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What is the Gospel?
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 “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.” (Psalm 40:6) At the time King David wrote that, Jews were living under the Old Covenant - the Ten Commandments and the 600+ laws in the Torah - which *did* require offerings for sins. Foreshadowings of the New Covenant, I think, are also (and more obviously) seen in Jeremiah, which was written around 600 B.C. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34) And in Ezekiel, written around 585 B.C. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27) And the reason God did away with the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system for sins can be seen in Isaiah, written around 700 B.C. “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:13-15) I also love how some Psalms written by David have the point of view shifting from David to Jesus Christ. I think this is clearly seen in Psalm 91. The first four verses seem to be written from David’s point of view… “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:1-4) While the last three verses are clearly written from Jesus Christ’s point of view… “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16) What made me think of that was this verse in Psalm 40, which would seem not to be from David’s point of view, though he is the author of the Psalm… “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” (Psalm 40:7) <<Lo, I come - It is difficult to see how this could be applied to David; it is easy to see how it could be applied to the Messiah. When all bloody offerings under the law - all the sacrifices which men could make - did not avail to put away sin, it was true of the Messiah that he came into the world to perform a higher work that would meet the case - a lofty work of obedience, extending even unto death, Philippians 2:8. This is precisely the use which the apostle makes of the passage in Hebrews 10:7, and this is clearly the most obvious meaning. It is in no sense applicable to David; it is fully applicable to the Messiah.>> www.godtube.com BTW, what prompted this post was my handwriting of Psalm 40 today. |
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youtu.be I don’t know much about Mormonism, but what little I’ve heard doesn’t sound at all Biblical - especially Joseph Smith’s claim that he was a prophet who in the 1800s discovered golden plates with Egyptian inscriptions that were buried in a hill near his home in New York and that he translated into the Book of Mormon. <<Joseph Smith, who referred to himself as “The Prophet,” founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the mid-1800s. He claimed to have seen a vision of God the Father and God the Son, in which they denounced modern Christianity and appointed Smith to reveal and restore “true” Christianity (Articles of Faith, p. 182–185). Three years later, Smith alleged that the angel Moroni told him about some golden plates on which the Book of Mormon was written. In spite of Smith’s questionable background and proclivity toward bending the truth (see The Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormonism, New York, 1861; and Mormonism Unveiled, Painesville, Ohio, 1834), many believed Smith, and a new “religion” was born. Today, the members of the Mormon Church number in the millions. The Book of Mormon is purported to be a new revelation, one that Mormons say is part of the new covenant to Israel and “another witness” to the truth of the Bible (History of the Church 4:461, 8th Article of Faith). Aside from the many theological conflicts with the Bible and historical and archeological fact, the writing of the Book of Mormon was shrouded in mystery and false claims. For example, Joseph Smith and his associates asserted that one Professor Charles Anthon of Columbia University verified the Egyptian characters on the golden plates. However, this same professor wrote a rebuttal letter soon after, saying that he never did any such thing and had, in fact, found the characters to be a hoax. In addition, many verses in the Mormon scriptures have been changed over the years, as the church leaders attempt to cover up something embarrassing in their past and to defend themselves against criticism (see mit.irr.org). These facts alone are enough to cast much doubt on the veracity of the Book of Mormon.>> www.gotquestions.org Smith also has (like everyone) a checkered past but one that aligns well with the proposition that the Book of Mormon and his claim to have been visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, as well as angels, is a con. en.m.wikipedia.org |
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Victor The standard; “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is” deflection/dodge. |
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@Thumper Ray, unfortunately, has the belief that Christians aren’t good people when the Bible says otherwise in several places. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) (NKJV) “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) (ESV) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) (ESV) When the Mormon asked if Ray was a good person, I wish Ray had said, “On my own? No. Because I’ve accepted and believe in Jesus Christ, Yes.” I honestly don’t think I’ve encountered a Mormon before (at least not in real life.) I know Mitt Romney is a Mormon and I remember he was mocked in the media for believing he wore “magic underwear” and would be a god of a planet after he died. I think during that presidential campaign (2012?) I looked a little bit into Mormonism but don’t remember much that I learned except Joseph Smith was a self-proclaimed prophet in the 1800s who had a checkered past (like us all,) but one that included allegations of fraud. He apparently also was responsible for the Book of Mormon, which he claimed was divinely-inspired Scripture. I didn’t read all of that Wiki link at the bottom of the 11:18 post but apparently Smith also faced much more serious charges than fraud. I think the way to know if someone is a prophet is whether what they predict comes to pass. Prophets in the Old Testament made a lot of predictions and many came to pass, most notably, imo, the prophet Daniel’s prediction of when the Messiah would appear on earth - a prophecy Daniel made 500+ years in advance - and the prophet Isaiah’s prediction, made 700 years in advance, that the Messiah would suffer and die for the sins of others (Isaiah 53.) I think some Old Testament prophecies have yet to be fulfilled. I’m not aware of any prophecies that Joseph Smith made, but, again, I really didn’t look into Mormonism. I once had Jehovah’s witnesses visit me when I was relatively new in my faith. I listened politely and didn’t challenge them on anything, and they left. I think the JWs also have unBiblical beliefs - notably that Jesus Christ was an angel and not God incarnate, but I think there are others too. |
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Must Have For Any Christian Who May Speak With A Mormon www.goodreads.com "Shoot-First Apologetics" What a dead bluebird taught Walter Martin about defending the faith. RICHARD J. MOUW | NOVEMBER 10, 2006 I was chided recently by someone who was upset with me because of my extensive dialogues with Mormon scholars. "How can you engage in friendly conversations with people who believe such terrible things?" he asked me. I tried to explain that if we are going to criticize Mormonism, it should be on matters that they actually believe, not on what we think they believe. I said the best way to know Mormon beliefs is to actually engage in dialogue with Mormons. www.christianitytoday.com Walter Martin speaks bluntly about serious heretical theologies which are threatening the Christian faith which does not have any real challenges were Christians more knowledgeable about what these cults are actually trying to "sell". |
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Kind of similar to the appeal atheists find in the theory of evolution - no God equals no accountability for all the sins they’ve committed and harm they’ve done to others during their physical lives. |
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Big Drawing Card! Who falls for it? Unfortunately, I have a brother-in-law who, though raised Christian like his older half-sister (my wife) he now says he's a Mormon. We are praying for him and his wife. |
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But I think our criteria for determining who’s a good person (to the limited extent we can make that judgment) and God’s criteria are two different things. And I think God’s criteria is based on whether someone’s sins have been cleansed by the blood of Christ. |
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The Only Criteria That Matters is The Word Of God, And Jesus' Cross No matter who we come in contact with. Jesus, in dealing with Satan's temptations said, "It is written." This is what we have to do as well. |
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Origins For The Cults Martin Writes About are Eye Opening |
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The Gospel is "Walking In The Light" Those who are not walking in His light are in darkness. Walking in the Light Have you ever walked in darkness? Maybe the power went out in your house during a storm, or you were stranded on the road with car trouble. Walking in darkness can be scary, and it can be dangerous. Having a light is just a little better, isn't it? The same is true in our spiritual journeys. How we find that light in the midst of darkness is actually pretty straightforward: Psalm 119 says that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path—in other words, the Bible itself is the light! It is our guide. It helps us make decisions to follow Christ and not walk in darkness. Just as He is the light of the world, we are called to be His reflection in the world. When we intentionally choose to walk in His light, we embrace truth, righteousness, and love. Walking in the light means surrendering our old ways, seeking God's guidance, and allowing His Spirit to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. As we walk in the light, a beautiful transformation occurs: we find fellowship with one another. This light of Christ not only illuminates our individual paths but also creates a bond of unity among believers. It’s how we discover the joy of shared faith, encouragement, and accountability. It is through this bond that we are reminded that we are not alone on our journey. Today, reflect on your walk with Christ. Are you consciously choosing to walk in His light? Are you growing in community? And are you fully embracing the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, allowing His grace to purify your life? As you reflect, think about ways you can grow closer to God, experiencing the abundant life He has promised, and become a beacon of His light in a world that so desperately needs it. From the Youversion Bible App Rhythm of Reflection on the verse of the day. |
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youtube.com Video is 1 minute Amen, sister! |
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RELIGION WITHOUT REGENERATION IS VANITY youtu.be Video is 5:08 |
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A Synopsis About The Gospel is Found in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 These few verses speak about what in the natural world is contrary to the default premise of self-preservation and survival. Instinctively we'll do anything and everything in order to succeed and get the victory. In our Fallen world this is the best way to survive. But God, through Christ Jesus has shown that there is a better way. This is the essence of the Gospel I believe. Commentaries for 1 Corinthians 9:23 "I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it." biblehub.com |
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“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) I think this passage is mostly about the Apostle Paul’s strategy in evangelism - how he identifies with and becomes like those whom he is seeking to save. I think he gives a great synopsis of the Gospel elsewhere in 1 Corinthians (specifically 1 Corinthians 15.) On that last verse (1 Corinthians 9:23,) I like this interpretation because it doesn’t conflict with numerous other statements from Paul.) <<He mentions one of those benefits: Sharing in the blessings of the gospel with those who believe. Some misread this phrase to mean that Paul believes he himself will be saved only by completing his mission. Instead, he seems to be saying that he will enjoy the blessings of faith in Christ with all those who believe along with him.>> www.bibleref.com |
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youtube.com Video is 45 seconds |
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The Gospel Is An Invitation To Follow Jesus "Come follow me", Jesus odb.org |
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Not everyone who is saved is a disciple of Christ. And not every disciple of Christ is saved. Who is Jesus, first and foremost, to you? An example or a Saviour? <<Joseph Prince - Understanding Grace And Discipleship—Comparing Luke 14 And Luke 15 - 08 Dec 13>> youtu.be Video is 6:49 |
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<<The Gospel Is An Invitation To Follow Jesus>> No, the Gospel is an invitation to have your sins forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ and to become a son or daughter of God. |
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“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-10) “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:17-24) |
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My new focus on keeping my Peace |
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youtu.be Video is 24:25 |
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youtube.com Video is 59 seconds Wish I had her knowledge at her age |
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youtube.com Video is 44 seconds |
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youtube.com Video is 51 seconds |
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Post 1… <<The false Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church is depicted in 1 of 3 ways: - a dead man still hanging on a cross -a helpless baby in the arms of his mother -a lifeless inanimate peace of bread called the eucharist In all 3 of these depictions he is unable to do anything for Roman Catholics who are aware their sins will take them to hell or they falsely believe in a man made purgatory. I worship and trust a resurrected and ascended Saviour who sits at the right hand of the Father as my good Shepherd and as my Advocate. When the devil stands and accuses me and other born again believers Jesus tells him he paid my debt 2000 years ago on the cross. What a contrast.>> Post 2… <<The Marian processions prove that Roman Catholicism is the religion of Mary, nothing to do with true Christianity. The Mary of the RC is just a Christianised version of the pagan goddess Queen of heaven who is portrayed as Astarte, Asherah in the OT and Venus, Isis and other names in other ancient pagan religions. This has absolutely nothing to do with true Christianity. God hates this idolatry, it makes a mockery of Jesus Christ who is constantly portrayed in the Catholic Church as a little frail baby in the arms of "powerful" exhaulted Mary. The devil bastardised Christianity this way and managed to stop many deceived Catholics from having a relationship with God directly by instead using Mary as the mediator, practically she is treated as the redeemer. God hates this idolatry, it makes him feel jealous, neglected, unloved. He wants you to have a relationship with Him and to be filled with Him. When you try to make contact with Mary, you are practicing necromancy and actually aren't making contact with her but with demonic spirits. I say this because I love you and I genuinely want you to wake up. If I didn't I would stay quiet as most protestant Christian apologist do for the sake of popularity, false unity (ecumenism). But because I love you I want you to know the truth, because as Jesus said the truth will set you free. Exodus 20:4-5 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, that is Jesus Christ Matthew 15:8-9 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Isaiah 18:9 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?>> The photos accompanying the second post, which can be found on the Apologetics London YouTube page, are pretty surprising (at least they were to me.) m.youtube.com |
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“The Best News You Will Ever Hear…” youtu.be Video is 11:53 I posted this video in another thread, but it deserves to be posted here as well, imo |
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