Search the Scriptures

Search the Scriptures a comparison of the apostles’ teaching with the traditions of denominations including

How To Become A Christian and

Thirty-Three Principles for Understanding Scripture and much more

prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada.

No rights reserved. Print and distribute freely.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture references are from the New International Version.

Date of Publication: August 17, 2015 ISBN-13: 978-1516948765 ISBN-10: 1516948769

You May Also Enjoy https://www.academia.edu/27774929 /Jesus_of_Nazareth_full_book_

Translate this book into your own language here https://translate.google.com Printed in the United States of America.

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Dedicated to The Word of God

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Table of Contents Search the Scriptures

9

How To Become A Christian

37

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled

67

Ideas of Hell and Salvation in Scripture

91

Nonviolence in Early Christian Thought

121

Decisions for the Poor

133

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Search the Scriptures a comparison of the apostles’ teaching with the traditions of denominations “They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” - Matthew 15:9 “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching, the breaking of bread, and in prayer.” – Acts 2:42

Directions: Followers of Jesus desire to follow the apostles’ teaching rather than human rules and traditions. Read the scripture passages for each numbered set below, then decide which statement is the Truth of God’s Word and which is false human tradition. Enter (T) for the Truth of God’s Word and (F) for human tradition.

Remember that other scriptures may also be relevant.

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JESUS 1. ( ) Mary is a mediator between God and man. ( ) Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5 2. ( ) Mary remained a perpetual virgin and had no children other than Jesus. ( ) Jesus had other brothers and sisters, the children of Mary.

Scripture: Mark 6:3; Matthew 13: 55, 56 3. ( ) Jesus Christ was God in the flesh or God in the form of a man. As deity, He is to be worshipped.

Christians can pray to Jesus. ( ) Jesus was only a man with special wisdom and power. He had a special relationship to God, but he is not God and should not be worshipped.

Scripture: Matthew 1:23; John 20:28; Hebrews 1: 6; John 1:1, 14; Acts 7:59, 60 10 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

THE CHURCH 4. ( ) Jesus’ followers are called Christians. ( ) Jesus’ followers are called Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans, Pentecostals, etc.

Scripture: Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4: 16 5. ( ) Christians should assemble regularly together. ( ) A Christian need not meet regularly with other Christians.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25 6. ( ) There is one church, one body of Christ. Divisions are sinful. ( ) It is good to have many denominations among professing Christians.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 1:10

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7. ( ) Women are to be silent in the church assembly and may not have authority over men. ( ) Women may preach to the church and may be leaders in the church and have authority over men.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:34-3; 1 Timothy 2: 11, 12; 1 Timothy 3: 1-13 8. ( ) The church can be called the United church, Anglican, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Mennonite, etc. ( ) The church should be referred to as the church of God, churches of Christ, the body of Christ, the household of faith.

Scripture: Romans 16:16; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 12: 27

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9. ( ) One does not have to be a member of the body of Christ, the church, in order to be saved. ( ) Jesus bought the church with his own blood. He is the Saviour of the church and gave himself up for her.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:23-25; Acts 20:28

CHURCH LEADERS 10. ( ) Saints are a special group of holy ones among God’s people. ( ) Every follower of Jesus is a saint.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1: 2; 14:33; Romans 1:7 11. ( ) All of God’s people today are a royal priesthood. ( ) Only a special class among God’s people may be called priests.

Scripture: Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9

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12. ( ) The title “Reverend” belongs only to special church leaders. ( ) All of God’s people are to be holy or reverend.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15, 16 13. ( ) Jesus is the head over everything for the church, and the church headquarters is therefore in heaven. ( ) The church may have a human head such as a pope, patriarch, or other appointed individual, and the church headquarters may be on earth.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:17, 18

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14. ( ) The terms bishop (overseer), elder (presbyter) and pastor (shepherd), refer to one office in the church. ( ) A bishop is higher than a pastor who is higher than an elder.

Scripture: Titus 1: 5-9; 1 Peter 5: 1-4; Acts 20: 17, 28 15. ( ) A bishop is a ruler over several congregations. ( ) A bishop is one of a plurality of bishops who rule one congregation.

They are served by deacons.

Scripture: Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-7 16. ( ) Bishops must not be married. ( ) Bishops must be the husband of one wife.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3: 2, 4, 5; Titus 1: 6, 7

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17. ( ) Peter alone was given power to bind and loose. ( ) All the apostles had power to bind and loose.

Scripture: Matthew 16: 16-19; Matthew 18: 1, 18 18. ( ) Peter held first place among the apostles and was the recognized head of the church. ( ) There was a plurality of leaders in the Jerusalem church including James, Peter and John. James gave the final judgment at the Jerusalem council. Jesus is the head over all things for the church.

Scripture: Galatians 2:9; Acts 15: 13-21; Ephesians 1: 22

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BAPTISM 19. ( ) Baptism does not save us. ( ) Baptism saves us. It is the pledge to God of a good conscience. It saves us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:21 20. ( ) We are baptized so that our sins may be forgiven and that we may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ( ) We are baptized to show that our sins have already been forgiven.

Scripture: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 21. ( ) He who believes, is saved and should then be baptized. ( ) He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.

Scripture: Mark 16:16

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22. ( ) Baptism is a sprinkling or pouring of water. ( ) Baptism is a burial or immersion in water.

Scripture: Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4 23. ( ) To be forgiven after baptism, one should confess his sins to a priest who will pray to the Lord. ( ) To be forgiven, a Christian should repent and confess his sins directly to the Lord.

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Acts 8:13, 22

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24. ( ) Salvation is obtained by praying to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour. ( ) Salvation from sin is obtained by believing the gospel, plus repentance, plus confessing Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, plus being immersed into Christ and His death in order to receive the forgiveness of sin. By baptism one pledges to keep a good conscience toward God. Scripture: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Matthew 10:32, 33; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Peter 3:21

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25. ( ) Babies and little children need to be baptized. ( ) Little children are innocent. No one inherits the sins or guilt of an ancestor. Only older people who have sins of their own need to be baptized.

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6, 10, 11; Acts 8:12; Ezekiel 18:19-32 26. ( ) After believing the gospel, people should be baptized immediately. ( ) After believing the gospel, people should wait until the church can be assembled or until relatives can observe this special occasion. One should wait for a special day like Sunday or Easter.

Scripture: Acts 2:41; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 16:32,33; Acts 22:16; Acts 19:4,5

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27. ( ) One does not have to be baptized in order to enter the body of Christ, the church. ( ) In order to be united with Christ and His body, the church one must be baptized.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27 28. ( ) In order to enter the kingdom of God one only needs to be born of the Spirit. Water is not necessary for salvation. ( ) Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Scripture: John 3:5

Stari Grad, Hvar, 6th century A.D.

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29. ( ) We receive salvation and forgiveness simply by praying for it and asking Jesus to come into our hearts. ( ) We receive salvation and forgiveness by being baptized into Jesus’ death so that we may live a new life.

Scripture: Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3, 4; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16

THE COMMUNION 30. ( ) The practice of the early church was to take communion or the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. ( ) The communion or Lord’s Supper may be taken quarterly or annually.

Scripture: Acts 20:7

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31. ( ) In the communion or Lord’s Supper it is the real flesh and blood of Christ that we eat. ( ) In the communion or Lord’s Supper, it is bread and fruit of the vine (the cup) that we eat and drink.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:25,26; Matthew 26:29 32. ( ) Only the priest may drink the cup in the communion or Lord’s Supper. ( ) All Christians are to receive both the bread and the fruit of the vine (the cup).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

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THE HOLY SPIRIT 33. ( ) Special gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit were given by the laying on of the apostles hands. ( ) Gifts of the Holy Spirit were received through prayer with any Christians laying on hands.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 1:11; Acts 8:14-18; Acts 19:6 34. ( ) The baptism of the Holy Spirit was received simply by praying for it. ( ) The baptism of the Holy Spirit came unexpectedly and was never prayed for, did not save anyone, nor was it a sign that the person receiving it was saved.

Scripture: Acts 1:4,5; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 11:13-17; Acts 10:44-48

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35. ( ) The gift of tongues was the ability to speak a foreign language without learning it. This was to be a sign to unbelievers that the gospel was true. ( ) The gift of tongues was the ability to make ecstatic sounds, not a real human language but a prayer language that could be received by human prompting.

Scripture: Acts 2:4-12; 1 Corinthians 14:22

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36. ( ) God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This means His Will has never changed and that He still performs miracles like those recorded in the Bible. ( ) God’s Will for man has changed.

The old Will or testament has been replaced by the New Testament.

Miracles were for the purpose of confirming the word of God, the message of salvation. The record of miracles in the Bible is given so that we might believe in Jesus.

Scripture: Hebrews 8:7, 13; Hebrews 9: 1418; Mark 16: 20; Hebrews 2: 3, 4; John 20:30, 31

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SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE 37. ( ) Any additions to or deletions from the Bible are forbidden. The scriptures are sufficient. ( ) Inspired prophecy and revelations are still being given and can be added to the New Testament as instruction in righteousness.

Scripture: Revelation 22: 18, 19 38. ( ) The tradition of the church is just as true as the Word of God. The scriptures are not adequate to explain everything a Christian must believe and do. ( ) The tradition of the church may nullify the Word of God. The scriptures thoroughly explain what a Christian must believe and do.

Scripture: Matthew 15:3,6-9; 2 Timothy 3: 16,17

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39. ( ) The apostles were given all the truth we need, and this faith has been delivered once for all. ( ) Additional truths of the faith are still being given and revealed to special men who God has chosen.

Scripture: Jude 3; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3

OLD TESTAMENT RULES 40. ( ) God’s people today must observe the Sabbath day, Saturday, as a day of worship and rest. ( ) God’s people today worship on the first day of the week. The Sabbath kept by Jews was a shadow of a reality found in Christ.

Scripture: Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17

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41. ( ) Christians should not eat pork and certain other meats. ( ) Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.

Scripture: Colossians 2:16; 1 Timothy 4:3-5

BEFORE AND AFTER MARRIAGE 42. ( ) Divorce should be granted for incompatibility or any other good reason. ( ) Divorce should not be permitted for any reason. ( ) Divorce for any reason, except for the cause of fornication, should not be practiced.

Scripture: Matthew 5:31,32; Matthew 19:3-9

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43. ( ) Sex before marriage (a life commitment) is healthy and may help a couple discover if they will be compatible in marriage. ( ) Sex is good and honourable but belongs only in marriage. Sex before marriage (fornication) is condemned.

Scripture: Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4 44. ( ) Marriage to the one you love can last through eternity in heaven. ( ) In heaven no one will be married but will be like the angels.

Scripture: Mark 12: 24, 25

OTHER RELIGIONS 45. ( ) It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. ( ) One may be zealous for God yet still be wrong about what he believes and not please God. Scripture: Romans 10:1-3 30 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

46. ( ) All world religions are true and teach basically the same thing. It is not absolutely necessary to believe in Jesus to be saved. ( ) Unless one believes that Jesus is who He claims to be, the Word that was God and became flesh, one shall die in his sins and not see eternal life.

Scripture: John 3:36; John 8:24; Acts 4:12 47. ( ) A person should not try to change his religion but should die in the religion he was born with. ( ) Both the Jews and the Gentiles had to change their religion in order to be saved.

Scripture: Romans 10:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:16

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48. ( ) People who have not heard the gospel, would not need to hear and obey it in order to be saved. ( ) Unless someone takes the gospel to those who have not heard it, they will not be saved.

Scripture: Romans 10:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:16

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FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 49. ( ) Everyone must die once, then face purgatory. ( ) Everyone must die once, then face judgment.

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27 50. ( ) Most people will go to heaven.

Only a few really bad people like Hitler or Judas, will go to hell. ( ) Most people will go to hell.

Punishment for not obeying God’s Word will be never-ending.

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 7:13, 14; Matthew 25:45, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10

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51. ( ) Hell is only the misfortune and suffering that people experience in this life. There is no hell after death. ( ) There will be a final judgment of all people and many will then suffer eternal punishment.

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20: 11-15 52. ( ) After becoming a child of God, a Christian is unable to sin to the point that he would be lost eternally. ( ) After becoming a child of God, one may be severed from Christ.

The possibility always remains that a Christian may so sin that he would be lost eternally.

Scripture: Luke 8:13; John 15:1-7; Romans 11:19-22; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 6: 4-6, 12; Hebrews 10: 26, 27; Hebrews 12:15-17; 2 Peter 2:17-22; 2 Peter 3:17

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53. ( ) There is no forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. ( ) If we repent and confess our sins, God will forgive us even after we are baptized. But shall we sin knowing this is true?

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Acts 8:13,22; Romans 6:1-3

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How To Become a Christian

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Dedicated to The Author of Life and my loving Wife, Jennie

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CONTENTS How To Use This Guide 43 Foretold 45 God With Us 45 Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ 46 The Lamb Sacrificed For Our Sins 47 What Jesus Wants Everyone To Do 49 Forgiveness of Sins 47 Crucified With Him 51 How To Be Happy 52 Why Be Baptized 53 Encouraging Words 54 Shall We Go On Sinning After Baptism? 59 What About Little Children?

60 Can One Be Forgiven After Baptism?

61 How To Stay Faithful To God 62 A Final Question 63 Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled 67 What People Say About This Book 82

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How To Use This Guide If you want to help someone decide to become a Christian, ask the person to read the scriptures aloud from this guide book or from the Bible. Then ask them to read and answer the questions aloud. Then ask the person if they believe what they have read.

Another approach is to refer to the guide while inviting the person to read the scripture verses from their own Bible. Then after each reading, ask the corresponding questions from the guide.

If you are not yet a Christian, simply read the scriptures and answer the questions for yourself. If you decide you want to become a Christian as described in this guide, contact the person who gave you this booklet or find a Christian community by doing searches on the internet.

God bless you as you travel farther down the path that leads to a life of love, compassion, peace, and adventure in reaching the lost.

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FORETOLD Read Isaiah 53 (written in the 8th century before Christ) Question: Who is this chapter speaking about?

GOD WITH US Read Matthew 1:21-23 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).

Question: According to the verses above, who is Jesus and what was he to save people from?

Do you believe it?

Read John 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things 45 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.... The Word became flesh and lived among us.

Question: According to the verses above, who was the Word?

Do you believe it?

Read John 20:28-29 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Question: According to the verses above, who is Jesus?

Do you believe it?

DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I 46 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures....

Question: According to the verses above, what must we believe that is of first importance?

Do you believe it?

THE LAMB SACRIFICED FOR OUR SINS Read John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Read 1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Question: According to the verses above, what did Jesus do?

Do you believe it?

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WHAT JESUS WANTS EVERYONE TO DO

Read Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Read Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Question: According to the verses above, what does Jesus want everyone to believe and do to be saved?

Do you believe it?

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FORGIVENESS OF SINS Read Luke 24:46-49 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Question: According to the verses above, where would forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name begin to be preached to all nations?

Do you believe it?

Several days after the above words were spoken, the disciples were in Jerusalem.

Read Acts 2:14,36-41 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven (apostles), raised his voice and addressed the crowd....

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the 49 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Question: According to the verses above, what two things were the people told to do to receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit? Is the same promise also for us today? What did people do when they accepted the message?

Do you believe it?

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CRUCIFIED WITH HIM Read Romans 6:1-4,6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.... 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin...

Questions: According to the verses above, how do we enter into Christ and his death, in order to live a new life? When is a person crucified with Christ, to give up sin?

Do you believe it?

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HOW TO BE HAPPY Read Acts 8:32-39 This is the passage of Scripture (Isaiah 53) the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch 52 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Question: According to the verses above, what does the eunuch want to do immediately after he was told the good news about Jesus? When does the eunuch rejoice? Why do you think he was so happy?

Do you believe it?

WHY BE BAPTIZED? Read Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

Question: According to the verse above, why should one be baptized?

Do you believe it?

I wonder if you have thought about being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and to start a new life following the teaching of Christ.

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ENCOURAGING WORDS Read 2 Timothy 1:10 ...it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Read 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Read 1 Peter 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Question: Do you want to be happy knowing your sins are forgiven and hopeful that you will go to heaven when you die? What will you do?

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Sixth century immersion baptismal basin at Nocera Superiore, Italy

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Crucified with Christ Fourth century immersion baptismal basin in the shape of a cross, San Pedro Alcantara, southern Spain

SHALL WE GO ON SINNING AFTER BAPTISM? Read Romans 6:1-5 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus 56 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Read Romans 6:6-13 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your 57 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Read Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Read Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins...

Questions: According to the verses above, when is one done with sin, crucified with Christ, made alive with Christ, and forgiven of sins?

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Read 1 Peter 3:20-21 ...in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ...

Question: According to the verses above, what saves you? What is our pledge to keep a clear conscience before God? Do you believe it?

Immersion baptism of Christ, depicted by Paolo Veneziano, artist of the 14th century, Venice, Italy

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WHAT ABOUT LITTLE CHILDREN? Read Matthew 18:2-5 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.�

Question: According to verses above, what is the spiritual condition of little children?

Read Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Question: According to the verse above, what did people do when they heard the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ? Were little children baptized?

Do you believe it? What will you do?

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CAN ONE BE FORGIVEN AFTER BAPTISM? Read Acts 8:13,18-23 Simon himself believed and was baptized.... When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Question: According to the verses above, what was Simon told to do to be forgiven when he sinned after being baptized?

Do you believe it?

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Read 1 John 1:8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Read 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Question: According to the verses above, how can we be forgiven of sins committed after baptism?

Do you believe it?

HOW TO STAY FAITHFUL TO GOD Read Hebrews 3:12-14 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in 62 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

Read Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Question: According to the verses above, what can help us stay faithful to the end?

Do you believe it? What will you do?

A FINAL QUESTION: HOW SOON WERE PEOPLE BAPTIZED? Read Acts 2:40-41 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Read Acts 8: 35-38 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture (Isaiah 63 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

53) and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?�

And he gave orders to stop the chariot.

Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Read Acts 16: 32-33 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.

Question: According to the verses above, how soon were people baptized after they heard the message or good news about Jesus? Why do you think they wanted to be baptized so soon?

What will you do?

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Are you thinking of being baptized to receive the forgiveness of your sins, new life, and the Holy Spirit?

To find someone to assist you to be baptized, email Daniel at collegemhc@gmail.com Or phone 1-778-433-1547

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Mosaic of the immersion baptism of Christ 13th century, Florence, Italy

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Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled HOW CAN WE KNOW JESUS IS THE ONE WHO WAS PROMISED TO SAVE THE WORLD? "As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things into which angels long to look."

- 1 Peter 1:10-12

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Given the eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus of Nazareth are accurate, the following details selected below out of hundreds contained in ancient Hebrew writings (Old Testament) that pre-date Jesus, appear to confirm his identity as the Messiah, the promised one who would save Israel as well as the Gentiles who turn to God. 1. He would be born in the town of Bethlehem. - Micah 5:2 (700 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-6 Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Matthew 2:1-5 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to 68 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written…”

2. He would be born of a virgin. - Isaiah 7:14 (700 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-25 Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but 69 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

3. He would perform miracles. – Isaiah 35:5-6 (700 BC) fulfilled in all the gospel accounts.

Isaiah 35:5-6 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

4. He would calm the storm.- Psalm 107:29 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Mark 4:39 Psalm 107:29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

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5. He would speak in parables. – Psalm 78:2 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Mark 4:34 Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old.

Mark 4:34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

6. He would enter Jerusalem as a lowly king, riding on a donkey. – Zechariah 9:9 (500 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 21:6-9 Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

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Matthew 21:6-8 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

7. The price of his betrayal would be thirty pieces of silver. – Zechariah 11:1213 (500 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 26:14-15 and Matthew 27:3-10 Zechariah 11:12-13 I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

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Matthew 26:14-15 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot— went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 27:3-10 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they decided 73 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

8. His death would be as a sacrificial lamb. – Isaiah 53:5-8,10-11 (700 BC) fulfilled in John 1:29 Isaiah 53:5-8 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the 74 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

transgression of my people he was punished.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

9. Lots would be cast for his garment. – Psalm 22:18 (1000 BC) fulfilled in John 19:23-24 Psalm 22:18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

John 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture 75 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did.

10. His manner of death (crucifixion): hands and feet pierced. – Psalm 22:16 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 27:38 (see nail marks in his hands in John 20:25) Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.

John 20:25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

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11. Specific words would be spoken by those mocking him at his death. – Psalm 22:7,8 (1000 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 27:42-43 Psalm 22:7,8 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

Matthew 27:42-43 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.

He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

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12. He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. – Isaiah 53:9 (700 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 27:57-60 Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:57-60 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.

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13. After his death, he would return to life. – Isaiah 53:10-11 (700 BC) fulfilled in Matthew 28:5-6 Isaiah 53:10-11 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

Matthew 28:5-6 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

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14. He would be Light to the Gentiles. – Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:6 (700 BC) fulfilled in Luke 2:29-32 Isaiah 42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 49:6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 2:29-32 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

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15. He would bring a new testament or covenant. – Jeremiah 31:31 (600 BC) fulfilled in Luke 22:20 Jeremiah 31:31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.”

Luke 22:20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Do you believe Jesus of Nazareth is the one who was foretold by the ancient Hebrew prophets; the divine son of God who came to earth, died for the sins of the world, and rose to life again?

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK Phyllis B. (Oklahoma-Catholic) “It is so inspirational! Just the little I've read, brought me to God's dwelling place, and I can see how it'd be very effective! Very beautiful, Daniel!”

Cherylyn Roddenberry (Florida – Mennonite) “I believe there is great potential for effectiveness. It is well written and the questions are thought provoking. I think it would be a great witnessing tool.”

Febin John (Bangalore – YWAM) “It's really fantastic, Mr. Daniel. Awesome..... Explained well too... God Bless you....”

Miguel Abaunza (El Paso – Catholic) “I believe that this would be an excellent and effective tool to evangelize.”

Sean St. Jean (Vancouver- Church of Christ) “I just read through your booklet and I really like it. Specifically, I like that it is Jesus-focused, built on scripture references, and generally 82 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

keeps to the essentials.... Of course one could argue that there are many additional points that ought to be communicated when leading someone to Christ, but I think you do a fine job of communicating the fundamentals. I hope that helps, and good luck! I am sure that God is already blessing your efforts.”

Deanna Magistad (British Columbia) “Sir, I have read your booklet. It was easy to open and read. I do believe it has potential and can be effective.”

Donna Saumell Golder (California - Catholic) “I very much like your booklet. It is to the point and contains all of the important elements addressed to adults. Thank you for this wonderful booklet. Our Lord desires each soul He created to know and love Him.” Peter Tucker (New York – Anglican) “Well done from a road-to-Damascus (Bible) perspective.”

Sam Lalonde (Victoria, British Columbia – Church of Christ) “Hey Dan, I just scrolled through the booklet you sent me. I definitely like the simplicity, yet effectiveness of the 83 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

message the booklet is trying to send to the reader. The format is good. I give it a thumbs up! Thanks for sending it to me.”

Nathaniel Ogden Kidd (Wisconsin – Anglican) “Without question, to the extent it IS effective, it is a very clear testament to the Scriptures as the core and foundation of Christian faith and theology. I appreciate that emphasis -whatever ways we win people to Christ, this certainly needs to be emphasized, and the sooner we can get people thinking this way, the better.”

Suzanne Gyles (New York – Catholic) “Good morning, Daniel. Thank you for the booklet. I appreciate it and had no trouble downloading on my tablet. I will print it and give it to my family.”

Victoria Patricia (Philadelphia – Catholic) “You did an excellent job as always, Daniel! I enjoyed reading this! I think it may be helpful to those who choose to read it.”

Barry Leonard (Kentucky – Methodist) “I think this would be a very effective tool for evangelism, especially in a discipling situation, 84 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

One-on-one or in a group. I like the logical progression of the material and the way it is laid out. Thanks for allowing me to preview this and to comment on it.”

Shawn Paden (Texas – Church of Christ) “It looks good to me. Keep up the good work” (1 Cor. 15:58).

West Nigeria Christian College: “The booklet is definitely a solid potential and very effective means of evangelism. It has a general link of better understanding of salvation. God bless you.”

Diana Cooper (California - Baptist) “Hello Daniel, I very much enjoyed your booklet, and I think that it has the potential for effectiveness in the very best of ways. I understood it; in fact it was very well understood. I personally liked the layout, and being a child of God is a very special place. Yes we ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but we also need to be baptized. I would enjoy reading some other books, God Bless.”

Roger L. Leonard (Georgia - Church of Christ) “I think the booklet is clear and straightforward.

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Well done. Do you mind sharing the program used to make this electronic book?”

Towers Chelsea (Tennessee) “I enjoy reading and found it very interesting from the start. It started off well. The time flow was well designed. I was very impressed with the visual pictures that were added. I was trying also to figure out what particular audience of readers you were or maybe applying to in this book.

Could you have been writing to someone who backslide and need a refresher or a person who do not know Christ at all who needs a starter? But according to your title the answer is well enough said. I say thank you for writing such material and hope to see you continue to share God's words. Thanks.”

Denise Gansmann (Illinois – Pentecostal) “Well it seemed OK to me....a person new to Christianity needs simple basics to receive ....had some nice pics to it to help it be interesting...is simple so I like it.”

Katherine Mary Martin Osb (Alabama – Anglican) “Daniel, several thoughts and questions: Who is the intended reader? Your 86 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Denomination only? Looks like a booklet to be discussed with someone who has knowledge.

Not sure it is a stand-alone booklet without a mentor. But would be a good "structure" for a 1 on 1 discussion set. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of reading and the gift of time to respond.”

Christa Smith (British Columbia – Church of Christ) “First of all, I really appreciate you made a resource to this end. I think this is important. One thing I've learned over the past few years in ministry is the need for breaking things down for people, helping them interpret what is going on in their lives. I really like the part on baptism, particularly how you've incorporated the photos of the baptismals you came across while in Europe.”

Adaeze Emilia Mbakwe (Nigeria – Catholic) “Viewed it on Academia and consider it a good medium for spreading the Gospel. This simple booklet contains basic truths about our faith which every Christian should know and answers certain questions which the curiosity of a new believer may raise. The questions you ask after each Bible Verse makes one think 87 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

deeply about what the verse says and come to their own decision about it. Keep up the good work.”

Karen Songe (Louisiana – Catholic) “I find this guide How to Become a Christian, to be very well laid out for the person discerning becoming a Christian, but more than that, it gives basic answers to many Catholics who were not properly catechized in their formative years. This of course has been the cause of a number of Catholics turning away from the Church or even turning to another religion. This Guide reminds me of the Baltimore Catechism, which was the way many of us learned about the Catholic faith. I am on our RCIA team and believe it to be one effective tool to those Catholics who were baptized, but never were catechized and did not receive the other Sacraments of the Church. I believe you did a great job in putting this together and offering it at no cost, showing us where your heart is.

Hopefully this will lead to other material to help many in their journey to follow the narrow path to the Father.”

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James D. Suiter (Tennessee – Church of Christ) “I have read, posted and sent to many!

Great book!!”

Maybe you are thinking of being baptized to receive the forgiveness of your sins, new life, and the Holy Spirit?

To find someone to assist you to be baptized, email Daniel at collegemhc@gmail.com

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Ideas of Hell and Salvation in Scripture prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada (All scripture references are from the New International Version.)

The idea of hell is fundamental to the meaning of the cross and the good news about Jesus Christ. Three ideas about hell are believed by those who identify themselves as Christians: ANNIHILATION: Those who die outside of Christ will be utterly destroyed or annihilated at the final judgment of all humanity. Edward Fudge advocates this view in his book The Fire That Consumes.

TEMPORARY PUNISHMENT: Those who die outside of Christ will be punished or disciplined for a temporary period of time depending upon their sin or works. Eventually everyone will spend eternity with God in heaven. Arthur Chambers advocates this view in his book Our Life After Death.

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ETERNAL CONSCIOUS TORMENT: Read the scriptures below to determine whether or not this view is true.

The Idea of Hell Daniel 12:1-2 At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 8:12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness,

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where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.

Matthew 22:13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25:30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25: 41,46 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.... Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

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Mark 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.

Mark 9:48 “…hell where 'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.' “ Mark 16:15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Luke 12:4-6 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body

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has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

Luke 16:22-28 The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’”

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John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

John 8:23-24 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

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Acts 17:29-31 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Romans 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God… Romans 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath…

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 97 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ‌and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with 98 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.

Hebrews 2:2-3 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?

Hebrews 3:10-11 That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.' So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'

Hebrews 10:28-29 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified 99 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 12:25, 27-28 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?...

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; 2 Peter 2:9-10 …the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. This is especially true of those who 100 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.

2 Peter 2:17 These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

2 Peter 3:7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Jude 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. Jude 7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

Jude 13 ‌wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, 101 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

Revelation 14:9-11 If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.

Revelation 20:10-15 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.... And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is 102 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it (the holy city), nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

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When we hear the bad news about the wrath of God against all ungodliness, we are glad to hear the good news about the forgiveness and salvation offered through Christ our Lord.

The Idea of Salvation 2 Timothy 1:10 "...our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" John 1:1-8, 10-14 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not 104 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Acts 26:23 “that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

1 John 4:9-10 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Mark 16:15-16 “He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized 105 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Luke 24:46,47 “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’“ Acts 2:36-38 “ ‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ ” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “ ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ ” Peter replied, “ ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit...’”

Acts 22:16 “And now what are you waiting for?

Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”

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After your baptism, you will be “giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).

1 Peter 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Do you believe? Do you repent of your sins?

Will you be baptized? If so, email 107 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

collegemhc@gmail.com and let me assist you in your adoption to become a child of God. I will arrange your baptism as soon as possible.

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Thirty-Three Principles for Understanding Scripture

by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada

While the author cannot speak for churches of Christ, common among them are unique ways of understanding holy scripture, believed to have been written by apostles and prophets of the Lord before the destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.) and circulated among the early Christian communities (E.g. A letter called First Clement in about 95 A.D., refers to at least ten New Testament books), then collected as a volume by the self-identified Christian community of the second century A.D. or earlier, e.g. the list of Marcion (140 A.D.).

1. A concept is informed by all scriptures that speak of the concept. – “The sum of Your word is truth” in Ps.119:160.

2. Personal experience, zeal, or sincerity should never be elevated above God's revealed will in scripture. – “For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on 109 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the basis of knowledge. Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness” in Romans 10:2-3.

3. The number of times a word or concept is mentioned in scripture does not determine its truth. E.g. stated only once: "on the first day of the week we came together to break bread" in Acts 20:7.

4. A matter of Christian faith and practice is approved only if it is stated in writings given by the apostles and prophets of the Lord who were guided “into all truth” by the Holy Spirit, as stated in John 16:13. The only means of knowing what the apostles and prophets taught is by reading what the apostles and prophets wrote. – “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens of the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone” in Ephesians 2:1920.

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5. The writings given by the apostles and prophets of the Lord (the new covenant), take precedence over the writings of the old covenant which is obsolete. – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear” in Hebrews 8:13.

6. If a teaching seems to enjoin a crime or vice, it is figurative. E.g. “unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you” in John 6:53.

7. A biblical practice or teaching is only culturally-related and not universally commanded if there is no eternal spiritual principle or meaning attached to it. E.g.

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body” in Mark 16:1.

8. Aim to teach only the language of the text without extending the meaning. E.g. when David speaks of his personal remorse in Psalm 51 “in sin did my mother conceive me,” we do 111 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

not extend this to include all humanity from conception.

9. If a specific kind of a thing is prescribed, all other kinds of that thing are excluded.

E.g. “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord” excludes playing a musical instrument to the Lord. This principle is sometimes stated as: “Whatever is not expressly enjoined, is prohibited,” as Paul says, "Do not go beyond what is written" (1 Corinthians 4:6), as opposed to, “Whatever is not expressly forbidden is permitted.” This was also a principle of the Old Testament: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you” in Deuteronomy 4:2; see also Revelation 22:1819.

10. The onus is upon the individual to distinguish truth from error. “Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error” in 1 John 4:6. In Acts 20, we learn that apostasy 112 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

occurred among those who were taught by the apostles, which means traditions, teachings, and writings presented as the word of God must be compared and agree with writings believed to have been authored by the apostles and prophets of the risen Lord.

11. Metaphorical language given by inspiration should not be given meaning unless the inspired writer reveals the meaning. E.g. Peter is “rock” and given “keys to the kingdom of Heaven” in Matthew 16:16. If it means Peter was made head of the church, it must at least be stated in one subsequent passage.

12. Test your understanding of a text, against the faith and practice of Christians who lived soon after the text was written.

E.g. If Jesus cleansing the temple or telling his apostles to buy swords, means followers of Jesus can make a violent defense, one should be able to see this understanding believed or practiced by early Christians during the earliest period after the apostles and prophets of the Lord.

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13. When trying to understand the meaning of scripture intended by the writer, consider the full context and parallel passages. E.g. “made alive with Christ” in Ephesians 2:5, is a promise associated with baptism in Colossians 2:12-13.

14. Some teachings are more important than others, and the Lord requires obedience to all His teaching. E.g. “You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” in Matthew 23:23. Beware the tendency toward legalism that majors on minors.

15. Although full obedience is required of servants, full obedience does not make the servants worthy: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’ ” in Luke 17:10.

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16. Legalism occurs when one adds to God’s word or substitutes traditions, rules, and teachings of men for the word of God: "Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition….They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules" in Matthew 15:9.

17. To get the meaning, consider the context of a verse or phrase or book, and ask yourself, “What is the intent of the writer?”

18. The will of God can be understood through direct command, apostolic example (e.g. “follow me as I follow Christ” – Paul), and necessary inference, e.g. assembling together necessarily includes a place to meet.

19. A concept may be expressed in more than one word or phrase, e.g. “baptized into Christ” in Romans 6:3 is also described as “crucified with him” in Romans 6:6.

20. Miraculous spiritual gifts were given through the laying on of the apostles’ 115 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

hands. E.g.“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard….., they sent Peter and John,” and “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power” in Acts 8:14,18.

21. Baptism is necessary to and part of believing the gospel message. E.g. “….preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” in Mark 16:15-16.

22. Calling on the name of the Lord for salvation is fulfilled in biblical baptism. E.g. “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” in Acts 2:21 is “repent and be baptized” in Acts 2:38.

23. Biblical healing miracles were always visible, immediate, and complete. E.g. “Then He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand!’ He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other” in Matthew 12:13 and “Paul 116 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him” in Acts 28:8.

24. An apostle of Christ must have been a witness of the resurrected Christ and also demonstrate the signs of an apostle. E.g.

“Therefore, it is necessary to select one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection” in Acts 1:21-22 and “I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles” in 2 Corinthians 12:12.

25. The concept of saving faith includes the idea of baptism. E.g. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ“in Galatians 3:26-27, and “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead” in Colossians 2:12.

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26. Baptism requires the conscious personal faith of the one who is baptized.

E.g. “But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” in Roman 6:17-18, and “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead” in Colossians 2:12, and “this water (of the flood) symbolizes the baptism that now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of (to keep) a clear conscience toward God. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” in 1 Peter 3:21.

27. The terms elders or presbyters, bishops, and pastors are synonymous and interchangeable in scripture, referring to the same position, always a plurality of supervising men, served by a plurality of deacons in local Christian communities. E.g. “Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church…..Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of 118 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops.Be pastors of the church of God…” in Acts 20:17,28.

28. To understand scripture, first try to identify the genre of literature it fits into: law, history, wisdom, poetry, narrative, epistles, prophecy and apocalyptic literature.

29. By reading, one will understand. E.g. “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets” in Ephesians 3:4-5.

30. The reader must use the word of truth correctly. E.g. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” in 2 Timothy 2:15.

31. In ancient Israel, government was a theocracy in which God commanded the 119 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

nation through prophets and gave power to carry out genocide and defeat idolatrous peoples. In the new Israel (the Christian community), forgiveness and grace have been made possible by the cross, and the rule is nonviolence, gentleness, and love. Divine vengeance will be carried out at the final judgment of all humanity. E.g. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” in Romans 12:19-21.

32. One’s love for God, and love for one’s neighbor (the two greatest commandments), are fulfilled in obedience to the teachings of Jesus, e.g. “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” in John 14:33.

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Nonviolence in Early Christian Thought prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada

If nonviolence is the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament, we would expect to find it in the earliest writings of Christians after the apostles and prophets of the Lord. What do we find?

First Century Love your enemies – Luke 6:27-28 do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. – Matthew 5:38-39 If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Stephen stoned – Acts 7:54-60 when stoned to death, Stephen says “forgive them”.

Christians dragged to prison and death - Acts 8:1-3, Acts 22:3-5, Acts 26:9-11, Galatians 1:13

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James killed – Acts 12:1-3 was killed with the sword.

Paul threatened and arrested – Acts 28:19 but had no charge to bring against those who conspired to kill him.

Christians treated violently – Romans 12:1721 overcome evil with good.

Christian slaves beaten for doing what is right – 1 Peter 2:18-25 suffer patiently as Christ did.

Do not fear suffering violent attack – 1 Peter 3:14-15, Rev.2:10 be faithful unto death.

Christians facing opposition were called to have their own blood shed – Heb.12:3-4.

Do not war as the world does but use your spiritual weapons – 2 Cor. 10:3-6, Eph.6:1218.

The death of Jesus for His enemies (when He could have destroyed them) defines a new kind of love. – “This is love: not that we loved God,

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but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10 Christian Gnosticism emerged in part because of the inability of some early Christians to reconcile the violent God portrayed in the Old Testament with the nonviolent God of Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament, so they concluded there were two gods: an evil violent creator god who created the material world, and a good nonviolent loving god.

Second to Fourth Century Ignatius of Antioch (80-140 AD) in Epistle to the Ephesians: “And let us imitate the Lord, who, when He was reviled, reviled not again ; when He was crucified, He answered not; when He suffered, He threatened not ; but prayed for His enemies, Father, forgive them; they know not what they do. If anyone, the more he is injured, displays the more patience, blessed is he.”

Justin Martyr (110-165 AD) in Dialogue with Trypho: “…we who were filled with war, and 123 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

mutual slaughter, and every wickedness, have each through the whole earth changed our warlike weapons,— our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage, —and we cultivate piety, righteousness, philanthropy, faith, and hope…”

Irenaeus (120-202 AD) in Against Heresies: “But if the law of liberty, that is, the word of God, preached by the apostles (who went forth from Jerusalem) throughout all the earth, caused such a change in the state of things, that these [nations] did form the swords and war-lances into ploughshares, and changed them into pruning-hooks for reaping the grain, [that is], into instruments used for peaceful purposes, and that they are now unaccustomed to fighting, but when smitten, offer also the other cheek…”

Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) in Justin Martyr (100-165 AD), First Apology, Ante-Nicene Fathers: “The Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius, to the People of Rome, and to the sacred Senate… I was surrounded by the enemy; and the enemy being at hand...

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there was close on us a mass of a mixed multitude of 977,000 men, which indeed we saw… Having then examined my own position, and my host, with respect to… the enemy, I quickly betook myself to prayer to the gods of my country. But being disregarded by them, I summoned those who among us go by the name of Christians. And having made inquiry, I discovered a great number and vast host of them, and raged against them, which was by no means becoming; for afterwards I learned their power. Wherefore they began the battle, not by preparing weapons, nor arms, nor bugles; for such preparation is hateful to them, on account of the God they bear about in their conscience.” (Note: While the authenticity of the letter is disputed, scholars accept that even if it is a forgery, it was written in the latter part of the second century and therefore reflects the values and beliefs of Christians at an early stage. Later Christians would embrace the just war theory of Augustine.)

Athenagoras (about 170 AD) in A Plea for the Christians: “…for we have learned, not only not to return blow for blow, nor to go to law with 125 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

those who plunder and rob us, but to those who smite us on one side of the face to offer the other side also, and to those who take away our coat to give likewise our cloak.”

Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) in Paedogogus: “In peace, not in war, we are trained.”

Clement of Alexandria in Protrepticus: “If you enroll as one of God’s people, heaven is your country and God your lawgiver. And what are His laws? You shall not kill, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. To him that strikes you on the one cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Tertullian (145-220 AD) in On Idolatry: “But how will a Christian man war, nay, how will he serve even in peace, without a sword, which the Lord has taken away? For albeit soldiers had come unto John, and had received the formula of their rule; albeit, likewise, a centurion had believed; still the Lord afterward, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier.”

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Hippolytus (170-235 AD) in Apostolic Tradition: "Persons who possess authority to kill, or soldiers, should not kill at all, even when it is commanded of them. Everyone who receives a distinctive leading position, or a magisterial power, and does not clothe himself in the weaponlessness of which is becoming to the Gospel, should be separated from the flock."

Hippolytus in Canons: “No Christian should go and become a soldier unless a commander who has a sword compels him; let him not draw any guilt of blood shed upon himself.”

Origen (185-254 AD) in Against Celsus: “To those who inquire of us from where we come, or who is our founder, we reply that we have come agreeably to the counsels of Jesus. We have cut down our hostile, insolent, and wearisome swords into plowshares. We have converted into pruning hooks the spears that were formerly used in war. For we no longer take up sword against nation, nor do we learn war any more. That is because we have become children of peace for the sake of Jesus, who is our leader.”

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“We do not indeed fight under him, although he require it; but we fight on his behalf, forming a special army -- an army of piety -- by offering our prayers to God.” Arnobius (died 326 AD) in Against the Heathen: “A numerous band of men as we are, we have learned from his teaching and his laws that evil should not be repaid with evil.

Rather, it is better to suffer wrong than to inflict it. We would rather shed our own blood than stain our hands and our conscience with that of another.”

Lactantius (220-330 AD, tutor for the emperor Constantine’s children) in The Divine Institutes: “For how can a man be just who injures, who hates, who despoils, who puts to death? And they who strive to be serviceable to their country do all these things…”

“For when God forbids us to kill, He not only prohibits us from open violence, which is not even allowed by the public laws, but He warns us against the commission of those things 128 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

which are esteemed lawful among men. Thus it will be neither lawful for a just man to engage in warfare, since his warfare is justice itself, nor to accuse any one of a capital charge, because it makes no difference whether you put a man to death by word, or rather by the sword, since it is the act of putting to death itself which is prohibited. Therefore, with regard to this precept of God, there ought to be no exception at all; but that it is always unlawful to put to death a man, whom God willed to be a sacred animal.”

Martin of Tours (316-397 AD) in The Paedagogus - “I am a soldier of Christ. To fight is not permissible for me.”

Change in the 4th Century Lactantius (see above) in On the Death of the Persecutors: “Constantine was directed in a dream to cause the heavenly sign to be delineated on the shields of his soldiers, and so to proceed to battle.”

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Eusebius (260-339 AD) in The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine: “Then, in his sleep, the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign which he had seen in the heavens and commanded him to make a likeness of that sign which he had seen in the heavens and to use it as a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies.�

Ambrose (340-397 AD, teacher of Augustine) in Duties of Ministers: "For the fortitude which in war defends the fatherland from barbarians or defends the weak at home, or companions from thieves is full of justice."

Augustine (354-430 AD) in Epistle 189, To Boniface, A Soldier: "Do not think that no one can please God who is a soldier in military arms. Holy David was among these, to whom the Lord gave such great witness [see 1 Kings 14.7, where God says David, "followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes:] and many just men of that time among them. Among these was Cornelius [Acts 10] to whom the angel was sent.... Among these were those who came to John for baptism....

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Surely he did not forbid them to serve in arms, to whom he ordered to be content with their pay. ....Some therefore fight for you by praying against invisible enemies; you work for them by fighting against visible barbarians.... So think first of this, when you arm yourself for battle, that even your bodily strength is a gift of God...."

Related Reading http://www.amazon.com/ConcordanceTestament-Christian-PacifismNonviolence/dp/1499186436 http://www.amazon.com/Radical-ChristianityPeace-Justice-Testament/dp/0973454652

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Decisions for the Poor

By Daniel Keeran, MSW

In recent decades, a number of benevolent organizations and nonreligious efforts, have made extensive appeals for contributions from the public.

Undoubtedly, we will see more presentations of this kind as world population increases and as the gap widens between rich and poor nations.

Every Christian must now ask this question, “What does God expect of me in view of the millions who are starving right now?”

Good News for the Poor To answer this question, we will begin with a Messianic passage found in Isaiah 11, verse 4: “With righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.” One of 133 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the primary ministries of the Messiah was to bless the poor. The place of rich and poor in relation to the Messianic kingdom is introduced by Mary’s magnification of God and by the first preaching of John the Baptist and of the Christ himself.

Mary affirms that God has “scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts” and that he has brought down the powerful and “sent the rich away empty.” Moreover, she declares, God has “lifted up the humble” and has “filled the hungry with good things” (Luke 1:51-54).

When John the Baptist appears, he refers to Isaiah 40:3-5 as his program of ministry. John understands that his purpose is to prepare the way of the Lord by a type of landscaping that brings down mountains and hills while the valleys are exalted or filled in. This is reminiscent of Mary’s statement, for when the multitude inquire about the proper fruit of 134 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

repentance, mountains and hills are lowered and valleys are exalted as John instructs the people to distribute their abundance to the poor. Even specific groups among the crowd are divested of their lucrative incomes as John exhorts soldiers and tax collectors to cease extortion, to collect only the tax due, and to be content with meager wages (Luke 3:414). The powerful and rich are brought down and sent empty away while the poor and humble are filled with good things and lifted up, even as Mary had declared concerning the justice of God. When Jesus appears, he refers to Isaiah 61:1,2 as his program of ministry. Jesus understands that he is “anointed to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18ff). Since the term “Messiah” actually means “anointed one,” Jesus is announcing that good news for the poor is at the very heart of his teaching and preaching ministry.

Jesus corroborates the statement of Isaiah 135 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

11:4 that he will make “decisions for the poor of the earth.” In fact, the proof for the imprisoned John that Jesus was indeed the expected Messiah was that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61: 1,2, for he was blessing the afflicted and preaching the Gospel to the poor (Luke 7:21, 22).

The Gospel message of Jesus to the poor themselves is this: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). These are not the spiritually poor but the literally poor, for in the same address Jesus pronounces a woe upon the literally rich (v. 24). That the poor filled the kingdom is verified by James 2:5: “Listen, my dear brothers: has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes to world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?” It is not surprising that James again echoes Jesus in pronouncing the strongest condemnation on the rich: “Come now, you rich, weep and wail because of the 136 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

misery that is coming upon you” (James 5:1).

A Costly Response Demanded The message of the New Testament to the rich demands a costly response, for the rich enter the kingdom and benefit from the Gospel only as servants of the poor.

This is clear from the very beginning of the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom, for those who have must distribute to those who have not, in order to receive John’s baptism (Luke 3:10-11).

To all his disciples Jesus says, “Lay not up treasure on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven” (Matt.

6:19f). To the little flock Jesus explains how treasure is laid up in heaven: “Sell what you have and give to the poor” (Luke 12:33). The rich young ruler was given the same instruction: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have 137 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

treasure in heaven” (Matt. 19:21). To the Pharisees, Jesus declared, “Give what you have to the poor, and all will be clean for you” (Luke 11:41). The mandate of Jesus’ earthly ministry is clear: in order to be assured of eternal life, heavenly treasure, spiritual cleanness, the rich must distribute their abundance to the poor.

Zaccheus, the rich tax collector, received salvation - treasure in heaven - by responding to this new ethic of the Messianic kingdom.

He made a commitment to distribute his wealth to the poor and to those whom he had oppressed.

Surely, by the time he had kept his promise to restore four-fold to those he had wronged, Zaccheus would find himself among those to whom the kingdom belongs (Luke 19:8,9). Because of the radical response of Zaccheus, we can infer that he had heard Jesus preaching a radical commitment in terms of distributing one’s wealth to the poor.

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Indeed, those who store up treasure for themselves on earth rather than distributing to the poor are like the rich fool of whom Jesus speaks. To sacrifice one’s affluence for the poor is to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21; Matt. 25:40). The rich do not give abundantly and acceptably until they give as the widow who gave all she had (Mark 12:41f). This teaching from the account of the widow’s mite should be regarded as providing the definition of liberality and “sowing abundantly,” as Paul later enjoins (II Cor.9:6). The widow, however, was not resigned to death by starvation, for her support came from the temple treasury, but her degree of giving reinforces what Jesus has said about the obligation of the rich to give out of their need level, which means all of their abundance and then some.

In the parable of the unjust steward Jesus teaches powerfully that to withhold God’s trust of worldly wealth from those 139 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

in need is embezzlement, and the consequence is to be denied true riches. “I tell you,” he said, “use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-12).

Jesus then immediately gives warning to the wise in the illustration of the rich man and Lazarus. The fate of the rich man who failed to come to terms with worldly wealth illustrated Jesus’ pronouncement of woe upon the rich, for they have already received their comfort in this life (Luke 16:19-25; 6:24). The rich man died and was refused entrance into eternal dwellings.

His worldly wealth was gone, and he had not been trustworthy.

It is in the context of what is said in the parable of the unjust steward, illustrated again by the rich man and Lazarus, that we must understand Jesus’ teaching about serving two masters. Serving God is using 140 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

“worldly wealth to gain friends,” thus being “trustworthy with someone else’s [God’s] property”(Luke 16:9,12). Serving mammon or wealth is withholding God’s trust from the poor, preferring rather to live in luxury and comfort in a world of suffering and want (Luke 16: 19-25).

The injunction to distribute one’s abundance makes it impossible to keep God’s property for self and maintain trust in God. This is the meaning of Jesus’ statement that “you cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13). He who chooses to keep God’s possessions, has despised God and his will for the affluent: “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight” (Luke 16:15). Giving, not out of one’s wealth, but out of one’s need, is the teaching of the Kingdom from the words of John the Baptist to the widow who gave a fraction of a penny.

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A universal principle of discipleship is stated in Luke 14:33: “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Jesus is calling upon prospective followers to forsake, relinquish, or renounce the possession of earthly goods. He is not here speaking of family relationships as in verse 26, because the Greek phrase for “everything he has” refers to literal material possessions or earthly goods. “The expression always (fourteen times) denotes earthly goods in the New Testament” (G. Kittel, ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. 8, p. 33). The same principle is stated in other words when Jesus commends laying up heavenly treasure instead of, not in addition to, earthly treasure (Matt. 6:19).

Generosity of Early Christians Not only does this emphasis pervade the Gospel accounts, but it is also found throughout the New Testament. The 142 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

immediate response of the first Christians was to determine that all things would be held as common property. This meant that they sold their possessions and gave to the poor. The result was that no one among them was in need (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32, 34, 35). Ananias and Sapphira felt compelled to do what was being done by others: selling and giving. Laying the money at the apostles’ feet was not compulsory, but was simply one method of distribution. Yet there was perhaps a degree of status attached to the act, at least in the minds of this couple, who were prompted to go so far as to lie about having given all (Acts 4:32- 5:11).

Eventually during a long famine, the saints in Jerusalem had spent their resources. Paul then tried to encourage the same kind of giving from the Corinthians as had occurred earlier in Jerusalem, suggesting that the sincerity of one’s love in giving is to be measured or defined by 143 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

the example of the Macedonians, who gave out of “their extreme poverty” (II Cor. 8:2), and by the example of Christ himself, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor…” (v.9).

Paul does not want to command or compel the Corinthians to give in this way, because he wants them to be willing and cheerful in their giving (II Cor. 8:12; 9:7).

Yet the expectation is clear in terms of the degree of giving Paul wants from them, for he continues by urging, “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need… as it is written, he that gathered much did not have too much, and he that gathered little did not have too little” (II Cor. 8:14,15). Further, Paul emphasizes the importance of sowing generously, defined by the preceding examples of Macedonia and of Christ, which reflect Jesus’ definition of abundant giving in the example of the poor widow who gave

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more than the rich because she gave what she needed to live on.

The Source and Purpose of Wealth Paul identifies God as the source of one’s abundance, and the purpose of God’s gift is two-fold: (1) to provide for the needs of the one who receives from God, and (2) to allow the one who receives to provide for the needs of others (Acts 20:34-35; Eph. 4:28). The rich have received from God, not to increase their enjoyment of luxury and comfort, but to increase their distribution unto “every good work” and so they “can be generous on every occasion.” It is through the generosity of the rich that God “has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor” (II Cor. 9:8-11). When the rich neglect to do this, they have embezzled God’s gifts and fail in their servant role.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul suggests that generosity and good deeds 145 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

enable one to lay up treasure in heaven – reminiscent of Jesus’ instruction to the little flock, the rich young ruler, and all disciples (Matt. 6:19ff). Notice that rather than being rich in the possession of wealth, the affluent are to be rich in the giving of those possessions (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Certainly, Paul could not have meant less than Jesus meant in his definition of generosity.

John makes a similar point. Those who live in luxury and abundance in spite of the suffering of the poor do not have God’s love within them (I John 3:16,17). While John emphasizes this responsibility to the poor brother, the New Testament extends the demonstration of love to all men (Gal. 6:10; II Cor. 9:13; I Thess. 3:12). The love and grace of Christ find reality in the believer’s life in sacrificing possessions as Christ did (I John 3:16; II Cor. 8:9).

Giving as the Macedonians, Christ, and the poor widow gave, will reduce us 146 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

to a simple life style, with basic necessities and minimal possessions (I Tim. 6:8).

Luxury and self-indulgence are among the sins of the rich (James 5:5). Christians are specifically forbidden to wear expensive clothes and jewelry (I Pet. 3:3; I Tim. 2:910). According to Jesus, those who have already received their comfort in this life will find no comfort in the next life (Luke 6:24; 16:19-25). But those who are caring and generous can know the blessedness of giving (Acts 20:35) and the assurance of the Lord’s promise never to abandon us (Heb. 13:5).

In the book of Revelation, the church of Laodicea claims to be rich and in need of nothing because of her accumulated wealth. But Jesus assesses her situation differently: “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich” (Rev. 3:17-18). One can convert earthly 147 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

riches into “gold refined in the fire” by distributing one’s wealth to the poor.

The Abominations of Babylon The abominations of Babylon the Great are a final reminder of the thesis of this study. The rich and powerful are intimately associated with the sinful city.

“The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries” (Rev. 18:3). God’s people must not share in her sins (v. 4). She will receive “as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself” (v. 7). In her day of judgment, Babylon the Great will mourn with all those who became rich through her wealth (v. 7,9,19). Here we see fulfilled the truth of Jesus’ words: “Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort” (Luke 6:24).

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Moreover, Mary’s words at the beginning of the New Testament are strangely fulfilled in this closing vision of Babylon, for the rich and powerful are brought down and sent empty away. In Babylon is seen the fate of all who live in luxury at the expense or neglect of the world’s poor. On the other hand, God’s faithful poor and those who distribute their wealth according to God’s purpose can look forward to the comfort and luxury of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly treasure for those who have invested wisely.

Attitudes of the Early Church Isaiah promised Messianic decisions for the poor, and we have seen their fulfillment in the words of Mary, John the Baptist, the Messiah himself, Paul, James, the apostle John, and in the deeds of the Jerusalem and Macedonian churches.

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The early church writers from the close of the New Testament through the time of Constantine soundly support the biblical teaching concerning the place of rich and poor in the kingdom of God. Clement of Rome (96 A.D.) observed that many Christians had sold themselves into slavery in order to buy food for others.

Aristides (120 A.D.) pointed out that early Christians fasted in order to send their food to the poor (see Apology 15). The Shepherd of Hermas (136 A.D.) affirmed that God gave abundance to the rich so that they could spend their wealth and “all their possessions� to relieve others (see Similitudes, I:8f). In the Epistle to Diognetus, 10:4,5 (140 A.D.) the affluent are instructed to distribute the things received from God, to help those in need. In the Preaching of Peter (180 A.D.) it is said that the abundance of the rich belongs to the poor.

Clement of Alexandria (190 A.D.) said it is not right for one to live in luxury while

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others are II.xiii.20:6).

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In Against Heresies, IV.xiv.3, Irenaeus (180 A.D.) expressed the following: “And instead of the tithes which the Law commanded, the Lord said to divide everything we have with the poor.” (See the chapter entitled, “Early Christian Acts of Mercy,” in Everett Ferguson’s Early Christians Speak, Austin: Sweet, 1971).

Conclusion The values of the kingdom with regard to wealth have remained obscure amid the “pursuit of happiness.” Perhaps this is partly because those whose salaries are paid by the wealthy, have sought to please and accommodate the rich. If so, the advice given to the church of Laodicea is appropriate for us. We must obtain gold from our Lord that we may become truly rich. We must flee from the destruction of 151 Want to learn more? Visit www.wbschool.org

Babylon and partake in her sins no longer.

May God help us as we seek always to have less of this world that we may possess more of the kingdom of God. We will realize more of his Kingdom when we have lived by his “decisions for the poor of the earth.�

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