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MINISTRY IN ENGLISH FROM THE BIBLE ALONE
.AZENILTO AND CLELIA BRITO
.. Synthesis of each article are found below the introduction
IF YOU ALREADY KNOW THE ARTICLE BY THEIR NUMBER, THEN
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO CLCK IN A NUMBER BELOW
The Articles on the Sabbath are Numbers: 01,03,08,15,24,25,26,27,28,29,31,39,40,
ON page 2 of MINISTRY IN ENGLISH ARE 45,46,47,49,52,54,68,70
The Articles on the Imortality of the Soul are Numbers: 05,06,21,30,32,36,41,
ON page 2 of MINISTRY IN ENGLISH ARE 42,43,44,51,53,58,60,61,64
The Articles on the Laws of God are Numbers:7,17,22,23,24,29,34,37,38,57,66Synthesis of each article
01-A NEW ATTACK AGAINST THE SABBATH - Part 2
ENDTIME ISSUES 77:Dr. S. Bacchiocchi
Every newsletter generates a variety of comments which offer e insights into the different reactions of our readers. The last ewsletter (No. 76) on the latest attack against the Sabbath was no exception. The many comments and reactions received can be broadly divided into three groups. The first group of comments from about 200 readers, express ppreciation for my efforts to refute some of the arguments used by Pastor Taylor and most Evangelicals to negate the continuity and validity of the Sabbath for today. A good number of Bible teachers from different parts of the world who received the last newsletter No. 76) from friends, subscribed immediately because they want to hare these studies with their students. Several pastors also informed me that they are eager to receive my response to the latest anti-Sabbath attacks, because they are facing the same challenge with some members of their congregation. These encouraging messages motivate me to put forth my best efforts in producing these Bible studies.03 - Especificaly about the Sabbath in Colossians 2-16
Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi*
Paul's reference to the observance of the "Sabbath" in Colossians 2:16 is only one aspect of the "Colossian heresy" refuted by Paul. It is necessary, therefore, to ascertain first of all the overall nature of the false teachings that threatened to "disqualify" (Col. 2:18) the Colossian believers. Were these teachings Mosaic ordinances and can they be identified with the "written document—cheirographon which God through Christ 'wiped out . . . removed, nailed to the cross" (Col. 2:14)?
Most commentators define the Colossian heresy as syncretistic teachings which incorporated both Hellenistic and Jewish elements. Such a false teaching had both a theological and practical aspect.04 - I - DUALISM AND CONSCIOUS LIFE AFTER DEATH
Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi
The belief in conscious life after death is spreading today like wildfire. Such a popular belief derives from a dualistic understanding of the make up of human nature. Historically, the vast majority of Christians have believed and still believe today that human nature is dualistic, consisting of a material, mortal body, and an immaterial, immortal soul. At death, the soul allegedly detaches herself from the body and survives in a disembodied state, either in the bliss of Paradise or in the torment of Hell. This means that the first step in analyzing from a Biblical perspective the popular belief in conscious disembodied life after death, is to study what does the Bible teches us regarding the make up of human nature. This will be the focus of our attention for in the next two essays.The belief in conscious life after death
05 - III - A HISTORICAL GLIMPSE OF THE BELIEF IN THE SURVIVAL OF THE SOUL
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
Throughout human history, people have refused to accept the finality that death brings to life. Death brings an unacceptable, sudden interruption to one's work, plans, and relationships. Though the inscription on many tomb stones often reads "Rest in Peace," the truth of the matter is that most people do not welcome the peaceful rest of the grave. They would rather be alive and productive.
Thus, it is not surprising that the subject of death and afterlife always has been a matter of intense concern and speculation. After all, the death rate is still one per person. Each of us at the appointed time will face the grim reality of death.A glimpse of the reality of death.
06 - HELL: ETERNAL TORMENT OR ANNIHILATION?
Samuele Bacchiocchi*
Few teachings have troubled the human conscience over the centuries more than the traditional view of hell as a place where the lost suffer conscious fiery punishment in body and soul for all eternity.
The prospect that one day a vast number of people will be consigned to everlasting torment of Hell is most disturbing and distressing to sensitive Christians. After all, almost everyone has friends or family members who have died without making a commitment to Christ. The prospect of one day seeing them agonizing in Hell for all eternity can easily lead thinking people to say to God: "No thank you God. I am not interested in Your kind of paradise!"The everlasting torment of Hell
07 - Justification-Sanctification-Perfection
Azenilto G. Brito
The Bible is the final definer of doctrines according to the following quotations, by Ellen G. White:"I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged". – Early Writings, p. 78.
"The Spirit was not given nor can it ever be bestowed-to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the Word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested."– The Great Controversy, Introduction, p. vii.
Justification-Sanctification-Perfection
08 A NEW ATTACK AGAINST THE SABBATH - Part 1
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,
The last newsletter "Reflections on Terrorism" (No. 75) generated an unusual number of responses from different parts of the world. Some editors requested permission to publish portions of the essay. It was encouraging for me to read your gracious messages.
Many of you share my concern about the need to eradicate the roots of terrorism by exposing the immorality of the religious intolerance found in various forms, not only in the teachings of Islam, but also in Christian churches.
A NEW ATTACK AGAINST THE SABBATH
09 - A Question of Authority
Prof. azenilto G Brito
Does the Watchtower Society have any moral authority to condemn the religious teachings of "Christendom" through its particular ideas and interpretations? What does the historic record of that organization reveal? Note what the book of that organization, called The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life (quoted in the Guiness Book of World Records as the most translated book in the world), says on page 13:
We need to examine not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with God's Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examinaiton. (emphasis supplied).10 - 50 FALSE PROPHECIES AND FALSE PROPHETIC SCHEMES
Azenilto G. Brito
50 false prophecies, false prophetic dates and false prophetic schemes of the Watchtower Society, since C. T. Russell, its founder, up to the present, backed by its literature published along the years:
Visible, literal return of Christ in 1874: The Finished Mystery, pp. 53*, 54*.
Note: It was the initial expectation of Russell,according to teachings he had assimilated from Jonas Wendell in 1872.
Invisible Advent of Christ (beginning of the parousia) in 1874: Prophecy, pp. 65*; The Finished Mystery, pp. 54*, 60*, 167*.
Note: This was a new interpretation originated by Nelson Barbour and accepted by Russell in 1876. The date now admitted to the same event is 1914.11 - The Watchtower teachings regarding the year 1914
Prof. Azenilto G Brito.
The Watchtower teachings regarding the year 1914 are the idological backbone of that organization. Let's, thus, see how we could understand well their view of prophecies that supposedly justify J.W.'s attachment to the date1914.
According to their interpretation, in Daniel chapter 4, the dream of king Nebuchadnezzar, we find a period of 7 times, or years, which represent a longer time-prophecy. Thus, their reasoning is:The Watchtower teachings regarding the year 1914
12 - Honoring Ellen G. White and the Bible
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
The author ends his book honoring Ellen G. White's emphasis on identifying herself with the SOLA SCRIPTURA stand of the Reformers, repeating some of her statements on the primacy of the Bible to define doctrine and practice:
"Finally, I wish to comment on [i]the use of Ellen G. White[/i] in the present shaking within Adventism. When I interpret Mrs. White at her best, I hear her calling the Adventist community back to the Bible as the final norm in all matters of controversy: 'The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy andthe foundation of all faith' [quotation from [i]Christ's Object Lesson[/i], pp. 39, 40]. Yet, in the present shaking within Adventism, I have observed a frantic rushing to the voluminous writings of Ellen White to find statements that will score a point against the opponent.Honoring Ellen G. White and the Bible
13 - Should All Christians Unite with Catholics?
Mike Gendron
Since the dawn of the new millennium we are witnessing the greatest push toward ecumenical unity the world has ever seen. The Roman Catholic Church is fervently building bridges to all Christian denominations. Through the dedicated efforts of Pope John Paul II, the Vatican is urging all professing Christians to return home to Rome. Dialogues and accords have been initiated and created to seek unity through common beliefs. An example of this is the 1999 Lutheran-Roman Catholic "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification." In the declaration, Rome uses equivocal and ambiguous words to affirm agreement on the doctrine of "justification by faith alone." but, at the same time, continues the anathema's on all whom believe this doctrine. We must not be misled. Rome has not changed its position on things that really matter! Instead they continue to take advantage of professing Christians who lack discernment or who are unwilling to contend for "the faith."Should All Christians Unite with Catholics?
14 - Left Behind: Fact or Fiction?
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
The best-selling book Left Behind? which has inspired the newly released (February 2, 2001) multimillion dollars movie by the same title, reminds me of a conversation between a preacher and an actor. The preacher asked the actor: "Please explain to me, Why is it that the people are ecstatic when you talk about fiction, but they fall asleep when I proclaim biblical truths?" The actor responded: "The secret is that I talk about fiction as if it were truth, while you preach about truth as if it were fiction."
There is no question that Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins have done a masterful job in making people believe that their fictitious novel about the sudden vanishing away into thin air of million of Christians, is biblical truth. A major reason for their success is that their fiction is based upon what most Evangelical Christians have been taught to believe as truth, namely, that soon believing Christians will be secretly and suddenly snatch away from this earth, leaving behind a mass of unbelieving Jews and unconverted people, who will have to go through the worst Tribulation this world has ever seen.
Left Behind: Fact or Fiction?
15 - From Sabbath To Sunday: How Did It Come About?
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
Often people ask me for a simple, concise summary of the findings of my investigation on how the Sabbath was changed to Sunday in the early church during my five-year period of doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, of Rome, Italy. They rightly complain that my dissertation is too demanding in term of time and concentration. They prefer a simpler explanation which they can share more readily with interested people. To meet this need, I have attempted in this lecture to present the highlights of my research, in a simple and well-structured manner. For the sake of brevity, I omitted the footnote references. Interested readers will find all the documentation in From Sabbath to Sunday. Feel free to print, use, and distribute the text of this newsletter in any format you deem necessary for your outreach endeavors.
The video recording of this lecture that was done at the Sacramento Central SDA Church, offers numerous close up pictures of significant documents. I am most grateful for the professional recording that was done by the Amazing Facts crew. You will find the video recording of the five Sabbath lectures, very informative and
From Sabbath To Sunday: How Did It Come About?
16 - The Rapture: Fiction Or Fact?
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
Many sincere Christians believe that Christ's Second Coming will occur in two distinct phases. The first phase is known as the "secret rapture" of the Church and can happen at any moment. At this time Christ comes down only partway to the earth to resurrect the sleeping saints and to transform and glorify living believers. Both groups are then raptured, that is, snatched away secretly, suddenly, and invisibly, to meet the descending Lord in the air. This body of believers, called the "Church," will then go up to heaven to celebrate with Christ for seven years the marriage feast of the Lamb, while Jews and unconverted Gentiles will stay on this earth to suffer the final seven years tribulation.
At the end of this seven-year period, the second phase of Christ's Coming, generally called the Return or the Revelation, will occur. Christ then comes in glory with the saints all the way down to the earth to destroy His enemies in the Battle or Armageddon, to set up His throne in Jerusalem and to begin His millennial terrestrial reign.
How soon is the mass disappearance of millions of true Christians from every nation supposed to occur? Many believe that this event is imminent because its main precondition, namely the re-establishment of the State of Israel and the repossession of ancient Jerusalem, have already taken place. This belief is expressed on bumper stickers like the one that warns: "If the driver disappears, grab the wheel."The Rapture: Fiction Or Fact?
17-A Correct Answer to a Challenging Question on the Old/New
Alliance That was not Answered BeforeProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Well, as our question that really puts things into perspective on the question of Old/New Alliance was not answered, and it becomes more and more evident that the equation
NEW CONCERT = NEW LAW
cannot be demonstrated, let's offer the CORRECT ANSWER in three basic stages. In the face of them the objector has only two options: a) to accept them as CORRECT; b) to refute them with really convincing arguments. To ignore them is to admit that nothing is left to be said regarding the question, thus it being admitted as CORRECT.
First, let's see again the question that was submitted to Mrs. Tinker, a 10-day deadline set for her to answer (which was extended for another 10 days) and we never got any answers. Thus, as promised, we post below the CORRECT ANSWER for said question, that really puts all this question of OLD/COVENANT/NEW COVENANT into due perspectives, as far as the Sabbath-Sunday-Nodayism/Anydayism/Everydayism is concerned:18-THE REPLY FROM DR. JAMES KENNEDY AND TWO RECENT DEVELOPMENTSSamuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,
This newsletter differs from the previous ones, because it addresses several issues, rather than a single topic. In Italian I would call it "a minestrone," that is, a soup with a mixture of ingredients. I hope that you love minestrone as much as I do. What caused me to change the format, is two developments. The first is the reply that I received from Dr. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries. The second is two significant news items: the sex-abuse scandal that is rocking the Catholic Church and the escalatingviolence in the Middle East. Several subscribers have asked me to comment on the endtime significance of these developments.THE REPLY FROM DR. JAMES KENNEDY
19 - "ISLAM AND THE PAPACY IN PROPHECY"
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,
Historically, Islam and the Papacy have been violent enemies that have fought for the control of the territories of the Roman empire. Eventually Islam swallowed up most of the Christian countries comprising the Eastern wing of the Roman Empire, restricting the influence of the Papacy to a few Western countries.
At the time of the Reformation, Muslims were more inclined to draw the sword more readily against Catholics than against Protestants, because the Catholics venerated the images of Jesus, the saints and Mary - a practice especially abhorrent to Muslims. The Catholic veneration of the images has remained the same, but her policy toward Islam has radically changed in recent years.
ISLAM AND THE PAPACY IN PROPHECY
20. "THE USE OF E. G. WHITE'S WRITINGS IN INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE"
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,
Every newsletter generates between 200 to 500 responses, mostly consisting of notes of appreciation for the information provided. I also receive a healthy number of critical comments from subscribers who disagree with some aspects of my research. Both types of responses are welcomed. They alert me to what people like or dislike about my newsletters.The use of E. G. WHITE'S writings in interpreting scripture
21-10 Items That Show The Superiority of the Wholistic View on Human Nature and Destiny Over the Dualistic View
Azenilto G. Brito
The dualistic view of human nature and destiny (belief in the immortality of the soul) cannot be considered superior to the wholistic understanding of both themes. I would challenge the advocates of that position to enumerate which superior aspects they would find in the dualistic understanding over the wholistic conviction in a comparison to the listing of items below, by which one can see the undeniable superiority of the wholistic conviction over the understanding of the immortality of the soul:Click here to see the article above
22-10 Dilemmas of Those Who Deny The Validity of The 10 Commandments as Christian Norm
Prof. AzeniltoG. Brito
An antinomian is somebody that is against the law, who says that it was abolished by Jesus, either during His ministry or by His death on the cross. And that would involve all the commandments, the moral (or the Ten Commandments) and the ceremonial ones. They teach that the Decalogue would have ended with the death of the Savior along with the old covenant and all the ritual stipulations of the Jews (the ceremonial law).
Such people are engaged in a tremendous effort to get rid of the obligation to fulfill the Ten Commandments, teaching that such law, base of God's covenant with His people of Israel in the past, doesn't apply the Christians any longer. In place of this law, there remains now to the Christian people something like a "law of Christ", in the "new dispensation", a series of recommendations and principles that are spread throughout the New Testament, with nothing to do with codes and enumerated rules.10 Dilemmas about the 10 Commendments
23- 10 POINTS FOR REACHING A POSSIBLE CONSENSUS IN THE DEBATE ON GOD'S LAW
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
After long discussions in an Evangelical Forum in the Internet, on the topic "The Eternal Law of God", with several Christians who adopt a semi-antinomian/dispensationalist vision on the subject, 10 very important points were submitted to them so that they expressed their agreement or disagreement in order to see how this theme could be better defined, according to what the Bible really teaches. It was proposed that if in some point there were differences in understanding, that could be worked out and some other way of agreement could be looked for, in the face of alternative proposals submitted by the objectors. It would be a blessing if a consensus on the main points could be reached. Let's see what these 10 points for the proposed consensus could be:24-10 POINTS TO PONDER ON THE THEME OF GOD'S LAW
AND THE SABBATHProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Jesus DIDN'T create a new, revolutionary code, in SUBTITUTION to the divine law of the Old Testament. When he pronounced the so-called "golden rule" of love to God above all things, and love to the neighbor He was just reiterating what Moses had already said (compare Mat. 22:36-40 with Deu. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18). He highlighted the deeper and ethical aspects of the law that had been lost sight of due to the bad instruction His hearers had gotten from the religious leaders of the Jewish nation. After all, it was always wrong to look at a woman with impure intentions (see Job 31:1) as well as to hate a neighbor (Lev. 19:17).10 POINTS TO PONDER ON THE THEME OF GOD'S LAW
25-10 Questions The Anti-Sabbatarians Seem Incapable of Answering
Prof. Azennilto G. Brito
Those who adopt certain semi-antinomian/dispensationalist theories—an interpretive current among Evangelical Christians that emerged by the end of the 19thcentury, bringing only confusion to the due interpretation of the Scriptures—don't seem capable of answering certain questions that have been repeatedly addressed them and which are really important. They also came up with unfounded speculations in the field of eschatology regarding the rapture of the church, anticipating it for 1988, in which they certainly proved being in error. But in error they also are regarding the theme of God's law and the Sabbath. Let's see 10 questions that prove it:Ten Questions for the Anti-Sabbatarians
26-10 Questions About the Sabbath for Anti-Sabbatarians to
Think Seriously About
They don't need to be answered. Could be just for serious reflections . . .Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
Since Isaiah 56:2-8 and Mark 2:27 show that the Sabbath is not an institution only for the literal children of Israel, encompassing the foreigners and "every man", how can be it denied that it is a moral, universal precept, that stems from the Creation of the world?
Note: By the way, the only two institutions that still persist in the world since the entrance of sin are the Sabbath and marriage, both equally established for man (see Mar. 2:27 and Mat. 19:5). Both are equally the object of tremendous attacks from Satan, in the first case through the development of false theologies (promoting the ancient dies solis of Roman paganism, transformed into Sunday, or the ambiguous philosophy of the "anydayism/nodayism/everydayism"), and, in the second case, through the growing wave of separations, divorce, marital unfaithfulness and, more recently, same-sex marriages.26-10 Questions About the Sabbath
27-10 Questions on Christ's Attitudes Regarding the Sabbath
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
According to the reasoning of certain anti-Sabbatarians, Jesus didn't value the Sabbath, as they quote Matthew 12:5 that mentions the priests "violating" the Sabbath and remaining blameless. However, the priests actually ALWAYS acted the same way along history. Since Christ's words are not limited to His time, did God condemn the people of Israel due to their breaking of the commandment unjustly (see Jer. 17:27)?27-10 Questions on Christ's Attitudes
28-10 QUESTIONS ON COLOSSIANS 2:16
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
If the Sabbath was a ceremonial precept to be abolished later (something which would be reflected in Colossians 2:16), with what authority did Paul engage himself in changing the divine law that Jesus said He did not come to abolish, but to fulfill (Mat 5:17-19), and in His entire Sermon on the Mount never indicated that He: a) came to abolish the law, b) came to change the law?28-10 QUESTIONS ON COLOSSIANS 2:16
29-10 Questions Regarding the Supposed Limitation of the
Gentile Christians to Obey Only the "Noachian Laws",
Not the 10 Commandments
Some serious reflections for our Messianic-Jew friendsProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Can you indicate where did Yeshua ever imply that there are two law codes—one for the Christian Jews, and another for the Gentile Christians, inasmuch as He said to His followers, "If you love Me, keep My commandments"? Should only those Christians of Jewish origin love Him and keep His commandments?GentileChristians to Obey Only the "Noachian Laws
30-10 QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE
IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL
Analyzing the Bible TeachingsProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Why does Jesus say to His followers that He would go to "prepare a place for you", but the emphasis on the occupation of said abodes is not when they died and their souls went to heaven to occupy them, but the moment of their reunion with Him when He returns (John 14:1-3)?
Note: The popular opinion is that at death the deceased's souls head to heaven, when they will meet Christ and all the others who went there before. However, it seems strange that Jesus says nothing regarding these abodes being available before the time of His return, implying that only then He will take His ones with Him to occupy the places He prepared for them.31-10 SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING ROMAN 14:5, 6
Prof Azenilto G. Brito
Since Jesus said that "the Sabbath was established because of man" (Mar. 2:27), why did Paul feel he had a right to turn it into an optional principle?
Since when did this optional mentality for the observance of the "Lord's day" begin? From the Resurrection time? From the writing of the epistle to the Romans in AD 56-58?
Why is it that in Galatians 4:9-11 Paul doesn't allow for any day to be observed, while in Romans 14:5, 6 he leaves it up to each one to have a day or no day to observe? Wouldn't that seem a clear contradiction on the part of the Apostle?31-10 SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING ROMAN 14:5, 6
32-10 SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE
BIBLE TEACHING ON MAN'S NATUREProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Why didn't Moses, in his detailed report of man's creation, leave any hint of an "immortal soul" as an essential component of human's life, exclusive of his existence at Creation?
Note.: That would be the right moment to deal with the subject, since Moses offers so many details of the divine acts in the Creation work in general, and of man's formation, in particular.
Why does Moses employ the same language (exact words) for "living soul", both regarding man and the animals (compare Gen.2:7 with 1:20 and Lev. 11:46)?
Note.: Translators of some Bible versions translated the Hebrew words nephesh hayyah as "living creature" when referring to the animals, however, there isn't the least difference. It is exactly the language Moses used to deal with "living soul" referring to man.33-10 Important Questions to Considerer in the Examination
of the Gift of TonguesProf. Azenilto G. Brito
In Acts 2, the tongues are clearly known human languages (i.e., recognized by some of those who heard them). The "other languages" (heterais glossais) of v. 4 are explained as being the language of the partos, medos, elamitas, mesopotâmicos, etc., in vs. 9-11. In v. 6 those who heard the disciples preach, heard them in their "own language". Besides, it's clear that in Acts 2 the tongues were designed to be an effective means of communication to those who were visiting Jerusalem for the Pentecost's feast. In other words, the Pentecost tongues broke linguistic barriers; they did not establish a linguistic barrier. This rule removes every possibility of babbling.34-10 QUESTIONS ON THE QUESTION OF THE LAW OF GOD/LAW OF CHRIST
Jesus said:"I and My Father are One"(John 10:30)Prof. Azennilto G.
BritoWhere does the Bible say, in a direct, clear, straightforward way, that "the law of Christ" took the place of the "law of God" for the Christians?
If now we just have the "law of Christ", that replaced the supposedly obsolete "law of God", why does Paul still refer to the "law of God", saying he had pleasure on it, and kept it in his mind, that the "inclination of the flesh" is not subject to the law of God, etc. (Rom. 7:22, 25; 8:7 e 8')? Why does he still refer to the "law of God", "commandments of God", things that would be past, instead of focusing only on the "law of Christ"?34-10 QUESTIONS ON THE LAW OF GOD
35-10 Questions to Consider Regarding the Antichrist
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
Modern interpretations regarding the Antichrist don't correspond to the thinking of the 16th Century Reformers, nor to John Wesley's and other previous Bible interpreters'.
John is the only Bible writer to refer specifically to the Antichrist (1 John 4:3; 2 John 7).
Jesus spoke of great deceits in the last days, including of people who would reveal themselves false christs (Mat. 24:3-5, 23, 24, 27).
When He comes, the real Christ will be visible to everyone in the world; He will not appear in just one location (Mat. 24:27; Rev. 1:7).35-10 Questions to Consider Regarding the Antichrist
36-Luke 23:43—Today I Tell You, or:
You Will Be With Me Today?
The problem of punctuation (or lack thereof) in the originalProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Introduction: Some people who believe in the immortality of the soul doctrine quote the text of Luke 23:43 as one of their best arguments to defend their ideas. They think that the wording in the text makes clear that the condemned man on the cross by that where Christ died, who expressed repentance and faith in Him, was offered by the Savior being with Him on that same day on Paradise.
However, there are important grammatical and other considerations to be weighed and that show that things shouldn't be interpreted that way. Let'sAnalyzing the Bible Teaching = Luck 23:43
37-10 Reasons Why the Christian Should Not
Eat Unclean MeatsProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Because the division of clean and unclean animals comes from BEFORE the mosaic legislation, since the time of the Flood, when God ordered Noah: "Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate" (Gen. 7:2). Thus, it is made very clear that it was not a rule limited to the people of Israel, attached to the mosaic law.
Because the objectives of the divine prohibitions aimed at the best health of the chosen people. He said: "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you" (Exo. 15:26). In Deuteronomy God connects the sanctity of life with the dietary restrictions imposed to His people: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession. Do not eat any detestable thing" (Deu. 14:2, 3).37-10 Reasons Why the Christian Should Not Eat Unclean Meat
38-10 REASONS WHY THE "LAW OF GOD" AND THE "LAW OF CHRIST" ARE ONE AND THE SAME
Jesus said: "I and My Father are One" (John 10:30) Study-2Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
Because there is no evidence in the Bible that there is a "law of Christ" that took the place of the "law of God"for the Christian community, and those who present this interpretation simply base themselves in inferences and non-demonstrable hypotheses.
Note: A popular and common interpretation is that now the Christian would have as rule a "law of love", as Christ taught this to be His new "commandments" (Matt. 22:36-40). But one has just to compare these texts with Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 to see that He only reiterates what Moses had already said. Of course, God's laws ALWAYS had as foundation the double principle of "love to God" and "love to the neighbor"38-Jesus said: I and My Father are One
39-10 REASONS WHY COLOSSIANS 2:16 DOES NOT TREAT
THE WEEKLY SABBATH AS A CEREMONIAL PRECEPT
Analyzing the Bible Teaching
The text says :"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon,or of the Sabbath days".Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
Because the apostle Paul wouldn't absolutely contradict the divine law which he recognized as valid and in force, as he exalted it as holy, just, good, spiritual, pleasurable and deign to have in mind, according also to what the psalmist had said: "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul" (Romans 3:31; 7:12, 14, 22, 25; Psalm 19:7). And besides exalting the divine law, Paul recommended its faithful observance and utilization in a legitimate form (Rom. 13:8-10; Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:17; 1 Tim. 1:8).
Because Paul knew that "the Sabbath was made for man" (Mar. 2:27), for his physical and spiritual benefit since creation (Gen. 2:2, 3; Exo. 20:8-11), and being himself a man, it applied to him also. The Apostle would never have any intention to get rid of something that God established, and knew he didn't have authority to cancel anything from the divine law.39- Analyzing the Bible Teaching
40-10 Main Reasons That Discredit the Observance of Sunday
Prof. Azenilto G. Brito
No Command of Christ or of the Apostles. There is no commandment of Christ or of the apostles regarding a weekly-Sunday or annual Easter-Sunday celebration of Christ's resurrection. We have commands in the New Testament regarding baptism (Matt 28:19-20), the Lord's Supper (Mark 14:24-25; 1 Cor 11:23-26) and foot-washing (John 13:14-15), but we find no commands or even suggestions to commemorate Christ's Resurrection on a weekly Sunday or annual Easter-Sunday.
Since Sunday would be a "novelty", a new principle of worship, especially as it would be the substitution of such an inbred tradition in the national and religious culture of the Jewish people, as was the case of the Sabbath, any change in that practice would undoubtedly prompt commentaries, specific instructions justifying the alterations, particularly as the first converts to the Christian religion proceeded from Judaism and were "zealous of the law"(Acts 21:20). However, nothing is found in the whole New Testament concerning such change, nor any debates discussing the subject.40-10 R. That Discredit the Observance of Sunday
41-10 REASONS WHY THERE WILL BE NO ETERNALLY
BURNING HELLFIREProf. Azenilto G. Brito
Because everlasting life is a gift from God (Rom. 6:23) that the unsaved don't possess; on the contrary, they "shall not see life" (John 3:36); "no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15).
Note: Paul says in Romans 2:7 that those who will obtain life eternal are the ones who look for immortality. We don't go after something that we already possess.
Because the eternal torment would perpetuate and immortalize sin, suffering, pain, and that contradicts the divine revelation that those things will no more exist under the new conditions after Jesus' return (Rev. 2:14).
Because the universe would always keep a dark site, with billions of creatures living eternally in unending torments, with their existences thus preserved by God Himself, in Whom "we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28).41-10 Analyzing the Bible Teachings About Hell Fire
THE SABBATH FROM EDEN TO EDEN
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