper?

At the Lord’s Supper, the church eats bread and drinks wine to remember the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 11:23-29)

133. What does the bread represent?

The bread represents the body of Christ, broken for our sins. (Matt 26:26)

134. What does the wine represent?

The wine represents the blood of Christ, shed for our salvation. (Matt 26:27)

135. Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper is for those only who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation, receive baptism and love one another. (1 Cor 11:27-33)

Questions about the Last Things

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136. Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?

No. He rose from the tomb the third day after his death. (1 Cor 15:3-4)

137. Where is Christ now?

Christ is in heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father. (Rom 8:34)

138. Will Christ come again?

Yes. At the last day he will come to judge the world. (Matt 25:31-32)

139. What happens to men when they die?

The body returns to dust, and the soul goes to be with God or to a place of suffering that awaits the resurrection for judgment. (Heb 9:27)

140. Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?

Yes. There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the wicked. (John 5:28-29)

141. What will happen to the wicked in the Day of Judgment?

They shall be cast into hell. (2 Thess 1:9)

142. What is hell?

Hell is a place of dreadful and endless punishment. (Matt 13:40-42)

143. What will happen to the righteous on the Day of Judgment?

They will live with Christ forever, in a new heaven and new earth. (Matt 13:43)

144. In the light of these truths, what should you do?

I should strive with all my energy to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of my sin. (Acts 16:30-31)

145. What is the gospel?

Holy God, in love became perfect man to bear my blame, on the cross he took my sin and by his death I live again. (Titus 3:3-7)

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Doctrines of Grace

In this series of posts, we’ll look at some of the terms used to try and capture what we believe and value. Words have meaning, but divorced from context they could be misunderstood. Understanding how words are defined and used is essential. On our Statement of Faith page it mentions that we hold to the “doctrines of grace.” So what does that mean?

The doctrines of grace which is sometimes referred to as “reformed” theology lies at the heart of the gospel. These doctrines (teachings) describe the grace of God in the rescue of sinners.

Historically, these doctrines have been expressed in 5 points.

1. The total depravity or total inability of sinners. Point 6 (“Man”) of our Statement of Faith reads, “… all men are sinners by nature and by choice and therefore under the just condemnation of a righteous God; that he is utterly incapacitated to receive the grace of God apart from the quickening of the Holy Spirit.” That is, everyone is sinful by their very nature and he is unable to come to God and receive God grace apart from the quickening (or regenerating work) of the Holy Spirit. Unless one is “born again” (quickened or regenerated) he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). [See 1 Cor 2:14; Rom 3:10-11; 8:8; John 1:12-13; 6:44, 65; Eph 2:1-3]

2. God selects people unconditionally (not because of anything in them) to be recipients of his grace. Point 7 (“Salvation”) of our Statement of Faith reads, “We believe that salvation is by the sovereign, electing grace of God …” Apart from the intervention of God, man would remain in his sin but God chose to act to redeem a people for himself, not based on their goodness or faith (which they are unable to attain (see above), but based on his sovereign loving mercy and grace. [See Acts 13:48; John 8:47; 18:37; Rom 8:28-33; 9:1-23; Eph 1:3-6, 11; Deut 7:7-8]

3. Jesus’ death was efficacious and actually saves those whom he died for. Point 7 (“Salvation”) in our Statement of Faith reads, “…by the appointment of the Father, Christ voluntarily suffered a vicarious expiatory and propitiatory death…” It was God’s will to send Jesus to the cross (Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28), and Jesus voluntarily carried out the Father’s will (John 4:34; 6:38) by dying on the cross. What does the statement of faith mean when it says Christ suffered a “vicarious expiatory and propitiatory death”? A vicarious death is a death for another, a substitutionary death. Expiation refers to the removal of guilt for sin. Christ’s death removed the guilt of sin for those he died for. Propitiation refers to the removal of God’s wrath. Christ’s death removed the penalty of sin—God’s wrath—for those he died for. In other words, those for whom Christ vicariously died for no longer bear the guilt or penalty of sin. [John 10:11; Rom 8:31-32; Eph 5:25; Rev 5:9]

4. God’s work of salvation is effective. Point 7 (“Salvation”) in our Statement of Faith reads, “…those whom God has effectually called shall be divinely preserved…” God’s electing grace and Christ’s substitutionary death not only make people savable, they actually save. The divine call is effectual or effective. Through the grace of God and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ are made so beautiful to the sinner that they irresistibly call out to Christ for salvation. Not one for whom God has called, Christ has died for, or the Spirit quickened shall be lost. [John 1:12; 6:37; 10:14-16; 10:27-30; Acts 16:14; Rom 8:29-30; 31-32, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 1 John 5:1]

5. God’s work of salvation will be brought to perfect completion. Point 7 (“Salvation”) in our Statement of Faith reads, “…those whom God has effectually called shall be divinely preserved and finally perfected in the image of the Lord.” That is, it is impossible to lose your salvation since that salvation is wrought by God and is his work that will be completed. [John 10:27-30; Rom 8:29-39; Jude 24]

The doctrines of grace are a more detailed way of saying, “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Click the “Distinctives” category below for more posts in this series.

What Is Your Life?

Just a Few Generations

Do you remember your great grandparents? If they were like most people, they had a family, career, hobbies, hopes and dreams. Sadly, all of that is forgotten now. Perhaps they lived a full life, 60, 70, 80, maybe even 90 years of life. But now they are a fading memory.

What Is Your Life?

In a few generations you and what you treasure most will be forgotten. Life is so precious yet so short. No one knows when their life will end. Will you not take a few moments to consider your own life and death?

Living Like Like Has No End

We naturally do not want to think about our death. We would rather live in the moment, live for today. We ignore our coming death and live like a terminally ill patient who only has a week to live but continues to go to work, plan a vacation, and contribute to RRSPs.

We would rather not think about it and so live in denial of the truth that death awaits us. Please do not to do this, but consider your life and your death.

What Are Your Beliefs?

Everyone has an opinion about these things and you’re free to believe what you want. But, is what you believe true?

What is the basis of your beliefs about death? Is it based on reality or wishful thinking?

Can anyone know for sure? Yes!

Death Defeated

What is amazing is that Jesus of Nazareth was tortured and killed and rose from the dead three days later! This is no myth. In fact, besides Christian writers, Roman and Jewish historians in the same time period speak about Jesus being crucified under the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.

What is also known is that his tomb was empty three days later. His followers said he rose again. They died for this claim with no benefit to themselves. Not only that, but hundreds of eyewitnesses saw Jesus after he rose again and were alive when the New Testament (the second half of the Bible) was being written (1 Cor 15:6). That’s better evidence than you get in court today and it’s written for us in the most reliable book of antiquity.

This shows that Jesus really died and rose again. Jesus came and died publicly so that our faith might not rest in myth and legend, but on historical reality.

It is what Jesus taught that causes people to reject him. Jesus taught that God created the world (Mark 10:6), and that he made mankind to love and honor him (Mark 12:29–30). Jesus described God as being perfect in every way. Eternal, infinite, all-powerful, and all-knowing. Jesus also described mankind as being cursed with a heart problem. Jesus said that neither weapons, money, lack of education or employment, nor any other external reason is the problem with humanity. The problem with humanity is the wickedness that comes out of the human heart—sin (Mark 7:20–23).

It is this sin, guilt, and shame that Jesus came to die for (1 Pet 3:18). The Bible says that God’s justice demands that our sinful actions deserve eternal condemnation in hell (Rom 6:23). Jesus came to rescue us so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16–18). For those who desire to have their guilt and shame removed, those who desire to be forgiven by God fro their sin, all they have to do is turn to Jesus (Rom 10:9–13). Turn from your sin, and believe that Jesus is who he said he was and that his death and resurrection is sufficient to forgive your sins (Rom 3:9–26).

Rundle Mountain

Rundle Mountain

Do You Recognize this Mountain?

The mountain pictured here is Mount Rundle in Banff National Park, just a short drive from Calgary. It is so amazing that all people, no matter their language, ethnicity, or education are awestruck when they look at a mountain like this. Why are we so moved by a big chunk of rock? Why would every single person on the planet consider this image beautiful? The wonder we feel when looking at a mountain, waterfall, or sunset is there because God’s wisdom and power are clearly seen in the things he has made. He’s made us to recognize his beauty, and to honor and worship him.

What’s In a Name?

Mount Rundle is also special, not only because we recognize the glory of our Creator, but because it was named after Robert Rundle. Rundle was a young missionary who came to Alberta in 1840. He came to tell those living here about the God who made the mountains and the entire universe. His desire was not just to establish order and morality as others attempted. He wanted people to be reconciled to God through the Lord Jesus Christ whom he sent so that their souls would be saved on the day of judgment. During his work, Robert Rundle kept a journal. Here is an excerpt as he speaks of the mountains. “Their pointed and snowy summits rose high into the heavens like the lofty spires of some vast and magnificent marble temple reared by the Almighty Architect of nature to mock all the works of art. The sight seemed too grand and too glorious for reality. What indeed can vie with these sublime productions of Diety with their drapery of clouds and their vestments of the snow of heaven? In comparison with them all the works of art dwindle in significance; in them nature reigns without a rival.

What Will You Do With the Knowledge of God?

Are you going to ignore the testimony that God has written on your heart and painted in creation of his wisdom and power? What are you going to do with the guilt and shame that is also common in every person’s experience? God has made himself clearly known. Not only in creation, but in his word, and most importantly in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus came into the world to deal with our problem of guilt and shame. He came to deal with sin, the cancer that infests each of our hearts and merits us God’s judgment. He offers forgiveness and mercy to those who would trust his saving power. He died and rose again as a demonstration that the penalty of sin, which is death, has been paid in full. Only those who humble themselves and trust in Jesus will be forgiven and spared from God’s wrath.

This was the message of Robert Rundle. This is the testimony of that big piece of rock in Banff National Park. God has made you and he’s sent his Son to redeem those who recognize their guilt and shame and need for rescue. Our good works will not do. We must come empty handed to Christ alone, through faith alone, by the free gift of God alone, so that God himself gets all the honor and glory.

Calgary Stampede Trivia

Calgary Stampede Trivia

How Well Do You Know Your Stampede Facts?

1. The Calgary Stampede was first held in what year?
2. How big is the purse for the Stampede rodeo?
3. How many people attend the 10-day event each year?
4. How many mini-donuts are sold each year?
5. How many pancakes are served at Stampede each year?

Questions You Don’t Want to Get Wrong

It’s fun to answer trivia questions. Whether you’re right or wrong about a certain piece of trivia doesn’t amount to much in light of what’s most important in life. However, there are questions about us and our world that we must answer correctly. Are you willing to take the challenge of thinking through some important questions?
6. Does every human being have inherent dignity, value, and worth?
7. Are beauty, love, and joy objectively real?
8. Is there something wrong with our world?
9. Is there also something wrong with yourself?

If you’ve answered truthfully and without contradiction, you have answered “Yes” to each question. In affirming these statements as true you have also denied the typical evolutionary worldview espoused by so many today. Dignity is not inherent if we are simply evolved animals surviving natural selection. Beauty, love and joy are not real but are simply chemical reactions in the brain. And, in an evolutionary worldview judgments of “right” and “wrong,” “good” and “evil” make no sense. We should expect death and suffering as normal and natural in an evolutionary world. In affirming “Yes” to these questions, you’ve denied evolutionary theory and in fact have affirmed the one true God who has revealed himself in the Bible.

More Questions

Try these next questions and see how you do.
10. Was Jesus a real person who died on a cross in the first century?
11. Was Jesus’ tomb found empty three days later?
12. Did over 500 people see Jesus after he rose from the dead?
13. Did all his followers die affirming his physical resurrection?

The answer to all these question is “Yes!” Christian, Roman, and Jewish sources from the time period acknowledge Jesus’ life and death on a cross and an empty tomb three days later. There is no way all Jesus’ followers would be killed to propagate a lie that would not advantage them in any way.
Getting the first five questions on this card wrong is no big deal, but you can’t afford to get the questions about Jesus wrong. He died and rose historically so that what is wrong with the world and with ourselves can be made right. He died as a substitute, the innocent for the guilty so that we can be forgiven. Do not die in your sin. Seek truth, seek Jesus Christ, the one and only way we can be reconciled to God. Only by being a follower of Jesus can we share in a resurrection like his and have victory over the unnatural curse of death.

Answers: 1) 1912. 2) $2 million+. 3) 1 million+. 4) 2 million+. 5) 200,000+. 6) Yes. 7) Yes. 8) Yes. We see suffering and death. 9) Yes. No one is perfect.

Photo Credit: Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede Bull Rider

Calgary Stampede Bull Rider

Staring Death in the Face!

You have to think fast. You’re staring down a bull who has the power to crush you with his weight and might! What would you say to a 1700 pound bull who’s ready to run right through you? Quite frankly, there’s nothing you can say. You just need to get out of his way…and fast! Chances are, you’ll never be in this situation. However, you’re guaranteed to be in a situation much worse.

What could be worse?

It’s hard to imagine, but the prospect of facing death, and a painful one at that, is not the worst thing that can happen to you. You see, each of us has a soul. We are body and soul, material and immaterial. You know this to be true. Things like love, beauty, joy, and even the laws of nature are immaterial, yet you experience them all the time. You are more than the sum of your parts. You are more than stardust evolved or a bag of chemicals fizzing. You have been well designed, made by God. This is why every single person has dignity, value and worth. We are all made in God’s image. In fact, that’s why God says murder is wrong and squashing a bug is not. You have value because you are specially made by God.

Facing Something Worse than Death?

God made you, and so you are accountable to him and will stand before him one day to give an account. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). Why would meek and mild Jesus speak about hell more than anyone else in the Bible? He’s warning you so that you don’t end up there! Be warned: hell is not a party; rather, it is a place devoid of all comfort, joy, and peace. God has made us for himself to find our joy, comfort, and peace in him. Rather than finding our joy in God, we seek it in entertainment, food, sex, family, vacations, money, cars, and other pleasure-seeking endeavors. All of these things are temporary. We want you to find greater joy, everlasting joy, in the eternal God who made you.

Your Greatest Need

Not only has God been kind to you by making you, he sent his Son Jesus. Jesus came to meet our greatest need: our broken relationship with our Creator. Our sinfulness (e.g., pride and pleasure-seeking for things rather than God) means that God’s wrath abides on us. The only solution is to trust in Jesus, his historical death and resurrection, promise of forgiveness and eternal life for all who repent and trust. He promises to be your substitute, bearing the wrath of God in his death and freely granting you forgiveness and a joyful existence with God forever. Don’t settle for temporary pleasures. Don’t wait until you are staring down death—you’ll be out of time to think.

Photo Credit: Calgary Stampede

Islam

This is not a rant on Muhammad’s many wives, his marriage to young Aisha, the violent commands of beheading or mutilation, the “Satanic” verses, or the many scientific and historical errors of the Qur’an—although such topics are important considerations. This pamphlet focuses on what Muhammad himself called Christians to do. Muhammad called Christians to judge his claim to be a prophet—and such a claim is found wanting.

The Qur’an Calls Christians to Judge

Surah 5:42–48; 65–68 calls on Christians to judge according to the gospel, the revelation given to them by God. In 5:47 it says, “Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah had revealed therein. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed; such are corrupt.” It is striking that the Qur’an here instructs Christians to judge according to that which was revealed to them. Surely Christians in Muhammad’s day were expected to follow this instruction. This instruction assumes that Christians had the gospel and that it wasn’t corrupt—they could know what Allah had revealed to them. We have complete New Testaments from the early 300s so charges of corruption since Muhammad’s time are false.
What happens when we judge according to the Gospel/New Testament? We find that Muhammad was ignorant of the teaching of Jesus, his apostles, the cross, the resurrection, the nature of the Son of God, salvation and the gospel itself! If we obey the Qur’an, and judge by the standard it commands us to use, we find that Muhammad fails the test of a prophet. To quote the Qur’an again, “Say: ‘O People of the Book! You have nothing [of true guidance] till you observe the Torah and the Gospel, and that which was sent down to you from your Lord’” (5:68). The Qur’an places us in an unsolvable dilemma, if we obey what it says, we must deny Muhammad’s claim of prophethood.

Denying Historical Fact with a Single Ayah

The Qur’an says, “And because of their saying: ‘We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s Messenger.’ They slew him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them; and those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge of it except the pursuit of conjecture; [but] certainly they slew him not” (4:157). With a single sentence, the Qur’an seeks to overturn one of the most historically certain events—the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
The crucifixion is not something that just Christians believe. Of course, the New Testament speaks much of the death of Jesus, containing many detailed eye witness accounts. Besides Christians, Josephus, a Jewish historian in the first century notes the historical event of Jesus’ crucifixion. Not only this, but the second century Roman historians, Tacitus and Lucian, also speak of Jesus’ crucifixion at the hands of Pontius Pilate. In fact, Bart Ehrman, a famous agnostic whose books attack the Christian faith says, “One of the most certain facts of history is that Jesus was crucified on orders of the Roman prefect of Judea, Pontius Pilate.
How can someone 600 miles away and born 600 years after the event in question overturn overwhelming evidence to this historical fact? Why would the Qur’an, in forty Arabic words, be so out of step with historical fact? Maybe it is because Muhammad believed that a prophet would not die such a disgraceful death—we cannot be sure. However, this shows that the author of the Qur’an knew little about the New Testament’s central teaching of God’s redeeming act in Christ on the cross. Not only that, it shows that the author knows little of what history itself says on the subject. Who is following mere conjecture here?

The Qur’an Misunderstands the Trinity

One of the central discussions between Christians and Muslims focuses on the nature of God. Islam strongly rejects the Christian teaching of the Trinity, that God is one in the three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Muhammad was fiercely against polytheism, but did he mistake the Christians for polytheists? In the Qur’an, Surah 4:166–172 commands Christians to “say not three!” What is the “three” spoken of? In both the Qur’an, and historical Muslim tradition, the three is understood as Allah, Mary, and Jesus. That is, father, mother, and son. This is certainly not what Christians believe or have ever believed!
The Qur’an also says, “They have disbelieved who say: ‘Allah is the third of three,’ when there is no god save One God. If they cease not what they say, a painful torment will fall upon those of them who disbelieve” (5:73). Later, it says, “And when Allah said: ‘O Jesus son of Mary! Did you say to mankind: “Take me and my mother for two gods other than Allah?”’” (5:116, see also 5:17). Here again, the Qur’an assumes Christians believe Allah, Mary, and Jesus are three gods, with Allah being the “third of three.” Even non-Christians can recognize this as a serious misrepresentation of the Trinity. Such a misrepresentation of Christian belief in the Qur’an demonstrates that it is the result of human effort, is marked by ignorance and error, and is not from God. If only Muhammad knew the true Jesus and what he and his followers actually said and did, what a difference it might have made!

Conclusion

The Qur’an calls on Christians to judge according to what God revealed to them, i.e., our Scriptures. As we’ve seen, Muhammad’s claims fall far short. The Qur’an misunderstands Christianity, Jesus, and what God had revealed previously.
Had he known what God had revealed before, he would have known what was spoken when it says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs” (Hebrews 1:1–4).
The truth is that God is the creator, maker of heaven and earth. He has created mankind in his image for his pleasure and to bring himself glory. From the beginning mankind has chosen to worship, not the creator, but the creation. Whether it’s money, pleasure, idols of stone or wood, false religions or false prophets, everyone worships something or someone.
Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). The greatest evil then is not loving the true God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. There has never been a day in your life when you’ve loved God the way he deserves to be loved. As such, you’ve broken the greatest commandment. In fact, you break it every single day! Since you have broken God’s greatest law, you are a lawbreaker of the greatest kind.
If you have seriously broken the law and stand before a judge, he would be a corrupt judge if he let you go free. A good judge will ensure justice is served. Even if your good deeds were many, a good judge must condemn the person who has broken the law. God’s judgment is not arbitrary, and he cannot permit the guilty to go free. This is the great dilemma that faces mankind and the only solution is found in Jesus Christ.
Jesus obeyed the law, he kept the greatest commandment perfectly. But it doesn’t end there. Jesus himself said, “I came not to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Why did he say this? He came to die so that God could be just in forgiving people who broke his law. When Jesus was crucified, he suffered the wrath of God for the sins of his people. This means that God can be just in forgiving a people who had broken his law. Because of this, Jesus is exalted as Lord of all and at his name every knee will bow. God now commands all men to repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Turn from false worship of Muhammad’s god and trust the true God. When you do this you will receive mercy and forgiveness. Read the gospel of John or Mark for yourself, see who the true Jesus is, why he came, and what it means to follow him. Examine the truth of what God revealed beforehand as the Qur’an says.

Christians Corrupted the Truth?

Everything that has been written here is typically dismissed on the grounds that Christians have corrupted the truth—the Christian Scriptures are corrupted and must be interpreted in light of the Qur’an. There are serious problems with this accusation.
First, the words of Allah cannot be corrupted (15:9; 6:114–115; 18:27; 10:64). This not only applies to the Qur’an but also to what was revealed before the Qur’an. In fact, the Qur’an admits that Allah has given a book to Christians (3:3–4; 29:46–47); and it calls Christians to judge with what God has revealed to them (5:42–48).
Second, when the Qur’an speaks of the corruption of the Christian Scriptures, it speaks of the corruption of its interpretation, not the actual text (3:78; 2:75, 79; 5:13, 41). For how can the words previously revealed by Allah be corrupted and its meaning lost? How can the Qur’an call on Christians to judge what Allah has revealed to them if it was already corrupted in 632 A.D.? The Scriptures we have today are the same as those in the time of Muhammad!
If the Qur’an is true, it calls Christians to judge by the Bible since the Bible is from God. But if the Bible is from God, then the Qur’an is false and Muhammad is a false prophet.
Read the gospels, read for yourself what God has sent before Muhammad.

Homosexuality

In recent decades homosexuality has gone from being illegal and taboo to legal and culturally accepted. This is lauded as a victory for human rights. There are some, however, who seem to be resistant to progress—the church. Granted, many churches and Christians have embraced homosexuality as compatible with their faith and practice, but others have not. The question becomes, what does the Bible teach about homosexuality anyway?

Claim #1: The Bible Hardly Even Mentions Homosexuality!

It is true that homosexuality does not fill a huge portion of the Bible’s teachings, yet it is spoken about more often than you might think. It’s discussed in Sodom where the men of the city want to rape angelic visitors. Similarly in Gibeah where the men of the city try to rape another man. When Israel drove out the inhabitants of Canaan, homosexuality is named as one of their sins. In the time of the Israelite kings we have male cult prostitution an established practice. We see prohibitions against it in the Old Testament and numerous times in the New Testament. It’s said that Jesus never taught against homosexuality but Jesus did. In Matthew 19 Jesus defines marriage between one man and one woman as the only God-ordained relationship for sexual intimacy.

Claim #2: The Old Testament Commands Are No Longer Binding!

Leviticus 18:22 says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (see also Leviticus 20:13). Everyone would agree that these commands in Leviticus are clear, but do we follow them today? Doesn’t it also tell us not to eat pork or shellfish and not to wear mixed fabrics? Aren’t some Christians hypocrites then? Before we dismiss Leviticus, Jesus and the apostles quote from this book and did not dismiss it. What must be asked is why would Jesus, the apostles, and Christians today obey some of the commands in Leviticus and ignore others? The answer is simple. Some commands in Leviticus have been repealed by God himself later in the Bible. God has made a number of covenants with his people and the new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus changed the ceremonial and cultural portions of God’s law. Jesus in Mark 7:19 declared all foods clean (no more prohibition against pork or shellfish). Priests, Jewish customs of dress, circumcision, festivals, Sabbaths, have all been repealed in the new covenant. However, the sexual ethic has never been repealed anywhere. God’s moral law remains unchanged. In fact, his sexual ethic is repeated rather than repealed under the new covenant.

Claim #3: Homosexuality? What About Your Pride, Greed, and Gluttony!?!

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 says, “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (see also 1 Timothy 1:8).

We can all see that this new covenant text condemns a wide range of practices. Do Christians make too much of homosexuality when there is so much other sin? Perhaps. Our culture has made homosexuality a big deal and while it’s certainly not the biggest sin or an unforgivable sin, it is a sin nonetheless. To say the Bible doesn’t call homosexuality a sin would be a dishonest. All sin is sin.

Claim #4: God Nowhere Condemns Committed, Loving, Homosexual Couples!

Romans 1:26–27 says, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

This description of the sin of homosexuality is sometimes said to describe pederasty (men having sex with boys) but it clearly says “men committing shameless acts with men.” Others claim that the “unnaturalness” is when heterosexuals engage in homosexual activity. Again, no such indication comes from the text but rather is imposed on it. Others claim that in Bible times there were no committed, loving, monogamous homosexual relationships so these prohibitions do not apply to today’s partnerships. Again, this claim has no historical basis. Historical records show that homosexuality, including committed, loving partnerships have been around for a long time, well before and during the time when these words were first written.

Claim #5: How Can You Be Against Love?

Why are Christians so judgmental and against love? Why should you get to say who should and shouldn’t love one another? The fact is, we all make judgments. We all would agree that a child and an adult, or a daughter and a father would be a wrong relationship—no matter how much they loved one another. The key is to define what love is.

We can’t be more loving or tolerant or accepting than God, right? How does God define love? God shows his love in that while we were still sinners Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” What these texts are saying is that God demonstrated his love by dying for sin, not denying it. He provided rescue from our sin, not leaving us in it.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must lovingly warn all sinners and point them to the forgiveness and promise of change that God offers.

Claim #6: But I’m Born This Way!

I’m not going to argue that homosexuality is a choice rather than something you are born with. The simple fact is, we all are born with desires and impulses. Some of which we embrace, and some of which we fight against. To have a desire or impulse doesn’t make it right and not sinful.

We all wrestle with desires to lie, to be angry, to steal, to be unfaithful to the ones we love, to quit our jobs or school, but we don’t identify ourselves by these desires, rather we wage war against them (1 Peter 2:11). How do we know which of our desires are right and which are wrong? We’ll either interpret them through our culture’s values or through God’s values. Only God’s values will lead to the good of all mankind.

Claim #7: Christians Are On The Wrong Side of History!

Homosexuality is now accepted and continuing to grow in its acceptance. Are Christians just behind the times on this? In response, are there any trends in the world today that you are against? How about increased wealth for the rich and poverty for the poor? The rise of terrorism? Increased fossil fuel development? The truth is everyone is against certain trends today and supportive of others.

Yes, but weren’t Christians supportive of slavery, and a flat earth, and a geocentric universe? Didn’t they defend these things with the Bible and think that the Bible was clear on those things!?! As you examine the truth behind these claims, however, there really isn’t much there. The Bible uses sunrise and sunset, and so you do, but I’m not going to fault you for not being more accurate by saying, “That’s a nice earth rotation!” Second, Galileo and Copernicus were lauded by the church. Their opposition came mainly from Aristotelian philosophers. Galileo himself said that he fell out of favor with the pope, not because of his science, but because he portrayed the pope unfavorably in one of his books. Third, with regard to slavery, it’s true that the southern states defended the practice, but this was by no means the universal understanding. In fact, Christians throughout the centuries have called for the abolition of slavery and it was abolished because of Christians and the Bible. This is much different from homosexuality where it has been universally understood to be prohibited by God until only very recently.

Why Not Simply Personally Disagree and Not Judge?

While this is a common position among Christians, we can’t be more loving or tolerant or accepting than God is. God loves us in such a way that he desires to do something about sin, not leave us in it. It would be unloving for me not to warn you about danger when I know that what you’re doing is going to bring great harm to you.

The truth is God is holy and just, meaning no sin can be tolerated in his presence. Whether pride, gluttony, lying, or homosexuality. The truth is that every single person has the same problem. Our sin (in its various types and degrees) separate us from the relationship with God that we were created for. God’s love is demonstrated, not by changing his standards or redefining sin, but by sending his only Son Jesus to die and take the penalty that we rightly deserve. Your sins, no matter how small or great, can be forgiven because God has intervened for you. Everyone, everywhere is now called to turn from their sin and believe this good news.

All of us are going to face God in judgment. He has arranged the terms of peace, not us. He knows when you will die and face him, we do not. Do not delay. Our lives are so very short and our lives are so precious to us. Do not ignore God speaking to you through his word but come to Jesus that you might have life, forgiveness, and the promise of being one of God’s children for all eternity in his paradise.

If you have any other questions on this or other topics, we would love to hear from you. May God grant you grace.

Mormonism

The following contains 4 basic teachings of the LDS Church with the references to these doctrines and a comparison to see if the Bible corresponds to these basic teachings.1

Basic Teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1. The Nature of God

Adam, from the Garden of Eden, is our Father and our God and the only God with whom we have to do.2 God Himself was once as we are now and is an exalted man with a body as tangible as man’s3 who lives near the star Kolob.4 He was once a child who had a father before Him, who had a father before Him…5 an eternal progression of gods.6 He is also a member of a council of gods.7 God has not always been God; He progressed to become the god of this planet.8 There is a plurality of gods, as well as a mother god in heaven.9

2. Jesus

Jesus is a created being,10 one god among many gods,11 the spiritual brother of Satan,12 a polygamist,13 and was not begotten by the Holy Spirit, but rather was conceived by Heavenly Father having sexual intercourse with Mary instead of letting any other man do it.14

3. A Member’s Responsibility

You’ve got to learn to become gods yourselves…just as all gods have done before you.15 The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy.16 If any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned.17

4. Salvation

Salvation is not by grace through faith alone, but by grace, after all we can do.18 You must be obedient to the laws and ordinances of Christ.19 You must be immersed in water for salvation.20 You must confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Joseph Smith is a true prophet at the same time trying with your might to live the holy principles, in order to be in possession of God’s Holy Spirit.21 You must have the passport and consent of Joseph Smith to enter the mansion where God and Christ are.22 The blood of Christ will never wipe away some sins; your own blood must be spilled in order to atone for them.23

The Bible

The Bible is inspired scripture in which God breathed the words onto the pages (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Knowing the inerrancy of God’s Word, revelation that purports to be added to scripture must coincide with already existing revelation if they are to be from the same God. Below is a biblical response to LDS theology.

1. The Nature of God

God created Adam (Genesis 1:27) and formed Adam from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt that serve (Matthew 4:10). God has been God from all eternity (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2, 93:2). God does not have a body of flesh and bones but is spirit (John 4:24; Luke 24:39). There were no gods formed before God, and no gods will exist after Him (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 44:6, 45:5, 45:22; 1 Corinthians 8:1-6). God said that He doesn’t know of any other gods (Isaiah 44:8). Jesus taught that there is only one God (Mark 12:28-34; Revelation 22:7-13).

2. Jesus

Jesus was not created, but rather created all things in existence including Satan (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:14-17). Jesus is the eternal God (Isaiah 9:6-7, 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:12; John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30-33; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-19; Acts 20:28; Titus 2:13). Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit, and was miraculously conceived (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:35).

3. A Member’s Responsibility

There were no gods formed before God, and there won’t be any after Him—which excludes the opportunity to become gods on day (Isaiah 43:10, 44:6, 8). God commanded not to multiply wives, Jesus also confirmed this teaching (Deuteronomy 17:17; Matthew 19:4-6).

4. Salvation

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; John 6:28-29). Man is justified by faith without deeds of the law (John 6:47; Romans 3:20-31, 4:1-8, 5:1-2; Galatians 2:16, 21, 3:10-13, 5:4; Titus 3:5). Baptism by water immersion is only a picture of what has happened to you spiritually; the water does not save you (1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Peter 3:21). 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 (Romans 10:9). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Once you are saved from your sin and sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, the blood of Christ cleanses you from all sins (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:13-14; John 10:29; Romans 8:37-39).

The Way to a New Life in Jesus Christ

The gospel that our Lord came and preached was one of hope to those that are lost. The Lord Jesus commanded everyone to repent, He said, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). He taught very clearly that when a lost soul trusted in Him for their salvation, they would “have” everlasting life and forgiveness of their sins (John 3:15-18, 36, 5:24). When He was asked, “What shall we do that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:28-29).

The Scriptures are abundantly clear about our lost state: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God” (Romans 3:10-12) and that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “All of our righteousness are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

The only hope for the sinner who has turned against the Holy God, is through the grace of God and the full payment of His Son on Calvary. “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not by works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Apostle Paul declared, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20), and “we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). Paul taught that you actually fall from God’s grace when you attempt to mix faith and works (Galatians 5:4). It has been said, “Justification takes place once for all; it is not repeated neither is it a process; it is completed at once and for all time. There is no more of less in justification; man is either fully justified, of he is not justified at all.” When God has drawn you to Himself, and you turn to Him in faith, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is charged to your account, and all of your sins were laid on Him on the Cross (Romans ch. 3-5).

The Scriptures are constantly warning us against “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9), even another “Jesus,” and a different “Spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Even the most sincere believer in a false Jesus, is sincerely wrong. If you do not have the Jesus revealed in the Holy Scripture you have embraced a false “Way” (John 14:6). The Bible commands believers everywhere to “prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3). You have received this information from someone who cares very deeply for you. This is not an issue you can wait to answer. We exhort you, in the name of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), to look at this information and what you believe in light of God’s revealed word. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We would be honored to meet, share God’s word with you and answer any questions you have.


June 2016 – He Will Hold Me Fast


Lyrics vv. 1-2 Ada Habershon (1861-1918), Public Domain; Alt words vv.1-2, lyrics v.3, and music: Matt Merker, © 2013

http://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/resources/music/

VERSE 1
When I fear my faith will fail,
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold;
He must hold me fast.

CHORUS
He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so,
He will hold me fast.

VERSE 2
Those He saves are His delight,
Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight,
He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost;
His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost,
He will hold me fast.

VERSE 3
For my life He bled and died,
Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied;
He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life,
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight,
When He comes at last!