Things NOT found in the Bible, part 3   Introduction When I first became a Christian back in 2001, I would try to discuss the bible with people at work and share what I learned by reading the scriptures. I’d inquire what church people go to, and their beliefs, and in the other the conversation usually concluded with the phrase; “You believe what you want to believe, and I’ll believe what I want to believe.” The way people say that, or the other phrase, “It doesn’t matter what church you go to, we all worship the same God,” makes me want to find those phrases in the bible. Hint: They’re not in there! These phrases, that people use, as if quoting scripture, is basically a way of telling me that this conversation is over and you won’t convince me that your way is right. Let’s see what the bible has to say in regards to these phrases.   What I believe First, let’s look at the phrase, “You believe what you want to believe, and I’ll believe what I want to beli...

Introduction Imagine walking out of your front door one morning, picking up your local newspaper, and seeing the headline, “Satan Repents!” on the front in 3-inch letters. The article attached to it has quotes in which God says, “All is Forgiven” and Jesus says, “Welcome home, Brother!” At this point you’re probably looking around for the Candid Camera or someone to jump out from behind a bush and say, “Gotcha!” But suppose, just suppose, this was real. Everyone Will be Saved There is a doctrine out there in the religious world that claims, everyone will go to Heaven and no one will go to Hell. It is called Universalism and here’s the definition from the dictionary: Universalism — The doctrine of universal salvation . All men everywhere will be saved.   No one will be lost.   End, all mankind will be saved.   Everyone will be saved and no one will be lost. What a great concept! There are even passages of scripture that ...

Introduction         Too many people in the world today think that there is no work involved as far as salvation goes. They say, “All you have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” But if you ask them about repentance from sin, they’ll say it is necessary. And, if you ask them about verbally confessing Jesus name, they agree with that too.         If you point out that they don’t really in believe in ‘Faith Only’, they most likely will disagree with you; especially if subject of baptism comes up, and that’s where they draw the line. Baptism isn’t Necessary!         When the subject of baptism comes up that’s when people rankle in regards to salvation. Some believe that baptism is only “an outward sign of an inward grace”. In other words, you are saved when you believe in Jesus and then later you can “show it” by being baptized.   ...

(To the Non-Christian) Introduction         The following is a 200-word story I wrote from the inspiration title of “Clean Slate”: New Year, New You December 31, 2014 Harry Sorenson said goodbye to his family. “Goodbye Rachel, you’ve been good to me all year. Take care of little Mikey and tell him all about me when I’m gone.”             “I wish it didn’t have to end this way,” said Rachel as she wiped away a tear.             “It’s what Dr. Martinson wants; I have to abide by it.”             “Goodbye then,” she said. December 31, 2015             “Goodbye Grace, I know we didn’t get along well this year but I’m glad to have known you.”        ...