As we celebrate a new year let us ponder on the past. By the past I mean that which has has passed. May we reverently search ourselves and see what we can thank God for that has come to pass, and search our hearts for those stones of stumbling that need be left in the past.
Your present situation has been shaped by your past/passed, however, that looming figure does not need to dictate your future. There is a phrase used often in the scriptures, "and it came to pass". There are different outcomes associated with this phrase though. May I take some liberty here to say, if the situation your past has placed you in is a bad one, it came to pass! It was never meant to stay in permanence!
Isaiah 42:9-Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
In fact as a child of God we are given the assurance that we will know the plans God has in store for us, and answers will be made known! How can this be? We have the five fold ministry, the avenue of prayer, the word of God... we need not be let in the dark.
Now, on the other hand, if there has been a promise given, if the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, then likewise you can rest assure that it will come to pass! If an answer has come but seems to unrealistic, we have hope yet if our mindset stays fixtated on His word. The one factor that hinders our perception more than most is this element of time. When... we often ask ourselves. Take courage Christian soldier!
Isaiah 14:24-The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
The promises of God are yea and amen! That promise you have long since forgot, He hath not, it SHALL come to pass! Another year has come to pass, leave that which need be left from last year and take hold on that you have learned.
This year of 2014 may we:
Refuse to let our past hinder us in the present and rob us of our future.
Not fall prey to believing that which is hindering us now will not pass
Not focus on the time frame but that which stands the test if time
Rise to new heights while learning from the deep
Not give place to thoughts nor speak into the air negative doubts
Rely more on He who never changes in an ever changing world
Insert here your thoughts...
Unchanging
There's something very comfortable about the immutability of God. The fact in knowing that he is the same today, in the midst of our turmoil, as He was in the greatest victories He gave us, should be enough reason to praise Him all the more!
Priority Equals Prosperity
Our priorities define our prosperity. You cannot rob God, or diminish your giving to His church, and expect to thrive on your own doings. Your first love should be He who first loved you, while you were yet in sin. After ALL was given on Calvary it is the least we could do to give A TENTH.
Haggai 1:5-6 ISV - “Now this is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, says: ‘Carefully consider your ways: You have sowed much but have reaped little. You have eaten but don’t have enough to become satisfied. You have drunk but don’t have enough to become intoxicated. You have clothed yourself but don’t have enough to keep warm. And the hired laborer deposits his salary in a bag full of holes!’”
Haggai 1:5-6 ISV - “Now this is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, says: ‘Carefully consider your ways: You have sowed much but have reaped little. You have eaten but don’t have enough to become satisfied. You have drunk but don’t have enough to become intoxicated. You have clothed yourself but don’t have enough to keep warm. And the hired laborer deposits his salary in a bag full of holes!’”
Being Unique
Being true to yourself does not skirt the Word of God! Being who you are does not step out from under God's umbrella. Having your own ways of doing things should never be above His. Truth is, let God be true and every man a liar, you will never be who you truly are meant to be until you have been recreated in Him, and you could do nothing anyway if it were not for the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God...
Today strive to be more like Him and you will find who you were meant to be.
Today strive to be more like Him and you will find who you were meant to be.
Drink Deep
Mat 26:26-28 26) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
At the end of verse 27 Jesus tells His disciples, "Drink ye all of it. For this is the blood of the New Testament..."
Oh what blessings await those who partake in all He has to offer!
At the end of verse 27 Jesus tells His disciples, "Drink ye all of it. For this is the blood of the New Testament..."
Oh what blessings await those who partake in all He has to offer!
Rain Lord...
Lord our land is parched, thirsty, and on the verge of death! Come O' Lord like a flood. Fill the soil of of our hearts with that sweet, refreshing, heaven-sent rain! Let the dust say to He who made it "Saturate me O' God! Drown me, yea immerse me in Your precense. Until all the walls that separate us be eroded from our lives!"
Love's Forgotten Attribute
Gods love is amazing! He has gone to great extents throughout the years to prove it to mankind. More sermons, songs, and Bible studies, have been on the subject of God's love then any other subject. Yet there is an element of love that is rarely ever mentioned. Namely, Gods correction and chastisement toward those he loves. These elements of chastisement and love seem to be opposed to one another, however the Bible declares the Lord does indeed chasten those in whom He loves. (Heb. 12:6) Just as a father will correct and at times even chastise his child in order to keep that child from harm or build its character for the better, we to without the chastening of the Lord would not grow to the level of maturity intended. Today remember this... Heb 12:11-KJV- Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Ultimate Full-Fill-ment
I serve a God who does not do anything slip shod! His banner does not fly at half mast, His word is not to be taken in part, when He uproots something He does not leave a stump!
On several occasions within the word of God we are allowed this insight into the mind of God. We read terms like, "when the fullness of time was come" or "when the day of Pentecost was fully come". Jesus Himself was "all the fullness of the Godhead". With Him there is no room for error, there is no room for any outside influence to add to what He does.
When one receives the Holy Ghost we even term it "filled with the Holy Ghost". There is a reason for this. Whether we know it consciously or unconsciously we are following an unalterable, immovable, immutable law of God! A law that has been preprogrammed into our very being. It is a stamp on His creation, a fingerprint of design, all whom He has created knows that He alone can fill the longing of our soul.
When He breathed the breath of life into man He became a living soul. That soul that God gave to man longs to be reunited with its Creator. This is why at times tears come even without conviction. This is why we feel a tug upon our heart strings even when the message preached may not seem to be directed toward us. It is a wonderful thing to have tears fill your eyes at even the mention of His name.
Thankfully God had a plan to reunite his creation with its Creator, a plan that was born in a manger and consummated upon a cross!
Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son..."
Just as the earth was without form and void, our lives are truly not shaped into what they can be when the void between God and man has not been bridged. The way has been made, the chasm is crossable, it is up to you.
Will you choose the be filled with the fullness of life itself or remain empty, void, and shallow?
On several occasions within the word of God we are allowed this insight into the mind of God. We read terms like, "when the fullness of time was come" or "when the day of Pentecost was fully come". Jesus Himself was "all the fullness of the Godhead". With Him there is no room for error, there is no room for any outside influence to add to what He does.
When one receives the Holy Ghost we even term it "filled with the Holy Ghost". There is a reason for this. Whether we know it consciously or unconsciously we are following an unalterable, immovable, immutable law of God! A law that has been preprogrammed into our very being. It is a stamp on His creation, a fingerprint of design, all whom He has created knows that He alone can fill the longing of our soul.
When He breathed the breath of life into man He became a living soul. That soul that God gave to man longs to be reunited with its Creator. This is why at times tears come even without conviction. This is why we feel a tug upon our heart strings even when the message preached may not seem to be directed toward us. It is a wonderful thing to have tears fill your eyes at even the mention of His name.
Thankfully God had a plan to reunite his creation with its Creator, a plan that was born in a manger and consummated upon a cross!
Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son..."
Just as the earth was without form and void, our lives are truly not shaped into what they can be when the void between God and man has not been bridged. The way has been made, the chasm is crossable, it is up to you.
Will you choose the be filled with the fullness of life itself or remain empty, void, and shallow?
Hope Is Not Dead
Two men walking together discuss the death of a friend. Their hearts broken, and their souls vexed. They had dreams of a future where oppression would cease. A world where those who served God were upheld with dignity and treated fairly. Yet now, in this hopeless situation, the only one who could've ushered in this change of culture lie dead in their minds. As they discuss what could've been they are met by a "stranger". Full of wisdom, this "stranger" brings with Him a sense of hope, hope that up until now was fleeting. Knowing that in hope is healing, they implore this man to lodge with them. In their attempt to hold on to hope they offer him food and drink. So now as this new found friend brake the bread and bless it, alas their eyes are opened! What questions might be asked were quickly abated as hope vanished from their sight.
(Luke 24:30-31 - And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight)
Jesus is still the only hope worth holding on to! Though He has seemed to have vanished from our sight we can still walk in the assurance that we will see him again. Hearts without that hope are lacking joy and contentment. The lack of joy in this world has been caused in part by the onslaught of Satan to remove anything that has to do with Jesus from our sight. Prayer is being removed from schools, manger scenes are being dismantled, and those who believe in a second coming are marked as lunatics. A nation without the hope of Jesus is an unhappy nation!
(Proverbs - 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.)
In this scripture setting, Jesus appeared to His disciples on two different occasions, and He can still appear unto us daily in our prayer time and the study of His word. It is in these times of quiet reflection that our "...desire cometh", and every Christian should so desire to get a glimpse of Him daily. Born from these moments where we get to "see" Him again we regain the hope that someday soon we shall truly see Him face to face!
Though the entire world should ban prayer, though every school in America would oust anything godly, even if uttering the name Jesus were a crime punishable by death, we would still not be left without hope! We know that someday soon He WILL return and regardless of what Satan or those used by him put a stop to, nothing can stop His return!
This scripture clip is also a great example of why it is of the utmost importance to attend a church where the man of God is truly called and anointed. Those who "break the bread" on their own will bless but themselves. However, those that are anointed and led of God will bring "bread" to the table that Jesus has broke and blessed! This is when eyes are opened and understanding is gained! Countless times I have left services feeling like these two on the road to Emmaus. I have left saying, "Did not our hearts burn within us!"
New insight is given, hope is restored, spiritual nourishment is given, and revelation is administered to all who will find where He lodges and whom He lodges with! He called His Apostles, He blessed His Apostles, He comissioned and sanctified the same. The Blesser and the Bread itself is in the Apostolic church! Those who are still allowing Him to break and bless the bread (the word of God). I am so glad I am a member of the body of Christ, His Apostolic church in this earth! It gives me hope to know that I truly know Him, and by the grace of God shall see Him soon!
Reference: Luke 24
(Luke 24:30-31 - And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight)
Jesus is still the only hope worth holding on to! Though He has seemed to have vanished from our sight we can still walk in the assurance that we will see him again. Hearts without that hope are lacking joy and contentment. The lack of joy in this world has been caused in part by the onslaught of Satan to remove anything that has to do with Jesus from our sight. Prayer is being removed from schools, manger scenes are being dismantled, and those who believe in a second coming are marked as lunatics. A nation without the hope of Jesus is an unhappy nation!
(Proverbs - 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.)
In this scripture setting, Jesus appeared to His disciples on two different occasions, and He can still appear unto us daily in our prayer time and the study of His word. It is in these times of quiet reflection that our "...desire cometh", and every Christian should so desire to get a glimpse of Him daily. Born from these moments where we get to "see" Him again we regain the hope that someday soon we shall truly see Him face to face!
Though the entire world should ban prayer, though every school in America would oust anything godly, even if uttering the name Jesus were a crime punishable by death, we would still not be left without hope! We know that someday soon He WILL return and regardless of what Satan or those used by him put a stop to, nothing can stop His return!
This scripture clip is also a great example of why it is of the utmost importance to attend a church where the man of God is truly called and anointed. Those who "break the bread" on their own will bless but themselves. However, those that are anointed and led of God will bring "bread" to the table that Jesus has broke and blessed! This is when eyes are opened and understanding is gained! Countless times I have left services feeling like these two on the road to Emmaus. I have left saying, "Did not our hearts burn within us!"
New insight is given, hope is restored, spiritual nourishment is given, and revelation is administered to all who will find where He lodges and whom He lodges with! He called His Apostles, He blessed His Apostles, He comissioned and sanctified the same. The Blesser and the Bread itself is in the Apostolic church! Those who are still allowing Him to break and bless the bread (the word of God). I am so glad I am a member of the body of Christ, His Apostolic church in this earth! It gives me hope to know that I truly know Him, and by the grace of God shall see Him soon!
Reference: Luke 24
Caving In To Apathy
The air was thin up on that mountain. Dejected and searching for sympathy, the prophet cries in solitude inside the cave of sorrow. The question is posed by the Lord, "What are you doing here?"
Now onward came the long string of complaints. Yet it is just like humanity to justify ourselves by the supposed short coming of others. Why? Because it is easier to lie in the cave of criticism than to walk in the truth of the moment.
Regardless of the mountain cleaving winds, the resolve shaking earthquake, or the raging fire, it is wise to note that the Lord was not in the turmoil.
The words of Elijah almost seem to say to God, in reply to His question, "What are YOU doing? I am doing my part, have You left helping me?"
Oh, what a losing battle it is for the potsherd to strive with the Potter.
We can learn from this story quite a few things.
1.God is NOT causing the turmoil your flesh is telling you He is. He is not in the wind, the earthquake, or fire. When you get alone with Him you will hear that still small voice telling you the situation is not as bad as you think it is.
2. Feeling as if you are the only one concerned is natural. Becoming apathetic is not the answer.
3. When you leave the cave of sorrow you will find the path to tomorrow.
An apathetic apostolic, is a pathetic apostolic!
Now onward came the long string of complaints. Yet it is just like humanity to justify ourselves by the supposed short coming of others. Why? Because it is easier to lie in the cave of criticism than to walk in the truth of the moment.
Regardless of the mountain cleaving winds, the resolve shaking earthquake, or the raging fire, it is wise to note that the Lord was not in the turmoil.
The words of Elijah almost seem to say to God, in reply to His question, "What are YOU doing? I am doing my part, have You left helping me?"
Oh, what a losing battle it is for the potsherd to strive with the Potter.
We can learn from this story quite a few things.
1.God is NOT causing the turmoil your flesh is telling you He is. He is not in the wind, the earthquake, or fire. When you get alone with Him you will hear that still small voice telling you the situation is not as bad as you think it is.
2. Feeling as if you are the only one concerned is natural. Becoming apathetic is not the answer.
3. When you leave the cave of sorrow you will find the path to tomorrow.
An apathetic apostolic, is a pathetic apostolic!
The Scarlet Thread
A single strand hung from the window. Its purpose unknown to most as it caught every gentle breeze. Many were gathered there in the house of the harlot, but this time not for buisness. Still yet there were many not there. This outcast of society, this woman of the night, was stepping out on the proverbial limb. Forever now she would be labeled as a traitor, an offense punishable by death. This free spirit who had just helped the men who would destroy her industry, and very well could take her life, was going to be spared by God! What made the difference? That scarlet thread. It represented her willingness to believe what others laughed off, it was her honor to men who were on a mission from God, she was literally holding on to life by a thread! Oh what a forshadow of Christ! His bloodline traced all the way from Adam and Eve, that "scarlet thread" that was interwoven throughout 42 generations. It signified a God who was willing to forgive a fallen humanity of their sin, sin worthy of death! Oh, but there He hung in the stead of us. This scarlet thread personified, only instead of hanging from a window to signify salvation for those inside, He would hang from a cross to save the world!
References: Joshua 2:1-21, Matthew 1:1-18
References: Joshua 2:1-21, Matthew 1:1-18
Encouragement
While offering some encouragement to a friend of mine I figured I would share this with all... You are you and that is all you can be. The trials and tests of yester-year are only stepping stones to a greater understanding. The valley in itself is a trying place but look around while you're there. Gaze at the mountain top you long to climb again. What do you see? Cold air and a barren height, now while standing in that valley look to the left and right. What do you see? Lush green vegetation and rich fertile earth. The growth of the human soul and the soil with which to plant is found in our low places. It's not the mountain top that has the power to make one happy it is He who made the mountain. I will look unto the hills from whence cometh my help, David said, but then he nailed it when he said my help is not in the hills, my help cometh from the Lord! Therefore if you want anything more out of life, if you want anything more out of yourself, seek Him first. Get so close to Him that everything else fades away.
"Check" Your Doctrine
Why is this a bad check?
Why is this a good check?
The answer is quite clear, only one of these checks has a name applied to it! Why is this important? Well, I'm glad you asked. People ask why it is so important to be baptized into the name of Jesus. After all God has many names and Jesus is but one of a myriad. Yet, Acts 4:12 tells us the only saving name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is God's revealed name to us. There is authority in a name, there is personal ownership in a name, there is power in a name! Just as demonstrated above, there are many fathers, there are many sons, and there are many spirits on this earth and so the first check could not be cashed because there is no true ownership given to show to whom the account belongs. However, in the second figure this check could be cashed in due to the ownership given by the name!
Likewise, when we are baptized we must take on the name of Jesus. This is the Biblical formula for ownership of man to God. Oh what heavenly blessings lie in the bank account of God for those who are obedient to His word and are not ashamed of His name!
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:3 KJV
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 KJV
$500.00 Reward!
A $500.00 Reward will be given to anyone who can find in the Bible where any individual was ever baptized with the words Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, pronounced over them in baptism!
Are Mutations Evidence for Evolution?
Mutations are used a lot of times to argue that it is proof of evolution. However, when these mutations take place they always lose information there is never any new information added which is what would be expected if true evolution was taking place. In fact, these mutations are almost always fatal or leave the creature with useless extras.
10 Question To Ask Your Biology Teacher
1. ORIGIN OF LIFE
Why do textbooks claim that the 1953 Miller-Urey experiment shows how life's building blocks may have formed on the early Earth -- when conditions on the early Earth were probably nothing like those used in the experiment, and the origin of life remains a mystery?
2. DARWIN'S TREE OF LIFE
Why don't textbooks discuss the "Cambrian explosion," in which all major animal groups appear together in the fossil record fully formed instead of branching from a common ancestor -- thus contradicting the evolutionary tree of life?
3. HOMOLOGY
Why do textbooks define homology as similarity due to common ancestry, then claim that it is evidence for common ancestry -- a circular argument masquerading as scientific evidence?
4. VERTEBRATE EMBRYOS
Why do textbooks use drawings of similarities in vertebrate embryos as evidence for their common ancestry even though biologists have known for over a century that vertebrate embryos are not most similar in their early stages, and the drawings are faked?
5. ARCHAEOPTERYX
Why do textbooks portray this fossil as the missing link between dinosaurs and modern birds -- even though modern birds are probably not descended from it, and its supposed ancestors do not appear until millions of years after it?
6. PEPPERED MOTHS
Why do textbooks use pictures of peppered moths camouflaged on tree trunks as evidence for natural selection -- when biologists have known since the 1980s that the moths don't normally rest on tree trunks, and all the pictures have been staged?
7. DARWIN'S FINCHES
Why do textbooks claim that beak changes in Galapagos finches during a severe drought can explain the origin of species by natural selection -- even though the changes were reversed after the drought ended, and no net evolution occurred?
8. MUTANT FRUIT FLIES
Why do textbooks use fruit flies with an extra pair of wings as evidence that DNA mutations can supply raw materials for evolution -- even though the extra wings have no muscles and these disabled mutants cannot survive outside the laboratory?
9. HUMAN ORIGINS
Why are artists' drawings of ape-like humans used to justify materialistic claims that we are just animals and our existence is a mere accident -- when fossil experts cannot even agree on who our supposed ancestors were or what they looked like?
10. EVOLUTION A FACT
Why are we told that Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific fact -- even though many of its claims are based on misrepresentations of the facts?
Why do textbooks claim that the 1953 Miller-Urey experiment shows how life's building blocks may have formed on the early Earth -- when conditions on the early Earth were probably nothing like those used in the experiment, and the origin of life remains a mystery?
2. DARWIN'S TREE OF LIFE
Why don't textbooks discuss the "Cambrian explosion," in which all major animal groups appear together in the fossil record fully formed instead of branching from a common ancestor -- thus contradicting the evolutionary tree of life?
3. HOMOLOGY
Why do textbooks define homology as similarity due to common ancestry, then claim that it is evidence for common ancestry -- a circular argument masquerading as scientific evidence?
4. VERTEBRATE EMBRYOS
Why do textbooks use drawings of similarities in vertebrate embryos as evidence for their common ancestry even though biologists have known for over a century that vertebrate embryos are not most similar in their early stages, and the drawings are faked?
5. ARCHAEOPTERYX
Why do textbooks portray this fossil as the missing link between dinosaurs and modern birds -- even though modern birds are probably not descended from it, and its supposed ancestors do not appear until millions of years after it?
6. PEPPERED MOTHS
Why do textbooks use pictures of peppered moths camouflaged on tree trunks as evidence for natural selection -- when biologists have known since the 1980s that the moths don't normally rest on tree trunks, and all the pictures have been staged?
7. DARWIN'S FINCHES
Why do textbooks claim that beak changes in Galapagos finches during a severe drought can explain the origin of species by natural selection -- even though the changes were reversed after the drought ended, and no net evolution occurred?
8. MUTANT FRUIT FLIES
Why do textbooks use fruit flies with an extra pair of wings as evidence that DNA mutations can supply raw materials for evolution -- even though the extra wings have no muscles and these disabled mutants cannot survive outside the laboratory?
9. HUMAN ORIGINS
Why are artists' drawings of ape-like humans used to justify materialistic claims that we are just animals and our existence is a mere accident -- when fossil experts cannot even agree on who our supposed ancestors were or what they looked like?
10. EVOLUTION A FACT
Why are we told that Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific fact -- even though many of its claims are based on misrepresentations of the facts?
The Sandy Foundation Shaken
The Sandy Foundation Shaken
Title: Sandy Foundation Shaken
Digital Quaker Collection Electronic Edition
Penn, William. Author: Penn, William.
Elec. Publisher: Earlham School of Religion: Digital Quaker Collection
Earlham School of Religion
228 College Ave.
Richmond, IN 47374 USA
mailto:DQC@earlham.edu
http://esr.earlham.edu/dqc/
765-983-1423
Book Number: E2177021A.003
Date: 2003
Num, Pages: 18 pages
Orig. Publisher: J. Sowle
Pub. City: London
Date: 1726
Book Number: Friends Collection: Lilly Library of Earlham, Richmond, IN
The trinity of distinct and separate Persons, in the Unity of Essence, refuted from Scripture.
"And he said, Lord God, there is no god like unto thee, to whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal, saith the Holy One?1—I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God besides me. Thus saith the Lord thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. I will also praise thee, O my God; unto thee will I sing—O Holy One of Israel, Jehovah shall be One—and his name One."2 Which, with a cloud of other testimonies that might be urged, evidently demonstrate, that in the days of the first covenant, and prophets, but One was the Holy God, and God but that Holy One.—Again, "And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? there is none good but One, and that is God. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee (father) the Only true God. Seeing it is One God that shall justify. There be gods many,—but unto us there is but One God, the Father, of whom are all things. One God and Father, who is above all. For there is One God. To the Only-wise God be glory now and ever."3 From all which I shall lay down this one assertion, that the testimonies of scripture, both under the law, and since the gospel dispensation, declare One to be God, and God to be One, on which I shall raise this argument:
If God, as the scriptures testify, hath never been declared or believed, but as the Holy One; then will it follow, that God is not an Holy Three, nor doth subsist in Three distinct and separate Holy Ones: but the before-cited scriptures undeniably prove that One is God, and God only is that Holy One; therefore he cannot be divided into, or subsist in an Holy Three, or three distinct and separate Holy Ones.—Neither can this receive the least prejudice from that frequent but impertinent distinction, that He is One in substance, but Three in persons or subsistences; since God was not declared or believed incompletely, or without his subsistence; nor did He require homage from his creatures as an incomplete or abstracted Being, but as God the Holy One, for so He should be manifested and worshipped without that which was absolutely necessary to himself: So that either the testimonies of the aforementioned scriptures are to be believed concerning God, that he is entirely and completely, not abstractly and distinctly, the Holy One; or else their authority to be denied by these Trinitarians: and on the contrary, if they pretend to credit those holy testimonies, they must necessarily conclude their kind of trinity a fiction.
Refuted From Right Reason
1. If there be three distinct and separate persons, then three distinct and separate substances, because every person is inseparable from its own substance; and as there is no person that is not a substance in common acceptation among men, so do the scriptures plentifully agree herein; and since the Father is God, the son is God, and the spirit is God, (which their opinion necessitates them to confess) then unless the Father, son, and spirit, are three distinct nothings, they must be three distinct substances, and consequently three distinct gods.
2. It is farther proved, if it be considered, that either the divine persons are finite or infinite. If the first, then something finite is inseparable to the infinite substance, whereby something finite is in God; if the last, then three distinct infinites, three omnipotents, three eternals, and so three gods.
3. If each person be God, and that God subsists in three persons, then in each person are three persons or gods, and from three they will increase to nine, and so ad infinitum.
4. But if they shall deny the three persons or subsistences to be infinite, (for so there would unavoidably be three gods) it will follow that they must be finite, and so the absurdity is not abated from what it was; for that of one substance having three subsistences is not greater than that an infinite being should have three finite modes of subsisting. But though that mode which is finite cannot answer to a substance that is infinite; yet to try if we can make their principle to consist, let us conceive that three persons, which may be finite separately, make up an infinite conjunctly; however this will follow, that they are no more incommunicable or separate, nor properly subsistences, but a subsistence; for the infinite substance cannot find a bottom or subsistence in any one or two, therefore, jointly. And here I am also willing to overlook finiteness in the Father, Son, and Spirit, which this doctrine must suppose.
5. Again, if these three distinct persons are one, with some one thing, as they say they are with the God-head, then are not they incommunicable among themselves; but so much the contrary, as to be one in the place of another: for if that the only God is the Father, and Christ be that only God, then is Christ the Father. So if that one God be the son, and the spirit that one God, then is the spirit the son, and so round. Nor is it possible to stop, or that it should be otherwise, since if the divine nature be inseparable from the three persons, or communicated to each, and each person have the whole divine nature, then is the son in the Father, and the spirit in the son, unless that the Godhead be as incommunicable to the persons, as they are reported to be amongst themselves; or that the three persons have distinctly allotted them such a proportion of the divine nature, as is not communicable to each other: which is alike absurd. Much more might be said to manifest the gross contradiction of this Trinitarian doctrine, as vulgarly received; but I must be brief.
Information and Caution
Before I shall conclude this head, it is requisite I should inform thee, reader, concerning its original. Thou mayst assure thyself, it is not from the Scriptures, nor reason, since so expressly repugnant; although all broachers of their own inventions strongly endeavour to reconcile them with that holy record. Know then, my friend, it was born above three hundred years after the ancient gospel was declared; and that through the nice distinctions and too daring curiosity of the Bishop of Alexandria, who being as hotly opposed by Arius, their zeal so reciprocally blew the fire of contention, animosity, and persecution, till at last they sacrificed each other to their mutual revenge.
Thus it was conceived in ignorance, brought forth and maintained by cruelty; for though he that was strongest imposed his opinion, persecuting the contrary, yet the scale turning on the Trinitarian side, it has there continued through all the Romish generations; and notwithstanding it hath obtained the name of Athanasian from Athanasius, (a stiff man, witness his carriage towards Constantine the emperor) because supposed to have been most concerned in the framing that creed in which this doctrine is asserted; yet have I never seen one copy void of a suspicion, rather to have been the results of Popish school-men; which I could render more perspicuous, did not brevity necessitate me to an omission.
Be therefore cautioned, reader, not to embrace the determination of prejudiced councils for evangelical doctrine; which the Scriptures bear no certain testimony to, neither was believed by the primitive saints, or thus stated by and I have read of in the first, second, or third centuries; particularly Ireneus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Origen, with many others who appear wholly foreign to the matter in controversy. But seeing that private spirits, and those none of the most ingenious, have been the parents and guardians of this so generally received doctrine; let the time past suffice, and be admonished to apply thy mind unto that light and grace which brings salvation; that by obedience thereunto, those mists tradition hath cast before thy eyes may be expelled, and thou receive a certain knowledge of that God, whom to know is life eternal, not to be divided, but One pure, entire and eternal Being; who in the fulness of time sent forth his Son, as the true light which enlighteneth every man; that whosoever followed him (the light) might be translated from the dark notions and vain conversations of men to this holy light, in which only sound judgment and eternal life are obtainable: who so many hundred years since, in person, testified the virtue of it, and has communicated unto all such a proportion as may enable them to follow his example.
Footnotes:
1 - 1Kings 8:23, Isa. 11:25.
2 - Isa. 45:5-6, 48:17. Psa. 71:22, Zac.14:9
3 - Matt.19:17, John 17:3, Rom.3:30, 1 Cor. 8:5-6. Eph. 4:6, 1 Tim.2:5. Jude ver.25
Title: Sandy Foundation Shaken
Digital Quaker Collection Electronic Edition
Penn, William. Author: Penn, William.
Elec. Publisher: Earlham School of Religion: Digital Quaker Collection
Earlham School of Religion
228 College Ave.
Richmond, IN 47374 USA
mailto:DQC@earlham.edu
http://esr.earlham.edu/dqc/
765-983-1423
Book Number: E2177021A.003
Date: 2003
Num, Pages: 18 pages
Orig. Publisher: J. Sowle
Pub. City: London
Date: 1726
Book Number: Friends Collection: Lilly Library of Earlham, Richmond, IN
The trinity of distinct and separate Persons, in the Unity of Essence, refuted from Scripture.
"And he said, Lord God, there is no god like unto thee, to whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal, saith the Holy One?1—I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God besides me. Thus saith the Lord thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. I will also praise thee, O my God; unto thee will I sing—O Holy One of Israel, Jehovah shall be One—and his name One."2 Which, with a cloud of other testimonies that might be urged, evidently demonstrate, that in the days of the first covenant, and prophets, but One was the Holy God, and God but that Holy One.—Again, "And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? there is none good but One, and that is God. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee (father) the Only true God. Seeing it is One God that shall justify. There be gods many,—but unto us there is but One God, the Father, of whom are all things. One God and Father, who is above all. For there is One God. To the Only-wise God be glory now and ever."3 From all which I shall lay down this one assertion, that the testimonies of scripture, both under the law, and since the gospel dispensation, declare One to be God, and God to be One, on which I shall raise this argument:
If God, as the scriptures testify, hath never been declared or believed, but as the Holy One; then will it follow, that God is not an Holy Three, nor doth subsist in Three distinct and separate Holy Ones: but the before-cited scriptures undeniably prove that One is God, and God only is that Holy One; therefore he cannot be divided into, or subsist in an Holy Three, or three distinct and separate Holy Ones.—Neither can this receive the least prejudice from that frequent but impertinent distinction, that He is One in substance, but Three in persons or subsistences; since God was not declared or believed incompletely, or without his subsistence; nor did He require homage from his creatures as an incomplete or abstracted Being, but as God the Holy One, for so He should be manifested and worshipped without that which was absolutely necessary to himself: So that either the testimonies of the aforementioned scriptures are to be believed concerning God, that he is entirely and completely, not abstractly and distinctly, the Holy One; or else their authority to be denied by these Trinitarians: and on the contrary, if they pretend to credit those holy testimonies, they must necessarily conclude their kind of trinity a fiction.
Refuted From Right Reason
1. If there be three distinct and separate persons, then three distinct and separate substances, because every person is inseparable from its own substance; and as there is no person that is not a substance in common acceptation among men, so do the scriptures plentifully agree herein; and since the Father is God, the son is God, and the spirit is God, (which their opinion necessitates them to confess) then unless the Father, son, and spirit, are three distinct nothings, they must be three distinct substances, and consequently three distinct gods.
2. It is farther proved, if it be considered, that either the divine persons are finite or infinite. If the first, then something finite is inseparable to the infinite substance, whereby something finite is in God; if the last, then three distinct infinites, three omnipotents, three eternals, and so three gods.
3. If each person be God, and that God subsists in three persons, then in each person are three persons or gods, and from three they will increase to nine, and so ad infinitum.
4. But if they shall deny the three persons or subsistences to be infinite, (for so there would unavoidably be three gods) it will follow that they must be finite, and so the absurdity is not abated from what it was; for that of one substance having three subsistences is not greater than that an infinite being should have three finite modes of subsisting. But though that mode which is finite cannot answer to a substance that is infinite; yet to try if we can make their principle to consist, let us conceive that three persons, which may be finite separately, make up an infinite conjunctly; however this will follow, that they are no more incommunicable or separate, nor properly subsistences, but a subsistence; for the infinite substance cannot find a bottom or subsistence in any one or two, therefore, jointly. And here I am also willing to overlook finiteness in the Father, Son, and Spirit, which this doctrine must suppose.
5. Again, if these three distinct persons are one, with some one thing, as they say they are with the God-head, then are not they incommunicable among themselves; but so much the contrary, as to be one in the place of another: for if that the only God is the Father, and Christ be that only God, then is Christ the Father. So if that one God be the son, and the spirit that one God, then is the spirit the son, and so round. Nor is it possible to stop, or that it should be otherwise, since if the divine nature be inseparable from the three persons, or communicated to each, and each person have the whole divine nature, then is the son in the Father, and the spirit in the son, unless that the Godhead be as incommunicable to the persons, as they are reported to be amongst themselves; or that the three persons have distinctly allotted them such a proportion of the divine nature, as is not communicable to each other: which is alike absurd. Much more might be said to manifest the gross contradiction of this Trinitarian doctrine, as vulgarly received; but I must be brief.
Information and Caution
Before I shall conclude this head, it is requisite I should inform thee, reader, concerning its original. Thou mayst assure thyself, it is not from the Scriptures, nor reason, since so expressly repugnant; although all broachers of their own inventions strongly endeavour to reconcile them with that holy record. Know then, my friend, it was born above three hundred years after the ancient gospel was declared; and that through the nice distinctions and too daring curiosity of the Bishop of Alexandria, who being as hotly opposed by Arius, their zeal so reciprocally blew the fire of contention, animosity, and persecution, till at last they sacrificed each other to their mutual revenge.
Thus it was conceived in ignorance, brought forth and maintained by cruelty; for though he that was strongest imposed his opinion, persecuting the contrary, yet the scale turning on the Trinitarian side, it has there continued through all the Romish generations; and notwithstanding it hath obtained the name of Athanasian from Athanasius, (a stiff man, witness his carriage towards Constantine the emperor) because supposed to have been most concerned in the framing that creed in which this doctrine is asserted; yet have I never seen one copy void of a suspicion, rather to have been the results of Popish school-men; which I could render more perspicuous, did not brevity necessitate me to an omission.
Be therefore cautioned, reader, not to embrace the determination of prejudiced councils for evangelical doctrine; which the Scriptures bear no certain testimony to, neither was believed by the primitive saints, or thus stated by and I have read of in the first, second, or third centuries; particularly Ireneus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Origen, with many others who appear wholly foreign to the matter in controversy. But seeing that private spirits, and those none of the most ingenious, have been the parents and guardians of this so generally received doctrine; let the time past suffice, and be admonished to apply thy mind unto that light and grace which brings salvation; that by obedience thereunto, those mists tradition hath cast before thy eyes may be expelled, and thou receive a certain knowledge of that God, whom to know is life eternal, not to be divided, but One pure, entire and eternal Being; who in the fulness of time sent forth his Son, as the true light which enlighteneth every man; that whosoever followed him (the light) might be translated from the dark notions and vain conversations of men to this holy light, in which only sound judgment and eternal life are obtainable: who so many hundred years since, in person, testified the virtue of it, and has communicated unto all such a proportion as may enable them to follow his example.
Footnotes:
1 - 1Kings 8:23, Isa. 11:25.
2 - Isa. 45:5-6, 48:17. Psa. 71:22, Zac.14:9
3 - Matt.19:17, John 17:3, Rom.3:30, 1 Cor. 8:5-6. Eph. 4:6, 1 Tim.2:5. Jude ver.25
The Baptismal Formula In Scripture and History
The Baptismal Formula in Scripture and History
According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "Lord Jesus," not "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
The Scriptural Record
Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it describes the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the early church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.
The Jews, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38).
The Samaritans, "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus," (Acts 8:16).
The Gentiles, "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
(The earliest Greek manuscripts that we have say, "In the name of Jesus Christ," as do most versions today.)
The disciples of John (rebaptized), "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:5).
The Apostles Paul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in the name of Jesus.
(See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27 ; Colossians 2:12; James 2:7)
The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus commanded baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The word name in this verse is singular, however, indicating that the phrase describes one supreme name by which the one God is revealed, not three names of three distinct persons. The apostles understood Christ's words as a description of His own name, for they fulfilled His command by baptizing in the name of Jesus. There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and He has one supreme name today (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus is the incarnation of all the fulness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the name of the Son (Matthew 1:21), Jesus is the name by which the Father is revealed to us (John 5:43; 10:30; 14:9-11), and Jesus is the name in which the Holy Spirit comes (John 14:16-18, 26). Luke 24:47 is a parallel verse to Matthew 28:19, and describes Jesus as saying that repentance and remission of sins-and baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)-would be preached "in his name." Jesus is the only saving name, the name in which we receive remission of sins, the highest name made known to us, and the name which we are to say and do all things (Acts 4:12; 10:43; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17). Thus the one supreme, saving name of Matthew 28:19 is Jesus. We are to fulfill the command of that verse as the early church did, by invoking the name of Jesus at baptism.
The Historical Record
Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and third centuries.
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951). II, 384, 389: "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name… The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion… in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the triune name (Justin)…"
Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I 351: "The evidence… suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'"
Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 53: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible (1898). I, 241: "[One explanation is that] the original form of words was "into the name of Jesus Christ" or 'the Lord Jesus,' Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development."
Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: "The trinitarian baptismal formula was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."
The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957), I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus… which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."
Canney's Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' … or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'… Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"
Encyclopedia Biblica (1899), I, 473: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times “in the name of Jesus Christ”, or in that of “the Lord Jesus.” This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single-not triple, as was the later creed."
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1920), II 365: "The trinitarian formula and triune immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning… Bapti[sm] into the name of the Lord [was] the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."
Christians today should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament. Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "Lord Jesus," not "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
The Scriptural Record
Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it describes the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the early church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.
The Jews, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38).
The Samaritans, "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus," (Acts 8:16).
The Gentiles, "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
(The earliest Greek manuscripts that we have say, "In the name of Jesus Christ," as do most versions today.)
The disciples of John (rebaptized), "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:5).
The Apostles Paul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in the name of Jesus.
(See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27 ; Colossians 2:12; James 2:7)
The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus commanded baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The word name in this verse is singular, however, indicating that the phrase describes one supreme name by which the one God is revealed, not three names of three distinct persons. The apostles understood Christ's words as a description of His own name, for they fulfilled His command by baptizing in the name of Jesus. There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and He has one supreme name today (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus is the incarnation of all the fulness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the name of the Son (Matthew 1:21), Jesus is the name by which the Father is revealed to us (John 5:43; 10:30; 14:9-11), and Jesus is the name in which the Holy Spirit comes (John 14:16-18, 26). Luke 24:47 is a parallel verse to Matthew 28:19, and describes Jesus as saying that repentance and remission of sins-and baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)-would be preached "in his name." Jesus is the only saving name, the name in which we receive remission of sins, the highest name made known to us, and the name which we are to say and do all things (Acts 4:12; 10:43; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17). Thus the one supreme, saving name of Matthew 28:19 is Jesus. We are to fulfill the command of that verse as the early church did, by invoking the name of Jesus at baptism.
The Historical Record
Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and third centuries.
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951). II, 384, 389: "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name… The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion… in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the triune name (Justin)…"
Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I 351: "The evidence… suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'"
Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 53: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible (1898). I, 241: "[One explanation is that] the original form of words was "into the name of Jesus Christ" or 'the Lord Jesus,' Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development."
Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: "The trinitarian baptismal formula was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."
The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957), I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus… which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."
Canney's Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' … or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'… Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"
Encyclopedia Biblica (1899), I, 473: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times “in the name of Jesus Christ”, or in that of “the Lord Jesus.” This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single-not triple, as was the later creed."
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1920), II 365: "The trinitarian formula and triune immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning… Bapti[sm] into the name of the Lord [was] the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."
Christians today should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament. Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
The Wheel Of Prophecy
This is an awesome device for Oneness Doctrine. Simply read one of the pie areas and follow the arrow straight across for the corresponding scriptures.
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