Finders Keepers Part 7

God Eternal Security Once saved always saved?  Watch it or you could lose that salvation before you die?

How much more can be said on this subject?  I guess I’ll continue until it becomes exhausted in my mind.  I will continue driving the subject home.

Some want you to believe you cannot be sure. Some want you to think the doctrine of the “Preservation of the Saints is a false doctrine. Some scholars call this theological doctrine the “Perseverance of the Saints”. I prefer the word “Preservation” because it is making an emphasis on the activity of God.  It is He who saves us, it is He preserves us and it is He who keeps us, watches over and protects us.

I will remind you of what has already been written in my previous posts. Being saved has little to do with the response to an altar call or revival meeting emotion.  Being saved has everything to do with faith.  It is having a saving faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Lord, the Son of God.  It is about you the believer being transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said, and I am paraphrasing from memory, “My sheep listen to my voice and I know them and they follow me.  I give them eternal life and no one can snatch them out of my hand.”  I have mentioned this passage before and you can find the reference in a previous post within this subject.  The point is that no one can snatch them away… no one can snatch you away if you have saving faith.

I recently did some work on the deity of God and the trinity doctrine and will put some of it up soon.  One of the points made is even the demons believe in God.  It says in James chapter 2 and verse 19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”  Let that serve as a lesson to you in that belief in God is one thing and it will not save you.  In order to be saved you must worship, have faith, follow His commandments and trust Him.  Belief in the Lord involves much more than simply acknowledging He exists. So a true believer is one that is transformed, follows Christ and has a changed life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If that sounds like you and you believe the Bible is the inerrant, inspired and authoritive word of God then you can be assured of your salvation forever.  You can be assured because the Bible states very clearly that we can know that we have eternal life.  Turn to John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

The Bible indicates that we are Children of God. It indicates this in many scriptures of which I will list a few: John 1:12, Hebrews 2: 9-10, Hebrews 12: 5-6, Romans 8:16, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:6-7, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:10 and 1 john 5:19.  If you are still a skeptic after all I have written then do this for me.  Please reply to this post with a reference to one verse in the Bible where God disowns one of His children.  You cannot!

I have written previously about how we, the children of God have been predestined.  We have been predestined for salvation even before the creation of the world. Scriptures that tell us of this predestination are listed here: Matthew 20:23, Matthew 25:34, Mark 10:40, John 14:2-3, John 17:2-3, Romans 8: 29-30, Romans 9:223, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4: 11-12 and Hebrews 11:16.  Now I ask again of the unbelievers among you, can you please reply to this post with one verse from God’s word that refutes this?  You cannot!

The Bible also tells us we are heirs of God.  We have an inheritance.  Scriptures that indicate we are heirs of His are: Romans 8:17, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Hebrews 7:24-25, 1 Peter 1: 3-4, Ephesians 1:4-6, Ephesians 1:18, Jude 1:1, Revelation 17:14.  Let us turn specifically to Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” To you that doubt, can you reply to this post and tell us of just one verse that leads one to a conclusion that a believer is ever un-called or sent packing?  You cannot!

Scriptures tell us also that believers are chosen by God Himself.  Scriptures that give evidence to this are listed here: Ephesians 1: 11-13, Mark 13:20, Luke 18:7, John 15:16, John 15:19, romans 8:33, Romans 11:5, Colossians 1:27, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, James 2:5, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 17:14, Matthew 22:14 and Revelation 17:14. With the scriptures listed clearly showing a believer is chosen please then, if you are one who thinks you can lose your salvation, reply to this post and cite me just one verse from the Bible that shows God removing a believer from the kingdom.  You cannot.

We are sealed by God when we become saved by His grace.  The Bible says believers are sealed by God for redemption within these verses: 2 Corinthians 1: 21-22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30 and 2 Timothy 2:19.  Please if you don’t believe, reply to this post with just one verse where God removes the seal from a believer. You cannot.

Believers are glorified by God and the Bible says we will be glorified after death in these verses: Romans 8:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Peter 5:4, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:10 and Colossians 3:4.  Now to those that oppose my view I ask for a reply to this post that shows me where in the Bible that God removes that glory from a believer.  You cannot do it.

The Bible shows that we are born again and we have become a new creature when we are saved. Look to these scriptures: John3:3, John3:7, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 peter 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 4:23-24.  Now, again I ask for a reply that would show just one verse in the bible where a believer can become unborn after being born-again.  It even sounds silly.

This notion that once someone is saved and has a saving faith in God could lose their salvation is refuted in over 80 verses throughout the Bible.  We, as believers are predestined, called, chosen, sealed and we are children of God that are heirs of the Father along with Christ for our glorification in Heaven.

All of the verses I will list here speak of the promise of eternal life to believers.  This is not an all exhaustive list and not one of them mentions anything about the possibility of losing that eternal life.  Here they are: Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:29-30, Luke 18:29-30, John 3:16, John3:36, John5:24, John6:39, John 6:40, John17:2-3, Acts 13:47-48, Romans 5:20-21, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 5;1, Galatians 6:8, 1 Timothy 1:16, 1 Timothy 6:12, Titus 1:2, Titus 3:5-7, 1John 2:24-25, 1 John 5:11-13, and Jude 1:21. In John 5:24 Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Can anyone show me anywhere in the Bible where someone is to return by passing from life unto death?  No… not one verse.

In closing I must say there is one sin that is not forgiven by God.  The sin of blasphemy is not forgiven.  So I suppose some fool could give away by choice all that he has. That is not losing salvation given by Christ but is a conscious turning away. Blasphemy is complete unbelief.  According to the Bible a true believer cannot fall into unbelief.  True believers will persevere even unto the face of opposition.  Recently I heard of a couple Pastors that said they went from belief to unbelief.  I say they never really found out what true faith is and never were anointed by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 1:8 says, “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Once saved, we are confirmed unto the end and we are always saved, so that we will be blameless in the day of our Lord.  Amen!

God bless your day,

“The Tubthumper”

 

 

9 Days to pray for the election.

girl in worshipYou are a wonderful God, let us never forget to praise and worship You.

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. (Psalm 6:3-5)

“I lift these hands, dear God, to You, in praise and thanks for all you do.

You light the path through all my days and bless me with your loving ways…

I lift these hands dear God, to You, in troubled hours when joys are few.

You bear me up on eagles’ wings and see me through each test life brings.

I lift these hands, dear God, to You; please grant me wisdom, patience, too.

Then fill my heart with love and caring, precious gifts you’ve made for sharing.”[1]

Dear heavenly Father, we praise Your Holy name.  We adore Your name and Your presence.  We lift our hands to Your glory.  In the beginning You were God, today You are God and tomorrow You will be God.  Forever You shall be our God! You rule the world, Lord and are head of the church, Your body.  We praise You Almighty God.

Almighty God, You raised Jesus from death to life for our benefit and crowned him Lord of all. Father, we confess that we have not bowed before him or acknowledged his rule in our lives. We confess as a nation that our people have not acknowledged Your rule.  We as a people and individuals have gone along with the ways of the world.  We have failed to give You glory.  Forgive us and raise us from sin, Oh God.  Forgive us and cleanse us Lord, that we may be your faithful people obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank You for the leadership in our lives; for people You have placed to help our journey on earth be more productive and more pleasing. We Thank You for the people in governmental positions in our Nation and communities. Thank You that You are ultimately in charge and You will guide these leaders in their decision making, if they but yield to You. Watch over our election in 9 days and protect us, dear God.  We need You, Lord.

Thank You for our church leaders, Lord, as they each help us in our spiritual walk. For pastors who can be most influential in imparting Your truths to us. Thank You also for those who teach Sunday School and those who guide the business of our churches, enabling the church to function smoothly and wisely. For each person who shows us through Your Word how to lead the Christian life, we Thank-You.

O Lord, Let us never forget to praise Your Holy name.  You wonderful, Oh God! You are slow to anger and patient, with a love that has no end. Let us bless each day and lift up our thanks in praise for the wonderful things You have done for us.  May we forever give honor to Your name, for without You we are nothing.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen



[1] Poet – Emily Matthews

Day 17 of prayer for our nation, 23 to go.

praiseWe sing praises to You Lord!

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live:Praise, grace, honor, nation, election, candidate, vote, worship, song I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord”, Psalm 104:33-34.

Dear Lord we praise You on this Sunday.  Thank You for granting us another day to breathe and to enjoy all you give us through your grace.  May we honor You in all we do today.  We adore your Holy name Father.  We lift your name high dear Lord.  We worship you Almighty King.  We lift our voices and praise Your holy name!

We confess our sins Father and ask for your forgiveness.  Forgive us Lord for leaving you out of our lives and our decisions.  Heal our Land, Lord.  Watch over our election as we draw near to the vote.  You know O’God the clear differences in each candidate and the opposing directions for our land.  Help us Lord to have the direction of Your desires.  Help us to choose the one leader that will move us toward our intended path.

We sing praises to You Lord.  May You forever be the center of our thoughts, which are that with all things we may lift You up in worship and song.  Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be a sweet aroma to You, for You are our King.  O’God our joy comes from You!  Righteousness, love and justice are the foundations of Your throne.  We praise Your holy name forever.  We pray these things through your son and our Lord, Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Yo, Christian, You’ve got a hit out on you!

I was out at a local eatery with my wife a few days ago when somehow our conversation turned to the Muslim Brotherhood, Muslims and Islam.  My wife said, “Why do they come here, they don’t like anything about the US or us?  My reply was quick and easy.  “They are here because they are on a mission”.   This mission they are on is not a secret.  From as far back as I remember Muslims have always hated the Christians.  It has always been death to the Christians.  Turn to Islam or die.

When I hear of all that is going on around us regarding the Muslim Community it gets my guard up.  My guard is up because I am a Christian and I know there is a hit out on me.  There is also a hit out on you, if you love and worship Christ. (And you, and you, and you… all of us.)  It doesn’t stop with us, all other religions are on their target too and most importantly the Jews.  The goal for them is to have Islam be the only remaining people.  I know it won’t happen.  In the end they will get theirs.  It’s only the interim I get concerned about.

There are a number of very prominent and well know ministers of the protestant faiths that are promoting an insane idea that you can integrate the Muslims into our worship services treating them with love.  While I do subscribe to the bible’s teaching of love your neighbor I know what is dangerous and what isn’t.  It is clearly dangerous stupidity to think that Muslims will be converted or will come to our way of thinking.  If they accept an invitation in it will be for one reason only.  Their goal would be to gain more ammunition and positioning to accomplish their mission.  I was born with a lot of common sense too.  And it aint rocket science here brother!

That brings me to one of the news items of our day.

Islam: Religion Of Peace Wants To Wipe Christianity From Face Of The Earth!

This very point was made publicly by a leading Muslim cleric recently.  This piece of news clearly backs up what I have known all along.  I hope all those Pastors and Preachers from the watered down Christianity of today are listening.  Heads up boys!  It’s war!

There is available a 23 page declaration recently produced by Sheik Farook Al-Mohammedi of the United Muslim Nations International. This booklet very clearly spells out their goal to Islamize western civilization and set up the Islamic Caliphate as the global religion and government.  I think I should send one to each of the mega-church pastors I am thinking of now. Here you can see a small sample of what Sheik Farook Al-Mohammedi has published in this little gem of a booklet:

The-Global-Islamic-Civilization

“Christianity should be destroyed and wiped from the face of the earth.  It is an evil demonic and Anti-Christ system, all Christians are in complete Ignorance.” 

“Islamic Power has returned upon the face of the earth and the Revived Global Caliphate has set eyes on the West to once and for all rid the world of Christianity and there is nothing you can do about it.  I have pledged and made a firm promise to the Caliphate of the United Muslim Nations International organization that I will do my utmost to Islamize all of the West within a short period of time…” 

“Firstly we will deal with the matter of the Global Islamic Civilization, its honored status, the unrivaled Universal Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Muslim Ummah.  Islam the only true religion enjoins upon mankind Total Submission to the will of Allah, which means that you are to live a life that is Totally Devoted to the Almighty Allah by serving Him in the manner which He has prescribed for us through the example of the Holy Prophet Mohammed Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam…” 

“Today as I breathe the air of our newly found Islamic State of America before my trip this week to Eurabia I leave behind me an Internationalist Islamic Ideology which will be the future of America and Europe Inshallah.” 

“None will resist, you will submit! Islam will conquer the hearts of all christiandom, this is a definite reality. Every government has surrendered to the Revived Global Caliphate and those nations who resist will be placed under a police state within their realm.” 

The Islamic community tries to paint a picture that it is a religion of peace.  This is not true.  They are only peaceful among their own.  Take a look at the incident recently where a group of Muslims turned violent toward some Christian protestors.  Islam is a religion of absolute power and domination.  They worship Allah, a false prophet, according to the Holy Bible, which is my guide.  I heard the other day that this false prophet was actually a black stone but I need to look more into that one.

The Islamic world once was in a distant land and only a few were around.  This is no longer true.  In fact, they are multiplying like rabbits.  They have infiltrated out capital and our government by way of duping the weak minded and easily led politicians running our country now.  The Muslims are right next door, they are your neighbors.

The migration of millions of Muslims into the West and the terrorists that came with them is one of the most serious threats we face today.  Wake up Christian America, there is a hit out on you.  And we didn’t go looking for trouble, but this trouble has come looking for us as they promised.

Eventually, Islam will be destroyed.  The Bible prophesies that God will pour out judgment upon the Arab nations in the end times for their hostility towards the Jews and their attempt to claim the Jewish homeland as their own.

In almost every OT book, there’s End Time prophecy of some nations getting judged. They are always the same ones.. all of them Muslim.  Here we have a sort example: Babylon (Iraq/Arabia) Isaiah 13, Assyria and Philistine Isaiah 14, Moab Isaiah 15, Damascus Isaiah 17, Cush (Somalia) Isaiah 18. Egypt Isaiah 19, Egypt and Cust Isaiah 20, Babylon Edom Isaiah 21 Tyre (Lebanon) Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 28-32 Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Turkey, Arabia, Iraq, Iran; Psalms 83: Edom (Jodan/Arabia) Moab (Jordan), Gebal (Lebanon), Tyre (Lebanon), Philistia, Ishmaelites Hagarites (Arabs) Assyria (Iraq, Syria), Amalek (Jordan); Ezekiel 38 Gog Magog (Turkey), Meshech (Turkey), Tubal (Turkey), Gomer (Turkey), Beth Togarmah (Turkey), Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan/Somalia), Put (Libya).

As I said, “In the end they are doomed”.   There is no partiality with God. He chose the Jews not to be a repository of His blessings, but to be a vehicle through which He would bless all the nations of the world, including the Arabs. But, the fundamental requirement to receive God’s blessings for both, Jew and Arab as well as all people is to accept God’s gift of love in Jesus by receiving Him as Messiah.

The Tribulation will settle things folks.  But what happens between now and then.  How much must we endure?  We need to take bakc our land. They will destroy us along their path if we let them. I mentioned in a previous post that it is time we as Christians need to stand up and fight for our Christian faith and come back to “In God We Trust”.

Get out this fall and vote for Christian leaders.  Pray and vote your mind.  Remember that God is still in control and is not finished.  All the leaders placed in office are of His will or they are allowed by Him for His purpose.

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers”, John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Watch your back!
“The Tubthumper”

 

Man Jailed for holding Bible Studies, right or wrong?

This is all over the news lately.

Father of six faces 60 days behind bars for hosting Bible study in his OWN home against city rules.

If you have been following my blog you know I am a professed Christian.  Just for the record right up front, I think this preacher is wrong.  He is seriously wrong.  While the entire world is increasing in acts of rebellion and anger at authority I believe a man of God should be setting an example for the world.  Romans 13 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”

I especially believe one who claims to be a preacher which comes with a high level responsibility outlined by the Lord should be submitting to authority and showing the world how a Christian lives differently.

“The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man; and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”, Benjamin Franklin.

To all my fellow Christians, be careful, the world is watching us.

Read the news release and then I will continue:  screen-shot-2012-07-07-at-4_52_55-pm-1341694836

A Phoenix man who held weekly Bible studies at his home has had the book thrown at him over the religious gatherings. Michael Salman (pictured at right) has been sentenced to two months in jail and more than $12,000 in fines because the group sessions at his home were against the city’s building code, Fox News Radio reported.

“They’re cracking down on religious activities and religious use,” Salman told Fox News Radio. “They’re attacking what I as a Christian do in the privacy of my home.”

Vicki Hill, Phoenix’s chief assistant city prosecutor, said religious freedom had nothing to do with it and that it was a matter of public safety.

“Any time you are holding a gathering of people continuously, as he does – we have concerns about people being able to exit the facility properly in case there is a fire,” Hill told Fox News Radio. “It came down to zoning and proper permitting.”

Since 2007, The Salman family has fought to say the building in their backyard is for private worship, but Phoenix officials say its run as a church, and not up to code.

The battle between Salman and the city of Phoenix is a longstanding feud. Hill said that Salman’s neighbors complained of the gatherings back in 2007 because they were causing too much traffic congestion. Originally, about 15 people would attend the Bible studies, Fox News Radio reported.

But that number began to grow, and that’s when Phoenix officials sent Salman a letter saying that his living room gatherings were in violation of the city’s building codes.

When he didn’t stop hosting the groups, the Phoenix Fire Department broke up a Good Friday gathering Salman was hosting at his home in 2008 in which there were as many as 20 people in the backyard.

Salman then decided to construct a 2,000-square-foot building in his backyard and move the gatherings there. He said that he applied for and was granted the appropriate permits for the building. Hill, however, said that the permits Salman received were for converting his garage into a game room.

Finally, in 2009, a dozen cops raided Salman’s home and charged him with 67 code violations for hosting the gatherings. Since then, the courts have sided with the city, saying that Salman was using the building as a church and, therefore, was subject to city zoning laws.  “He built a structure that he said wasn’t a church that is, in fact, a church,” Hill told Fox News Radio.

“The state is not saying that the Salmans can’t run a church or have worship services at the location,” read a Jan. 4, 2010, Arizona court ruling. “But the state is saying that if they do so, they must do it properly and in accord with fire and zoning laws.”

Salman doesn’t buy the court’s argument and has claimed that Phoenix officials are discriminating against him for his religious beliefs.

“If I had people coming to my home on a regular basis for poker night or Monday Night Football, it would be permitted,” he told Fox News Radio. “But when someone says to us we are not allowed to gather because of religious purposes – that is when you have discrimination.

Salman’s attorney is appealing the ruling and Salman’s sentencing, but unless a federal court intervenes, Salman will begin serving his sentence on July 9.   End of news release.

Ok, so this man and his followers have garnered the attention of the entire United States.  I wonder if he is proud of the scene he is making.  The officials said publicly they didn’t care if Mr. Salman ran a church there as long he goes through the proper channels.

Christ said that Christians are to be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13-16). They are always to shine as outstanding examples to the world. This includes a humble willingness to cheerfully obey all civil governments under which they find themselves.  I have reviewed enough of this case to know that this preacher is holding regular and consistent meetings to preach and study the word of God and to fellowship together.  (Sounds like a church)  I reviewed photos of his property and there is a cross in front marking the property clearly for all to see and there is a pulpit in the meeting room. (Looks like a church) I usually say if it looks like duck, walks like duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.  I have no idea why this man is rebelling against the city ordinances and crying discrimination but it looks to me as though he is wrong.  Besides, didn’t anyone tell him that once you become a child of God the persecution would begin?

Continued…  Click here to read part 2.

“The Tubthumper”