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SALVATION - INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

There is NOTHING in this life that is more important for you to do than to decide where you will spend eternity.

 

If you have everything that this world can offer you - an easy life, family, friends, money, and pleasures - but you decide by default to spend eternity in Hell, then your life will have been a complete failure.

 

On the other hand, if you have practically nothing in this life of esteemed value, but you choose to seek God and to spend eternity with him in Heaven, then your life will have been an enormous success.

 

The difference isn't so much in what you have or don't have; it's in what you choose and don't choose. Jesus said, "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

 

List of Articles:

 

What does it mean to be "Born Again"?

 

Is Baptism part of Salvation?

 

Who is God? - Make it Simple (links to our Doctrine Article by this title)

 

A Personal Message from Our Family to You

 

 

BIBLE VERSIONS - INDEX

 

 

King James?                   New Bible Versions??

List of Articles:

 

FOUNDATIONAL ARTICLES

 

The Nature of War

 

What About the Septuagint?

 

Antioch and Alexandria

 

NIV Says to Reject Jesus

 

AN Excellent Reference for King James Bible Believers - By James L. Melton

 

NIV Quiz - by Rex L. Cobb

 

Bible Memorization Test - by Pastor James Knox

 

Personal Pronouns - Thee, Thou, Ye, Thy, Thine, etc

 

Believing God’s Word

 

Errors in the King James Bible

 

An Open Letter to Cheryl

 

DEFENDING GOD'S WORD ONLINE

 

How We Know the King James Bible is God's ONLY Word in English

 

LOST In the Confused Mind of A Pentecostal Bible College Student (A Series)

00 - LOST - Intro

01 - LOST - First Email Exchange

02 - LOST

03 - LOST

04 - LOST

05 - LOST - SUMMARY CHART

06 - LOST

Is The King James Bible Wrong About Easter at Acts 12:4?

 

Is Eugene Peterson's book "The Message" a true copy of God's Word, the Bible?

 

CONTRADICTIONS IN THE KING JAMES BIBLE

 

01 - I Sam 17:50; II Sam 21:19: WHO KILLED GOLIATH?

 

02 - Gen 1:27; Gen 2:7, 20-30: The Timing of Adam and Eve's Creation

 

03 - Judges 4:21; Judges 5:25-27: How Did Sisera Die?

 

04 - I Sam 31:4; II Sam 1:10; II Sam 21:12: WHO KILLED KING SAUL?

 

05 - Joshua 15:21-32: HOW MANY CITIES - 29 or 36 or 38?

 

06 - II Sam 24:9; I Chron 21:5-6: David Numbers How Many Men of War in Israel?

 

07 - Acts 20:35: Did Jesus Really Say This?

 

08 - Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; John 2:1-11: Was Jesus in the Wilderness or at the Wedding?

 

 

 

 

SOUND DOCTRINE - INDEX

 

 

In this series we intend to examine doctrines with the intent of establishing which are sound and which are false.

 

Sound doctrine unites believers in Christ, false doctrine divides people from Christ, and conflicting doctrine disrupts unity and fellowship in Christ.

 

Therefore, each of us ought to purge ourselves of false doctrine and earnestly seek sound doctrine.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(I Thess 5:21)

This is not a matter of personal opinion - nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God.  Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.

 

Question: How much false doctrine can one believe and still be saved? 

 

At the Berean Research Institute, we are not willing to be comfortable with any false doctrines - no matter how few they are, nor how little they may be, nor what cost we may face to rid ourselves of them.

 

For good reason, Jesus warns us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.  (Matt 16:6)

Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:12)

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal 5:9)

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. (I Cor 5:7)

Therefore, as we examine various doctrines, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient to these specific commandments of God and to be faithful to his scriptures, overall.

 

Let's Be Scriptural, In Determining Sound Doctrine.

 

 

List of Articles:

 

OK…. So, you’re a "CHRISTIAN"...

What’s Wrong With Being a “Christian”??

 

Who is God? - Make it Simple

OK…. So, you’re a "PENTECOSTAL" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:

Pentecost and the Modern Pentecostal Movement

Examining the Pentecostal Statement of Faith, “What We Believe”

 

Pentecostal Feminism

 

Why I left the Tongues Movement - Alfred H. Pohl (Opens in New Window)

 

“Slain in the Spirit”

 

“Speaking in Tongues”

 

My Pastor, the "Spiritual Hippie"

Fake Healers, Apostles & Prophets

Smith Wigglesworth - A Book Review - by Mike Wright

 

Benny Hinn - "Man of God"?? - Videos

 

Benny Hinn - Outrageous Claims

 

Benny Hinn - Politics with China

United Pentecostal Church International

Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

 

Is the UPCI Gospel True?

OK…. So, you’re a "BAPTIST" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:

The Eternal Security of the Believer

The Eternal Security of the Believer

 

Eternal Security

 

The “Carnal” Christian

The Local Church

The “Local” Church - A Review of Dr. Kirkland's Book

 

Bible Verses Refuting the "Local Church" doctrine (Opens in New Window)

Calvinism and Arminianism

Calvinism and Arminianism

 

The god of the Calvinist

 

Calvinism and Modern Bible Versions

 

OK…. So, you’re a "CATHOLIC" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:

Salvation for Catholics

Can a “Catholic” be a “Christian”?

 

A Warning to Catholic Christians !!

 

Catholic Booklet - “Be Careful of Protestant Teachings”:  a Review

Catholic Doctrines

The Virgin Mary

 

The Mass - Transubstantiation

 

Roman Catholic Responses - Refuted

The Judgment of Rome

The Judgment of Rome - The Mother of Harlots

 

OK…. So, you’re a "JEHOVAH'S WITNESS" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:

Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses

Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses - Intro

 

Question For Jehovah's Witnesses

 

 

 

ENDTIME PROPHECY - INDEX

 

 

In this series we intend to examine  eschatological (study of endtime) teachings with the intent of determining which are true and which are not.

 

Perhaps as much as one third of the bible is prophetic, and God said (in reference to those living in the last days), that the wise shall understand (Dan 12:10).

If we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. (Matt 7:7)

It is true that Endtime prophecy has been interpreted in many different ways and by many people, but this is not a matter of personal opinion - the scriptures are not of any private interpretation.

 

We must earnestly seek to understand God’s interpretation of prophetic scripture. Despite what others say, for some, this may become a matter of salvation - a misunderstanding of this subject may result in the loss of their soul.

 

At the Berean Research Institute, we believe that God does not waste his words and that he wrote in his Word precisely what he wanted to say to us, even in this matter of prophecy.

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)

It is equally important then, in this area of eschatology, that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim 2:15)

 

Therefore, as we examine various eschatological views, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient and faithful to his Word.

 

 

List of Articles:

Bible Prophecy - Relevant Today:

Understanding the Book of Revelation

 

Where Are We Today in Bible Prophecy?

 

What Should We Expect Next?

 

Damascus Will Be Destroyed

Preterist/Historicist/Amillennial:

Our Letter to an Historicist

 

Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 1

 

Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 2

 

Refuting Amillennialism

 

Although we do not agree on some issues (in particular with his soteriology), we appreciate the work and research of Irvin Baxter of Endtime, Inc for assembling many of the pieces of our understanding of the Book of Revelation for us.

 

 

 

OTHER ISSUES - INDEX

 

 

In this series we intend to address several controversial subjects. As the men of Berea did, we want to receive the word with all readiness of mind and to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11)

 

For us, this is not a matter of personal opinion nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God.

 

Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.

We know that we have liberty in Christ Jesus.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor 3:17)

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1 Cor 8:9)

So, (at the least) we must be careful in exercising our liberty.

Further, the bible teaches us that liberty in Christ Jesus makes us free FROM sin. It does not make us free TO sin.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1,2)

Moreover, we are commanded to:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (John 2:15)

So, our hearts shouldn’t even desire those things in the world from which we have been saved.

 

Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. We who were dead in trespasses and sins he hath quickened.

Why then would we willingly go back into trespasses and sins?

 

Why would we wander away and become lost again?

(For those who believe in eternal security - please read the articles on OSAS, but in the meantime - why would we even ’behave’ as if we were lost again?)

The question then would be…...are the things we will discuss matters of sin, or are they legitimately matters of personal conscience?

 

Let’s find out.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)

List of Articles

 

Issues Common to Most Fellowships:

“Church” Membership

 

"Brother" Bill and "Pastor"

 

Lisa's Thoughts on the Depravation of Literature

 

Social Drinking/Use of Alcohol

Holidays:

Christmas:

 

Questions About Christmas

 

Is Christmas Scriptural?

 

Every Green Trees to Worship False gods?

 

Explaining to Friends - What is ‘wrong’ with Christmas

 

Comparison Between the Lord Jesus Christ and Santa Claus

 

Easter:

Television and Movies:

Watching Television

 

Mel Gibson - Our “Christian” Hero?

 

Mel Gibson - Our "Christian" Hero - The Passion of the Christ - Summary

Creation vs Evolution:

Creation, Evolution and the Gap Theory

 

Evolution - Fact or Fiction by James L. Melton - (Excellent !)

 

Robert Howie - Geologist - A Book Review by Mike Wright

 

 

 

 

 

“Church” Membership

 

1. Here are a few thoughts that one might find useful in considering whether to seek membership in a “church,” assembly or fellowship.

a. What would be your purpose in seeking membership? (Think about that purpose carefully).

 

b. What price would you be willing to "pay" in order to fulfill that purpose, by way of membership? (Consider your conscience, your standing before God and your witness/credibility with others as potentially part of that cost)

 

c. Is the Concept of Membership Scriptural?

2. It is understandable that organized denominations and even local assemblies would promote the practice of “membership” in order to achieve a number of goals: legal protection, administrative advantage, disciplinary matters, control, and bragging rights. But, there is no scriptural justification for an assembly to implement the contemporary practice of “membership” and there are several scriptural reasons for not implementing them, including these as follows:

a. (I Chr 21) "Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel .... that [he might] know [the number]". God punished Israel for this census (verse 7) and David admitted that he had sinned by ordering it (verse 8). David wanted to know how many people he had. He could then compare his strength to that of other nations and could revel in the thought of 'being King' over so many people - a sin of pride. But the children of Israel were God's people. He knew how many people he had and he alone would take credit for their strengths and for their successes. The Church today engages in similar demography by way of membership, wherein church membership rolls provide a vehicle for competitive attendance records and statistical comparisons.

 

b. (II Cor 10:12) "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." Are membership rolls used to compare numbers and to measure attributes of the body?

 

c. Nowhere in the bible are we instructed to establish a membership roll.

 

d. Paul addressed Christians as "the church of ...", "all the saints at...", "the faithful brethren in Christ at ..." etc. These titles refer to the location of their congregation; not to the form of their organization. The organization is defined as "Members of the Body [of Christ] (I Cor 12:12-31)

 

e. Today's churches for the most part pattern themselves after the world's system of governing by corporate executive (the pastor is the CEO and the elders are the board of directors, treasurer, secretary, etc). The early church did not use such a system. Men were appointed to positions in the early church by virtue of their dedication and their spirituality; not by their popularity, influence or money. Roberts' Rules of Order were not used in the Apostles' day, but are the standard for church business meetings everywhere, just as in the world's governing bodies (parliament, military, etc.).

 

f. The composition of the Body of Christ is such that there are many members, but one body. There is to be no schism (division) in the body (I Cor 12:25). BUT membership inherently causes division. By having membership, the Body of Christ is automatically divided into "members" and "non-members". We believe that this division is an unscriptural one. The only scriptural divisions we are commanded to make are those that involve people who promote false doctrines. We are to mark them and to separate from them. (Rom 16:17, II Thess 3:14, I Tim 6:5, etc). Other Questions to Consider:

3. Some other questions to consider might include:

a. Is agreement to a Statement of Faith required to become a member? (Probably)

 

b. If so, can you agree to all of the doctrines without violating your conscience?

 

c. If you can't agree to all of them, are any of them critical doctrines that would require people to separate from you for disagreeing with them? For instance, would people separate from you (or withhold membership privileges) if you disagree with Pre-Trib?

 

d. How about if you disagree with Speaking in Tongues, or Slain-in-the-Spirit phenomena?

 

e. How about if you disagree with Eternal Security, Baptist Bride doctrine, Predestination, Baptism, or the term "Local Church"?

 

f. If membership should be withheld for any of these doctrines, then shouldn't fellowship be withheld too (II Thess 3:14)?

4. It is worth noting that no mention is made of membership rolls or membership cards in the New Testament “church”. (Acts 2:47) "... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

 

5. There is an “ownership” that’s associated with numbering things. God doesn’t want us to number people because we don’t “own” them.

 

6. We understand the legal reasons for membership and for a constitution - among which is to prevent troublemakers from suing for arbitrary discrimination. But, God has always protected his people when their hearts were oriented towards him. We see no scriptural basis for becoming partners with the Government/court system as our means of ensuring our safety and support against malefactors.

 

7. Perhaps at the heart of this is a misunderstanding of what the “church” really is. The church is not a corporation, a club, or a charitable organization (despite the fact that many in the church enter into partnership agreements with the government). The church is also not a building or a meeting place (despite the fact that many in the church often refer to them as such.)

 

8. The church is simply the group of disciples (John 8:31) that Jesus said he was planning to assemble together into his body (“build my church” - Matt 16:18). It is often referred to in components based on geographic location, such as, the “church of Ephesus”, the “church in Sardis”, or the “church of God which is at Corinth”, etc.

 

9. These statements reinforce the fact that God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24) but he lives in people (I Cor 6:19). It is the people (church) to whom he refers; not the building, not the organization, not the “Local” church, and not the denomination. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt 18:20) Selah.