Category Answering Religious Questions

What Can We Say Shen We Don’t Know What to Say?

The Preacher Leave a comment

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15).

Being a personal worker is hard. Not only does the personal worker need to be able to present the truth with love, we must also combat error. I’ll admit it, I’ve often taken the “you’re wrong here’s why” approach to evangelism.

 Almost on a daily basis, especially Since I started preaching in Borger, I am told fantastic stories of how folks claim to have been saved. At no point is there ever a “thus saith the Lord” with a bible book, chapter, verse reference.

What do we say after those kinds of tales? It’s too easy to shake your head and close off the conversation because we don’t know how to respond.

I’ve discovered a better way, and I want to share it with you. Instead of running away, I see it as an opportunity to share the true Gospel, (Romans 1:16).

It’s called the “As for me…” principle as found in Joshua 24:15. The Apostle Paul used a similar tactic on Mars Hill. “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:22-24).

Here’s how it works. First, I ASK if I can open up to them about my own salvation. I then tell them how I was SAVED according to the commands of God. I had to Hear the gospel (Matt 7:23-29). I Believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24). I Repented and continue to live a penitent life (Luke 13:3). I have Confessed and continue to Confess Jesus before all (Matt 10:32). I was Baptized in Water, just as the Lord commands to have my sins washed away (Mar 16:16; Acts 2:38), and I strive to be Faithful to the Lord all the days of my life even if doing so causes me hurt (Mat 28:20; Rev 2:10). “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2Tim 1:12).       

Sometimes there are questions about what I’ve said. I answer by saying, “I’ve FOUND that there are many discrepancies between what people say and what God teaches in His word. This next part is important. I ask if I can show them what I did. Then OPEN an actual printed bible for them to see and read for themselves.

I READ to them, (or let them read) those passages that I saw when I first learned the truth. Sometimes I need a few MARGIN notes to remind me where they are. I let the gospel be the power of God unto salvation and not myself for the converting of the soul. Whenever I’ve relied on my own ability to quote scripture, I’ve been met with resistance. One person said, “Satan quoted scripture too.” That push back was helpful because it revealed to me what people are thinking whenever I have quoted verses (even if accurately). It’s hard for people to argue against the Word. They’ll try, but they’ll fail.

Finally, I have no EXPECTATIONS of them. Certainly, my desire is that they come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved, but that’s God’s work. My job is to scatter the seed on the ground of the heart (see Mark 4:14-20). “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1Cor 3:6).

Agape,

Spencer

Go here For some helps with scripture when sharing the gospel.

Biblical FELLOWSHIP

The Preacher Leave a comment

The way most use the word “FELLOWSHIP” is in connection to a common meal. While having something in common is the meaning of fellowship, BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP is far more. To reduce it to a common meal is to miss it altogether.

What does the bible say about FELLOWSHIP? Here are all the words for fellowship, beginning with the English word, then a breakdown of its various Greek forms.

FELLOWSHIP in English.

Le 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;

 Ps 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

 Ac 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

 1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

 2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion (same word) hath light with darkness?

 2Co 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

 Ga 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

 Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

 Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

 Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

 Php 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

 Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

 1Jo 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

 1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

KOINONIA. using a different English word than above.

Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

1Cor 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

2Co 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

KOINONOS, koy-no-nos’

Mt 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Lu 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.

1Co 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

2Co 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

2Co 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you:

Phm 1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

Heb 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

1Pe 5:1 ¶ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

KOINOS, koy-nos’ COMMON / UNCLEAN.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation,

Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

There are other verses using this root word, all mean common or unclean.

Mark 7:2; Acts 2:42; 4:32; 10:14,28; 11:8; Rom 14:14; Heb 10:29;

A clear picture emerges about SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

partakers of the sufferings,

the right hands of fellowship;

the fellowship of the mystery,

your fellowship in the gospel

any fellowship of the Spirit

the fellowship of his sufferings,

partaker of the glory that shall be revealed

partakers of the divine nature,

common salvation,

common faith:

contribution for the poor saints

the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

liberal distribution unto them,

the communication of thy faith

do good and to communicate

communion of the blood of Christ?

communion of the body of Christ?

the communion of the Holy Ghost,

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another

that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Take Heed unto the Doctrine

The Preacher Leave a comment

The denominational world is trying to CHANGE the church, which means they’re trying to CHANGE the doctrine of Christ.

DOCTRINE DEFINED. Doctrine is Teaching.

DOCTRINE DIVINE & DOCTRINE DELIVERED.

DOCTRINE that is DIFINITIVE, and DOCTRINE that is DENIED.

DOCTRINE to be DEFENDED, and a DOCTRINE so DEAR.

Why so urgent about the Doctrine of Christ? Because heaven is at stake. Fellowship with God and His Son Christ Jesus demand it.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st. in Borger Texas. You’re invited to visit one of our services to learn more about the doctrine of Christ.

The Divine Order of Baptism

The Preacher Leave a comment

When is one saved, before or after baptism?

I contend that baptism comes before salvation. Some claim salvation comes before baptism.

Which does the Holy Spirit place first?

A. Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;”

(1) Belief, (2) Baptism, (3) Salvation.

B. Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

(1) Repent, (2) Baptized, (3) Remission of sins.

C. Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

(1) Arise, (2) Baptized, (3) Wash away sins.

D. Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

(1) Baptized, (2) Into Christ, (3) Put on Christ.

E. 1Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…”

(1) Baptism, (2) Saves.

If they’re correct that salvation comes before baptism, is it not strange that the Holy Spirit never one time had these in the right order?

Agape,

Spencer

Do you know what the Bible says about what SAVES?

1JOhn 2:18-23 Who is the ANTICHRIST?

The Preacher 1 Comment

Who is the ANTICHRIST? 18-23

ALREADY in the world 2:18.
fits with an early dating

NOT CONTINUING in the Apostles Doctrine. 2:19; Act 2:42.
see 3John 9

TRUTH denier (liar). 2:22-23.
Hate Jesus… John 15:23;

Jesus did not come IN THE FLESH. 2:22; 1John 4:1-3;

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of 1John. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning.

Why do we DOUBT?

The Preacher 1 Comment

Jesus asked this question of Peter when he began to sink after walking on the water.

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God”

(Matthew 14:25-23).

You may wonder why the Lord was so critical of Peter’s doubt, because walking on water is not normal. But that was not the Lord’s rebuke. Peter was walking on water. Jesus was walking on water. They both walked on water together in the storm.

Do we also doubt in the storms of life?
Why do we doubt? What is the source of doubt? This series of articles will seek to search the scriptures for the answer, and to learn how to combat, or to Overcome Doubt.

The first thing we ought to do is to make certain we know what it means. Jesus asked Peter, “why did you doubt (duplicate, i.e. mentally to waver in opinion) [Strong’s Greek dictionary; distazo]. The dictionary defines doubt as; “to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe.” DOUBT is the opposite of BELIEF. Therefore, our first source of DOUBT is DISBELIEF. This will be the ultimate root of all the sources.

DISBELIEF is the target of the Lord’s question to Peter (v31), and is our challenge today. Belief in God is the beginning of our salvation. It’s placed first of all other commands in obeying the gospel. Works without faith is vanity. Faith is a work (John 6:29; 1Thess 1:3; 2Thess 1:11).

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

The type of Belief under consideration is compared to the faith of Abraham when he went to sacrifice the son of promise. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). His belief was so certain that he supposed God would raise Isaac from the dead (Heb 11:17).

However, faith is not blind. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). There’s evidence to believe. Peter’s evidence was the prior miracles of Jesus (which are still evidence for us today John 20:30-31). Peter had participated in the feeding of the 5,000 just preceding his water ambulation. How many steps he made on the water we do not know, but one step out of a boat into the deep stormy waters is sufficient. He had gone out in the limited commission with powers, “against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1).

Well, that was Peter you may say; what about us? We don’t see those miracles today. No, we don’t see biblical miracles today, but that’s okay. The miracles Peter saw, and those in the early church are for our belief. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31). But there’s more…

God’s word says that God’s creation is for belief. “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20). God’s creation is enough to begin our belief in Him.

Paul used this same evidence for belief. “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17; 17:27-28). The evidence of creation and human life will point you in the right direction to look further. There are only 2 possibilities about creation: 1) that everything came from a thoughtless nothing, or 2) everything came from a very wise, powerful, and brilliant God.

Belief is not blind. It has evidence and there’s so much evidence inside and outside of scripture. If you doubt, perhaps a study of evidences is for you to combat that doubt. Here are a few areas to study…

I have a few resources in my library. One of my favorites is by a brother in Christ named A.O. Schnabel, “Has God Spoken?” This book references scriptures of nature that science discovered many hundreds and thousands of years later. Some discoveries as recent as the 1960’s!

There’s no need to doubt. We can know and be assured.

(to be continued)

Agape,

Spencer

What is the GOSPEL?

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What is the GOSPEL?

Are there other GOSPELS? Yes and No.

There is only ONE gospel that saves.
There are MANY SOCIAL GOSPELS that do not save, that serve to please men, and are NOT pleasing to God.

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

THE SOCIAL GOSPELS.

The Goal of the SOCIAL gospel is to make this life less miserable for people.

The Goal of THE GOSPEL is to show this miserable life is escapable through obedience to Christ.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

Good News about man’s bad news: Sin. Rom 3:23; 1Cor 15:1-4

Obedience to the Gospel is the solution. Christ. Php 2:8; 2Thess 1:8; Romans 10:16.

Sowed in hearts by hearing the word. Mark 4:14-20.

Preached by men. Mat 28:19; 2Cor 4:1-7; 1Thess 2:13; Romans 10:13-17

Every Nation needs it. Mar 16:15; Acts 10:34-35;

Love & Living the Gospel. 1Pet 3:1-4; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-10; 1Cor 13

Join us for one of our services at the Franklin & Juniper St. church of Christ. Click here for times and location.

Can we know too much Bible? pt1

The Preacher 1 Comment

Can we know too much Bible? 1/4

We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)

Can you know too much about SALVATION? Are all churches teaching the SAME thing as The Bible? Are we teaching the SAME thing as Jesus.

What did Jesus say about SALVATION?

Matthew 7:24 KJV

Therefore whosoever HEARS these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

John 8:24 KJV

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye BELIEVE not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Luke 13:3,5 KJV

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish.

Matthew 10:32-33 KJV

Whosoever therefore shall CONFESS me before men, him will I CONFESS also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

It’s water baptism. Notice what the first Christian evangelists taught.

Acts 8:35-36 KJV

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him JESUS. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain WATER: and the eunuch said, See, here is WATER; what doth hinder me to be BAPTIZED?

Baptism is a burial in water.

Colossians 2:12 KJV

BURIED with him in BAPTISM, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Matthew 28:20 KJV

Teaching them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS whatsoever I have COMMANDED you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Does your church teach the SAME as Jesus about how to be saved? Does it teach the SAME purpose?

Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, water Baptism, & Faithfulness.

Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?

Agapa,

Spencer

Take a look at these self-directed bible studies. Let us know what you think.

Why I PREACH

The Preacher 10 Comments

Recently, someone asked me why I got into preaching. I gave an answer that had two main motivations. Afterward, I got to thinking about why we preach at all. From this study I came up with 4 more reasons why we preach.

Why do we PREACH?

HEARING requires preaching. Rom 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Hearing is the first step in God’s plan to save mankind. There will be no “zapping” of the Holy Spirit to save us. We must Seek Him through a study of His word.

CHRIST commanded preaching. Mark 16:15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Before He ascended into heaven, Christ commanded that the Gospel be preached. Who am I to go against a command of Christ?

Luke 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

ANGELS are looking into it. 1Pet 1:10-2) Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. The gospel that was preached by the Apostles, then recorded for us in the written word, was searched out by Angels. That’s amazing to me. Yet we often don’t read it, much less to search through it diligently.

EVERYONE I know needs it. Matt 28:19; Col 1:27-28) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Every person needs Christ and to obey His gospel. The gospel is about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (cf 2Thess 1:7-8; 2Pet 3:9)

I’m REQUIRED to preach. 1Cor 9:16) For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! Now it gets a little more personal. Since I’ve become an evangelist, one who’s main work is to preach the gospel, woe unto me if I don’t. This is what I do, spread the gospel. I’ve become that guy who needs to talk about Jesus anytime I’m in the presence of another person.

PERSONAL REASONS Luke 16:19-31) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. The last reason, and maybe the most emotional reason, is that those that I love the most are dying OUTSIDE of Christ. They have not all obeyed the Gospel and are in jeopardy of their souls. All of us need to take this seriously. In the story of the Rich man & Lazarus, the Rich man became very evangelistic upon discovery of his fate. This motivates me to be evangelistic in life!!

This is why I PREACH the Gospel.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is a gospel preacher for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger, Texas.