Evangelical Outreach
Responds To
Emails 02-07-10
(EMAIL) I have remained Catholic because of what Jesus says in John 6 after He fed the 5000, then told them He was the Bread from Heaven. He told them that his flesh was food indeed and His Blood real drink. __________(his book is called ___________________) explains that in the Greek, Jesus states emphatically that one must eat (chew) His flesh & drink His Blood or they will have no life in them. When His disciples leave because of this, He let them go. He did not call them back & say "I meant the bread & wine are only symbolic." I do not mean to be argumentative, but seek your explanation of those verses. I too try to follow the Bible, so when Jesus says something so plainly, I think He means it. I will appreciate your answer. Thank you!
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Here is the passage in question:
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53)
When I was a Catholic the Eucharist was a big deal to me too. What will help any person to know for sure if communion (the Catholic Eucharist) is needed for “life” (salvation) or not is to see if people got “life” without communion. If they did, then whatever Jesus meant in John 6:53 must mean something other than communion. Note the following:
Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:8-10)
**IMPORTANT: Communion never began until Luke 22! Hence, the aforementioned got spiritual “life” WITHOUT communion! The same can be shown in Acts. John 3:15,16, 36 all use the same Greek word for “life” as in John 6:53, which is shown to come by an OBEDIENT FAITH IN JESUS. We “eat” the “Bread of Life” (Jesus) when we obediently follow him and trust him for our salvation -- when our faith is in Him.
Remember this passage too:
They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Cor 10:3,4)
The word “ate” in 1 Cor. 10:3 is the same Greek word “eat” found in John 6:53 and is not to be understood as chewing in your mouth and swallowing into the stomach. They spiritually ate and drank from the rock--the Lord Jesus!
Moreover, IF the Catholic interpretation of John 6:53 was correct than transubstantiation would be needed to change the bread and wine into Jesus’ literal flesh and blood. Though the Catholic church claims this ability, they do NOT have the genuine transubstantiation. How can we be sure of this? We have an actual transubstantiation in John 2 where Jesus changed the water into wine! NOTE: When the water was transubstantiated into wine it no longer tasted like water! It now tasted like wine. Hence, the Catholic Church does NOT have a true genuine transubstantiation because the consecrated communion elements do NOT taste like raw human flesh and human blood.
(Did you know the Catholic church teaches the consecrated communion wafer is to “worshiped” as God? That is a clear example of idolatry and all from a wrong interpretation of Jn. 6:53.)
It is also vital for Catholics, and others, to know that the devil can give one a sensation of peace and perform miracles. Regarding the peace, the devil is active with Transendental Meditation giving a false peace (not peace with God) through that false religion. Regarding miracles from the devil, please read this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/miracles.htm
Here is a link to many articles on Catholicism http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/catholic.htm
You now have no reason to stay in the Catholic church. It is to you spiritual advantage to quickly leave such a religious environment. Consider getting a copy of our book, “Is This The Mary of The Bible?” It can help you too. God bless you.
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(EMAIL) Thanks so much for all that you do at Evangelical Outreach. All of my life, I've been prone to depression and anxiety, and it all came to a head this past year. Your ministry was, in part, responsible for helping to save my sanity, and I mean that in a very literal way. I wish now that I'd never heard of the hateful doctrine of Eternal Security, but having come from that background, I'm now laboring with you to turn the church back to the true grace message. So far, I've been able to change one person's mind, and he in turn is trying to influence others. So please know that your ministry is bearing fruit.
Question for you: Having "converted" to Arminian theology rather recently, I've been trying to get a better understanding of the relationship between faith and works. Arminians are constantly accused of believing in works salvation, but I think it would be more accurate to say that we believe in works damnation. Would you agree with that? I know that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is my only hope of salvation, but I also know that He expects His own to abstain from sin and to bear fruit for His kingdom. The parables of the talents and the wicked servant make that very evident, among other passages of scripture, such as the "I am the Vine" discourse and the many NT references to keeping the faith. Thanks again,
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. It is WONDERFUL to read you are no longer an eternal security proponent. (Thank you Lord!) You are at a major spiritual advantage for knowing these truths. It is also GREAT to read you are helping others out of that HERETICAL doctrine.
The relationship between faith and works is concisely stated in James 2. A saving faith in JESUS will have GOOD WORKS with it. Sinful activity is a manifestation of unbelief. Another truth about saving faith is that it can cease to exist and be destroyed (Lk. 8:13; 1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 2:18; Rom. 11:19-23).
One difference between a NT Christian and an eternal security advocate is that we know the righteous will die spiritually if they turn to evil. They deny that Scriptural fact [and sin without fear, thinking it is normal]. Please read this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/spiritualdeath.htm
...Please consider signing up for our email, text, audio and video teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm
GOD BLESS YOU. Rev. 21:4.
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(EMAIL) My concern has to do with women who allege they are “Christian” and yet expose themselves by their “lack” of dress. I am interested in your opinion regarding their exposure. Personally – I can not accept that a woman who is a Christian can expose her flesh and still be a genuine Christian. The excuse that is often stated is that the woman is a Christian and that other women dress in this manner. It is as though I have the problem and if I say anything then I am the one who gets “stoned.”
Did I have a right to say something and what scripture would be appropriate to use to combat this type of inappropriate dress? Thank you and please continue the fight.
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
There is NO QUESTION that how a woman (or man) dresses is important, even though many have no clue about this. Christians are to dress modestly and not with expensive clothing:
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, (1 Tim 2:9)
In our dark day, many would say that is legalism, even if Scripture is cited. They flatly refuse the word of God for various unscriptural reasons.
For any Christian to dress immodestly is also to spiritually endanger another who would lust after their body. Causing another to sin is a serious issue in itself! Hence, Christians need to be careful the way they dress.
Finally, I do know since coming to the Lord over 30 years ago, there are definitely some new converts who dress wrongly out of ignorance and lack of knowledge. After they are told, there should be an important change towards modest dress even if it means throwing away nice clothing (which would be better than giving it away because someone else might sin through it).... GOD BLESS YOU. Rev. 21:4.
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(EMAIL) I just read a lengthy "post" ...to magnify the OSAS philosophy. As for all those who try to debate holiness and truth, they, for some reason want to justify SIN and point fingers at, find fault in and twist scripture to, I guess... feel good about their "Faith". He quotes others __________ that give their opinion of what they F E E L salvation is but when it comes right down to it leave the Bible out of their Explanation, yet say you are the heretic??? I for one have a love for the truth, and Know that you do also. Keep up the Good Work ... for It's stories like these that make me want to praise our Lord all the more !! God Bless you
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. We have many ENEMIES, as would be expected when we are so outnumbered. Like I mentioned to one person in the past, while we are outnumbered we have TRUTH on our side. Amen! ...GOD BLESS YOU. Remember 1 Cor. 15:19.
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(EMAIL #1) get your facts straight, Proverbs prophesies Mary the same way Isaiah prophesies Christ before He was alive, okay. Next time you pick up the bible to read it ask the Holy Spirit for guidance before you go posting information you know absolutely nothing about.
(RESPONSE #1) Greetings in Jesus’ name. It does [NOT] refer to Mary in Proverbs. You are merely repeating what a false teacher told you. If you think I’m wrong get exact—where in Proverbs? Remember:
As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:27, 28)
Read this about Biblical salvation http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/salvationps.htm Victory is in JESUS, not Mary. God bless you.
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(EMAIL #2) You have it all wrong. You are not guided by the Spirit of God. Jesus also said to pluck your eyes out if they cause you to sin but you wouldn’t go that far would you.
The first step in denouncing the Son is denouncing His Mother. Without Her approval He does not take human form. Jesus is worshipped, Mary is honored which is, most pleasing to Him. There’s no getting around it. The reason you are kept from “seeing” references to Her in the bible are because of your arrogance which offends the Spirit of God who enlightens those who seek the truth.
Of course you believe the word of God and obey it, this is just as important as honoring His Mother. You are not in any position to interpret what is being said you have to yield to scholars and those more learned that you or I.
For instance there is no other way to interpret : “And upon this rock I will build my church”. Hence the word “my”. Jesus came to create the Catholic Church, He did not leave any interpretation on how he was to be remembered or worshipped. He didn’t say “You will build my Church, or I will build your Church, or you will build your Church.
Miracle at Cana, “They have no wine”. He answers “what does this have to do with Me, My hour has not yet come.” But, She turns to the wine stewards as if the favor of getting them more wine is already done. She replies to them, “Do whatever He tells you”. What does He do? He gives them not only more wine but the best wine. You cannot interpret this any other way.
And if you cannot find reference to Her in Proverbs then check the Deuteronomy and the Gospels I’m sure you’ll find plenty there.
(RESPONSE #2) Greetings in Jesus’ name. I noticed you did not cite a reference from Proverbs or Deut. which refers to Mary. Your idea of what the Bible says is MUCH different from reality. The Mary you have been taught is mythical. She does NOT exist, except in the minds of some misled Catholics. The real Mary of the Bible is NOT a virgin sinless queen of heaven who is co-reigning with Jesus. The hundreds of titles given to Mary are fabrications. The real Mary is described differently in Scripture. Your other points have been dealt with here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/catholic.htm
You cited the real Mary’s statement, “Do whatever he tells you.” WHY are you not doing what Jesus tells you?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30)
you refuse to come to me to have life. (John 5:40)
For your own soul’s sake, read the Bible and change accordingly. God bless you.
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(EMAIL) Hello-just happened upon this site and was browsing...and noticed an error... (might find some others if I keep reading), but I am a Christian and I read and study the Bible and I am not a member of any denomination, or any church for that matter... I just have a love for the truth as the Bible says we must have to get to Heaven....You state on this site that Michael the Archangel and Jesus are not one in the same- well, I beg to differ, because someone said it to me years ago, and being the person I am, I looked into it for myself, and by golly, they were correct! Jesus is Michael, because reading all the scriptures (and not taking them out of context) reading the rest of the chapters also) about 'Michael' gives descriptions such as used to sometimes describe Jesus....and furthermore, you, yourselves mention that mere 'angels' do not allow worship of themselves- well, this is very true! and very important...and the funny thing is, 'Michael' allows himself to be worshipped.... only God can allow himself to be worshipped! (which of course, you already know) :) the Bible shows overwhelming evidence that Michael is just another name for Jesus- you know Jesus has many names...also, the translation of 'Michael' is 'one who is like God' -additionally, you shouldn't say 'cults' believe that Jesus and Michael are the same.... yes, there are some cults out there, but there are also people who actually go by the Bible and Satan persecutes them because they expose him and they get persecuted and accused of being in a cult because people don't even ask them what they believe or even bother to step into their church to see if what they were told by people were true-most people believe what they are taught by their parents, friends, movies, the 'idiot box', the internet... there are a lot of lies being circulated about the Bible and Bible truth, and unfortunately, yours is one of them...even if the only mistake on the site is about Jesus and Michael, it is misrepresenting Bible truth and I suggest you change it right away, once you look into this for yourself... I will pray that the Holy Spirit will convict you about it...
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Though it is not clear, you were probably told Jesus is Michael the archangel by an SDA (Seven Day Adventist) or Jehovah’s Witness. Either way that suggestion apparently helped to mislead you into a false conclusion. If you think I’m wrong, please be exact with your reasonings and cite a Scripture for every point. Jesus is NOT Michael the archangel. Jesus is not created (1 John 1:1,2; Micah 5:2; John 1:1; Col. 1:16; etc), but all angels are created, including Michael. Just on that point alone, it is impossible for Jesus to be Michael the archangel.
Also, there is no scripture which says Michael received worship. If you think you have one, send it.
Have you gone to Jesus for eternal life (John 5:39,40)? Just “loving truth” is not good enough for salvation. Besides what you think is “truth” about Jesus and Michael is not true. Have you turned away from your sins? Jesus said:
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Luke 8:21)
Have you read these articles? http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/jehovah.htm
God bless you.
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(EMAIL) My beloved brother in Christ, I too help Christian discern the truth, I teach discipleship classes at my Church, \"How to witness to a Jehovah\'s Witness as a Christian\". It is equally important to share the truth as it si to point out error, I agree with all you have said for I too was once a JW. It destroyed my family, I have been saved according to God\'s plan of salvation since ____. I know I am saved by grace and I am teaching from a publication in which the Organization is useing titled, \"What Does the Bible Really Teach\"? I hope to equip my stidents on how to respond to tese lost sheep by useing their book, \"Getting prepared is not being prepared\"! One of my students sent me this website, thank you for you obedience, I intend to come here often for I feel this is the ministery that I have been called to. My oldest daughter is still in the cult and can not talk to me or her mother because we have accepted Christ.
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thank you for your email and sharing your experiences. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a unique group which has done MUCH damage to people here and SOULS in eternity.
It is WONDERFUL to read you are out of the JWs and saved. If you could send your testimony of what happened and how your eyes were opened that would be appreciated and we’ll probably place it on our website, with your permission.
Many who get out of the Mormons, Catholics or JWs often get ensnared by the false teaching of eternal security. I hope that did not happen to you. We have much material on that too.
Please consider signing up for our email, text, audio and video teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm
GOD BLESS YOU. Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) Greetings in Jesus Name. Wanted to share with you what the Lord has laid on my heart recently. 1 Corinthians 8:11. A warning to believers,(me), to consider others more important than ourselves, and the word "perish". I knew this but it has really been impressed upon me. A believer CAN perish, as you know. I have had opportunities to share this Scripture with some belivers. His Word is alive and fresh every day. May the Lord continue to sustain you in all you do. You are prayed for. All for Him,
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thank you for... that golden spiritual nugget and reminder. There are so many Scriptures which refute once saved always saved with 1 Cor. 8:4-13 (v. 11) being one of them. It is often overlooked, but part of the real grace message....
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(EMAIL) I thank you for your strong stand for the truth. May God bless you and your family and may you continue in faith steadfast until the coming of our Lord.
It took me (as believer) many many years to be set free from the lie of satan. I believe there is just one basic lie and that is that "you can sin and not die". (God said you will surely die.) OSAS is just a clever way the devil has turned this very lie to say OK once you have accepted Christ "you can sin and not die". We know better. The lord saved us from our SIN. If one is still living in sin he is not saved - has never been saved or has believed THE LIE and has again been entangled therein. Eternal Life is IN the Lord Jesus Christ. We either serve Him or we are in sin, serving the devil.
Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
I know that you see a lot of OSAS teaching, but would be glad if you take a look at this one posted as an article on ________________ web page. I often visit their page to check up on news items of interest and did not expect such teaching from them. I am amazed what is taught: an example is given about someone forsaking the Lord and believing in Bhudda still having eternal life!
Maybe it is a mistake that we all easily make when we confuse 'salvation from sin' with 'eternal life' - which will only be given to them that overcome? Thanks again for exposing the lie of the ages with such zeal. --- South Africa
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thanks for the kind words and insights. You are absolutely correct about the “you can sin and not die” (once saved always saved) doctrine. It is THE HERESY among alleged Bible-preaching groups! No doubt, MULTITUDES have gone to hell over this. Few know the truth.
The turning to Bhudda and still having salvation is so extreme it should be apparent it is demonic, but since so many are completely brainwashed with this concept, taught under grace and Jesus’ infinite work on the cross, they would agree with that poisonous lie!
Remember that eternal life is a gift (Rom. 6:23) and a present tense possession now (1 John 5:11-13), but it is also a hope (Titus 3:7), yet to be reaped (Gal. 6:8,9), in the age to come (Mk. 10:30) for only those who persist in doing good (Rom. 2:7), and do not grow weary and give up (Gal. 6:9).
Please consider signing up for our email, text, audio and video teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm
Did you ever send your personal testimony regarding coming out of OSAS to us? If not, please do and perhaps we could place it on the web for others to read.
Remember also: Wonderful days are ahead for the faithful to Jesus. Keep pressing on. GOD BLESS YOU.