Gay Pride and Christian Hypocrisy

God and the Gays

God and the Gays - To Be or Not to Be (Part 1)
God and the Gays - All That Glitters Isn't Gold (Part 2)
God and the Gays - Once Gay, Always Gay? (Part 3)
God and the Gays - Of Vice and Men (Part 4)
God and the Gays - A Time to Heal (Part 5)
God and the Gays - Make Up Your Mind (Part 6)

Apostate Christians
Despite warnings about another Jesus, different gospels and spirits, the rise of a counterfeit Christianity has deceived the whole world

Death to America? (David Ben-Ariel YouTube video)
Death to the American, British and Jewish peoples? Concentration camps for YOUR family and friends? Why would God permit Europe to defeat and deport us? Does He really hate the abominations of Christmas and Easter that much?

A Nation of Drunks and Whores (article)

Drunks and Whores (David Ben-Ariel YouTube video)
Many professing Christians remain in denial that traditional Catholics and Protestants are spiritual drunks and whores (intoxicated by Catholic concoctions), drug addicts (under the heavy influence of Rome); traditional Christians and Catholics are spiritual practicing homosexuals, REPROBATES having a perverse spiritual preference for tradition over truth, for abominable baptized paganism, counterfeit Christian holidays they've accepted (following Constantine, not Jesus Christ), falling for accursed Rome's replacement theology that would replace the biblical Sabbath and holy days and dietary laws (we are commanded to keep) with their idolatrous traditions and unclean doctrines of demons...

Watch the Drunks and Whores video and read these articles:

Christian Reprobates?

Plea to Diehard Catholics & Protestants to Repent

Jena 6 denied justice

In light of the Jena 6 getting a slap on the wrist for savagely beating a person of white color, we must ask: "Where's the outrage?" Justice has again been denied and black criminals insanely enabled to continue to prey upon people of white color.

Black racists support Jena savages

Schmap Washington DC Guide includes photo by David Ben-Ariel

I'm very pleased my photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released eighth edition of the Schmap Washington DC Guide:

George Washington's Grist Mill
http://www.schmap.com/washingtondc/sights_water/p=100081/i=100081_3.jpg



Photo: David Ben-Ariel

God has a plan to heal Michael Jackson

God has a plan to heal Michael Jackson
By William Bowmer
Sabbath, June 27, 2009

Deeply loved by his fans, Michael Jackson was nevertheless a polarizing figure. Will he be remembered for the wide-eyed exuberance he showed as a pre-teen sensation in The Jackson 5? Will he be lauded for “We Are the World” and its charitable outreach to starving Africa? Or will he simply be “Wacko Jacko”—a confused narcissist and alleged pedophile who literally seemed uncomfortable in his own skin, who by the end of his life had become a walking advertisement for the dangers of too much plastic surgery?

Michael Jackson never had a normal childhood. His father Joseph recognized talent in young Michael and his brothers, and before Michael was ten years old he was working day and night in the family act. Later, Michael would say that these were times of terrible suffering as he chafed under his father’s alleged physical and emotional abuse. The Jackson 5 had several hit songs, but this early “success” took a heavy toll on young Michael, planting seeds of hurt and distrust that grew into a powerful force later in the troubled singer’s life.

Jackson may be as famous for his plastic surgery as for his music. Beginning with a 1979 rhinoplasty after he broke his nose during a complex dance routine, Jackson underwent increasingly frequent operations, either to fix perceived problems or simply to change his appearance. Although Jackson often romanticized the idea of childhood, he spent his adult life transforming his body into something further and further removed from how it had appeared in his youth.

Why did he do this? We cannot get inside Jackson’s head to say for sure. But can you imagine what it must have been like for a talented toddler to replace his father as the main breadwinner for his family while he was still grade-school-age? What was it like to be too young to drive a car, but already to be responsible for the economic livelihood not only of his father, but of dozens of artists, managers and others in his entourage? How many of us can be sure that we would not react to the stress even less successfully than Jackson did?

Jackson spent much of his life searching for something he never found. Brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, he briefly married a Scientologist, and professed to have converted to Islam before he died. Now that he is dead, what will be his fate?

Considering the often-debased lyrics in his songs and the troubling actions in his personal life, millions of “mainstream” Christians today will tell you with assurance, “Michael has gone to hell forever.” But is that true? Did God give Jackson a tragically unhappy childhood, an unnatural early celebrity and a miserable premature death as the prelude to an eternity of unspeakably painful torture?

God’s word says, “No!” Scripture tells us that the vast majority of human beings who have lived in this present age—who have never heard the true Gospel, living and dying while blinded by Satan, the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4)—will be raised again to physical life at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11). Jackson’s life certainly displayed many indications that he is among those who are “blinded,” who will be raised in the Great White Throne Judgment and for the first time experience a healthy society under God’s loving rule. Healed of his childhood traumas and his lifetime of suffering, Jackson will then be able to look back at the troubles of his life, compare them to the blessings of living God’s way—and, for the first time, be able to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Anciently, King David sang and danced in praise of God. A time is yet coming when the former self-styled “King of Pop” will, like David, be able to use his talent singing and dancing in praise of the King of kings. No longer motivated by fear or the need to provide for his father, Jackson will finally be able to praise the Father who loves him more than any fan of The Jackson 5 ever has—or ever will.

To learn more about what will happen to Michael Jackson and billions of others like him, read our article “What Happens When You Die?” or our booklet Is This the Only Day of Salvation? Scripture reveals that God’s plan for human beings is both just and merciful.

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Dead & Buried
If somebody tells you folks are up in Heaven, they don't know what they're talking about. The Bible reveals the biblical heroes are dead & buried, waiting for the return of Christ and their resurrection.

Pearly Gates
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth"
- Matthew 5:5

The New Jerusalem is coming down to EARTH - we don't go to Heaven!

Born Again and Heaven and Hell

Despot Obama

Obama, the African Colonial
By L.E. Ikenga

Had Americans been able to stop obsessing over the color of Barack Obama's skin and instead paid more attention to his cultural identity, maybe he would not be in the White House today. The key to understanding him lies with his identification with his father, and his adoption of a cultural and political mindset rooted in postcolonial Africa. Like many educated intellectuals in postcolonial Africa, Barack Hussein Obama, Sr. was enraged at the transformation of his native land by its colonial conqueror. But instead of embracing the traditional values of his own tribal cultural past, he... (Read Full Article)

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White Israelites (those peoples of white color of Anglo-Saxon-Celtic and Northwestern European origins) who fulfilled Manifest Destiny in Africa (whether for pure or impure motives), raising the standard of living for all regardless of color or creed (even if not proportionately), as prophesied in the ethnocentric book we know as the Holy Bible (with its focus on the family of Jacob-Israel), cannot be compared to the destructive likes of the "African Colonials" who tear down everything for everyone but their self-absorbed inner circle of collapsed stars.

The AC's, the BAHs (Black African Holes, pronounced "boss"), like Soetoro/Obama, have the trappings to appear intellectual and thereby mislead by mass deception, but remain primitive and drawn to Marxism, aided and abetted by self-hating or misguided white people who destroy the worlds they were born into and deform prosperous countries like Rhodesia into Zimbabwe ruins, mutate South Africa into an ANC cesspool, and change the Republic of the United States into a Third World country.

www.davidbenariel.org

Still at Large!

Still at Large!

The Jerusalem Post, Jan. 8, 1996, had a front page story about how the GSS sought my deportation for alleged involvement in a "plot to blow up the Al-Aksa mosque."

And now for the rest of the story:

IF the Israeli authorities truly suspected me of being involved in such a dangerous activity, they would have NEVER RELEASED ME with only my passport in their hands. As for those others allegedly involved in some plot, that were "still at large" - THEY'RE STILL AT LARGE to this day, twelve years later, because they don't exist! And, just like twelve years ago I protested my innocence, I continue to this day doing the same, consistent, honest and true, as God knows, and as they very well know.

They had a computer disk with Beyond Babylon on it back then, and now Beyond Babylon is professionally published, and it says now, as then, that it is the GOVERNMENT of Israel's responsibility to remove the mosques and prepare for the Temple. Gershon Salomon, chairman of the Temple Mount Faithful, has been stating that fact publicly since he helped to liberate the Temple Mount in 1967 during the Six Day War. What we say is LEGAL and BIBLICAL, although some would trample our rights to express ourselves and practice our religion, in a vain attempt to appease the Nazi-Muslim beasts. Thankfully, the Temple will soon be REALITY upon the TEMPLE Mount and the mosques will be history!

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Why Edward Abington, Jr. Must Be Investigated!
"The American Diplomat in Arafat's Corner," published in The Jerusalem Report, came as no surprise to me. It was referring to Edward Abington, Jr., the United States' former consul general in Jerusalem who is now "guiding the Palestinians through the labyrinths of Washington. And his firm is being paid $2.25 million for his expertise."

Israel's Unjust Deportation of David Ben-Ariel
As a Christian-American member of the Temple Mount Faithful Movement, I had been privileged to participate in their legal demonstrations during my 10-month stay in Jerusalem awaiting dual citizenship. Israeli television often showed me with my Jewish friends carrying Israeli flags throughout the Old City.

Blow Up the Mosques or An Expired Visa?
Once again, an attempt to spread DISinformation about my unjust deportation from Israel, only provides me with another opportunity to clearly state my case and continue to highlight the plight of the Temple Mount suffering under a Nazi-Muslim occupation...

From Toledo to Jerusalem
You could say I have a God-given love for the Jews and the nation of Israel (Isaiah 62:6-7). That sacred bond has been strengthened over the years by the fact that I've been blessed to have lived all over Israel, getting to know its land and people quite well.

Dangerous Ideas?
During my brief appearance before Israel's High Court, the prosecution charged that I hold "dangerous ideas." I suppose the short-sighted prosecution would ban the Bible if he could since it contains the "dangerous ideas" that millions believe in! What are those "dangerous ideas?"

American Detained in Jerusalem's Russian Compound
Nobody arrested me. I was detained when I faithfully reported to the police office at 9 a.m. Monday morning, January 9, 1996 (day before my birthday) the day after The Jerusalem Post published on their front page an article shedding light on what they were doing in the dark:

"GSS Seeks to Deport American Citizen for Plot to Blow Up Al Aksa Mosque."

Exposing the German-Vatican Plot to Occupy Jerusalem
The one time The Traveller did run a political piece, it ruffled feathers with the local authorities. In 'Will Jerusalem become an international city?' by American writer David Ben-Ariel, readers were warned about a German-Vatican plot to take over Jerusalem, urged to take back the Temple Mount and dislodge 'as symbols of foreign occupation' Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Appeal to Caesar?

An appeal to Caesar can get you killed!

Every time I read the Bible, I pray first and ask God to bless me as His son, His child, expecting Him to lead and guide my Bible study as a Father who teaches His children as God instructs, practicing what He preaches (Deuteronomy 6:7). I often keep a paper and pen handy to write down notes or thoughts, questions and comments, that come to mind to consider more deeply, more thoroughly, later.

Here's a spiritual sample of what I'm talking about this seventh day Sabbath:

The background to this section of the Book of Acts is Paul has been falsely accused and detained, and sets the record straight but remains imprisoned.

Acts 24
22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come [some would criticize Paul and say he should have delivered this or that message rather than the one God gave Him), Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him [typical politician hoping to have his palms greased, looking for bribes]. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. [He wasn't afraid enough of God's judgment or he wouldn't have left Paul in prison for two years. Apparently Felix was more concerned with the "Jewish lobby" than justice].

Acts 25
1 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea [I used to live next to Caesarea at Kibbutz Sdot Yam] to Jerusalem. 2 Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. 4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”
6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” [Reminds me of refuting the lies, the disinformation campaign against me, as I testify in I'm not a terrorist] 9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor [first Felix, now Festus], answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”
10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. [Dishonest individuals shamefully persist in their error, continue in their sin, rather than repent]. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

Paul Before Agrippa

13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. 14 When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 15 about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. 16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 17 Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, 19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” [God is expanding Paul's audience among the people and rulers, turning lemons into lemonade, utilizing false accusations as a podium to preach the plain truth].
23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

Acts 26
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them . 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Recounts His Conversion

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground [it doesn't say they were knocked down, but undoubtedly they all went down on their knees, afraid], I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [Paul's savage persecution of Christians was considered an assault on Christ]. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people [God refers to Israel and Judah as People and separates them from the nations], as well as from the Gentiles [the non-Jews and Israelites, the world, the nations], to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ [I love this Scripture!].

Paul’s Post-Conversion Life

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea [is God racist? "To the Jew first, then to the Gentiles], and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance [some professing Christians would deny we must confess and forsake sins and prove it, verify our conversion, and let Christ have good works in and through and for us - Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; 1 Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4 - Overcome in Christ Daily]. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me . 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people [to the Jews/Israelites first, then the Gentiles - Romans 1:16] and to the Gentiles.”

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” [Sounds like the forums where some mock, "Have you taken your meds?" since they can't refute, they ridicule; they can't debate, so they defame].
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Oy veh! I can hear, "Oh no, Mr. Bill!" [From the twisted cartoon]. Isn't this bizarre at first glance? Here Paul felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar since the Jews plotted his murder in Jerusalem, yet by appealing to Caesar he got sent to Rome where he was later murdered for his biblical beliefs! But what other alternative did he have? However, God who knows the end from the beginning, didn't permit his martyrdom before empowering him to testify of the Kingdom of God before a wide and diverse audience. So sometimes things don't always turn out like we had planned or hoped or wanted, and we don't always see God's purpose in dire straits, or recognize His Hand and Plan immediately, but it is fulfilled anyway, thankfully. Isn't that why we pray, "Your will be done"?

Symptoms of reverse discrimination

Re: The Big Lie of Atzlan

La Raza, the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP, "affirmative action," and other symptoms of the curse of reverse discrimination filling the void left by White Israelites who have shamefully forgotten, woefully neglected or sinfully rejected Manifest Destiny must go or the United States is history.

www.davidbenariel.org

An evening at Grandma's

Living Church of God: Commentary
Commentary: An evening at Grandma's
When I was in my twenties, I would take the opportunity to visit my paternal grandmother on a Friday night. During these special visits, my grandmother would feed me a delicious meal as we talked sitting at her dining room table. Through some gentle prodding from me, she would recount her life, her upbringing, her family and her life with my grandfather. Read more

Satan stirs the racial pot

Satan is behind all the ethnic discord and is stirring the racial pot (it's not a melting pot - it's a boiling cauldron), as prophesied - which is especially evident when anybody but a White Israelite can celebrate their heritage or seek what's best for their people.

The Curse of Jeremiah Wrights
Jeremiah Wright, Al Sharpton, Barack Obama, Louis Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson and others all represent the curse of reverse discrimination, the tail wagging the dog, the animals running the farm, the serious consequences for White Israelite disobedience to God (Deuteronomy 28:43).

The English-Speaking Nations of White Israelites
Is God a racist? Does He discriminate? Did Jesus hate Gentiles? Was Paul prejudiced? Are Israelites and Jews superior to other peoples? Is God's favorite color white?

Race Matters
It seems evident that the resurrected Noah will head a vast project of the relocation of the races and nations, within the boundaries God has set, for their own best good, happiness and richest blessings. This will be a tremendous operation. It will require great and vast organization, reinforced with power to move whole nations and races. This time, peoples and nations will move where God has planned for them, and no defiance will be tolerated.

http://www.davidbenariel.org/

http://www.davidbenariel.org/

Restore Manifest Destiny!

The Fallen Timbers Battle Monument is Mad!



"Mad" Anthony Wayne, a Kentucky militiaman and an American Indian
Maumee, Ohio

What a schizophrenic monument! Manifest Destiny decreed the White Israelites would triumph over the Beringian immigrants ("Indians") and they did. All things considered, every battle has winners and losers. Are we to expect battle monuments across our God-given nation that tells "both sides" of the story? What confusion!

The Fallen Timbers Battle Monument is mad! One side praises the White Settlers, another side memorializes the massacre of White Settlers, another side praises Indians who murdered White people and another side celebrates Pioneers who were able to move onward in peace (thanks to peace through strength).

If that's not dizzying enough, there's a nearby monument in memory of all the Indians who "gave their lives at this place" located next to the

TURKEY FOOT ROCK...

Click here to continue to read

Hate Germany?

I don't hate Germany!
I love the German people enough to help warn them to be very wary of any crisis that will tempt them to just blindly follow the leader about to emerge, who will be presented as Europe's savior from nuclear Islam, by none other than the pope and the Vatican's political puppets. Yes, beware the beast! The Bible exposes Europe will experience another wannabe divine emperor.
(read more ...)

Murderous Mandela!

http://www.dienuwesuidafrika.com

Nelson Mandela sings with his communist comrades about killing white people.

For decades the ANC propagated this extreme hatred towards the white minority of South Africa. Has this contributed to the extreme violence being perpetrated against the white minority of South Africa today?

FAQ:

Q:What does "bhulu" really mean?
A: Answer from answers.yahoo.com by: Porgie (abridged)
It does in fact mean "white people".
Black South Africans used to and some still call "white South Africans" boer. It's a word derived from the Afrikaans word for farmer.
"Ama" is the Xhosa prefix that means "a lot of"
"bhulu" is the Xhosa word for "boer"
The Xhosa people have a difficult time pronouncing "R", because the Xhosa pronounce this letter as the "ch" in Reich. They therefore substituted the "r" at the end of "boer" with the letter ''L". Lastly the "oe" sound is in fact "oo" as in moo or goo. The Xhosa people substituted this sound with the letter "u".
So a direct translation should really be "boers", the plural for "boer"
Definition of "boer": (NOUN: A Dutch colonist or descendant of a Dutch colonist in South Africa.

ETYMOLOGY: Afrikaans, from Dutch, farmer, from Middle Dutch gheboer, peasant; see bheu- in Indo-European roots)
And that's the story of "amabhulu". Some may find it offensive and some may translate it as negative.
Source(s):
I'm a language practitioner with majors in Afrikaans/Dutch and Xhosa. (by Porgie)

David Ben-Ariel YouTube Audience Grows!

9602 views and counting!

Don't Give Up!
If you begin to cry out to God for help, even if it's only a whimper because you're so weak, He'll see and hear and respond. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit... none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate" (Ps. 34:18, 22).
80 views

Beyond Babylon David Ben Ariel
Beyond Babylon - the little book with a big impact - is destined to become a national debate and an international controversy!
127 views

Shimon Peres Rebuked!
Christian-Zionist David Ben-Ariel's strong response to Shimon Peres' weak AIPAC speech, condemning the lying peace process, collaboration with the Vatican and warning about UN Resolution 181 as the Final Solution!
253 views

Born Again: The Kingdom of God!
GOD IS REPRODUCING HIMSELF! That's the glorious Good News that Jesus boldly proclaimed! The Gospel of the KINGDOM OF GOD announces the GOD KINGDOM: a Spirit-Born Kingdom of God-Beings! A Royal Family that we can enter (Rev. 3:21). A Divine Family that will administer God's Government throughout the universe and eternity (Isa. 9:7; Dan. 7:18).
114 views

I'm not a terrorist
Is David Ben-Ariel a terrorist? Did he try to blow up the mosques in Israel? Is that why he was deported from Israel? Or is he simply somebody who has been targeted for exposing the German-Vatican plot against Jerusalem and highlighting the Nazi Muslim occupation of the Temple Mount?
252 views

God and Gays
God and the Gays - What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality!
303 views

United States in Prophecy!
The United States is mentioned in the Bible! We're descendants from Joseph and are Joes. The Jews are from the tribe of Judah. We need to get away from counterfeit Christianity and back to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and keep His Sabbath and biblical holy days.
317 views

Holocaust Hypocrisy!
Jews have failed to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and Israel proves it by permitting the German pope to pollute Jerusalem with his false peace proposals
299 views

Warning Jews
Warning Jews about the pope's plans for Jerusalem: Rome's dream will become Jerusalem's NIGHTMARE
302 views

Evil Eye
The Nazi pope aims to rip the heart out of Israel: Jerusalem!
510 views

Death to America
Death to the American, British and Jewish peoples? Concentration camps for YOUR family and friends? Why would God permit Europe to defeat and deport us? Does He really hate the abominations of Christmas and Easter that much?
677 views

Europe Nukes US!
Beyond Babylon warns we're going down & out because of our idolatry & immorality.
563 views

Dead & Buried
If somebody tells you folks are up in Heaven, they don't know what they're talking about. The Bible reveals the biblical heroes are dead & buried, waiting for the return of Christ and their resurrection!
196 views

Emperor Obama
Why has Obama FAILED to prove he's a natural born citizen? Shame on conservative cowards who have FAILED to demand proof! This is further proof America is under a curse
1,070 views

Pearly Gates
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth" - Matthew 5:5The New Jerusalem is coming down to EARTH - we don't go to Heaven!
454 views

A Household Word
The general public doesn't have a clue about the Gospel or the Ezekiel Warning Message! That woeful ignorance indicts the Church of God, since God says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." And that same God warns about our responsibility to sound the alarm so British-Israelites and Jews, and repentant Gentiles, can seek shelter in Him and avert the imminent nuclear Holocaust.
321 views

Drunks and Whores
Many professing Christians remain in denial that traditional Catholics and Protestants are spiritual drunks and whores (intoxicated by Catholic concoctions), drug addicts (under the heavy influence of Rome); traditional Christians and Catholics are spiritual practicing homosexuals, REPROBATES having a perverse spiritual preference for tradition over truth, for abominable baptized paganism, counterfeit Christian holidays they've accepted (following Constantine, not Jesus Christ), falling for accursed Rome's replacement theology that would replace the biblical Sabbath and holy days and dietary laws (we are commanded to keep) with their idolatrous traditions and unclean doctrines of demons.
1,357 views

"I don't hate all black people"
Dealing with charges of racism and terrorism, David Ben-Ariel speaks out
2,407 views

China, Censorship, Obama

In China almost all media and news is owned by the state. If you were trying to view this article in China, the page would simply say “this webpage cannot be displayed.”

This Article Cannot be Viewed in China

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Sadly, the United States under president usurper Soetoro/Obama appears headed in the dangerous direction of overprotective China.

British Israel

Joseph's Birthright and the Identity of Israel Today
The Global Financial Crisis
The EU-Babylon turns the screw on Britain
It is Jubilee Year for Alaska
Article Archive

Will David Ben-Ariel return to Zion?

This month's issue of The Jewish Voice and Opinion magazine (June 2009) runs a full page ad describing the unjust deportation of David Ben-Ariel from Israel for highlighting the plight of the Temple Mount under Nazi Muslim occupation and for exposing the German-Vatican plot against Jerusalem.




















A House of Prayer For All Peoples?
Jewish guards prevent Christians and Jews from exercising their religious right to pray on the Temple Mount? That's right! Only Muslims have unlimited access to Judaism's most holy site. Only the Koran is permitted within. The Tanach (Jewish Scripture, known to much of the world as the "Old Testament") and Christian Scriptures (the New Testament) are forbidden. Yet Israel claims to respect the religious rights of all people.

American Detained in Jerusalem's Russian Compound
Nobody arrested me. I was detained when I faithfully reported to the police office at 9 a.m. Monday morning, January 9, 1996 (day before my birthday) the day after The Jerusalem Post published on their front page an article shedding light on what they were doing in the dark: "GSS Seeks to Deport American Citizen for Plot to Blow Up Al Aksa Mosque."

Israel's Unjust Deportation of David Ben-Ariel
As a Christian-American member of the Temple Mount Faithful Movement, I had been privileged to participate in their legal demonstrations during my 10-month stay in Jerusalem awaiting dual citizenship. Israeli television often showed me with my Jewish friends carrying Israeli flags throughout the Old City.

All About Water Baptism

ALL ABOUT WATER BAPTISM
by Herbert W. Armstrong
1948, 1954, 1972 edition



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ABOUT OUR COVER: The Jordan River at flood level near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus Christ was baptized in its swirling waters (Matt. 3:13-17).

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IS WATER baptism essential to salvation? What about the "thief on the cross"? Was he saved without it? What is the proper form, or mode -- sprinkling, pouring or immersion? Should babies and children be baptized? Suppose you were baptized by a minister you have since lost confidence in. Should you be baptized over again? Suppose you were baptized "in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit]." Should you be baptized again "in the name of Jesus" only? Should one be baptized IMMEDIATELY, or only "after a six months' probation"? Must the ordinance be performed by an ordained minister?

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WE ARE saved by GRACE, and through FAITH -- make no mistake about that; but -- there are conditions!

And millions are being deceived, misled into thinking they are saved, when they are not!

People have been taught, falsely, that "Christ completed the Plan of Salvation on the Cross" -- when actually it was only begun there. The popular denominations have taught, "Just BELIEVE -- that's all there is to it; believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you are that instant saved!"

That teaching is false! And because of deception -- because the TRUE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ has been all but blotted out, lo these 1900 years by the preaching of a false gospel about the Person of Christ -- and often a false Christ at that -- millions today WORSHIP CHRIST -- and all in vain! "In vain do they worship me," said Jesus, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7: 6-9).

Man is mortal. Man has no immortality inherent within himself. Christ Jesus, only, of all men who have lived, has immortality (I Tim. 6:16). The penalty of sin is DEATH -- the second, or eternal, death, from which there will be no resurrection. And ALL have sinned and come under this sentence. Only GOD has eternal life inherent in Himself (John 5:26) -- only GOD has eternal life to give. And as the Father has life in -- inherent in -- Himself, so has He given to the Son, Christ, to have immortal life inherent within Himself. And through Christ, God gives it to us (I John 5:11-12) -- and whoever has not Christ has not eternal life. Eternal life is a GIFT no man has until he receives it as GOD'S GIFT (Rom. 6:23).

The BLOOD of Christ does not finally save any man. The death of Christ merely paid the penalty of sin in our stead -- it wipes the slate clean of past sins -- it saves us merely from the DEATH PENALTY -- it removes that which separated us from God and reconciles us to God.

But we are SAVED -- that is, given immortal life -- by Christ's LIFE, not by His death (Rom. 5:10). Christ is a living Saviour! He is not dead -- He rose from the dead! We could never be saved by His blood alone, if He had not risen from the dead (I Cor. 15:17-18).

We are mortal, without immortal life inherent in us, under penalty of eternal DEATH from sin -- unless saved. To be saved, we must be born of God, who is a Spirit. We were born of human parents, and therefore we are human -- flesh -- dust -- of the earth, earthy (John 3:3, 6; Gen. 2:7; 3:19; I Cor. 15:47-49). To be born of God, we must, first, now in this life, receive the impregnating LIFE -- the Holy Spirit -- from God. We are then merely begotten, spiritually -- comparing to an unborn human babe still in its mother's womb -- not yet really BORN. We then become merely HEIRS of the Kingdom -- not yet inheritors.

Becoming converted means being CHANGED. When one receives the Holy Spirit of God, his whole viewpoint, his outlook, his purposes, goals, ways of thought -- everything -- becomes CHANGED! It is a renewing of the MIND -- the Spirit of a sound mind. But he is as yet merely begotten. And, as the unborn babe must be fed, through the mother, and must develop and grow physically before it can be born, so the converted human, now spiritually begotten, must be fed on the spiritual food of GOD'S WORD, and must GROW SPIRITUALLY -- must grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ as He reveals His knowledge through His Word (II Peter 3:18). He must OVERCOME the down-pull of his human nature and achieve self-discipline. He must learn PATIENCE, must grow in LOVE, FAITH, and UNDERSTANDING. He must do the WORKS of Christ; and, in this spiritual growth -- this life of active service -- he must ENDURE persecutions and afflictions and trials UNTO THE END.

It is only those who, during this Christian Spirit-begotten life, have grown in knowledge and grace, have overcome, have developed spiritually, done the works of Christ, and endured unto the end, who shall finally be given IMMORTALITY -- finally changed from mortal to IMMORTAL at the time of the second coming of Christ (I Cor. 15:53-54).

So, being, as we say, converted -- receiving the Holy Spirit of God -- is merely the beginning! Then begins a lifetime of LIVING under the GOVERNMENT OF GOD -- by God's laws which express His will, instead of by self-will and desire.

A PERSON IS NOT EVEN BEGOTTEN OF GOD UNLESS HE IS CHRIST'S (I John 5:12). AND HE IS NOT CHRIST'S UNLESS HE HAS RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT (Rom. 8:9). One is not even converted -- spiritually begotten- -not even STARTED on the way to final salvation, unless and until he RECEIVES THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM GOD! The question, then -- how to make the first BEGINNING of becoming a Christian -- how to START on the Christian life -- which leads to eternal life -- is how to thus be CHANGED and receive God's Holy Spirit!

"What Shall We Do?"

Notice the very beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15). Jesus said, "REPENT ye, and BELIEVE the gospel." The very first words He proclaimed, at the very beginning of His Gospel, were to command the TWO CONDITIONS to becoming a Christian: REPENTANCE, and FAITH. Those are the two things we must do! Repentance is toward GOD. Faith is toward Christ. Repentance means to quit sinning, and sin is the transgression of God's spiritual LAW -- so repentance means to begin living according to God's Commandments! And Jesus said "believe the GOSPEL." And the GOSPEL is the Good News of the Kingdom of God -- which means GOVERNMENT of God, and government means obedience to LAWS, in this case God's laws, which express the will of God -- government by the WILL OF GOD, no longer by human self-will!

After Jesus had completed His earthly ministry, had paid the penalty of your sins, had risen from the dead and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost.

Thousands were in Jerusalem for this festival. When the Spirit of God came upon -- and into -- the disciples that morning, thousands came in awe and wonder at the majestic spectacle. Peter then preached the first inspired sermon of this Christian dispensation. Thousands were convicted in their hearts. They realized their lost condition. They realized Christ was indeed Messiah -- SAVIOUR!

"What shall we do?" they cried out to Peter and the disciples. "HOW SHALL WE BE SAVED?"

Peter was now inspired. The answer came straight and direct!

"REPENT"! shouted the inspired Peter in great power, "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 SPIRIT"! (Acts 2:38.)

There are the conditions -- JUST TWO -- the same as Jesus gave them at the very beginning of His Gospel -- REPENT, and BELIEVE! For one cannot be rightly baptized except he believe (Acts 8:37). Baptism is an ordinance symbolizing FAITH in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Once these conditions are complied with, God stands bound by a PROMISE to put within the repentant believer HIS SPIRIT -- which means His LOVE, faith, understanding, gentleness and goodness, power, etc. -- His attitude of mind -- the Spirit of a sound mind -- His very LIFE -- the impregnation and begettal of eternal life, and the very character of God! The HOLY SPIRIT in one CHANGES one!

"For the PROMISE is unto you, and to your children ... even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).

WATER BAPTISM, THEN, IS A REQUIRED PART OF THE WAY OF SALVATION!

Jesus' Example!

Jesus in all things set us an example, that we should follow His steps. He was the example for Christian living for the individual, and also the living example for His called ministers (I Peter 2:21).

Jesus, though He had committed no sins to be remitted, was baptized, setting the example for us. You'll read of it in Matthew 3:13-17. In being baptized, Jesus was immersed in water (not sprinkled or poured upon) because "Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water." Immediately the Spirit of God descended upon Him, in this case visibly, and a voice from heaven said: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God help us, that by His help, power, and grace, we may be enabled to live such overcoming lives that He may finally say the same of us!

Meaning of "In the Name of Jesus Christ"

Jesus also set the example for ministers. Did you know that Jesus baptized more disciples than John the Baptist?

Listen: "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized .... When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples) ... " (John 3:22 and 4:1-2).

There is an important meaning here. Actually Jesus did not do the physical work of baptizing these people Himself -- He had His disciples do it for Him! And what they did, by His authority and command, is attributed to Him! So it was considered as if Jesus Himself had baptized them.

Here is a most important truth. His disciples did the baptizing IN HIS NAME -- that is, in His stead -- they did it for Him, by His authority -- and that was considered just the same as if Jesus had actually done it Himself! In fact, the Holy Spirit actually inspired the direct statement that Jesus baptized more disciples than John. When, at His direction, and by His authority, His chosen disciples, chosen by Him, did it for Him, it is considered that JESUS did the baptizing. He did it, in other words, by and through His disciples!

To ask for anything in prayer, or to do or perform anything, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, is to ask or do it BY HIS AUTHORITY. It is to act for Him. To do it for Him, in His stead. It is acting as if by power of attorney to act FOR Him. It implies He has delegated that authority to us. And indeed He has! For we are commanded to do all things IN THE NAME OF CHRIST!

Jesus Commanded Baptism

Keep in mind the clear picture of the true GOSPEL. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Message which GOD SENT to the world, and Christ was the divine Messenger who brought and proclaimed it. It was not primarily a Message about Himself, but about the Kingdom -- the GOVERNMENT -- of God. Jesus devoted three-and-a-half years to teaching this Message to His twelve apostles.

After His resurrection, Jesus gave them the final GOSPEL COMMISSION for this age, and in it He commanded baptism as an obligatory ordinance for this Gospel dispensation:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach THE GOSPEL" (the Message God sent and Christ proclaimed) "TO EVERY CREATURE. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). Note these points: The GOSPEL to be preached was not the present-day message ABOUT the Person of Christ, but the Message He brought and preached -- the Good News of the GOVERNMENT of God. What is it necessary to BELIEVE to be saved? That which is preached -- the GOSPEL! When even the preachers today do away with God's LAW, and therefore the government (Kingdom) of God -- for there can be no government without law -- they deny that which must be believed to be saved -- and their followers cannot be saved, but are deceived! And, also, it is "he that is baptized" that shall be saved. It's part of the divine Commission -- a required ordinance for salvation!

Notice Matthew's version of the Great Commission:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations ... " surely the disciples were to teach these nations that which Jesus had taught them -- the Message God had sent Him to deliver and proclaim to the world -- the Good News of the government of God -- a Message that has not been preached for 1800 years or more! "... Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20).

Here again, in the final Great Commission for preaching the Gospel in this age, Christ commanded BAPTISM. And here He specifically stated "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost [Spirit]."

In Name of Jesus Only

Since some today are being baptized over again "in the name of Jesus ONLY" in order to eliminate the Father, and the Holy Spirit, this should be considered here. The contention of these people is that this passage in Matthew 28:19 is the only place in the Bible where the names of the Father and the Holy Spirit are commanded. They argue that a thing must be established "in the mouth of two or more witnesses," and since they claim there is but this one witness to this command, it must be rejected. All other passages mention only the name of Jesus.

The explanation is that two or more witnesses are required only in the case of HUMAN testimony -- where one accuses another. That instruction does not apply to the divine Witness, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, and to assume it does is surely close to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! On the contrary, "ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ...." And, THE SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN! If you can break, disprove, reject, or throw out this one scripture, you can reject all the rest!

In this passage, the word translated "in" should properly be translated "into." The meaning, then, is that repentant believers are baptized INTO God the Father, and into Christ the Son, and into the Holy Spirit. But the one who plunges the new believer under the water performs the act IN THE NAME OF -- that is, by authority of, JESUS CHRIST. Why? Because Jesus said "ALL POWER" -- and that includes all authority -- "is given unto me in heaven and in earth." He has ALL authority! Either we do it by His authority, or else we are doing it without any authority.

New Testament Ordinance

The apostles understood this as a divine Commission and Command. They carried it out. They always baptized repentant believers.

The first inspired sermon after the Holy Spirit came to convert Peter and the apostles was mentioned above. Peter commanded all to repent, and to be baptized.

And "they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41).

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them ... But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning THE KINGDOM OF GOD, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" (Acts 8:5, 12).

Some, who do not believe in water baptism, may say this baptism was not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. But later, when the apostles sent Peter and John down to these people at Samaria, they, "when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (verses 15-16).

None of them had been as yet baptized with the Holy Spirit -- yet they already were baptized. Since they had not been baptized with the Holy Spirit, obviously they had been baptized in water.

Baptism Definitely Commanded

As Peter preached the first inspired sermon after the coming of the Holy Spirit, and commanded baptism -- to the Jews in Jerusalem, so God sent Peter also to first preach the Gospel to the Gentiles ten years later. It was at the house of a very devout Gentile, Cornelius. But devout though he was, he did not understand -- did not have saving KNOWLEDGE. He knew no better than to fall down at Peter's feet and worship him, a mere man. God had sent Peter to instruct him.

Peter preached to Cornelius' family, "The word which God sent" -- the Message God sent by Jesus Christ as Messenger. And "while Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word" (Acts 10:44). In verse 45 it is termed "the gift of the Holy Spirit." The word "ALSO" indicates the same "baptism" with the Holy Spirit as Peter and the apostles had received. In Acts 11:15-17 it is plainly described as the SAME "baptism" with the Holy Spirit the apostles had received. Now these had received the "baptism" with the Spirit.

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid WATER, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:46-48).

Here is a definite inspired COMMAND to be baptized in WATER.

Immersion, Sprinkling, or Pouring?

As in all other points of doctrine, the churches today are in utmost confusion -- some practicing pouring, some sprinkling, some immersing. Some say it makes no difference. Those who sprinkle usually apply it to children.

The word "baptize" is not an English word. It is a Greek word. The New Testament was written in the Greek language. In translating it into English, the translators left this Greek word untranslated. Literally, in the Greek, the word is "baptizo". The definition of this word is "IMMERSE." It means to plunge into, put into, dip. It does not mean "to sprinkle" or "to pour." The Greek word for "sprinkle" is "rantidzo", and "to pour" is "cheo" in Greek. The Holy Spirit did not inspire the use of these words, but baptizo, meaning IMMERSE, PUT INTO.

Therefore sprinkling or pouring IS NOT BAPTIZING!

When one understands the meaning of the words inspired, it is silly to talk about "which form or mode of baptizing shall we use -- sprinkling, pouring, or immersing?" It is as ridiculous as to ask which form of IMMERSING shall we use -- sprinkling, pouring, or immersing? Or as to ask "which form or mode of skiing shall we use -- swimming, ice-skating, or skiing?" Swimming and ice-skating are not skiing. Sprinkling and pouring are not baptizing.

John baptized around about Aenon near Jerusalem, "because there was much water there" (John 3:23). He would have needed only a cupful to sprinkle, or a pitcherful to pour -- but baptizing required "MUCH WATER" in a river. Also this verse indicates John baptized the subject with much water, not by pouring a cupful of water on the subject.

Jesus set us an example -- there was no other purpose in His baptism -- and He was put down into the water, for He went up OUT OF the water. Both Philip and the eunuch went down INTO the water (Acts 8:38). There was no reason whatever for Philip to go actually into the water, except for the reason there was no other way he could plunge the eunuch INTO the river. They came up out of the water (verse 39).

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is a BURIAL, and a RISING from a grave. Notice Colossians 2:12. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are RISEN with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Neither sprinkling nor pouring is a burial, and one rises up out of neither. They do not picture the symbolic meaning of baptism, and therefore are meaningless.

When one is plunged INTO the water, he is in a watery grave. He would not live ten minutes unless brought up out of the water -- unless RISEN from this watery grave. Therefore a person immersed in water is in a literal grave.

Notice further: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection" (Rom. 6:3-5).

There is the beautiful symbolism -- the real meaning of baptism.

It pictures, in symbol, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

But it is a DUAL picture, as all things in God's Plan are DUAL in operation. It also pictures the crucifixion of the old self (verses 6-7), or of the sinning life, the burial of this sinning self, and the coming up out of this watery grave, symbolic of a CHANGED person resurrected to a new, righteous, spiritual life in Christ Jesus.

Going down into the water pictures the DEATH of Christ, and of the old self.

Burial in the water pictures the BURIAL of Christ, and of the old self.

Coming up out of the water pictures Christ's RESURRECTION, and a spiritually resurrected person walking henceforth "in newness of life."

Water baptism is the ordinance ordained of Christ by which we express our FAITH in Christ as Saviour -- our ACCEPTANCE of His death, burial, and resurrection for us, and our repentance of the old life and burial of it, rising to new and higher life henceforth. It is a beautiful ordinance, full of meaning!

Not Baptized Into a Denomination

Notice carefully, too -- we are "BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST" (verse 3, above), or, as Jesus expressed it in Matthew 28:19, into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- NOT INTO SOME CHURCH ORGANIZATION OR DENOMINATION.

In many sectarian churches today the minister will refuse to baptize one except into his church -- his group or organization of human beings. That is not proper baptism. We are to be baptized into the DIVINE FAMILY -- the family of God. And it is to be done "in the name" -- by the authority -- of Jesus Christ.

Baptism has degenerated in many churches into a rite or ceremony of entrance into the fellowship of that sectarian organization -- nothing more than a rite by which one joins a lodge or social club!

Note well these facts: One may "join" a lodge, social club, or organized group of MEN (and most churches today have degenerated into social societies). But ONE CANNOT JOIN THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD! You cannot GET in of your own accord! No, GOD MUST PUT YOU IN -- no man can do it -- you cannot do it yourself!

How does one gain entrance into the true CHURCH? "By ONE SPIRIT are we all baptized into [PUT INTO] one body" -- the Body of Christ, the true Church of God. "Baptize" means "PUT INTO." When we receive the Holy Spirit of God to change us -- to make us as new creatures in Christ -- it is the impregnation of eternal LIFE from God. It is the very life-germ from God the FATHER. It is the Spirit of sonship whereby we become HIS CHILDREN, and may call Him "FATHER" (Rom. 8:14-15). The CHURCH OF GOD is the Household of God- -composed of GOD'S CHILDREN. We do not become His children until begotten of Him -- until we receive His Spirit -- His Nature -- His Life. When we receive His Spirit, therefore, we are automatically PUT INTO His family -- HIS CHURCH! Joining one of the social clubs called churches does not put one into GOD'S Church!

Now water baptism is a required CONDITION to receiving the Holy Spirit. At Samaria, and again at Ephesus, they did not receive the Holy Spirit until after they were baptized in water (Acts 8:14-17; 19:1-6). True, at Cornelius' house they did receive the Holy Spirit, and thereby were baptized BY the Spirit into the CHURCH before water baptism -- but Peter immediately commanded water baptism. This was a rare exception to the rule.

BUT THERE IS NO PROMISE THAT ANYONE WILL RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT UNTIL BAPTIZED IN WATER -- even though God in His wisdom and love may on rare occasions make an exception. The command is, "Repent, and be baptized" -- and THEN "ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

The Thief on the Cross

Is baptism essential? How about the "thief on the cross"?

The answer is, GOD COMMANDS WATER BAPTISM. The water baptism is not the thing that saves us. While it is commanded "for the remission of sins," yet it is merely symbolic of that which remits our sins -- the DEATH OF CHRIST. While also it pictures His resurrection, by which we are finally SAVED, it is merely the symbol, not the reality.

The true explanation is that the "thief on the cross" was unable to be baptized. And since baptism is not the thing which saves us from the death penalty, makes us righteous, or imparts eternal life, he did not lose salvation because of circumstances out of his control. God makes allowance for such cases.

But God commands water baptism; and for one WHO IS ABLE to either defy the command and refuse, or neglect, or even put off obedience to this command until too late, certainly would be an act of disobedience which would impose the PENALTY of sin, and cause loss of salvation.

You need not worry about the thief on the cross -- or one utterly UNABLE to be baptized. You need be MUCH concerned, however -- you who are able -- about obedience to the command. It is essential to salvation inasmuch as God commands it, and noncompliance is disobedience which would mean loss of salvation.

How Long Should We Wait?

This brings us to the question -- how soon must we be baptized?

One or two denominations insist it be put off until the candidate has PROVED HIMSELF -- has proved he has the Holy Spirit and is living a righteous spiritual life -- or has come to certain spiritual KNOWLEDGE. One denomination will not baptize people until they come to "see" and accept God's LAW, and many of this denomination's doctrines, and usually there is a six-months' probation period.

Paul says God's Law "IS SPIRITUAL," and that the carnal (unconverted) mind is not subject to the Law and CANNOT be (Rom. 7:14 and 8:7). The order of God is: 1st) preach the Gospel, leading to a conviction of sin in the hearts of those God calls, leading to REPENTANCE and FAITH in Christ; 2nd) BAPTISM; and 3rd) they shall receive the HOLY SPIRIT, which renews their minds, teaches them, reveals spiritual truth. Since one cannot spiritually understand God's spiritual Law or spiritual things UNTIL he receives the Holy Spirit, and he must be baptized before he has a promise of the Holy Spirit, he should be baptized first. EVERYONE knows he has sinned, and lived contrary to God's will, though he may not have spiritual understanding of God's will. God can grant repentance to a carnal mind before the conversion of that mind. One does not need a spiritual college education in Bible knowledge to repent and be baptized into Christ. Jesus' order of events was, 1st) PREACH THE GOSPEL, 2nd) BAPTIZE repentant believers, 3rd) TEACH THEM THE COMMANDMENTS (Matt. 28:19-20).

Therefore, how long should baptism be put off?

The answer is, just as soon as one has been convicted in his heart of his past sins and sinful life -- just as soon as one realizes his own way of life has been WRONG, and becomes sick and tired of it, and turns from his own ways and wants to find GOD'S WAYS and live them, truly REPENTS of his past life of sins, and BELIEVES in and ACCEPTS Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, and the One whom he must obey henceforth, and WANTS TO TURN TO THE CHANGED, DIFFERENT, NEW AND HAPPY LIFE OF FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS, and to become a child of God -- then that person should be baptized IMMEDIATELY if possible -- and if this is not possible, then AS SOON as a true servant of God is available to perform the baptism.

Baptism Should Never Be Delayed

It might be neglected until too late! In every case recounted in the New Testament, repentant believers were baptized IMMEDIATELY.

On the day of Pentecost, 3,000 were baptized THAT SAME DAY. Philip baptized the eunuch AT ONCE. God sent Ananias to baptize Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, the apostle. Immediately on meeting him, Ananias said: "And now WHY TARRIEST THOU? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Paul baptized the Philippian jailer and those in his house "the same hour of the night" -- and it was after midnight (Acts 16:33). They did not even wait until daylight!

Should Children Be Baptized?

One cannot be baptized until after he has fully REPENTED. Only those who BELIEVE, both the true GOSPEL (the Message Jesus preached, which is the Kingdom, or Government of God) and on JESUS CHRIST as personal Saviour, can be baptized (see Acts 2:38; 8:37; 16:31).

Children have not reached that maturity where they have the self-discipline to truly repent, and believe. I am thinking of instances in which children, 8 to 12 years old, were baptized by others against my objections and protests, and without exception, those children soon became more unruly, more disobedient, more sinful, than before.

When some Samaritans repented at Philip's preaching, "they were baptized, both men and women" (Acts 8:12). Only the adults were mature enough to be ready for baptism.

The average mind does not mature until about age 25 -- though there are often exceptions. Some few mature and become sober and serious in life outlook by 16, or on rare occasions, even younger.

An immature mind may experience an emotional feeling of temporary remorse, and this may be falsely construed as REPENTANCE when it is only momentary, soon forgotten. It is like "puppy-love." How many teenagers, 13 to 17, have a number of temporary emotional experiences of feeling sure they are "in love." Of course they themselves feel sure of it, and cannot be talked out of it. Usually they grow out of it, but in rare cases, of course, they may really "know their minds" -- though this is the rare exception, not the rule. So with repentance and belief.

The child who is baptized may be ever so serious about it at the time. But when that child grows older, he or she undergoes an entirely new experience in life -- comes under "teen-age" influences which are quite different today than one or two generations ago -- must meet many temptations peculiar to energetic, dynamic, restless, excitement-craving youth in the blooming flower of sex- appeal. Experience shows not one in perhaps a hundred can be truly "converted" prior to this age and REMAIN converted, and constantly GROWING SPIRITUALLY, closer and closer to Christ and His Kingdom, through these trying years.

There can be no set rule about the proper age for baptism. It is almost impossible to be ABSOLUTELY SURE about young people under 21 or 25 -- and especially under 18 -- and unless POSITIVELY SURE that such a one has really repented of self-will, self-desire, and the ways of this world, such a one should be encouraged to live according to God's Word, but refrain from baptism until SURE. John the Baptist insisted on candidates bringing forth "fruits meet for repentance" -- or PROVING their repentance by THE FRUITS in their lives.

Youngsters should let a few years of such fruits PROVE their repentance and permanent sincerity and earnestness. Adults should be baptized IMMEDIATELY, or as soon as possible, on real repentance and faith.

In the case of some awaiting baptism among our radio listeners and readers, unable to find a man of God qualified to baptize them, this very necessity forces them to wait until we can send them a minister. Where NECESSITY prevents immediate baptism, in such cases, or like the thief on the cross, God understands and makes allowance. But avoid all unnecessary delay.

[The Worldwide Church of God has many ministers throughout the United States and British Common-wealth of nations. Few should have any real difficulty in locating a true servant of God.]

Must Baptism Be Administered Only by Ordained Ministers?

Finally, who is authorized to administer baptism?

Must the repentant believer be baptized ONLY by an ordained minister? How much depends upon the goodness, or belief, or spirituality of the man who performs the ordinance?

First, let us look to the example of Jesus; next, to the instructions of Christ; and then, to the teaching and practice in the early New Testament Church.

Was Jesus Himself an "ordained minister" -- that is, ordained and approved by one of the popular denominations around Him? No, He was despised and rejected of them -- opposed, persecuted, belittled as a non-conformist. And He baptized more disciples than John. Even John was not recognized, ordained, or sponsored in any way by any popular group or church. He was in their sight a rank outsider.

Actually, as pointed out earlier, Jesus Himself immersed no one with His own physical hands -- His disciples did it for Him, by His authority. And right there is the point which answers the whole question. The one qualified to do the immersing must always perform it IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST -- which means by His authority, acting for Christ as His disciple.

The principle is that IT IS CHRIST WHO IS BAPTIZING YOU. The man who puts you under the water is merely performing this physical act for Christ, in His stead. You are not to look to the human man, further than to conscientiously try to go to one you honestly feel is a man of God, called of Christ, and used of Him in the work of His true Church. And if later he turns the wrong way, your salvation does not depend on that man or any other mortal man, BUT SOLELY UPON CHRIST! There is no cause to be baptized again by another man.

Always there is the chance that you may be deceived in the man you believe qualified to act for Christ in the act of baptism. If it depended upon this man, you would have to have divine powers of reading minds and hearts to be sure. You might have to be immersed fifty times before you could be absolutely sure of the man who did it -- and even then you could be mistaken. Just be as careful as you can, as God gives you to see, in the man who acts for Christ in baptizing you -- and then DO NOT LOOK AT THE MAN -- LOOK AT CHRIST -- consider that it is CHRIST who is baptizing you, by and through a human instrument. And even if the instrument turns out to be imperfect, remember all humans are imperfect, and it was done for, and in the name of the only One who ever was perfect. And since it was in reality done BY CHRIST, it should never be done over by another.

Who Should Baptize?

Now back to the example of Christ. In His own earthly ministry, He had this immersing performed for Him by His disciples. At that time they were not even converted -- had not yet received the Holy Spirit- -for the Holy Spirit was not yet given (John 7:39) because Jesus had not yet ascended to heaven to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), which first came to enter within and convert these disciples on the day of Pentecost.

Peter was their leader, and even after this baptizing, Peter denied Jesus three times. If you had been baptized by Peter in Christ's name, would you, on learning of his denial of Jesus, be baptized over again?

These men, who baptized for Jesus when He was with them in person, were not ordained ministers -- were not recognized by any popular church -- were merely STUDENTS of Jesus at the time, being taught, not yet prepared to be sent out as His apostles and His ministers. And the indications are they were young men, perhaps not yet old enough to be made preachers or evangelists. They were not perfect, not even converted (Luke 22:32).

Consider now Christ's teaching. Those who go forth teaching, or preaching, His Gospel (most popular denominations preach a different gospel) are the ones He commanded and commissioned to do the baptizing (Matt. 28:19-20).

Consider the example of the inspired early Church. Philip was not an apostle, or a regular minister, but merely a deacon commissioned by the Church only to perform physical acts, such as waiting on tables (Acts 6:2-5). Yet he went down to Samaria and preached Christ and His Kingdom, and the people who believed were baptized (Acts 8:5-6, 12). The text does not even state that Philip did the baptizing -- he may have had some of his new converts do it.

If you study the New Testament on the point, you will see it does not appear to attach great importance as to which man puts the believer under the water, since it is considered by the one baptized that CHRIST does it. The Holy Spirit sent Philip later to baptize the eunuch (Acts 8:26-39).

However, notice that the one performing the baptism ceremony was a representative (though not necessarily an ordained minister) of the true Church of God in every New Testament case. This was the Church Jesus founded (Matthew 16:18).

Paul Baptized Few

Consider, finally, Paul's example and teaching.

The Corinthian Church was having a contention as to which man they would follow. At Corinth some wanted to follow Paul and start a church with him at the head -- others wanted to follow Peter; others, Apollos.

"Is Christ divided?" asked Paul of them (I Cor. 1:13). "Was PAUL crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (I Cor. 1: 13-17).

Notice, PAUL BAPTIZED VERY FEW. He had others -- perhaps among them a few lay members who were not ordained ministers at all -- do it for Christ. He was the called minister by whom Christ carried the Gospel to the Gentiles -- through whom CHRIST as head of the Church ruled the churches which had been raised up by the preaching of Paul and the young men he taught and sent out under his direction. Paul did not consider it important or essential that he, personally, baptize all those being converted under the ministry God carried on through his supervision. "Christ sent me not to baptize," he said. Paul had other ordained ministers and helpers do the baptizing for him -- UNDER HIS DIRECTION.

Some, today, being converted under the ministry God is carrying on through the supervision of Herbert W. Armstrong seem to think it important that Herbert W. Armstrong baptize them. But, as in the days of Paul, there is danger lest people get to looking too much to the person or the human instrument God is using, INSTEAD OF LOOKING TO CHRIST, THE HEAD OF THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD.

And so, as Paul did, we today sometimes have other consecrated and dedicated non-ordained men do the baptizing. It is done IN THE NAME OF CHRIST -- it is really CHRIST doing it, through human instrumentality. A man does it merely as a servant, or instrument of Christ -- just as performing a service, never to his own credit or glory or honor.

Baptizing Counsel

The Worldwide Church of God has dedicated, consecrated, converted, ordained MINISTERS (and assistants) in all parts of the world -- available to call on you, visit in your home, answer your questions about repentance and baptism, explain the Bible to you -- IF YOU request it.

These men are all fully instructed and trained in the ordinance of baptism. Of course, they will not urge you to be baptized. God has made every human a free moral agent. God compels each to make his own decisions, and the true God will never force you to be converted.

However, if you of your own volition desire personal counsel about repentance and baptism, why not request a private appointment with one of God's ministers? We may be able to have one call on you quite soon. And let me suggest that you JOT DOWN on paper THE QUESTIONS you are going to want to ask. I've learned, personally, by more than 46 years' experience, that you'll forget them unless you do.

Hundreds and hundreds -- yes, thousands upon thousands -- are being converted -- their lives changed -- by this Work of God, through The WORLD TOMORROW broadcast, The PLAIN TRUTH magazine, the Ambassador College Correspondence Course, and through the ministry of the Worldwide Church of God.

Some, not realizing one of God's own called and consecrated ministers could call and explain, answer questions, and even baptize, have JOINED one of the churches of this world. You cannot JOIN the true Church of God -- the Almighty God puts you in.

But if you have questions about fellowship, doctrines or practice, repentance and baptism -- or any questions about the Bible, or the Christian life, write me. I cannot call and visit with you personally any more (as I used to do and wish I still could), but God has now given me many truly called and chosen men who CAN.

Weigh carefully the FACTS, according to your own BIBLE. Then make your decision and take what steps GOD shows you.

ADDITIONAL READING

And now you should read these booklets: "This Is the Worldwide Church of God", "Just What Is the Church?", "What Is a Real Christian?" and "Just What Do You Mean -- the Unpardonable Sin?"

Don't Give Up! (article)

Are you discouraged? Feeling down and out? Wondering why you should even bother trying to live the Christian life anymore, especially since you seem such a failure?

Who hasn't felt worthless at times? Who hasn't grown impatient with themselves and felt sick over their lack of spiritual progress? (Luke 8:15). YOU'RE NOT ALONE! We all go through those valleys of the shadow of death. But take courage: the way must lead up again soon! "Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Ps. 42:11).

Who would encourage you to quit? Would Christ want you to give up? The one who DIED for you? Would God pressure you to surrender? Too many have never realized what a vicious beast and enemy we must face. Even those who haven't rejected the devil as a superstition haven't grasped how dangerous he really is to our health and well-being. God picks up the pieces of lives that have been savagely torn and ripped apart and left for dead by sin (Isa. 49:24-25; Amos 3:12).

Satan's foaming at the mouth against our incredible human potential and wants to take us out like a sniper -- one at a time. He hates all mankind with a jealous rage (because we're created after the Godkind), but he's especially targeted the brethren (1 Pet. 5:8-11).

The Devil can take some things that are true about you and twist them, taking them out of context, and blow them all out of proportion to DESTROY your will to survive. He never stops bad-mouthing us because he's a MURDEROUS CHARACTER ASSASSIN AND LIAR! (John 8:44; Rev. 12:10). But don't let the powers of darkness overcome your will to live in the light. Don't accept Satan's depressed mind. Don't fall prey to his hopeless attitude of defeat. He has no right to condemn (Rom. 8:1,33).

King David would get discouraged, but he'd end his prayers on a positive note, showing the healing effect of God's Spirit upon our minds while we're engaged in HEARTFELT PRAYER. "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Ps. 27:13-14). David believed in God's goodness, hoped in His mercy, and waited for His sufficient grace -- whether grace to pardon or empower (2 Cor. 12:9).

God will give us grace to bear up under life's many burdens (Heb. 4:16). His Holy Spirit enables us to be graceful -- full of grace -- even in adverse circumstances. We live and learn through a variety of situations to be gracious in word and deed, attitude and action. David knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that: "The LORD will give strength to His people: the LORD will bless His people with strength" (Ps. 29:11). So "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD"(Ps. 31:24).

Even if you've gotten carried away, your sins have taken you far from God, and Satan holds you captive (2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Cor. 5:5), remember God and He'll remember you. Not that He's ever forgotten you: "But Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you. Behold, I've graven you upon the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me" (Isa. 49:14-16). God's love for us goes far beyond our love for Him. He proved this when Jesus' palms had stakes driven through them (Zech. 13:6).

Some have been foolishly deceived by sin and have become carelessly entangled again - trapped in a danger zone -- but as long as they don't give up they CAN overcome what has presently overcome them (Heb. 3:13; 2 Pet. 2:20). It's only those who've completely turned their backs on God, who refuse to get back up when knocked down in the ring, that will forfeit victory.
"And yet for all this (in spite of ourselves), when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God" (Lev. 26:44).

God promises to release, regather and restore. He'll free us from those sins that have cruelly held our time and attention, regather our spiritual senses -- since Satan's psychological warfare had left us a basket-case and scatter-brained (Luke 22:31-32; Deut. 28:66-67) -- and restore us to sanity and a right relationship with Him (where we belong), even "If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will He fetch thee"(Deut. 30:3-4). No matter how far you've strayed, God hasn't lost sight of you. "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" (Ps. 139:7).

If you begin to cry out to God for help, even if it's only a whimper because you're so weak, He'll see and hear and respond. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit... none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate" (Ps. 34:18,22). "For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made... I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners" (Isa. 57:15-18).

God sees what trouble we've gotten into and where our relapse into sin has dangerously misled and stranded us, bringing us almost to the point of no return, but NOTHING can separate you from God's love unless you let it (Rom 8:35-39). As long as there's a spark of God's Spirit, God can renew our minds and transform our lives (Ps. 51:10). God will finish what He's started in our lives (Philip. 1:6; Isa. 66:9). Never forget that we worship a MIRACLE-WORKING GOD!

Remember the prodigal son was still distant from his father, their relationship estranged, but when he "came to himself" and headed home - even when he was yet a great way off -- "his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him"(Luke 15:17, 20).

God knows where you're at and what direction you're headed in your heart and mind even if your actions haven't caught up yet with your attitude! God knows they will, with time. "For He remembers our frame (make-up); He remembers we are but dust" (Ps.103:14). God wants to encourage us to change, not discourage us from even trying (2 Cor. 2:7).

Constructive criticism, not destructive. Judgment with mercy. God helps but Satan hinders progress, but we CONQUER BY CONTINUING, one step at a time (1 Thes. 2:18; 2 Pet. 3:18). God gave David the Kingdom, but he had to fight for it! So do we (Matt. 11:12; I Tim. 6:12). Otherwise we'd take it for granted. Keep up the struggle (Luke 13:24). All the things you believe in are worth fighting for. Growth comes in stages. We must patiently let our trials run their course and create God's character within us (Heb. 12:11; Jas. 1:4).

Satan wants to extinguish your light (I Tim. 4:16). He hates the sacred embers of God's Spirit, light and truth we maintain and represent, as a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9; John 17:17; Ex. 27:20). God doesn't kick us when we're down and out, but encourages us to GET UP AND GET OVER IT and get on with His Work (Ps. 37:24; Philip. 3:13). When your faith falters and your confidence is shaky, Christ won't snuff you out but will add more oil so we can rise and shine (Isa. 42:3). "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to OBTAIN SALVATION... Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as you also do" (1 Thes. 5:9-11).
"For God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us...For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life...by whom we have received the atonement" (Rom. 8-11).

If God can express such love for us when we weren't even trying to lead a Christian life pleasing to Him, how much more now that we're trying, however imperfectly? Don't we suffer because we hunger and thirst for righteousness? Brethren appreciate your holy suffering! It's working out a PURPOSE in your life that will last throughout eternity! Growing pains hurt.

We ought to love God all the more when we glimpse His mercy and patience towards us. His goodness ought to stir us to want to get closer to Him and do what we can to show how much we appreciate His tender love (Rom. 2:4; Luke 7:47). Nothing should get between our relationship with our Creator God! If God would rescue our forefathers time and again, when they cried out to Him, how much more will He save us from the Lake of Fire? (Jude 23, 24).

God can save us out of sinful situations and restore His priesthood promise to us (Zech. 3). We can be "a brand plucked out of the fire," saved from "the furnace of affliction" (Isa. 48:10). God can forcibly remind us the hard way that He's what we really want, His fulfilling Kingdom and righteousness, not the shallow things that couldn't possibly fill the void in life (Ps. 106:15; 107:9).
We must keep uppermost in mind the meaning and purpose of life: to develop God's holy, righteous character in joyful anticipation of the Kingdom of God. This will help us to confront every challenge that life affords us in this process of purification that we call conversion. We must remember: "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common [not unusual] to man: but GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not permit you to be tempted above your tolerance level; but will provide with every temptation a way out, so that you can handle it" (1 Cor. 10:13 paraphrased).

And realize "...that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the GLORY which shall be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18) because Christ will soon return and every practicing Christian will be made perfect. Then we'll assist our Savior in preparing the way for our Father's awesome arrival with NEW JERUSALEM!(Rev. 21:3).

God's Kingdom is closer with each day, so we should hold our heads up and not stay discouraged, but permit ourselves to BE ENCOURAGED to carry on (Isa. 35:3; Luke 21:28). All stumble, but don't wallow (Ps. 37:24). Let your attitude be; "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD has chastened me sore: but He has not given me over to death"(Ps. 118:17-18). Hallelujah!

God's forgiveness and Christ's cleansing power remain in effect (Isa. 18). God knows what we've been through and has gone through it with us, in the thick of it, bearing His Crown of Thorns (Isa. 63:9; Gen. 22:13; Ex. 3:2). God couldn't get much closer (Jer. 23:23). The bottom line is: have hope and not despair; faith and not fear! After all, "...it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).