What is a Christian?

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Ztheberean

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A true Christian is continuing in the apostles doctrine, these (who are under the teaching of the doctrine of grace) have all things in common, meaning;- they are in one accord (Strongs Greek #3661 - with one mind, and one passion) and are single-minded concerning the faith. (Acts 2:42, 44 & 46) We can only continue in the apostles doctrine, which needs to learned, If God sends a minister unto us. (2Tim 3:14); This is the doctrine that we need to believe in so that our soul could be saved from death (Heb 10:39, 1Tim 4:16); This doctrine is called the doctrine of Christ which we need to know, or we cannot have God’s permission to go on unto perfection ( the born again experience) (Heb 6:1 & 3); The Holy Spirit teaches us this doctrine by the comparison of scripture with scripture, so that our faith would stand in the power of God, not with the enticing words of man’s wisdom. (1Cor 2:13, 4-5) This doctrine is known as grace which teaches us how we can deny ungodliness and lusts, so that we could become obedient from our hearts, in this present world. (Titus 2:11-12, Rom 6:17) Without the knowledge of this doctrine, we cannot ever do the will of God (Jn 7:17); This doctrine which needs to be learned, causes divisions, and offences among the brethren (Rom 16:17); When Jesus spoke of this doctrine, people were astonished because they thought it was new (Matt 7:28, 22:33, Mk 1:22, 27, Lk 4:32); This is the only doctrine that needs to be taught because it is godly edifying which is in faith. (1Tim 1:3-4) There is only “ONE” doctrine that we must know, and understand for the saving of our souls. (1Tim 4:16, Heb 10:39) This is the same doctrine which causes us to become obedient from our hearts. (Rom 6:17) Do you know this doctrine? Do you understand that it is impossible to learn this doctrine (so that we can believe unto the saving of our soul) by the thousands of instructors ? (or pastors) If so, then you understand that we can only come to learn this doctrine by the FEW fathers who are sent unto us whose speech is not puffed up (with the pride of what men can do) but the power, for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1Cor 4:15, 17-20) These faithful servants who are sent unto us, instruct us to be followers of them. (1 Cor 4:16) Just in case you didn’t get this, it means that we are not to go and seek out our own teacher, we have to receive the minister whom God sends unto us, or it cannot be said that we have received Jesus. (Mk 9:37, Lk 9:48) It is these godly men who Christians allow to have rule over their lives, within giving them double honor, because of their labor in the word, and doctrine. (1Tim 5:17) God calls these good ministers because they put the brethren in remembrance of these good things, which nourish them in the words of faith, and of good doctrine wherein they have attained. (1Tim 4:6) These (and those like them) are known by their doctrine, lifestyle, purpose, longsuffering, love, and patience. These suffer persecution (from believers) because they can live godly in Christ Jesus. (2Tim 3:10 & 12) Christians understand that ALL scripture is profitable for correction, reproof, and doctrine so that others can be instructed in righteousness, and be thoroughly complete, and perfect to do all good works. (2Tim 3:16-17) Christians have the mind of Christ so that they can judge all spiritual things, because they have been taught by the Holy Spirit to compare scripture with scripture, believers cannot do this. (1Cor 2:16-15 & 13) Christians are called to preach the word instantly, in season, and out of season; with reproofs, exhortations, and rebukes all within longsuffering, and doctrine (2Tim 4:2). Why are they called to do this? Because the time has come when many believers cannot endure this sound doctrine, so instead they go find their own teacher because of lusts, and they turn their ears from hearing this truth unto listening to stories. (4:3-4) This is why we are warned to (learn) the doctrine (of grace) and continue in it, so that we could be saved, and those who hear it. (1Tim 4:16, Heb 10:39) Because Christians have learned sound doctrine, they are able to exhort, to expose, and correct those who come against this truth. (Titus 1:9 & 2:1) Without the knowledge of the doctrine of Christ, we cannot become perfect (meaning, Christian); And those who are not abiding in this doctrine of Christ do not have both the Father and the Son, and these are practicing evil “self-moved” deeds, (rather than God moved deeds), so we are not to receive anyone who does not bring/teach this doctrine. (Heb 6:1, 2Jn 1:9-11) Do you think that anyone who says a sinners prayer is instantly born again? I hope not, because this is not biblical. The bible says that we are born again by the word of God (1Pet 1:23, Jn 7:17, Ps 119:50, Jm 1:18) Do you think that we can bring Jesus into “our” hearts? (Rom 10:6-7, Eph 2:8 & 10) No, rather we need to give our wicked hearts to God, and ask Him to create Christ in us through His (God’s) workmanship, so that we could do the good we want to do, because this is God’s gift. (Ez 36:26, Eph 2:10-8) God needs to give us a new heart, and put His spirit within us, so that we can be His people (Jer 24:7, Ez 11:19, 36:26); Christians know that the Holy Spirit is first with them, and then comes within them, when they become His children. (Jn 14:17, Jn 1:12) They also understand and can explain, using the scriptures, that this (becoming a Christian) is a process which does not happen instantly, this is why there is a difference between a Christian and a faithful believer. (Col 1:1, Eph 1:1) Christians have an understanding of the parable of the sower, and the different grounds a believer starts out on, because they know that only those who come upon the “good” ground can bring forth fruit unto perfection, (Lk 8:8 Mk 4:8), meaning the born again Christian experience. God does not make ignorant children, so without understanding of all of this, we can’t be converted (God granting us repentance) unto going on to be healed (Christian). (Acts 28:27, Jn 12:40, Mat 13:15, Is 6:10, Mk 4:12) No one can understand the scriptures (unless they ask) God to open their understanding. (Lk 24:45) This is why God sends a meek and patient minister to us to instruct us, and through this instruction process (of grace) God grants repentance so that the truth could be acknowledged, and people can be recovered from the snare of doing the devil’s will “self -willed” rather than being God willed. (2Tim 2:24-26) After repentance is granted unto us, we then can ask God to crucify us with Christ, so that it would no longer be us living, (for self) but Christ in us, (for others) and the life we now live is by the faith of the Son of God who loved us enough to die for us, so that we could ask God to crucify us with Christ,(Gal 2:20); This is how He (God) creates Christ in us through His gift of His workmanship upon us, so that no one could boast (Eph 2:10-8); Without going through this process, we are found as “sinners” (who think they are born again) which makes Jesus the minister of sin, which God has forbidden Him to be. (Gal 2:17) Christians have been taught the difference between the holy and profane, and can discern between the unclean, and the clean (Ez 44:23, 22:26); Another words Christians have an understanding heart so that they can judge people, (through the edifying use of the word) and discern between what is good (God moved) and what is bad (self-moved). (1Ki 3:9) Strong’s Greek # 5087 is equivalent to the Hebrew idea; and describes what needs to be put off; and what needs to be put on, so that we can become established (as Christian’s). It is spiritual pride to say that you are serving God and you are ignorant of the word of God. (Ps 119:21, Is 3:12, 9:16, Jer 23:32, Matt 22:29, Mk 12:24, Heb3:10, Jm 1:16) Christians are not ignorant of the word of God because they have an answer for every man (1Pet 3:15); And they understand the difference between relationship, and fellowship. Biblical fellowship is within unity, because these have the SAME mind, with singleness of heart, all in one accord (Acts 2:46); Relationships have conflict because of people’s different personalities. Believers are still trying to crucify their fleshy lusts, Christians have already crucified the lusts of their flesh (Gal 5:24); And they can walk in the Spirit, because they live in it, within all temperance, goodness, longsuffering, peace, and love (Gal 5:25-22); Believers manifest the works of the flesh which are: envy, idolatry, hatred, heresies, division, striving, and unrighteous deeds. Those that do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (5:19-21) Christians understand that they are to minister to those in the churches because they understand that the believers who don’t become Christian, will be tormented in hell “seven” times worse punishment than the devil. (Lev 26:18) This is why Christians know that if they can convert a believer from the error of their way, their soul can be saved from death, and a multitude of their sins can be covered. (Jm 5:19-20) Christians need to minister to those believers who put relationship before fellowship, so that they might become united in the word of God. (Acts 2:42 & 46) Believers who want to remain ignorant of these spiritual truths, let them remain ignorant, because God is a God of order, However, this is not for salvation (by remaining ignorant of these things) but rather for decency, and order. (1 Cor 14:38 & 40) In Jesus name, Amen.
 

TallMan

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Jul 20, 2007
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(seekingwisdom;17715)
According to Mark16:17-18 I wonder myself.
Mark 16:15-20 fits perfectly with Acts, and is worth comparing with Luke 10:9, 19, 21.A Christian is someone who has received the Holy Spirit because “christ” or “messiah” means “anointed one” and the anointing is the Holy Spirit (Acts 10v38). Romans 8v9 states:-“ . . . you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”So, it's vital to receive the Holy Spirit, but he is invisible and we cannot trust our own hearts that we are right with God . . ."The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer. 17v9)(Jesus warns that many who call Him "Lord" will be told "I never knew you", he's talking about church-goers, not agnostics !). So, God must bare independant witness, the apsotles waited for this, so do I . . .In the new testament it is known precisely when people receive the Holy Spirit, and when they hadn't. The way of salvation hasn't changed.At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began to be given as never before, making people sons of God (see John 7v39, 14v17, 20, 16v7). The apostles reported:-“ . . . they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. . . having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this, which you now SEE and HEAR. . . For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to ALL that are afar off, even AS MANY AS the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2v4, 33, 39)If you were told that what you could "see and hear" (the speaking in tongues) was the promised Holy Spirit, and that this was to you and all who God would call, wouldn’t you expect to speak in tongues, or be told if this was not the case?With the gentiles:-“ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” (Acts 10v44)How did he know ?“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (v46)If it is possible to receive the Spirit and NOT speak in tongues, the apostles were *wrong* to judge that the Spirit had just fallen upon people when they spoke in tongues, logically they could only say that people had *at some unknown time previously* received the Spirit . . . but they didn't.In Acts 8v5-18 we read of people who "believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" (v12), we also read of "great joy", healings etc. Many would assume that these people have therefore received the Holy Spirit but . ."when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)" (vv14-16)Philip obviously sent a message to them so they all had a way of knowing that these believers had NOT YET received the Holy Spirit !!How ? The answer is freely given already, nothing is hidden, there is no secret way.Years later in Acts 19v1-6, Paul met disciples of John who started believing in Jesus, that's why Paul re-baptised them, then he lays hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit, so, he also knows that they have NOT YET received the Holy Spirit, even though they confess faith in Jesus and are baptised, also he knew precisely when they did receive the Holy Spirit."Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
 

Christina

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Well if you think talking in so called tounges of todays babble or being dipped in water by some false teacher is what Gods all about then you havent read what he says.1 cor. 14:28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. Power to Save one Way through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ not water not tongues
 

Christina

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The evidence of the Holy spirit in Acts was the understanding by peoples that all spoke differnt languages understanding what was being said. They thought the tongues was drunken Babble untill The holy spiirt made it evident they were not drunk by giving them understanding. UNDERSTANDING not babble.the word "unknown" is not even in the manuscripts
 

TallMan

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Jul 20, 2007
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(seekingwisdom;17725)
If any truly believe then why do we not see the scripture fulfilled in mark16:16-18 is the question?
Because "we" are people that don't see their need for the real Jesus - a completely new life, they have been deceived by a christian lifestyle; going to church, talking about God, believing it's true but not actually entering Jesus' way by the baptism in the Spirit ("born again") as detailed in scripture .. . this is all explained away as you have seen.You need to meet people that are doing it right, you will see the difference - joy, peace, unity, powerful stuff, and signs following instead of longwinded debates that leave you cold.PM me for details if interested.
 

TallMan

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(n2thelight;17775)
A christain is simply a follower of Christ(a Christ man)
How do you begin to follow the Christ ("the anointed one")?Bible tells us he demanded to be baptised (immersed), regardless of the fact that he was dedicated as a child and was brought up by godly parents and other signs of God had already taken place in his life.Then he deliberately prayed and was anointed by the Holy Spirit, God bearing witness - a voice was heard!Then he allowed himself to be led and taught of the Spirit so the signs and wisdom kept coming!The church in the bible had no problem following this - they commanded seekers to get baptised, they prayed with them to receive the Spirit and it was known when they did - a voice was heard!They spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:15-16)Then they remained in that faith and grew in it, keeping themselves separate from .. ." they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit" (Jude 19)Rather:-"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (vv20-21)
 

tim bennett

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Aug 22, 2007
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A CHRISTIAN= works are dead. i cannot attain heavenship through my FILTHY RAGS. ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BUT A RAG AT THE FEET OF JESUS. EVERYTHING I DO IS FOR ME FIRST=DO NOT KID THYSELF=JESUS COMES SECOND IN MY LIFE MOST OF THE TIME.BUT I AM STRIVING TO PUT JESUS OVER TIM BENNETT=IT IS HARD. I AM HONEST. BUT IF I PULL A WOMAN FROM A BURNING FOREST FIRE=I DO IT FOR ME FIRST AND THE WOMAN SECOND AND JESUS IS NOT EVEN IN THE PICTURE. I AM MESS UPPED. BUT NOTHING I DO CAN COMPARE TO JESUS."FOR BY FAITH WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE, AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES=IT IS THE GIFT OF JESUS". WHEN I REALLY START KNOWING AND DROP THE BELIVING CRAP=I WILL BE OK. JESUS IS GOD. HE DIED FOR MY SINS. HE HAD THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT FROM THE FATHER. "JESUS QUICKENS WHO HE WANTS"ALWAYS CHOOSES THOSE WHO CHOOSE HIM=1,000,000 % OF THE TIME AND TWIST ON SUNDAY. JESUS WAS NOT SOME LONG HAIRD MESIIAH COMPLEXED DUDE. JESUS IS GOD. IS IT FAIR=PROBABLY. BUT IT DO NOT MATTER. JESUS IS THE GREAT "I AM". FACE IT ISHMAEL=FACE IT ISAAC, FACE IT MARY=LOL, FACE IT TIM, FACE IT WORLD. WE WILL ALL BE ON OUR KNEES ONE DAY CONFESSING HIM AS LORD TO HIS FACE=WHY NOT DO IT NOW=I DID. HE HAD THE AUTHORITY TO DIE FOR OUR SINS, AND ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS PROFESS IT TO OTHER MEN=WE GOT IT EASY=HE HAD IT HORRIBLE. WAS IT FAIR FOR GOD TO GET SPITO NO=HELL NO(JESUS IS SINLESSS). WAS IT FAIR FOR THE SON TO BE FORSAKEN BY HIS ONLY DAD=NO. BUT THE FATHER SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN TO DIE FOR OUR SINS, NOT THEIRS=THEY ARE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS.
 

faith

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Jun 1, 2007
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a Christian is a name given to the disciples of Jesus Christ; according to scripture ~ that name was first created in Antioch & not by the apostles' hand.. it's a name, a label that really has no place even to this day..i'm not Christian, but i am a disciple of Jesus Christ..
 

pmb

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Sep 8, 2007
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(Ztheberean;17707)
A true Christian is continuing in the apostles doctrine, ...
I don't understand this. Where did you get such a definition? To me a Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus. And all of Jesus teachings are in the New Testament. This does not include believing in doctrines which were later established such as the Trinity. Please note: Although the term Trinity is not found in the New Testament and came about in doctrine more than 300 years later, I myself do believe in the Trinity. But faith in Christ means faith and following his way which is completely found in the New Testament. When I decided to embrace my Christianity to the best of my ability I started out by choosing to have no opinion on the Trinity. I started reading the New Testament and came to conclude that this was a correct doctrine so it was then that I embraced it. But I still coonsidered myself to be a Christian during this time because I fully accepted the teachings of Jesus and the New TestamentNote: Neither of the terms "Christian" nor "Trinity" are found in the New Testament so they can't be used to define the term Christian.Eaton's Bible dictionary has the follow under the term Christian
Christianthe name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament (Ac 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:16).
New Unger's Bible Dictionary defines the term Christian as follows
Christian A Christian is a believer in and a follower of Jesus Christ the Messiah. This name is more widely employed than any other designation of those who believe unto salvation. However, it occurs in the Scriptures only three times: “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Ac 11:26); “and Agrippa replied to Paul, ‘In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian’” (Ac 26:28); “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed” (1Pe 4:16). The term Christian is clearly a Gentile designation for believers because the word Christ, upon which the term was constructed, suggests recognition of the Messiah, which no unbelieving Jew was prepared to do. Becoming a Christian, according to the NT, is a definite act with significant results. According to Lewis Sperry Chafer, no fewer than thirty-three simultaneous and instantaneous divine undertakings and transformations, which collectively constitute the salvation of a soul, take place the moment one exercises faith in Christ and is saved. Among these is that a believer in Christ has the guilt of his sins removed. Second, he is taken out of Adam, the sphere of condemnation, and placed in Christ, the sphere of righteousness and justification. Third, he is given a new standing by virtue of his being placed “in Christ” by the Spirit's baptizing work (1Co 12:13; Ro 6:3-4). A Christian then, as Chafer says, “Is not one who does certain things for God but … one for whom God has done certain things; he is not so much one who conforms to a certain manner of life as he is one who has received the gift of eternal life; he is not one who depends upon a hopelessly imperfect state but rather one who has reached a perfect standing before God as being in Christ” (Systematic Theology, 7:75). M.F.U.
Best RegardsPete
 

pmb

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(kriss;17723)
Well if you think talking in so called tounges of todays babble or being dipped in water by some false teacher is what Gods all about then you havent read what he says.
My church doesn't participate on this "speaking in tounges" thing. Its one of those parts of my church that I love.Pete
 

For Life

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John 3:16 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.If you believe that you are a Christian.John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through Him might be saved.
 

Ztheberean

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(For Life;17804)
John 3:16 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.If you believe that you are a Christian.John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through Him might be saved.
I believe you need to read the post again, and actually take the time to go through the scriptures, because if you think that all you have to do is just believe on John 3:16 you are in serious trouble.
 

Ztheberean

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(pmb;17787)
I don't understand this. Where did you get such a definition? To me a Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus. And all of Jesus teachings are in the New Testament. This does not include believing in doctrines which were later established such as the Trinity. Please note: Although the term Trinity is not found in the New Testament and came about in doctrine more than 300 years later, I myself do believe in the Trinity. But faith in Christ means faith and following his way which is completely found in the New Testament. When I decided to embrace my Christianity to the best of my ability I started out by choosing to have no opinion on the Trinity. I started reading the New Testament and came to conclude that this was a correct doctrine so it was then that I embraced it. But I still coonsidered myself to be a Christian during this time because I fully accepted the teachings of Jesus and the New TestamentNote: Neither of the terms "Christian" nor "Trinity" are found in the New Testament so they can't be used to define the term Christian.Eaton's Bible dictionary has the follow under the term ChristianNew Unger's Bible Dictionary defines the term Christian as followsBest RegardsPete
Hello PeteYou Said;I don't understand this. Where did you get such a definition? To me a Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus. I get all my definitions from the word of God, and studying the Greek and Hebrew meanings, not my opinions. If we cannot back up our beliefs with the scriptures, and many of them, then it just our oopinions which are vain.I hope that answered your question.
 

For Life

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Feb 24, 2007
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I believe you need to read the post again, and actually take the time to go through the scriptures, because if you think that all you have to do is just believe on John 3:16 you are in serious trouble.
I think you are the one in serious trouble if you don't believe on John 3:16Let me ask one question. Do you think your understanding of the scriptures makes you more righteous than others and therefore more worthy of eternal life than the poor slobs, like me, who just believe on John 3:16 and John 3:17?
 

TallMan

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(For Life;17804)
John 3:16 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.If you believe that you are a Christian.
John 3:16 - Death by FlatpackThe Pastor told how he couldn't be bothered to read the instruction booklet and just tried to assemble some foldable steps from IKEA.He had to dismantle his work and start again sticking to the instructions.He related this to how many people are pointed straight to John 3:16, and completely miss the details given from v1 onwards about being born again.I and many others have accepted the John 3:16 "gospel" only to see things fall apart when a bit of pressure comes, as with the incorrectly assembled steps.
 

Ztheberean

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Nov 27, 2006
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(For Life;17810)
I think you are the one in serious trouble if you don't believe on John 3:16Let me ask one question. Do you think your understanding of the scriptures makes you more righteous than others and therefore more worthy of eternal life than the poor slobs, like me, who just believe on John 3:16 and John 3:17?
God does not make ignorant children, so without understanding there can be no conversion (God granting repentance) unto being healed (becoming Christian). (Acts 28:27, Jn 12:40, Matt 13:15) I hope that you can be edified by the scriptures, because these words are not "my" words they are God's.