Jesus Teaches About the New Life

John 3

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. – John 3:5

Were you baptized when you were an infant? I was. Did it make you a true believer and a disciple of Christ? I doubt it. For it really takes a spiritually mature person to decide when he or she should be baptized.

When I was submerged in water, looking back, I’m not really sure if I have entered the kingdom of our Father. Or, if ever I was completely born again. This is so, because I continued to live like the rest of the world. I didn’t show I was a new being. Though I was certain of my salvation, something was missing. It was the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t with me because I was still living sinfully. I wasn’t seeking it the way a new being should.

When was the last time you reminded yourself that you are a spirit? Have you acknowledged the existence of the kingdom of God? When was the last time you called the Holy Spirit to your aid? Are you now living spiritually and for eternity?

Glory to the Father.

Received Jesus as the only way to salvation on September 25, 2010.

Baptized on June 18, 2011

Related articles

• “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)
• Monday (April 16): “Unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (shechina.wordpress.com)
• Have You Been Born Again Yet? You Will Never See Heaven Without The New Birth! (soulrefuge.org)

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The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

God promised us a Savior. He delivered Jesus. Jesus lived with us. We witnessed His triumph over evil. We were so blessed to have him as role model. For He was both very graceful and truthful. Traits that we should try to emulate.

Our Heavenly Father revealed to me today that His Words are life. It is something we can use to triumph over the enemy. The Word becoming flesh (Jesus) symbolizes that if we listen and use our Father’s Word, we can live like Jesus. Just like Jesus, we can triumph over the deceiver. Jesus lived among us so that we can learn from Him. What are we doing with His teachings?

This verse is an awesome reminder that God’s Word become true. The Word happened. And all His Word in Revelations will happen. So, we better be mindful.

When I see a baby, I remind myself that there was this one time that our Heavenly Father lived among us. And just like a baby who lights up a home, He illuminated a path to our salvation. Have you accepted His way to your salvation? Have you received Jesus as your Savior?

Glory to God.

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The Promised King Is Born

Luke 20:1-20

but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! – Luke 2:10-11

Lately, I’ve been slacking off with my daily devotions. Will you please pray for me? May our Father help us maintain our focus on being like Christ.

When I was a child I knew Sta. Clause more than Jesus. Christmas was celebrated by giving gifts to children like me. Though I know the story of Christ’s birth, my view of that season was obviously worldly. The season was really never about gift giving or the fat guy wearing a velvety red costume.

Ever since the fall of man, God promised a savior. He fulfilled it in Christ’s birth. Question is are we rejoicing or giving praise? If an angel showed up to tell you that your Savior is born, will you not rejoice? But, how will you rejoice if you put your focus on someone or something else? Santa, buying gifts, being worldly, and pleasing people you don’t even like.

Jesus was born to fulfill God’s promise and to save us. But, will we allow Him to save us?

Glory to God.

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Meaning of Resurrection

Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone. But, where are you seeking Jesus? Are you seeking Him among the dead?

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” – Luke 24:5-6

He is risen and alive. Do you now know where to find Him? I hope so. Please watch this short video of the true meaning of resurrection.

Did you like the video? Have you decided where you’re at? Are you among the living or dead? If you’re already among the living, good! But, if you are among the dead, today is perfect for your spiritual resurrection.

May I encourage you to look for Him, not eggs. It’s time to look for Jesus and not the Easter Bunny. It’s time for all of us to stop being worldly. Besides, the Easter Bunny came from Pagans.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Are you ready to truly live and be transformed into a new person? Are you ready for your own resurrection? Or, would you rather remain dead? Choose life!

Here’s another short video on Resurrection and the Principle.

Related video on The Three Stages of Resurrection and Returning Resurrection

Glory to the Father!

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Are You Right With God?

What devout Catholic doesn’t want to be right with God! If you’re a Catholic, can you say without a doubt that you are right with God at this very moment?

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Well, I’m following the teachings of the Church on how to be right with God.” Then would you agree that those beliefs should match God’s written Word, the Bible? Perhaps your answer is “No” or “I’m not sure.” Wouldn’t you like to know for peace of mind now…and foreternity?

Whatever your answer, you may be in the position that I was in as a dedicated Catholic priest. After years of study for the priesthood in Ireland and Rome, followed by 22 years as a priest, I wasnever sure that I was right with God. As a devout Dominican, I always tried to be right with God through following and believing the Catholic church. I taught those under my care to do the same. But as sincere as I was and as hard as I tried, I never achieved any peace about being right with God.

Finally I discovered that it’s not only possible to be right with God, but that God wants us to besecure in that position! So I urge you to do what I did—compare the teachings of the Catholic Church on this vital question with the words of the Holy Bible.

Here are six important comparisons: under each topic, I present the written Word of God (in the Catholic New American Bible) alongside the official teaching of the Catholic Church (taken from the catechism).

Your eternal destiny—heaven or hell—depends on how you understand and respond to the truths in these six topics. If you feel unqualified for such a study, please draw strength from these words of Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it (James 1:5). God wants you to know the truth about knowing him!

CRITICAL COMPARISONS ON BEING RIGHT WITH GOD

                                      THE BASIS OF TRUTH

     God’s written Word of Truth               Beliefs of a sincere Catholic

                From the Bible                          From the 1994 Catechism

The Bible alone is the standard for truth Scripture cannot be set aside.       John 10:35 Consecrate them in the truth; Your word is truth.                                        John 17:17 …so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written.     1 Corinthians 4:6 Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver.      Proverbs 30:5-6 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.         2 Timothy 3:16-17 God must be true, though every human being is a liar.                              Romans 3:4

Truth is based on Scripture, tradition, and the Pope Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other.                  CCC para 80 Sacred Scripture…and [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirely the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit.      CCC para 81 As a result the [Catholic] Church… does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.        CCC para 82 The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office possesses infallible teaching authority when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful…he proclaims with a definitive act that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held as such.                               CCC para 891

                                     SALVATION BY GRACE

Salvation is by grace alone through faith They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus…  Romans 3:24 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ..                                Romans 5:17 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing..                 Galatians 2:21

For salvation, grace is a help given through the Sacraments The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. “Sacramental grace” is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. CCC para 1129 One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.                 CCC para 1493 Grace is the help God gives us to respond to our vocation of becoming his adopted sons. It introduces us into the intimacy of the Trinitarian life.                  CCC para 2021

                                          ONE MEDIATOR

In salvation Jesus Christ alone mediates For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human.         1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus Christ…. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved                  Acts 4:10,12 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.           Galatians 2:21

In salvation Mary also mediates Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation ….Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.   CCC para 969

                                         ORIGIN OF FAITH

Salvation is the gift of God and comes by the Word of God Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.           Acts 16:31 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8 For to you has been granted, for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him..                Philippians 1:29 Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Faith comes through the Mother Church It is the Church that believes first, and so bears, nourishes and sustains my faith. CCC para 168 Salvation comes from God alone; but because we receive the life of faith through the Church, she is our mother….   CCC para 169 “Believing” is an ecclesial act. The Church’s faith precedes, engenders, supports and nourishes our faith. The Church is the mother of all believers. “No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother.”                               CCC para 181

                                                 ICONS

God hates idolatry You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; you shall not bow down before them or worship them.                        Exodus 20:4-5 He proclaimed to you his covenant, which he commanded you to keep: the ten command-ments, which he wrote on two tablets of stone.  You saw no form at all on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire. Be strictly on your guard, therefore, not to degrade yourselves by fashioning an idol to represent any figure…                              Deuteronomy 4:13,15-16

The Catholic Church venerates images The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes [forbids] idols. Indeed, the honor rendered to an image passes to its prototype, and whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.     CCC para 2132 Basing itself on the mystery of the incarnate Word, the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea ([AD]787) justified…the veneration of icons—of Christ, but also of the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints. By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new “economy” of images. CCC para 2131

                               GOD: THE ONLY ALL HOLY ONE

God is the only all Holy One and the only source of holiness “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!” they cried one to the other. “All the earth is filled with his glory!”                        Isaiah 6:3 Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Revelation 15:4 There is no Holy One like the LORD; there in no Rock like our God.                  1 Samuel 2:2 I am the LORD, this is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. Isaiah 42:8

Mary is also the all Holy One and the source of holiness By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the “Mother of Mercy,” the All Holy One.      CCC, para 2677 From the [Roman Catholic] Church he learns the example of holiness and recognizes its model and source in the all-holy Virgin Mary. CCC para 2030 The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God “the All Holy” (Panagia) and celebrate her as “free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature.      CCC para 493

What Difference Does It Make?

Can you say you really know a person when you believe wrong things about that person in all the important areas of his life? Hardly! It’s even more impossible to truly know God while clinging to teachings that contradict what God saysabout Himself in the Bible. How can anyone hope to be right with God while believing the wrong things about Him!

Many former Catholics have discovered what it takes to be right with God according to God’s Word. The Bible clearly states, “For our sake [God] made Him [Jesus Christ] to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus Christ was personally All Holy, yet as our substitute He became legally responsible for our sins. God made Christ “to be sin” by transferring our sins to Him, then punishing Him for those sins.

The consequence of Christ’s perfect faithfulness to the Father in all that He did on earth—ending in His substitutionary death on the cross—is that Christ’s righteousness is put to the credit of anyone who truly believes in God’s provision for their salvation. Being right with God is the gracious act whereby a believing sinner has Christ’s perfect righteousness credited to him! “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christ’s resurrection from the grave proved that His mission to make our salvation possible was complete. Believe on Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sin and eternal life, and you will be forever secure. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13); “He who made the promise is trustworthy” (Hebrews 10:23).

If you cling to teachings and traditions that contradict and oppose the truth of the Bible, you do so at your eternal peril. Or you may do what so many have done before you—turn to God in faith alone for salvation, based on Christ’s death and resurrection. As the Holy Spirit convicts you, express to God your heartfelt belief in Christ’s death on your behalf. Then, having received the gift of eternal life, live your life in praise of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:6) and in continual thanksgiving to Him!

Richard Bennett

Copyright Literature Ministries International, 2005

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What Every Catholics Should Know

Every good Catholic wants to please God in this present life and, when life on earth is over, hopes to live with Him forever. It’s a noble goal based on their personal beliefs about God and how they seek to know Him.

But noble intentions and personal beliefs about God don’t guarantee results—or eternal life. I urge you to do what I did after 22 years as a Dominican priest—make sure your beliefs have a solid foundation in the Bible. These questions will help you do that.

Whose word is truth?

The Catholic Church teaches…

The Pope’s word is truth.

“The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority…” (Canon 749*).

*All Catholic canons quoted are from the Post Vatican Council II Code of Canon Law, published by the authority of Pope John Paul II, 1983. Bible quotes: TheNew American Bible for Catholics.

The Bible teaches…

Every word of God is true.

Jesus prayed to God His Father, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Jesus said, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Bible stands alone as a God-breathed book. Christ Himself warned that to elevate other writings and traditions to the level of God’s words is to “nullify the word of God in favor of your traditions that you have handed on” (Mark 7:13).

Should we have sacred images?

The Catholic Church teaches…

Yes, we can have images.

“The practice of displaying sacred images in the churches for the veneration of the faithful is to remain in force…” (Canon 1188).

The Bible teaches…

No, we are not even to make sacred images!

“You shall not carve idols for yourselves…you shall not bow down before them or worship them” (Exodus 20:4-5). Yet the Roman Catholic Church encourages “veneration,” the act of bowing down to sacred images, which the Pope himself does.

Is the sacrifice of the cross to be continually offered?

The Catholic Church says…

Yes, it is.

“Remembering that the work of redemption is continually accomplished in the mystery of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, priests are to celebrate frequently…” (Canon 904).

The Bible says…

One Person offered one sacrifice once for all and is now seated in glory.

“When Jesus had taken the wine, He said ‘It is finished.’ And bowing His head, He handed over the spirit” (John 19:30). “Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one [Jesus Christ] offered one sacrifice for sins, and took His seat forever at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Is there a need for priests?

The Catholic Church says…

Priests are necessary.

“They [the priests] are in fact sharers of the priesthood of Christ Himself…to celebrate divine worship and sanctify the people” (Canon 835).

The Bible says…

All believers are part of the royal priesthood to bring praise to God and to serve Him faithfully.

“You are…a royal priesthood…that you may announce the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Every believer has direct access to God and needs no intermediary but Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

“There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself as ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Does baptism save?

The Catholic Church teaches…

Salvation begins at baptism.

“Baptism, the gate to the sacraments, is necessary for salvation in fact or at least in intention, by which men and women are freed from their sins, are reborn as children of God, and conformed to Christ…” (Canon 849).

The Bible teaches…

Faith in Christ alone will save you, not your good works!

The work of reconciliation was completely finished by Jesus Christ when He died on the cross and rose again. Nothing we add to what God the Son has already done could merit God’s favor. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one [Jesus] whom He [God] sent” (John 6:29). “But if by grace, it is no longer because of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6).

How then can we be saved?

The Bible says…

Recognize that by nature you are a sinner and unrighteous.

“We are all sinful [before God]; all of us have become like unclean men, all our good deeds are like polluted rags” (Isaiah 64:4-5). “More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Admit that you are separated from God because of your sins.

As a result, we are spiritually dead, separated from God, and condemned forever: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). There is nothing of merit in ourselves that could ever help earn our salvation.

Acknowledge your need for a substitute.

Once and for all time Christ took the death penalty for our sins. “[Christ] Himself bore our sins in His body upon the cross” (1 Peter 2:24). He must be believed in as your righteous substitute or you cannot be saved.

Cry out to God for His free gift of salvation.

“All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). If you are convinced that salvation is only through trusting in Christ’s substitutionary death in your place—based solely on what the Bible says—express your heartfelt belief directly to God. “This is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11).

Then, having received the gift of eternal life, live your life for God in praise and thanksgiving.

Richard Peter Bennett

Copyright Literature Ministries International, 1997, 2005

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The Sin of the People

Ezekiel 20:5-26

“‘But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws–although the man who obeys them will live by them–and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the desert. - Ezekiel 20:21

Did you ever wonder why people commit the same sin from generation to generation? When will people learn that disobedience to any law, especially God‘s, results in punishment or bad consequences?

Being a parent is indeed a huge responsibility. One should be mindful of all their actions. They should be a great model to their children. If children watch their parents disobey, chances are they will do the same. What are you showing your children?

Here’s an encouragement: Please show them that you’re obedient to our heavenly Father‘s decrees. They will return the favor. They will do the same.

Glory to God!

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