Overcoming Spiritual Cowardliness
Do we need water baptism?
What must I do to be saved?
What Church?
Your Scriptural Ignorance!
Are You Spiritually Inferior? (speaking in tongues)
What Day is the Christian Sabbath?
Why would God force anything?
Thank you for more understanding
Venomous Accusations
I am enthralled
So much knowledge?
What is Salvation?
I read and cry, read and cry.
Evil serves many noble purposes
Please pray for me. I know I am a spiritual coward and it shames me
deeply. Do you know any scriptures for encouragement
and renewed faith?
[Ray Replies]
I would be happy to give your some Scriptures of encouragement.
When we can see our faults and weaknesses and admit them instead of denying them, we are
already on the way to recovery.
Of Course, Jesus is the answer to EVERYTHING. But maybe you have already heard that, but
it may not mean that much to you. How does that really work in the real world?
Notice in Matt. 11:20 what Jesus was doing AND WHY HE WAS DOING IT:
"Then began he [Jesus] to UPBRAID [reprove
or correct them very sharply] the cities wherein most of his mighty works were
done, BECAUSE THEY REPENTED NOT"
That is the very same problem we have all had in our lives, WE DON'T
REPENT OF THE THINGS THAT WE KNOW ARE WRONG. Repent means to see it, acknowledge it,
and get rid of it!
When you repent of your sins and evils you automatically feel better and God Himself will
give you rest (SPIRITUAL REST) from all your very heavy burdens. A guilty conscience is
probably the worst burden that anyone can carry. But you will never, ever, get rid of a
guilty conscience until you begin to REPENT and change your ways.
Down a few verses Jesus tells us what will happen if we will REPENT and start to OBEY His
commandments:
"Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I WILL GIVE YOU REST! Take My yoke [this means to live your life with all its
trials and tribulations, by living it CHRIST'S WAY] upon you, and LEARN OF ME [read
your Bible and DO WHAT CHRIST SAYS TO DO and DON'T DO WHAT HE SAYS NOT TO DO]; for
I am meek and lowly in heart: and YOU SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS. For My yoke
is easy [it will enable you to overcome the world, because Jesus overcame with
world with His humble and meek attitude] and my burden light" (Matt.
11:28-30).
When you find that you're too weak to overcome your sins and faults,
IT WILL DRIVE YOU TO YOUR KNEES! You will call out to God, because you will know in
your heart that you do not have the POWER to stop all of your sins. When you cry out to
God He will hear, and He will give you strength and power to do what seemed so hard
before.
Notice what fruit the Spirit of God will produce in your life:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE,
PATIENCE, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, SELF CONTROL: against such there is no
law" (Gal. 5:22-23).
We all want these qualities in our lives, but they only come by
crucifying our old carnal, selfish selves. The key is to: REPENT and OBEY. Read
Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. They are filled with the things we are to do to find peace
with God and peace with ourselves.
There are many Scriptures of encouragement, and you will learn them as you read and study
God's Word. But you need a starting point and you need it RIGHT NOW! STOP DOING the
obvious wrong things that you are doing and go to God in prayer and ask Him to CLEAN YOU
UP! Trust me, he will answer your prayer.
Keep in touch with me. I want to know how you are doing, Okay?
God be with you and I will be praying for you as others on my team with be praying for
you!
Ray
I want to know what you know or teach on water
baptism? I have been going through some of the articles that The Divine Plan has.
I am a former World Wide Church Of God member that has been really
mixed up with different teachings. Everybody has different teachings.
So far you seem to have what I Think is a closer teaching what the
Word of GOD is saying... Your articles have very helpful to me.
THANKS.
P.S. I'll be keeping in touch
[Ray Replies]
Thank you for your email and question.
I don't have the time to write an whole article on the subject in an email. One day I will
do that and post it on my site. But in a nut shell:
Paul tells us that we no longer know Jesus AFTER the flesh.
Jesus Christ came IN THE FLESH to lead us INTO THE SPIRIT. It was paramount to be
CIRCUMCISED, KEEP HOLY DAYS, KEEP SABBATH, PAY TITHES, and many PHYSICAL THINGS
under the law of Moses.
Jesus came with binding laws of the spirit. In Matt. 5, 6, and 7 Jesus said
"you have heard it said [by the LAW OF MOSES]..."
that you are to do this or do that, but Jesus said, "BUT I SAY UNTO
YOU..."
And then He gave a different and contradicting law.
Examples:
"Swear" under Moses / DON'T SWEAR AT ALL UNDER CHRIST.
"Hate your enemies" under Moses / LOVE YOUR ENEMIES UNDER
CHRIST!
"Don't commit adultery" under Moses / DON'T EVEN LOOK TO
LUST AFTER A WOMAN UNDER CHRIST!
Get the point?
God said he would write His NEW COVENANT (not a revised version of the OLD COVENANT) upon
the minds and hearts of His followers.
Circumcision was so very important to every Jewish man. Paul said "Circumcision IS
NOTHING"!!!
So drastic was this change brought about by Jesus Christ, that Paul
said that a PHYSICAL JEW of the PHYSICAL NATION OF ISRAEL, who is PHYSICALLY CIRCUMCISION
in the flesh only, IS NO JEW AT ALL!!! But a GENTILE, not of the nation of Israel, and NOT
PHYSICALLY CIRCUMCISED in the flesh, but CIRCUMCISED IN HIS HEART, HE, A GENTILE, IS A JEW!!!
(Rom. 2:27-29).
Now then, with that in mind turn to Col.2:19-13:
"And ye are COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all
principality and power: In Whom also ye ARE CIRCUMCISED [how?] with the
circumcision MADE WITHOUT HANDS, in putting off the body of the SINS OF THE FLESH by the
CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST: buried with Him in BAPTISM [how? same way! "without
hands" or water], wherein also ye ARE RISEN WITH HIM through the faith of the
operation of God, Who has raised Him from the dead. And you, being DEAD IN YOUR SINS and
the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened [made alive] together
with Him, having FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES."
According to Paul, "How many baptisms are there?"
"There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as ye are
called in ONE hope of your calling; ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE BAPTISM, ONE God and Father
of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:4-6).
Water baptism avails us NOTHING unless we are BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
(Rom. 6:3-7) with a baptism WITHOUT HANDS--not of the letter and the flesh, but of the
SPIRIT!
Nothing that we do that starts in the flesh can add one cubic to our spiritual stature.
Hope that helps your understanding a little better.
God be with you,
Ray
[another email on the same subject]
First of all, I want to thank you for the article I read releasing
us from guilt of not tithing. I've wondered long and hard on that topic, and tonight
decided to go to the Internet to see what I could find on the subject. I have always felt
much like you; although, stating from the New American Standard Bible in Hebrews 13:16 And
do not neglect doing good and sharing for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Now for the one remark you did write, and I quote "It's all about the SPIRIT--not
water, foreskins, and money" -- I really think you should at least read 1 John 5:
4-8. Especially verse 8 which sums the upper 4 verses up. I'll save you the time looking
it up and type from my bible beginning with verse 4. For whatever is born of God overcomes
the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world--our faith.verse 5 And who is
the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God?verse 6
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not with the
water only, but with the water and with the blood.verse 7 And it is the Spirit who bears
witness, because the Spirit is the truth.verse 8 For there are three that bear witness,
the Spirit and the water and the blood: and the three are in agreement.
If you do happen to read on down to verse 10 you will find out that if you are not in
agreement with verse 8 as apposed to how you left the reader thinking its all about the
spirit--not water, then you will read that the one who does not believe God has made him a
liar.
In no way am I against your beliefs on the proof you've presented about tithing, but if
your going to go up against these preachers then leave yourself no loopholes. I did read
in my bible where you got the scripture I highlighted for you in yellow, but remember the
spirit does consist of water and blood. The foreskins, and money of course is correct.
Truthfully, I admire your research and boldness, which does come through clearly that your
being quite honest about tithes. However, I believe you could have added a little more to
your ending other than paying the church bills. Such as:
There are those disabled, travelers, or elderly who do not attend a church, which requires
they have no choice but to watch or listen to the TV Evangelist. If it were not for TV
preaching into their homes, they would not have the opportunity to hear God's word. And if
people did not send money to the stations then I doubt so many of God's children would be
filled with the joy of the message, and the joy of giving from their hearts for what they
feel is doing God's good work in the only way they can or know how to do it.
I do appreciate the new awareness you've shown me, and I fully understand the message your
relating to the world. But please understand that we do need the teachings of Christ in
other places than a walk in church for the ones who cannot leave their dwelling. So if
you ever rewrite the page I just read, do you mind taking into consideration the
two things I've brought to your attention for you are a powerful writer. And God needs all
the help he can get so that his message is heard. As you said, he will deal with those
greedy selfish shysters in his own way and his own time. Until then, don't you think that
it wouldn't hurt to donate toward a little more than just utilities?
It will sure do my heart good knowing that I can donate in different ways and not feel
guilty about not giving one tenth of my disability check. In fact, when TBS sent me an
envelope for donation the first time, I did donate. And along with that same envelope, I
asked them to pray for my husband who was 42 years old dying of Lew Gehrig's disease. I
truly expected a letter back of prayer for him, but instead they must have overlooked the
letter I sent and only saw the check. Cause all I have gotten from that letter is more
envelopes for more donations. I finally got tired of those long fake eyelashes the
preacher''s wife kept wet with tears when she televised more for money than teaching the
gospel. And when my husband died, I grew bitter each time I'd see another letter from them
knowing it was for donations, so I began throwing them away before opening.
What I'm trying to say is yes, one can become quite bitter when their eyes are open to all
the truths you wrote, but as a Christian, we should love our brother and pray for him. And
still feel it in our hearts to give freely to the needy or church of our choice, yet, not
be lied to and raped of what little income some of us have to live on. Therefore, along
with my thank you's which I mean sincerely, I wish you'd find it in your heart to rewrite
the ending a little more in God's favor. Thus allowing the givers to also feel good about
helping to keep God's words heard in sermons from the corrupt preachers whose broadcasting
some of the scriptures before they begin advertising for money.
Please take no offense for non is intended. Just think it over! OK
Frances
[Ray Replies]
Dear Francis:
Thank you for your email and comments.
So you believe that the PHYSICAL foreskins no longer apply to we Believers of the Nations,
but that the PHYSICAL water of baptism most certainly does still apply. They are one
and the same, Francis. Physically cutting off the foreskin and physically being placed
under water are PHYSICAL RITUALS. They accomplish NOTHING with the spirit. Until Christ
comes into our lives we SHOULD be physically circumcised, physically baptized, and
physically give our tithes of farm produce to the Levites, but when the REALITY [Christ]
of all of those types and shadows COMES, we are no longer under a tutor or schoolmaster,
but we are by faith to go on to maturity (Gal. 3).
John is not speaking of PHYSICAL water and PHYSICAL blood in I John 5:6 & 8. Two
things came out of Jesus' PHYSICAL BODY when they pierced Him: PHYSICAL water and
PHYSICAL blood (John 19:34). These two things from then on become SYMBOLS of something
SPIRITUAL that takes place in us by these two things. Being PHYSICALLY baptizes in
PHYSICAL water will not make ANYONE spiritual. Likewise partaking of the Lord's Supper
with PHYSICAL wine symbolizing Christ's shed blood will not make ANYONE spiritual. Jesus
Christ is the reality of both THE WATER and THE BLOOD.
Throughout the New Testament the apostles teach us concerning the "water and the
blood." Here is what the water and the blood symbolize and what they do FOR US:
"...the WASHING [spiritual water] OF
REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which He shed [poured out]
on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:5b-6).
"That He might sanctify and cleanse it [the church, ver. 25] with
the washing of water BY THE WORD" (Eph. 5:36).
Can we not see that the water IS THE WORD of God? Do we get
SPIRITUAL clean by being baptized in PHYSICAL WATER? What have we just read?
"...washing of water BY THE WORD." Here's a second witness:
"Now ye are clean [washed clean]
through the WORD which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3).
And since these two words "water and blood" are used
symbolically to represent spiritual realities, we can even be washed clean in "the
blood":
"...and WASHED us from our sins in His own BLOOD"
(Rev. 1:5b).
Remember that Jesus said,
"...the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT,
and they are life" (John 6:63)
Therefore:
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born OF WATER [what kind of water? physical water?] and
of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).
Is Jesus speaking of PHYSICAL WATER and PHYSICAL BAPTISM? Hardly.
Look at the next chapter:
"...and He [Christ] would have given
you LIVING WATER" (John 4:10).
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinks of
this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him
shall never thirst: but the water that I shall give shall be in him a well of water
springing up into everlasting LIFE" (Ver. 14)
Water of LIFE, LIVING waters:
"He that believes on Me, as the SCRIPTURE has said [Scripture
is God's word, and we are washed with with water of God's WORD], out of his belly
shall flow rivers of LIVING WATERS" (John 7:38).
After being baptized by water, the disciples of Jesus were still
unconverted. Why even Peter was unconverted (Luke 22:32). Physical water did them little
good SPIRITUALLY. However, Jesus promised that they would be baptized with something else:
"For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be
baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT not many days hence" (Acts 1:5).
Baptism is of the heart and spirit just as circumcision. If we can't
comprehend this spiritual truth, then we are missing the whole point of these types and
shadows of which Jesus Christ is the only reality.
God be with you,
Ray
[and yet another email on baptism]
Hi Ray,
I regularly read your web site and for most part agree
both with your translation and interpretation of what the scriptures say. Not
because it is your interpretation but based on analytical comparison with the original
Greek text and further witness by the holy spirit to the truthfulness of the word and
character of God.
I believe that you have been a great instrument in the
Lord's hands in bringing hope/the true "good news" to people who have been
ostracized by the Christian world who should be encouraging them rather then frightening
them with the prospect of an eternal torment. I have also written you in the past but I
understand that you have a busy schedule trying to joggle work and the barrage of e-mails
from your readers. However, I felt it important to bring the issue of baptism to a mutual
discussion. When it comes to this subject (Christian baptism), I believe that we have a
divergence of opinions.
Please take in consideration that the new testament
baptism has nothing to do with the old covenant as you expressed or at least used as
comparison in your reply to a reader. In that comparison you used circumcision as the
analogy of being spiritual minded versus physically minded. Likewise, (please correct me
if I am wrong on my interpretation of what you were trying to say) you categorize baptism
as a physical ritual that has nothing to do with a spiritual acceptance of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 28: 19-20 Jesus instructed his apostles to preach and baptize those who
believed. Please note that Jesus did not say that those who would believe would be
baptized by the holy spirit. His instructions were directive:
"...disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to be keeping all, whatever I direct you."
In Acts 8: 14-16 there is clearly a distinction between receiving the holy spirit and the
act of baptism. We read: "Now the apostles in Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria has
received the word of God, dispatch to them Peter and John, who, descending, pray
concerning them, so that they may be obtaining holy spirit, for not yet was it fallen on
any of them, yet only, having been baptized, they belonged to the name of the Lord
Jesus." Furthermore, we also have the narrative of Philip baptizing the Ethiopian
Eunuch after Christ's resurrection. Acts 8: 36 "...Now as they went along the road
they came to some water, and the eunuch is averring, "Lo! Water! what is preventing
me from being baptized?" And he orders the chariot to stand, and they both descended
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptizes him." Hence, beyond
what Jesus directed his apostles to do concerning baptism we have scriptural record of the
apostles doing what their Lord directed them; to preach/teach and baptize. Baptism was not
only practiced during Christ's live but continued thereafter. There is no doubt that
faith in Jesus Christ is what sanctifies. However, baptism is a public
acknowledgement of a personal acceptance of Christ and his teachings. The symbolic
significance of baptism goes beyond the physical practice itself. Although, physical, it
has a spiritual significance. Paul taught that it is not first what is spiritual but what
is physical and then the spiritual. Besides the scriptures listed above, there are many
more that I am sure you are aware of that lauds baptism.
Albeit, I would still be interested to hear your
perspective on why should those who accept Christ and want to publicly take upon them the
name of Christ be discouraged from pursuing the practice of baptism. I don't believe
that Jesus would mention something that was inconsequential just for the sake of creating
an onerous ordinance. The fact that Jesus was baptized (He being our example) and
encouraged baptism seems to be a reason good enough to be baptize even if it is the spirit
that gives spiritual life and not the water. One last point, ...the scripture in Romans
6:3-7 is inclusive to supporting baptism rather than annulling it. Here, baptism is
further compared to the death and resurrection of Christ. The burring in water symbolizes
the "entombing" while the immerging from the waters symbolizes the resurrection
of Christ.
May the Lord continue to bless you,
Frank
[Ray Replies]
Dear Frank:
It is true that Jesus was baptized and told the apostles to baptize. With this I have no
questions or problems. However, there are MANY things that many people do not see or
comprehend in the Scriptures. Let me give you some insight into one of these mysteries:
"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will
guide you INTO ALL TRUTH...AND HE WILL SHOW YOU THINGS TO COME" (John
16;13).
Now then: WHAT "truth?" What truth did the apostles NOT
HAVE AT THE END OF CHRIST'S MINISTRY. Remember John 16 is at the Passover supper which was
His last day on earth in the flesh. What truth didn't the apostles have? What things was
the Spirit to: "SHOW you things to come?" What things? Did Jesus LIE? Did Jesus
NEVER EVER show them those things and tell them those truths that He promised on His last
day with them? There absolutely WERE new truths and things to come, that the apostles came
to see and understand LATER IN THEIR MINISTRY. Why LATER in their ministries, why
not NOW? Because:
"I have MANY things to say unto you, but ye CANNOT BEAR
THEM NOW" (John 16:12),
that's why.
Paul TOO, was baptized and also baptized others. You say Jesus
COMMANDS us to baptize today. Maybe you think God has commanded YOU, Frank, to baptize,
but I'll guarantee you something straight from the Scriptures, and you can accept it or
not. Jesus Christ didn't commission PAUL TO BAPTIZE!
"FOR CHRIST SENT ME [Paul] NOT
TO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel..." (I Cor. 1:17).
To US, Frank, "There is ONE GOD..." "ONE Lord, ONE
faith, ONE BAPTISM" (Eph. 4:5). How many baptisms? ONE! Whose baptism is it?
CHRIST'S! We are baptized into CHRIST and HIS DEATH. The ONE FAITH, is not our faith, but
the faith that God gave to us as a gift (Eph. 2:8). All we have is a gift--
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to
the measure of the GIFT OF CHRIST" (Eph. 4:7).
Must we partake of our OWN baptism to be saved? Can we not claim the
ONE BAPTISM OF CHRIST? Yes, of course we can. We lack NOTHING when we have CHRIST, when we
are IN CHRIST, and CHRIST IS IN US:
"And ye [ye means ALL OF YOU--everyone of you]
are COMPLETE IN HIM..." (Eph. 2:10).
The question is, DO WE BELIEVE IT OR NOT?
Now then, you are familiar with circumcision, are you not, Frank? It is the cutting off of
the foreskin of the penis. But we don't have to actually cut off the skin IN THE FLESH IN
THE PHYSICAL. That is unless you feel that your "Are NOT complete in Christ"
ALONE.
"In whom [Jesus] also ye ARE
circumcised with the circumcision made WITHOUT HANDS [without a knife or
scissors, without WATER, if you have understanding], in putting off the BODY OF
THE SINS OF THE FLESH ['Or are you IGNORANT that whosoever are baptized into...
[into water?]...INTO CHRIST JESUS, ARE BAPTIZED [it's not a phony
baptism; it's a REAL BAPTISM] into His death? We, then, were entombed together
with Him through the BAPTISM INTO DEATH [this baptism is a spiritual baptism into
death, not a physical baptism into water], that, even as Christ was roused from
among the dead through the glory of the Father, thus we also should be walking in newness
of life. For if we have become planted together in the likeness of His death, nevertheless
we shall be of the resurrection, knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified
together with Him, that the BODY OF SIN MAY BE NULLIFIED, FOR US BY NO MEANS TO BE
still slaving for sin, FOR ONE WHO DIES HAS BEEN JUSTIFIED FROM SIN [Rom. 6:3-7]
...putting off the body of the SINS OF THE FLESH by the CIRCUMCISION OF
CHRIST" (Col. 2:10-11).
Can you not see that it is ONLY the "circumcision OF
CHRIST" that counts for anything? It is not OUR OWN PERSONAL PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION
which only 'pictures' the putting off of sin, but does not ACTUALLY AND LITERALLY AND
SPIRITUALLY PUT OFF SIN that matters. It is only "the circumcision OF CHRIST"
that matters. I don't know how I can say it any clearer. Now then, what does this have to
do with "baptism?" EVERYTHING.
Let's pick up on the last few words of verse 11 once more and just continue on to the next
verse, seeing that even the King James does not put a PERIOD, but a colon: which shows
that the next verse IS CONNECTED IN THOUGHT TO THE PREVIOUS VERSE.
"...in the putting off the body of the sins of the
flesh by the circumcision OF Christ: buried WITH HIM IN BAPTISM."
Oh, the circumcision is WITHOUT HANDS, but the baptism is WITH
WATER, is it? NO, a thousand times, NO. The CIRCUMCISION for those who are complete in
Christ is WITHOUT A KNIFE AND WITHOUT HANDS and the baptism for those who are complete in
Christ is likewise, WITHOUT WATER AND WITHOUT HANDS!!!
Just like with the whole Law of Moses, it foreshadowed SOMETHING
BETTER (Heb. 10:1). Jesus Christ is not a shadow of ANYTHING---Jesus Christ is the REAL
THING--THE REALITY of which all physical ceremonies, sacrifices, and rituals were but a
SHADOW. Stop looking to the "shadows" as though there were REAL POWER in the
shadows. There is not. The only power is in the REALITY and the REALITY is JESUS CHRIST IN
US. PERIOD.
I hope and pray that the same Spirit of God that enlightened the apostles in their walk
with our Lord will also enlighten you on this matter.
God be with you,
Ray
Hi Ray:
Like your site! One question. What must I do to be saved? With all
your letters I don't see a plan of Salvation.
Thank you. In His Grace,
Chester
[Ray Replies]
Dear Chester:
Thank you for your email and questions.
Now I realize that this is not quite the message of the Christian
party line, but it is Scriptural. The idea that one must COME TO CHRIST, and then CHOOSE
CHRIST, on his own by his own "free" will, it is not only UNscriptural, it is
ANTI-scriptural. Here is how God saves people:
I will quote this from the Concordant Literal New Testament, as it is a better translation
than the KJV in these verses:
"Now we are aware that GOD [the word 'God' is
left OUT in the KJV, but it is IN the Greek manuscripts] is working all together
for the good of those who are loving God [but just how does one come to 'love
God?' continue...] who ARE CALLED [by GOD, not by our so-called 'free'
will], according to the purpose [God's purpose in calling us]
that, whom He foreknew [God knew before you were born whether He could be calling
you now, or later] He designates BEFOREHAND also, to be conformed to the image of
His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates BEFOREHAND,
these HE calls also, and whom HE calls, these HE justifies also; now whom HE justifies,
these HE glorifies also" (Rom. 8:28-30).
Now then, can we not see that it is "HE"--GOD, Who does
all these things? NOWHERE do we see here that man must first choose Christ of his own free
will, THEN God will do all these other things.
NO! GOD, has a purpose, GOD does the calling, GOD conforms and
transforms us into the image of His Son, GOD justifies us, and GOD will glorify us also.
IT IS ALL GOD!
But when God does do these things for those He calls, He also GIVES THEM FAITH TO BELIEVE
THESE THINGS. So then here is the formula, if I may use that word, for HOW God saves us:
"For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that [that
saving faith] not of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD." (Eph. 2:8).
You said that I don't cover salvation in any of my papers. Actually
I do at numerous places, perhaps you missed it. Notice that we are "saved by
GRACE."
In Part IV of the "lake of fire" series I show EXACTLY how
God uses "Grace" to train, educate, discipline, school, judge, and chastise us
into the image of His Son. Are you reading and studying the "lake of fire
series?"
Once God calls you, He will guide you in ALL THINGS that you need to know and do.
God be with you,
Ray
Hello,
I have not had the chance to read all of your work but of what I
have read I enjoyed. You have opened my eyes to a lot of things.
I use to follow John Hagee only on TV and now after reading your
letters my husband and I have cleaned our home of his tapes and books. Do you have any
information on the Church of Christ? Not the United Church of Christ but just the Church
of Christ denomination.
Thank you, and God bless you.
[Ray Replies]
Thank you for your comments.
No I don't have any personal insights into the Church of Christ other than what anyone can
read in a book on religions. I have several volumes such as "RELIGIONS IN
AMERICAN" and the like, which one can purchase at any Bible book store.
I find very little difference between most denominations. Even between Protestantism and
Catholicism there are only relatively minor differences.
Some churches such as Jehovah's Witnesses differ more in some basic
areas of doctrine. To their credit they do not believe in eternal torture, for example.
Catholics believe in a type of purgatory for purging those not yet suited for heaven,
whereas virtually no Protestant religion believes in purgatory. Some believe in
baptism by immersion only, while many accept sprinkling as okay. Some baptize infants and
others don't.
But ALL OF THESE THINGS COMBINED are of little consequence compared
to the vast unscriptural doctrines that most worship and believe.
Sorry if I am not to helpful on this question.
Sincerely,
Ray
Dear sir,
I have just clicked on your site, bible-truths and perused just two of your pages, tithing
and "What about those who never heard?" I am amazed at your scriptural
ignorance. You seem to have no concept of context and your attitude toward
those who you claim are wrong is simply rude. Certainly not speaking to one another
the truth in love.
You requested, "If you have criticisms please be specific.
Please quote exact scripture reference(s) in the article(s) and avoid
generalities." But to be frank, having been a student of scripture for some time, I
have never seen such convoluted 'supposed' interpretations in my life.
It is unfortunate that you web site is entitled
"bible-truths" as the gaps in your understanding of the Word of God are chasms
of ignorance, which if you just read the scriptures in context would for the most part be
cleared up.
But I am afraid your idea of logical analysis doesn't take into
account wisdom from other godly men, but is extremely self centered and self righteous and
isn't as logical as you perceive. And that's too bad, brother.
Sincerely,
Luther
[Ray Replies]
Dear Luther:
Thank you for your e-mail and comments.
Every day when I read my e-mails, I am utterly amazed. There are basically only two types
of replies:
- Those who have been helped and say that they have either turned TO
God or RETURNED to God after being dismayed most of their lives with the contradictory
nonsense being taught in today's institutionalized churches regarding the fate of
humanity, and
- Those who use more words of condemnation toward me in one paragraph
than one would normally hear in a lifetime.
I believe yours falls in the second category. In just a half dozen
sentences I am accused of:
"scriptural ignorance"
"no concept"
"attitude wrong and rude"
"not speaking truth in love"
"convoluted interpretations"
"gaps in understanding"
"chasms of ignorance"
"doesn't take into account wisdom"
"extremely self centered"
Of those detractors that have emailed me with similar similar fits
of condemnation as yours, not one has ever quoted a paragraph, a sentence, or even a
phrase from my articles and then proved Scripturally that what I said was wrong. I am
certainly not saying that there are no wrong statements in my writings, I am merely
stating that no one has yet specifically proved them wrong.
I am open for all and any constructive criticism. Your criticism,
however, is worse than useless. Has your criticism helped you? I don't think so. Has it
helped me? Not as far as making any constructive changes. Would it be of any help to my
readers? I don't know, I will post your email and wait for the results.
I understand human nature (the carnal mind) better than you may think (maybe because I
have more than I would like, myself). I learn more from the emails of my detractors than
your realize.
You see, Luther, I know why you sent me this email. It is NOT
because, "I have never seen such CONVOLUTED 'supposed' interpretations in my
life." If you REALLY believed that, then you would NOT have wasted your time to write
me. You wrote me because something you read in my material pricked your spirit--it
rang a tone of truth, and the idea that you could have been WRONG about such basic
Scriptural truths frightened you.
Rather than face the music, you concocted this little note of
condemnation and ridicule thinking that it would salve your conscience. But it didn't
work, did it?
If you would have REALLY seen from my writings the GROSS ERRORS that you suggest in this
email, you would not have been able to SHOW ME THAT ERROR FAST ENOUGH. You would have
gloried in the prospect of rubbing my face into it, if you really had such proof that I
had erred.
And so, Luther, your are not the least bit unique in this area. You
are like hundreds before you who got frustrated at my articles, not because they found
error, not because of unscriptural statements, but because it clashes with your
traditional idols of the heart which you are not willing to give up as yet. Many
rejoice and receive the truths of God's Word with gladness, while others fight the truth
with every fiber of their carnal mind.
These things just absolutely amaze! When many learn that God really does WILL and is
ABLE to call ALL sinners (in His time), to repentance and to bring them into a
relationship with their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, they rejoice. While others who are
shown from the Scriptures that will eventually bring ALL to repentance through His many
judgments and fiery trials, they get angry. Why? Because they do not want to
SHARE salvation with everyone else. A few, yes--that is if they believe exactly the same
way as themselves.
And when these same people are shown that our Heavenly Father is NOT
going to torture men and women, boys and girls, by the billions and billions in some
fabled hellhole of real FIRE by burning their eyeballs out for ALL ETERNITY, they then get
EXTREMELY ANGRY!
You read my invitation before, but I will present it again: If you can specifically show
where any statement of mine is Scripturally untrue, I will more than gladly make a
correction. God is continually shedding new light on His Word. More and more
spiritual truths are being revealed year by year. I want to be free, and only the
TRUTH (JESUS CHRIST) can set us free!
May God be with you as you ponder what I have written to you. If you disagree, let me
know. If I am wrong in my teachings on the Scriptures, let me know. I'm not from Missouri,
but you will first have to 'show me.'
Sincerely in Christ's service,
Ray
Hello Mr. Smith,
Glad to hear back from you.
The first thing I would like your incite on is power. Mark 16:17 is
quoted by everyone I hear these days.
Can I be a believer if I don't speak in "tongues," heal
the sick or have other super natural manifestations?
I sometimes listen to Sid Roth and almost every guest he has as been
taken into heaven by Jesus, were delivered from drugs in an instant and have seen Jesus
numerous times. I have had no experiences like these. I wonder about myself. My
relationship doesn't seem to be very "personal" with Jesus.
As you see I'm a terrible writer but I hope you understand what I'm
trying to ask. Maybe it's Pentecostalism I'm confused by.
I thank you for your thoughts on this.
Steve
[Ray Replies]
Dear Steve:
Don't every let anyone try to make you feel spiritually inferior to them! That is a sure
sign that something is wrong with THEM, not you.
I once taped a person talking in tongues in a huge Pentecostal Church in Atlanta. I
typed out the pastor's interpretation of the message. Several of my friends firmly believe
these are messages straight from heaven and God's throne room. Anyway, I proved to
the satisfaction of the ones who believed this was a miraculous message that it was indeed
a fraud. There were numerous, IDENTICAL, repeating patterns in the woman's tongue
speech. In the interpretation, however, nothing had a repeating pattern! Seemed
pretty simple to me. I am not saying that there are not people today who do
legitimately speak in tongues, but I am not convinced by most of these circus side show
antics.
Jesus did say that certain signs would follow the apostles, but He didn't say it was so
for all believers. He also told His APOSTLES if they were bitten by a deadly snake it
wouldn't harm them--He didn't tell all believers that, however. He told His twelve
apostles that anything they asked in His name, believing, that He would give it to
them--He didn't say that that went for all believers in all times. I think the misuse of
such verses adds to the frustration of many a saint today.
Hope that helps you a little.
Sincerely,
Ray
[more]
Ray,
I noticed your not real big on speaking in tongues? Is this because
it is something you have yet to experience or might you have scripture telling you it
isn't for today?
[Ray Replies]
Not only am I not "real big" on speaking in tongues, but I
am not even "real small" in the matter.
Paul said this concerning tongues: "whether there be tongues, they shall
CEASE." Or in the Concordant Literal New Testament: "languages, they will
CEASE." That word translated "cease" is from the Greek word
"pauo" and it means: "stop, restrain, quit, desist, COME TO AN END."
Is that clear?
If you will notice and take a lesson from Paul's instructions to the Corinthians. He said
they they came behind IN NO SPIRITUAL GIFT!! Yet, they were among THE MOST CARNAL
CONGREGATIONS OF THE GOD'S CHURCH ON EARTH!!! Those who think "tongues"
was a sign of spiritual maturity are sadly mistaken.
After Paul lists all of the gifts that would no longer function, he likens these gifts to
the toys of childhood (I Cor. 13:9-11). But when we become MATURE IN CHRIST, we are to put
away THESE CHILDISH THINGS. And so Paul then informs us that "NOW [or from NOW ON...]
abides, Faith, Hope, and Charity [Love]."
By the way, I have never heard of, nor do I know of a person in the twentieth century or
beyond, that could speak in multiple foreign languages in which he had NO FORMAL TRAINING!
Do you know of any such person?
Hope that helps your understanding a little better.
Ray
... MY QUESTION IS THIS, WHICH DAY IS THE
CHRISTIAN SABBATH, IN YOUR OPINION?
KEN
Dear Ken:
Thank you for your comments and question.
First of all, Ken, "my opinion" is probably worst than useless. When you are
searching for the Truths of God's Word, another man's "opinion" may be of little
value. So, with that said, I will give you my opinion :-)
Seriously, this is not a difficult matter to resolve. However, we need to be careful about
labeling things. Scripturally, there is no such thing as the "CHRISTIAN
Sabbath." The Sabbath commandment was given to ancient Israel, not to Christians. The
Christian Sabbath, the day on which Christians rest and worship is clearly SUNDAY!
Christendom as a whole with a few exceptions such as Seventh Day Adventists have kept
Sunday as their day of worship down through the centuries.
So clearly, SUNDAY is the Christian Sabbath, if we insist on using
that awkward terminology.
The Sabbath that Jesus Christ observed (AND BROKE), was not, however, Sunday or the first
day of the week. We know for a fact, historically, the Sabbath being kept in the time of
Christ's earthly ministry, was the SEVENTH day or Saturday. Actually from Friday sunset
till Saturday sunset.
The calendar has been changed numerous times through the centuries,
however, the seven day weekly cycle has NEVER been changed or tampered with. Even when
they dropped TEN WHOLE DAYS out of the calendar to bring the calendar back in line with
the Spring equinox, they did NOT change the weekly Sabbath. One day was say Tuesday
November the 10th and the NEXT day became Wednesday November the 20th! The week stayed the
same.
As the Sabbath command was part of the Old Covenant Law, which Paul went to great length
to inform us that we are no longer under, it makes little difference which day is the
Sabbath of Israel. The Sabbath like ALL aspects of the law of Moses and the law of God,
the Torah, the Old Testament, was a shadow of something to come. It pictured something to
come that would be the spiritual fulfillment of this command. Jesus Christ was the
fulfillment of the Passover lamb. Jesus was slain, and so it would be WRONG for us to
continue to slay a Passover lamb every Passover season to cover our sins. Likewise, the
Sabbath pictured entering into a REST with God from our own WORKS. Not just our weekly
physical labor of earning a living, but ALL OF OUR OWN WORKS.
So, if one tries to KEEP the Sabbath after Christ as already fulfilled it (as with the
Passover lamb), then by trying to keep the law you actually BREAK the law! Just like when
Paul said if we are circumcised to fulfill the law of circumcision given to Abraham and
Israel, to show out spirituality, we indeed "fall from grace." By works of law
no flesh at all shall be justified Paul tells us. How can one REST FROM HIS WORKS by
keeping (spiritual WORKS) the Sabbath LAW?
I hope that helps you, Ken.
Sincerely in Christ's service,
Ray
Dear L. Ray Smith;
I ran across your rebuttal on the internet. I'm not a
theologian so you have no need to worry about me speaking too academically. I just
had the desire to share some passages that I felt answered many of your points....
... Why would GOD force a person, that by his own will and lifestyle
chose to live apart from GOD, to live with GOD for Eternity? Would that be Heaven
for that individual?
... In Closing I must say that I believe that it is unbiblical to
Lump the Ungodly in with Those that have put their trust in The Creator Of ALL the
Universe! 1 Peter 4:19
[Ray Replies]
Dear Michael:
You ask: "Why would GOD force a person, that by his own will and lifestyle chose to
live apart from GOD, to live with GOD for Eternity? Would that be Heaven for that
individual?"
ANSWER: Your question ASSUMES things that aren't Biblically true. Did you ever live
a lifestyle APART from God? Do you now live a lifestyle WITH God? How did that transition
come about? Did you ALL ON YOUR OWN, one day come to decide that you wanted to live
WITH God as opposed to APART from God? Did you make that choice, without a cause,
and INDEPENDENTLY of God's supernatural intervention? I don't have to ask, because I
already know the answer, and the answer will be the same for all non-believers in the
future.
Paul tells us that "NOT ONE is seeking out God" (Rom. 3:11).
No one seeks God until God calls them to begin seeking. Jesus Christ
plain stated that
"NO ONE CAN come to Me if ever the Father Who sends Me
should not be DRAWING HIM" (John 6:44 & 65)
I fully realize that most of Christendom including such greats as
Billy Graham absolutely DENY this Scripture, but it is true nonetheless. It stands to
reason if only those who are called and chosen (by the way, only Jesus does the choosing
also:
"NOT YOU choose Me, but I CHOOSE YOU..."
John 15:16)
can only be such when God chooses, then those who are NOT CHOSEN OR
CALLED of God CANNOT of their own will come to God, choose God, or decide to live a
lifestyle WITH God and opposed to APART from God. There is the Scriptural answer to your
questions.
God only chooses SOME now--not all. But it is His will to call and choose ALL MANKIND in
the future.
"God WILLS that ALL mankind be SAVED..."
(I Tim. 2:4).
And "Thy WILL BE DONE..." (Matt.
6:10).
For God IS LOVE (I John 4:8), and
"LOVE NEVER FAILS...." (I Cor. 13:10).
So part of the problem is that your question contains errors of
though. God doesn't FORCE people to worship Him, He opens up their minds and hearts so
that they DESIRE TO WORSHIP HIM!
Again, Paul was inspired of God to write:
"Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him
with the name that is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should be
bowing, celestial [those in the heavens] and terrestrial [those
on the earth] and subterranean [all the billions who will be resurrected
from the dead and be judged at the white throne and purged by God who is a consuming FIRE,
Rev. 20:11-15],and every tongue should be ACCLAIMING [this is a
heart-felt voluntary acclamation] that Jesus Christ IS LORD [And NO ONE
IS ABLE TO SAY 'LORD IS JESUS' EXCEPT BY HOLY SPIRIT!!], to the glory of God the
Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).
God desires, WILLS, and is quite capable of saving ALL OF HIS
CREATURES. It is UNSCRIPTURAL to suggest that God won't save all: It is BLASPHEMY to
suggest that He can't save all!
I hope this helps your understanding a little. Most Christians look at the NOW, the HERE,
the PAST and PRESENT in deciding who GOT saved and who is GETTING saved. They fail utterly
to look to the FUTURE when God sets His hand to save ALL.
Remember that thing about Passover, then the
"waveshief"--Christ, then Pentecost, the "firstfruits," those who God
is now calling of the nations? Did we forget THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES AND THE LAST
GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST? The GREAT FALL HARVEST OF SOULS?
God be with you as you submit to His calling and His will.
Sincerely,
Ray
Hello friend and fellow believer in the
Glorious Gospel,
I have read your writings on your web page and in every instance, have come to full
agreement with you.
I once was in conversations with another Bible College teacher (Steve Alt-Brownsville
School of ministry). This was long before I ever had the opportunity to read writings such
as yours.
I always had this unreconcilable understanding of God-taught as a bi-polar, "monster
of love". I always thought that "surely these men of God knew what they were
talking about"!
However, God revealed Himself to me one day (a long story I could share, if desired) and
from that point on, I felt His leading me to the same conclusions and avenues of study
that began erasing the contradictions and confusion men have brought into the
"church-world" and the Bible.
Steve Alt used some of the same tactics that are used by the
"men of God" that Robert referenced. He listened to my questions and objections,
for a while, then began the usual theological/doctrinal rebuke - but could not from a
Scriptural stance.
This is generally the case. There are NO Scriptural "legs" to stand on, when
insisting on the eternal torment theology. But only God's revelation and dedicated study
can show this.
I am writing this to thank you for giving me more understanding and confidence in my
resolve to fulfill His calling of me to teach this wonderful message of hope.
Blessings, peace and love to you and yours!
Raymond
Dear Sir,
You are certainly quick to the draw, but when the smoke clears and
blood is shed are you certain that your shooting is as accurate as it should be. Have I at
any time even hinted that my desire is to see anyone suffer even for a minute? No! And yet
you "know" that I loathe the idea of God saving His children. Is this the
correct way to interpret 'what is written'?
Have I told you the secrets of my heart? Do you have the power to
divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow, so you know my inner thoughts? Do you know me,
Mr. Smith? Do you really know who is speaking to you?
There are murderers who don't believe in hell, and trembling demons
who believe in God. And yet because you have read between the lines and come to the
conclusion as what I believe happens to men when they die, you "know" what kind
of person I am. If you judge me superficially, then there is a risk that you judge others
superficially. Does that matter?
I pleases me to hear that you prune your mistakes now and then. But
what if the problem is at the very base of the tree? Do you take to the axe immediately,
or do you weigh the costs, not wanting to tear down what took such a long time to build
up? Do you cast down your imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God? Or are they too valuable to you?
Sincerely,
Paul
[Ray Replies]
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your comments. I will answer your venomous accusations of condemnation in
the hope that others will benefit from your narrow-minded, self-indulging diatribe.
You state that, "...you [that's me] have read between the lines and come to the
conclusion as what I believe happens to men when they die, you 'know' what kind of person
I am." I am sorry, but I do not have my original reply to your first email, but
I don't recall stating that I "know what kind of a person" you are.
Although, I will confess that I detect a spirit that I do not like.
I don't believe it is necessary to "read between the line" as you suggest, in
order to determine where you are coming from. I will quote a few statements, accusations,
and phrases from your first correspondence directed toward me:
"preparatory manipulation"
"power of God's spirit is absent"
"questioning of translations"
"planting the seeds of doubt"
"the same cunning 2-step approach"
"we are led to believe that the very cornerstones of faith are out of place"
"we are presented with a whole range of dazzling replacement stones"
"you could get just about anything to fit"
"therefore you boast and taunt"
"You resemble a little kid standing by a pile of stone shouting 'Come on, I'm ready
for you!'"
"Your mind spinning away...weaving the web that might trap the next contender"
"Roaring like a brute animal"
"Choking on the very weeds sown for the destruction of other people's faith"
"You do not speak as the good shepherd speaks"
"You bring to focus the feet of clay of those you despise"
I don't believe it is at all necessary to read "between the
lines" to know where you are coming from, Paul. The lines themselves pretty well tell
the story of your utter contempt for my letters to Dr. Kennedy and Mr. Hagee --
"EXPOSING THOSE WHO CONTRADICT," whereby I utterly destroy the unscriptural and
unspeakably evil pagan doctrine of torture by fire in a hellhole of pain and misery that
never stops for a moments rest in all eternity.
I understand you mental anguish and emotional turmoil--I have smashed the nose right off
of one of your favorite idols of the heart. But I don't take the many emails that I
get like yours too personally, because
- I know your real anger is toward God and God's TRUTHS, and God
handles abuse better than I do. Paul tells us that the
"carnal mind is enmity (HATRED) toward God, for it is not
subject to God's [spiritual] law, neither indeed is it able"
(Rom. 8:7)
- I get many, many emails of thanks for the encouragement and
inspiration people get when they learn the truths regarding these hideous doctrines of
demons.
I never said you "desire to see anyone suffer." Or that
you "loathe the idea of God saving His children." I never said that. But you DO
take exception to the idea that God will save ALL OF HIS CHILDREN AND WILL NOT TORTURE
ANYONE FOR ALL ETERNITY!
It is you who are attacking my paper on "EXPOSING..." That, my friend, is the
topic of your emails! Check the box in the email entitled "Subject:"
where YOU
typed in the subject YOU want to address: "EXPOSING THOSE WHO CONTRADICT." That
paper, Paul is about HELL AND ETERNAL TORTURE! That is the reason for my critiquing Dr.
Kennedy's and John Hagee's sermons.
Dr. Kenney's first sermons was about the fact that God is not
responsible for the millions of Africans who don't get saved. He said a man snake-bit in
the Everglades can't blame a nearby hospital for his death. And in like manner, he suggest
that God is not responsible for all the unsaved people in Africa going to hell. His second
sermon was entitled "WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD." By FAR the worst
sermon I have ever heard in my life. Ten times worst than Hagee's sermon on Hell.
He said that people who have never even heard the gospel or the name
of Jesus Christ DESERVE to burn in hell for all eternity.
He says that they have all sinned and therefore desire to burn in
hell for all eternity.
He gives the example of a man in India that may have told and lie
and a man in the Islands of the Pacific who may have stolen chickens by night, and
THEREFORE DESERVE TO BURN IN HELL FIRE FOR ALL ETERNITY.
Mr. Hagee gave a sermon entitled "THE SEVEN WONDERS OF
HELL" wherein he talked about boys and girls going to a burning hellhole of fire and
torture for all eternity. IT IS THIS VERY PAPER THAT YOU POUR OUT YOUR VENOM AGAINST!
It is YOU, Paul, who calls this damnable demonic doctrine of eternal torture, one
of the "CORNERSTONES OF FAITH" (Emphasis mine). It is YOU who accuse me of
leading people "...to believe that the VERY CORNERSTONES OF FAITH are out of
place." And that when I teach the salvation of all based on PAGES of Scriptures that
I present to prove it, you state that, "...we are presented with a whole range of
dazzling REPLACEMENT STONES..." (Emphasis mine).
Don't tell me that I am judging you by reading "between the
lines." You wear your loathing for the salvation of all like a Vegas neon sign!
There is no doubt in my mind, Paul, that you will be among the SAVED
in God's Family one day, but I do believe God will give you opportunity to first repent of
your present attitude regarding the Truths of His Word!
Ray,
Let me say in the beginning ... Whew! ... I don't have words to
adequately describe my opinion of your ideas. And let state that even though I
posses a graduate degree and have traveled the world and have lived 50+years, and served
two tours in Vietnam and now enjoy life as a Cowboy and Agricultural Teacher. Your
ideas and thoughtful perspective on the Bible and Gods words are the most intelligent and
thought provoking words that I have read in many years!!!!
Let me state for the purpose of position that I am a Christian ...
but I have always thought 'Outside of the Box' in regards to typical Christianity ... I am
a skeptic, I color outside the lines and walk to the beat of a different drum and for the
life of me, I have always wondered why the church and Christendom preached such down
trodden images of God and the supposedly life here after.
I have searched the scriptures myself and while I don't pretend to
have discovered all that you have found in the Bible, I believe with all my heart the
things you have posted! It strengthens my will and reinforces my beliefs that I have
had, that God is merciful, that no one will perish, that we all be with Him one day, that
He created evil as well good, and that we are all here to learn something and to move on
to another existence.
You are definitely on the right track and I agree with your
perspectives whole heartily. I must admit that I have not read everything you have
posted so far, but what I have read (roughly 20%) I am enthralled and could not agree
more.
Keep up the good work, continue your posts and may the good Lord
guide you. Thank you, and remember: Always drink upstream from the Herd
...John :o)
[Ray Replies]
Dear John:
Thank you for your kind words. It is delightful, uplifting, and inspiring to once in
awhile hear from someone who really "gets it"! It isn't that life is a bed
of roses, but the end will more than justify the means--God inspired Paul to say it;
I believe it.
May God continue to increase your wisdom and knowledge in His will for your life.
Sincerely,
Ray
P.S. One doesn't always know were the cows are pasturing (I Ray 0:0).
How did you gain so much knowledge of the
scriptures?
Was it simply exhaustive study? (using Strong's, And Vine's Lexicon)
or was it more than that? I have a Strong's but it's of the wrong type (New Strong's
Exhaustive Concordance)
Is it wrong to build an established building for worship (I.E
Church, etc)
[Ray Replies]
Dear Jeff:
It helps if you have someone to steer you in the right direction in your studies. I was
friends with the late Dr. Ernest Martin (he died a few weeks ago), who was the first to
begin showing me the reconciliation of all in the Scriptures. There are many writers from
the past who understood this Scriptural truths. Andre Jukes has written some good works,
but some of them are extremely difficult reading. My whole thing is to make it easy and
simple to understand.
I spend much time meditating and running all the Scriptures by a particular truth to
establish its validity in my own mind. I have, for example, meditated on the doctrine of
"man's free will" or commonly called "free moral agency" for thousands
and thousands of hours. Just to be sure in my own mind, that the doctrine is 100% air
tight. I believe any theologian or scientist would be hard put to find a loophole in
the truth of the total sovereignty of God.
People email every single day trying to show that man MUST HAVE at least a tiny big of
FREE-will. Not true. Unscriptural. And they see it when I show them in the Scriptures, but
they still don't want to believe it.
Paul told Timothy to STUDY to show himself approved. I don't know of anyone to whom God
has just supernaturally filled their head with spiritual truths without digging for it.
Hence all the parables about the pearl of great price, hidden treasure in a field, etc. It
takes work. But the spiritual part--spiritually discerning the matters of God's Word must
be a gift from God.
Great men of learning such as Dr. James Kennedy who speaks both
Greek and Hebrew fluently and has SIX DOCTORATES!!!! have not a clue as to what is the
good news of the Gospel.
As far as church buildings go, it doesn't matter where one worships as long as it is
"in SPIRIT and in TRUTH." Church buildings are fine. I don't attend any, but I
am sure there are some that are just fine.
Sincerely,
Ray
What does salvation mean to you? And
how do you see your life after death?
[Ray Replies]
Thank you for your email and questions.
You don't really expect me to answer that question in one short email, do you?
Salvation means being "saved." There are lots of things we are saved from, not
the least of which are SIN and DEATH. A life of sin is not good. A death without sin is
also not good. But a LIFE, without SIN, now that's good.
We find Scripturally that we HAVE BEEN saved, are BEING saved, and
SHALL BE saved. There is a PROCESS, however, at the point of accepting Christ as our Lord
and Saviour, we BEGIN to EXPERIENCE salvation. However, in God's mind it is as "good
and done".
Salvation is a REST (like the Sabbath foreshadowed) from the works and frustrations of the
flesh and the carnal mind. God has TAKEN OVER! Through faith, we believe all that God has
said and promised. We are thus SAVED by His GRACE through the channel of FAITH (which He
imparts to each and every believer), and we then become the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.
Therefore this no longer an condemnation toward those IN Christ. We
are not yet perfect, but we are viewed as perfect by God because He now views us through
HIS SON, Jesus Christ Who WAS PERFECT.
In SPIRIT we have Christ and we have the Father IN US and thus are
ONE SPIRIT! The flesh takes on a highly subordinate role. It is the temple of God's
spirit, but the pulls of the flesh, and the lusts of the carnal mind are CRUCIFIED with
Christ.
We are FREE! We are now part of the BODY of Christ. We ARE the SONS
OF GOD (Rom. 15:16). The whole of creation is groaning and awaiting our full unveiling,
"For the premonition of the creating is AWAITING THE UNVEILING OF THE SONS OF
GOD" (Rom. 8:19).
Here is where we really get to what OUR salvation is all about. We, the BODY of Christ,
who ARE the SONS OF GOD will be used to SAVE THE REST OF THE WORLD AND THE REST OF THE
UNIVERSE!! "Or are you not aware that the SAINTS shall judge the WORLD?... Are
you not aware that we shall be JUDGING ANGELS..."
In the bigger picture OUR salvation is used to BRING salvation to the rest of God's
creation! That sure beats sitting on a cloud playing rock-n-roll gospel music on a harp.
Hope that answers your question at least a little.
Sincerely in Christ's service,
Ray
Dear Mr. Smith,
My name is Deborah and I have been reading your commentaries now for
several weeks off and on. I read and cry read and cry. I have gone down on my
knees before Our Lord to first forgive me and secondly to open my heart and my eyes to the
truth.
I honestly can say that your answers to our present day Evangelists
has opened up in my heart that which has been buried. Questions I only dared ask in the
quiet of my own room. "Screaming" them out would be a more honest assessment.
"How is it possible that 6million Jews and 5-6million more
innocent people died horrible deaths in Concentration Camps and are now suffering further
torture in Hell's fires?"
This question and countless others, through the years, asking my
Father to "open my heart to receive the truth." I will study the
scriptures you have used in your commentaries. I will pray that my Lord keep
my mind and my heart open to receive the truth. I am eager to begin and will write
again.
May our Lord Bless You and Keep you in His Loving Care.
Debbie
[Ray Replies]
Dear Debbie:
It is for people just like you, Debbie, that we put this site together. We receive much
hate mail for teaching the Truths of Scripture, but then again we also receive letters
like yours where we know that God has begun to open up people's minds to His marvelous
Truth. You will never be the same again!
Don't hesitate to write if you run into questions regarding your walk with God or your
understanding of the Scriptures.
God be with you always.
Sincerely,
Ray
dude..calm down!!! jeez...your God loving isn't
exactly helping me...:\ and if god exists why didn't he save all those people that were
praying to him in the twin towers?
[Ray Replies]
Dear Nameless:
Thank you for your email and questions.
There are billions and billions of people that God has not yet saved. Your questions is
more basic than just why didn't God save those in the twin towers.
All of such things are examples of evil. God created evil for a purpose. So naturally He
will not make evil inoperative at every turn in the road or there would have been no
purpose in creating it in the first place.
Evil serves many noble purposes. One of which is a back drop for good. Good cannot be
understood or certainly not appreciated without a backdrop of evil. Evil makes good appear
even better and is certainly much more appreciated.
Evil is necessary for the production or development of good. You cannot name one
virtue that is not in some way produced by the resistance to some form of evil.
All knowledge is matter of contrast and relativity. One cannot know what light is unless
he has been acquainted with darkness. One has no conception of large unless he also
knows of things that are small. Up is only up in relation to down. Life is the opposite of
death, etc. To understand and fully appreciate all of these things, there are many
necessary experiences to go through. God creates and puts us through these many things in
the development of godly character.
All of these evils can be likened to the creation of a beautiful building. Ugly
scaffolding is necessary in the construction of this building. It is ugly and serves no
purpose other than in the actual construction of the building. When the building is
completed, the scaffolding is torn down and discarded. It serves no further purpose. All
evil will be discarded one day. And the last enemy, DEATH, will likewise be ABOLISHED FOR
EVER (I Cor. 15:26) and God will "ALL in All"!!!
May God be with you and grant you wisdom and understanding.
Sincerely,
Ray
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