CHRISTMAS BEGINS WITH CHRIST!

 

It’s not all about shepherd’s, it’s not all about manger scenes as we will call them. It’s all about God’s love. For you to celebrate Christmas honestly, you’ve got to deal with Jesus. That’s what this is all about!

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16(KJV)

 

You can buy all the presents you want to buy; give to all the people you want to buy for. The question is “Did you really celebrate Christmas or did you celebrate a holiday?” It is any wonder the world wants to call it a holiday? We’ll tell you why? Because deep down inside they know it has nothing to do with Jesus on their part. It has to do with money, materialism, food, pleasure, parties, commercialised festival and paganism.

 

Christmas is all about God coming to earth in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, living among men, dying on a cross, rising from the grave, ascended to the Father, seated at His right hand to hear the cries and pleas of His people and the sinners asking for forgiveness of their sin. That’s what this is all about!

 

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:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4(KJV)

 

When you read or hear the Bible story next time, remember a lot of things where behind the scenes but significantly in the eyes of God. If you are one of those persons you would have to say today “Well you know I’ve never trusted Jesus, I have read or heard the story a few times, my mother and father they’ve read it or heard it too, but I didn’t really think it had very much significance for me”.

Let us tell you how significant it really is, if you ignore it you will die and be eternally separated from God Almighty period! Hell, a place of darkness with no hope, no second chance, eternally separated from God. That’s how significant it is.

 

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9(KJV)

 

God doesn’t want you to go to hell, neither do you want to go there. To receive everlasting life as a free gift, repent, believe, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, to save you and you will pass from death to life. Then read the Bible daily and ask God to help you obey what you read. No matter what you have done, where you have been, where you are now. He will transform your life and take you to heaven.

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24(KJV)

 

For all of us who are believers we would ask again, how could you ever keep this message to yourself? When you have a relationship with Jesus, you can have access to God and enjoy all the benefits of His promises.

 

With Blessing in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/blog

ONE WAY TO GRACE TESTIMONY REVELATION TV

THE DECEPTION OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

 

 

The Roman Catholic church teaches the deity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection and return of Christ to the earth.

However, most Roman Catholics when asked “Are you a Christian?” they will normally reply, “I’m a Catholic.” They are right to do so because there are clear and fundamental differences.

A German monk named Martin Luther found that salvation didn’t come through anything he did (good works), but simply through trusting in the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ. He listed contradictions between what the Scriptures said and what his church taught and nailed his “95 thesis” to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. He became the first to “protest” what he saw as errors of the Roman church.

The Roman Catholic church traces its history back to the church of the first century but the Protestant church asserts that Catholicism actually had a later beginning, in the fourth century, when Constantine unified the Roman Empire by merging paganism with Christianity.

The Roman catholic church maintains that the true church is built on Peter, whom they believe was the first “pope.” However, Peter himself denied this fact, maintaining that Jesus Christ is the Rock and the Chief Cornerstone of the church.

The Bible says:

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

1Peter 2:6-8(KJV)

 

 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:4(KJV)

 

Who is God?

Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism share similar beliefs that God is the Creator of all things.

 

The Bible says:

 

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:16-17(KJV)

 

                                Who is Jesus?

 

Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism share similar beliefs that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, who suffered and died for our sins, and rose again on the third day.

 

The Bible says:

 

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:

1       Corinthians 15:3-4(KJV)

 

               Christians belief of Heaven and Hell

 

The Bible speaks clearly of the existence of Heaven. It describes a place in which sadness, pain, and death end.

 

The Bible says:

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4(KJV)

 

 

Hell is also spoken in the Bible. It is a place of torment or misery and eternal punishment of the wicked after death and complete separation from God.

 

The Bible says:

 

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9(KJV)

 

 

Roman Catholicism belief of Heaven and Hell

 

According to the Catholic Catechism, upon death each person will begin eternal life. After being judged by Christ each individual will gain “entrance into the happiness of heaven, immediately or an appropriate purification, or entry in the eternal damnation of hell” Heaven is described as “the state of supreme and definitive happiness those who die in the grace of God and have no need of further purification are gathered around Jesus and Mary, the angels and the saints”

 

In addition, Catholics believe in a “holding place” called Purgatory, for which there is no biblical basis. It is believed to be an intermediate stage that is used to purify souls that will eventually go to Heaven, but that still have some temporal restitution they must make. Purgatory is not in the Bible. Any true Christian must be guided by the light of the Scripture and the Bible only makes mention of two eternal realities not three; eternal life in the presence of God Almighty (Heaven) or eternal damnation completely separated from God (Hell).

 

Jesus purged our sins already.

The Bible says:

 

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Hebrews 1:3(KJV)

 

The doctrine of Purgatory misleads people into thinking they can somehow be made right with God after this lifetime. Scripture clearly warns us: There are no second chances.

 

The Bible says:

 

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Hebrews 9:27(KJV)

 

 

               Christian belief of Sin and Salvation

 

Sin is transgression/violation against God’s Holy Law. An act of rebellion against Him.

 

The Bible says:

 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4(KJV)

 

The Scriptures clearly teach that the only way we could ever be justified is by His mercy, not by the bribery of good works. Eternal life is not something we can earn, but is a free gift from God to all who repent, believe and trust the Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

The Bible says:

 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Version (KJV)

 

Jesus said that we must be born again or we will not enter Heaven. The Scripture teaches a sinner needs to repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

 

The Bible says:

 

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:3-7(KJV)

 

 

Roman Catholicism belief of Sin, Salvation and Ten Commandments

 

The Vatican denies what the Bible says, that eternal life is not something we earn, but is a free gift from God to all who repent and trust the Saviour. They deny this doctrine and pronouncing the curse of God upon anyone who believes that eternal life is through “faith alone”. Roman Catholic church teaches that we can earn our salvation, calling Heaven God’s “reward for good works.”

The Vatican teaches that salvation comes only through the Roman Catholic church, and because its works-based, salvation can be lost through sin and is never assured in this life. They believe that the first step in salvation is to be baptized. Tragically, the Roman Catholic church maintains that in baptism (sprinkling) the new birth takes place. (The baby cannot repent of sins committed, he is not saved by baptism and therefore is not born again.) The sacrament of penance is required to receive forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. Acts of penance vary but include prayer, saying the rosary, reading Scripture, saying a number of “Our Father” or “Hail Mary” prayers, doing good works, and fasting.

 

The Bible says:

 

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:5(KJV)

 

Roman Catholics bow down to and give homage to statues of the saints, angels, images of Mary and Jesus, etc. Bowing down to anything is a direct violation of the Ten commandments - which they officially accept as God’s law? You will find that the second of the Ten Commandments has completely been removed which is against idolatry. The third commandment then becomes the second and the fourth became the third and so on. The Roman Catholic church then took the Tenth Commandment (found in one verse and dealing with one of the subject of covetousness – see Exodus 10:17), broke it in half and made it into the Ninth and Tenth Commandments.

 

Here are the Ten Commandments as listed on the official Vatican website:

 

1.I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange God’s before me.

2.You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

3.Remember to keep holy the LORD’s day.

4.Honor your father and your mother.

5.You shall not kill.

6.You shall not commit adultery.

7.You shall not steal.

8.You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

9.You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.

10.You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.

 

These are the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible

 

1.    Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2.    Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

3.    Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4.     Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5.    Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

6.    Thou shalt not kill.

7.    Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8.    Thou shalt not steal.

9.    Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

10.Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

 

While Roman Catholics acknowledge Holy Scripture as a source of authority and doctrine, they give equal weight to tradition because Salvation does not depend on a person’s repentance and faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ, according to the Catholic church even those who have never heard of Jesus can be saved- even if they follow another religion.

 

Again, the Bible is clear that forgiveness of sins does not depend on our own efforts, but only on what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. Yet, like the Catholic church, much of the traditional Protestant church has moved away from the great truth upon which it was founded. It is simply to say that the gospel is good news for both Catholic and Protestant - eternal life is freely available to all who do what the Scriptures command.

 

Repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

 

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10: 9,10(KJV)

 

With Blessing in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com

THE DECEPTION OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES

                                                                             

            

1.Christian belief of “Who is God”?

We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

1 John 5:7 (KJV)

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of “Who is God”?

They reject the biblical concept of a triune God. God is known as “Jehovah”, the Almighty. Although He is eternal and omnipotent, He is not omnipresent. In addition, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the deity of the Holy Spirit.

 

2. Christians belief of “Who is Jesus”?

We believe that Jesus is God and eternally exist.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1(KJV)

 

Jesus became flesh which we can touch and dwelt among us.

 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (KJV)

 

Jesus is our God and Saviour.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:13 (KJV)

 

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of “Who is Jesus”?

The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus is not God incarnate but is just a created directly by Jehovah. Before Jesus came to earth He was Michael the archangel. He was later re-created on earth as a perfect man.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. They believe that after Jesus was buried, God disposed of His physical body. Jesus was raised as a spirit creature and temporarily “materialized” different physical bodies to make Himself visible to His disciples. Now back in Heaven as a spirit, He is once again known as Michael the archangel.

 

3.Christians belief of Heaven and Hell.

The Bible speaks clearly of the existence of Heaven. It describes a place in which sadness, pain and death end.

 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

 

Hell is also spoken in the Bible. It is a place of torment or misery an eternal punishment of the wicked after death and complete separation from God.

 

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of Heaven and Hell.

They deny the existence of Hell as a place of everlasting punishment for the wicked. They believe in “soul sleep” that humans don’t have immortal souls, so when the body dies there is no longer conscience existence. They teach that Hell is simply the common grave of mankind. Those who are righteous will be resurrected and those who are ultimately condemned by God will be annihilated and cease to exist.

The Watchtower theology of Heaven teaches that only 144,000 anointed ones can only enter Heaven. So, for the vast majority of remaining Jehovah’s Witnesses they will never go to Heaven or see Jesus/Michael. Their only hope is to live in the Paradise established on earth.

 

4.Christian belief of Sin and Salvation.

We believe that sin is a transgression/violation against God’s Holy law. An act of rebellion against Him.

 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1 John 3:4 (KJV)

 

Salvation however, the Holy Bible says God is rich in mercy, and in His great kindness, He provided a Saviour, Jesus took the punishment for the sin of the world. He died on the cross, so that we could be forgiven, then He rose from the dead and defeated death.

 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses belief of Sin and Salvation.

They believe that in the Fall, all mankind inherited “imperfection” from Adam and Eve and hence are sinners who are subject to death. But they believe sin was only partially atoned for by Christ. As a perfect man, Christ death paid the ransom that removed the effects of Adam’s sin, but Individuals still have to work to earn forgiveness for their present and future sins. Salvation include baptism by immersion, repentance, active association with the Watchtower Society, righteous conduct and absolute loyalty to Jehovah. Even then, there is no assurance of Salvation, only hope for a resurrection. Those who fail to live up to these requirements, or who are disfellowshipped by the Watchtower Society, have no hope of Salvation.

 

With Blessing in Christ,

 

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/blog

THE DECEPTION OF ATHEISM

 

 

Atheism belief of "Who is God"?

All atheists disbelieve in all gods. Atheists believe no one has yet provided enough evidence to warrant a belief in god(s) or in Christian context, God. There is no reason to believe that a supernatural intelligent Creator exists.

 

[There are billions of reasons to believe in a supernatural intelligent Creator. From the order of DNA, to every atom, to the amazingly designed tiny fleas, to the massive elephants, to the sun, moon and its circuits, to the millions of stars and the entire universe, there is incredible order.

If you were walking along a beach and saw words written in the sand that said, "Johnny, make sure you come home at 5:00 pm for dinner. See you then. I love you. Mum, "Could you ever believe that the order of the words happened by a random process an accident? Could you conclude that perhaps the incoming waves left the words in the sand? Only a fool would think so. Their very order,

information content, and constructed logic tell you that the message was written by an intelligent mind.]

 

1. Christian belief of "Who is God"?

God is a Spirit. We can see the attributes of God through His creation. Since God is the Creator, we can see His work clearly. Creation shows us His power and order. It is impossible for anyone to look at creation and not see God's creative power. No one can plead ignorance of God. We can trace God from the world around us.  We can see His power and majesty in creation.

 

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 1:20 (KJV)

 

 

Atheism belief of "Who is Jesus"?

"A relatively enlightened man for his times. Preached simple things such as brotherly love. Likely a real man. Some, like I, think his simple lessons were wrapped to control the gullible masses. (which still works)."

"The carpenter from Bethlehem existed, in all likelihood. He went around giving sermons, but he was not the son of God and he did not speak for God. My father, also an atheist, has speculated that Jesus himself was an atheist and preached his doctrine to give comfort to the minds of people on Earth. I am not sure about this."

 

[ In such sermon, Jesus gave the ultimate challenge to sceptics: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."(John 14:21). To find out with 100 percent absolute certainty that Jesus is God in the flesh, atheist can simply obey His command to repent and believe the gospel, and He will reveal Himself to them. Then they will know God exist, because they will know Him.]

 

2. Christian belief of "Who is Jesus"?

The Bible tells us that Jesus is God, eternally pre-existent before the "incarnation. He is “the image of invisible God". He created a body for Himself and became a man to suffer and die for the sin of the world.

 

Who is the image of the invisible God;

Colossians 1:15(KJV)

 

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 (KJV)

 

Atheism belief of Heaven and Hell

"I don't believe God exists. I do not believe in the Bible as the literal inerrant word of God. Thus, Heaven and Hell are, in my opinion, much like God: a feel-good idea that swims in the minds of people, but has little bearing in reality. It's also a nifty way to control people through fear, but I digress. Personally, I think the idea of Hell points to exceptional cruelty. An eternity of pain? That's pure evil. Heaven also sounds pretty boring. I'd rather reincarnate (but alas, I don't believe in that either)."

 

[The question is often asked, "How could a loving God create Hell?" Think of how a civil judge, who turned a blind eye to murder, would be corrupt and should be brought to justice himself. If the Judge of the Universe is not going to bring murderers to ultimate justice, then He is corrupt. He would be wicked. In the 1990s in the US there were 200,000 murders. Statistics show that during those ten years half of those homicide crimes were unsolved. That means that 100,000 people got away with murder. When we use the Law to show that God is not only loving, but that He is perfect, holy, just and good, we end up saying, "How can there not be a Hell?"]

 

 

3.Christian belief of Heaven and Hell

We will be free from all trouble and sorrow. All tears shall be wiped away and no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain. God Himself, as our Father, shall wipe away the tears of His children.

 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

 

This will be the day, when all shall be judged. The appearance of the Judge and that is the Lord Jesus Christ who puts on such majesty and judge righteously. Woe to the wicked, whosoever was not written in the book of life, for they shall perish in hell forever and ever.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 (KJV)

 

Atheism belief of Sin and Salvation

“I do not believe there is such a thing as sin, mainly because I do not believe that the Bible is anything other than a load of stories. If there is sin, then there must be moral absolutes, which do not exist because our stance on morality has changed over time.” "Seeing as I do not believe in an afterlife, the concept of salvation seems ridiculous and unnecessary to me.”

 

[There’s a big problem when an atheist who denies that sin (evil) exists. All you have to do is ask if murder is wrong, and if he says that it’s not, keep on asking if what Hitler did was wrong, or if paedophilia is wrong. You will soon find that he has a moral boundary regarding what is right and what is wrong. God’s moral standard is infinitely higher.]

 

4. Christian belief of Sin and Salvation

We believe that sin is a transgression / violation against God's Holy Law (The Ten Commandments). An act of rebellion against Him.

 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1John 3:4 (KJV)

 

God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be born on earth and die on the cross to save us from our sins. There is nothing we can do to make us good enough for heaven. All we have to do is repent, believe, and trust in Jesus Christ alone as our Lord and Saviour.

 

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John3:16 (KJV)

 

 

Conclusion:

How can we know that God exists? We cannot see Him, hear Him, touch, taste, or smell Him. Common sense tells us that creation is absolute 100 percent scientific proof that there is a Creator. We cannot have creation without the Creator. We don’t need faith to believe in the Creator. All we need is eyes that can see and a brain that works.

So, just as I don’t need faith to believe in a builder because I have a building in front of me, so I don’t need faith to believe in a Creator, because I have creation in front of me. However, if I want the builder to do something for me, then I need to have faith in him.

The same is true with God:

 

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(KJV)

 

 

 

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com