Expert: Marvin Howard - 2/10/2012

Question
Hello, Is it appropriate to tell people that they they are going to hell because they practice false doctrine?

Answer
Hi!

Dan, I think this can be answered best by sharing with you two sermons I have delivered in the past; the second referenced in the first.

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Twenty-first Century Evangelism

What are the differences between first century evangelism and that of the twenty-first century? The message has not changed. Jesus has not changed. I think I know the reason. Today, I wish to present it to you for your consideration. Understand, I am not saying this applies to any of you, as individuals. Nevertheless, I am going to give some tools for evangelism that have proven highly effective in my own work as a preacher of the gospel. These tools are not only great for sermons, but also for personal work.

This morning, as we deal with the topic of evangelism, the Great Commission will serve as our main, lesson text.

Now Hear Ye the Word of the Lord as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mateo 28:19-20, “Dahil dito magsiyaon nga kayo, at gawin ninyong mga alagad ang lahat ng mga bansa, na sila'y inyong bautismuhan sa pangalan ng Ama at ng Anak at ng Espiritu Santo: Na ituro ninyo sa kanila na kanilang ganapin ang lahat ng mga bagay na iniutos ko sa inyo: at narito, ako'y sumasa inyong palagi, hanggang sa katapusan ng sanglibutan.”

According to this passage, the Apostles were to be teachers to the whole world. They were to teach two distinct things. First, they were to teach people how to become Christians. Second, they were to teach people how to stay Christians. We have it recorded; this is exactly what they did.

Romans 10:17-18, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”

Mga Taga Roma 10:17-18, “Kaya nga ang paniniwala'y nanggagaling sa pakikinig, at ang pakikinig ay sa pamamagitan ng salita ni Cristo. Datapuwa't sinasabi ko, Hindi baga sila'y nangakinig? Oo, tunay nga, Ang tinig nila ay kumalat sa buong lupa, At ang kanilang mga salita'y hanggang sa mga dulo ng sanglibutan.”

In John 1:1 & 14, we find that Jesus is the Word. In Paul’s day, we find the Word of God, the Christ, already carried to the entire world. The remainder of the New Testament consists of the recorded teachings of the Apostles, as they gave instruction to new Christians.

However, let’s take a deeper look at the Great Commission, for I see an inference within that cannot be ignored. Part of teaching the things needed to remain a Christian requires that the Apostles teach people how to teach! I want each of you to get a good handle on this concept. Part of that which Jesus taught His Apostles to do was to teach. They, in turn, were to teach everything Jesus commanded them. Necessarily, this includes teaching. This, my brethren, is evangelism. There can only be one conclusion drawn here. If you are a Christian, you are required to teach others. Oh, yes, I do remember the parable of the talents. Each person is to do in accordance with their several abilities. Does this mean that no one has to teach except the teachers? The answer is an emphatic, “No!” All this means is that some are going expected to teach more than others. Some people may be able to do nothing more than bring people to other teachers. Nevertheless, all are expected to teach.

I want us to look at Peter’s first sermon; the birth of the church. I am not going to read the whole thing. I think each of us knows it well enough that we can take some salient points from it. If you wish to study it later, it is found in the second chapter of Acts, verses fourteen through thirty-six. Yes, I understand the invitation was given in verse thirty-eight. However, we are already familiar with this. It is the general content of the sermon, itself, which concerns us today. Peter took the death of Jesus, and used it to charge the people listening with the crime of murder. No, it was not just any murder, but the murder of the only begotten Son of God. What were the results?

Acts 2:41, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Ang Mga Gawa 2:41,“Yaon ngang nagsitanggap ng kaniyang salita ay nangabautismuhan: at nangaparagdag sa kanila nang araw na yaon ang may tatlong libong kaluluwa.”

Three thousand people responded to the invitation on Pentecost.

Acts 4:4, “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.”

Ang Mga Gawa 4:4, “Datapuwa't marami sa nangakarinig ng salita ay nagsisampalataya; at ang bilang ng mga lalake ay umabot sa mga limang libo.”

Just two chapters later, we find the number of men responding to be 5,000. This doesn’t count women. Nor does it count children old enough to believe, likely under the age of 20.

Acts 6:1 & 7, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration...And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

Ang Mga Gawa 6:1 & 7, “Nang mga araw ngang ito, nang dumadami ang bilang ng mga alagad, ay nagkaroon ng bulongbulungan ang mga Greco-Judio laban sa mga Hebreo, sapagka't ang kanilang mga babaing bao ay pinababayaan sa pamamahagi sa araw-araw...At lumago ang salita ng Dios; at dumaming lubha sa Jerusalem ang bilang ng mga alagad; at nagsitalima sa pananampalataya ang lubhang maraming saserdote.”

In Acts chapters two and four, with 3,000 and 5,000 responding, the Holy Spirit refers to the phenomenon as “adding.” By the time we get to chapter six, membership in the church is no longer just adding. Neither is it just multiplying, but rather, it is multiplying greatly, I dare say exponentially. Nothing is said regarding the number in the audience, so I cannot even speculate at percentages. Nevertheless, today, a preacher would faint at the thought of that. Why is that? What is the difference between the teaching and preaching of today and that of the first century? Peter was not politically correct. He pulled no punches as do the preachers of today. People have, according to prophecy, heaped unto themselves preachers that say what they want to hear; they have itching ears.

Remember, Peter was taught directly by the master teacher, Jesus. Before we can point out the difference, we need to look at the methods of the Master.

In the bulk of Jesus’ teachings, the parables, Jesus used every day events and circumstances. He drew analogies from them to make spiritual applications. It seems one of Jesus’ favorite analogies was that of construction. This is not surprising since Jesus was a carpenter, and the supposed son of a carpenter. Jesus compared the difference between building on rock and sand in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus built the church upon a rock (Matthew 16:18). In Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, and Luke 20:17, Jesus spoke of Himself, prophetically, as the cornerstone. In Acts 4:11, Peter quotes Jesus, using the same analogy.

I know, today, many of us are not builders. Nevertheless, unless we have no sense at all, there are a few principles of building which are not foreign to us. I wish to focus the remainder of the lesson on one such principle, along with some examples of it, for I see it to be the main difference between the results of first century preaching, and that of today.

Imagine if you will each of you owns a small plot of land. On this land, there stands a very old, unusable house. In fact, this building stands condemned. You wish to have a new house built, that you may live there. You wish to have a house that is strong enough to withstand the wind and rain that are coming assuredly. So, what is the first thing that needs doing? Do you just go in there with the lumber and begin building? Remember, something is already built there. Before you can begin using your new lumber, you must tear down the preexisting construct. You must completely raze the building that already exists prior to the creation of a new building: raze it to the ground.

With that thought in mind, look towards the spiritual implications carried here. The first century Jews believed Messiah would raise a physical kingdom on the site of David’s throne. This interpretation was contrary to scripture. Nevertheless, it was taught widely. It was not the Word of God that this would happen. Neither has it become so today, but that is a different sermon. Their belief did not come from God. Their belief was vain. It was empty of meaning. It carried no truth. It was worthless.

Mark 7:6-7, “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Marcos 7:6-7, “At sinabi niya sa kanila, Mabuti ang pagkahula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyong mga mapagpaimbabaw, ayon sa nasusulat, Ang bayang ito'y iginagalang ako ng kaniyang mga labi, Datapuwa't ang kanilang puso ay malayo sa akin. Datapuwa't walang kabuluhan ang pagsamba nila sa akin, Na nagtuturo ng kanilang pinakaaral ng mga utos ng mga tao.”

The teaching of men, when contrary to God, is vain. Every denomination, whether “Baptists,” “Assemblies of God,” or otherwise, has teaching which is contrary to God! Therefore, every denomination is vain, or meaningless. The teaching of men, when contrary to God, shows the location of man’s heart. Every denomination has a collective heart far from God, even though many within have a desire to be close, and some actually believe that they are. Amos 3:3 tells us we cannot walk with someone and not agree with them. Likewise, if we don’t agree with them, we cannot walk with them. If we walk with (or fellowship) a denomination, and they disagree with God (and they all do), then they are not walking with God, and neither are we. If we accept them as Christians, we are as guilty as they, and will not see Heaven.

Today, we have many striving for preeminence. Confused by false doctrine, there are many empty promises of salvation existing today. According to the Great Commission, we are to take the real promises, the true promises, to the entire world. In order to build these promises in the hearts of the masses, we must first tear down the foundations of the false doctrine. We must raze the false hopes, or new hopes cannot be built. If you will allow me this expression, we must absolutely rip to shreds any religious falsehood we may find. Every - denomination - is - composed - of - religious - falsehood.

Oh, I know there are many sincere people there. I know many people therein believe they are going to Heaven because of their sincerity. Don’t be fooled! One of the most sincere religious people of the Bible counted himself the chiefest of sinners because he learned his sincerity went against God. I am speaking of Saul of Tarsus. Once he learned his sincerity counted for nothing when arrayed against God’s Word, he converted. He became the great Apostle Paul.

In times past, I used to hear what many considered to be a joke. It went something like this. A man died. He went to Heaven. He was amazed at all of the splendor he saw. He noticed a small group of people over to the side, having nothing to do with anyone else. The dead man asked Peter about it, and Peter supposedly responded that those were members of the church of Christ. Do not bother them. They think they are the only ones up here.

I do not hear this anymore. Christians ARE going to be the only people in Heaven. I contend, as we have proven by scripture and denominational practices, there is not one Christian in any denomination! Where the Jewish people were the lost and dying world at Pentecost because of their false beliefs, our main field of harvest consists of all the denominations today. Their souls will scream to us at the judgment for not convicting their teachers of lying.

In the Revelation (Apocalipsis) (21:8), John equates lying with murder. These false teachers are murdering the souls of countless millions. Everyone, in any denomination, is condemned to the depths of Hell for their falsehoods. It is not about their sincerity at all! It is the fact that God gave us the truth already, one time for all time (Jude 3), and he gave us enough sense to want to find it! They have not just allowed a house to fall into ruin; they created it in the ruined state from the beginning of their teaching. These are the foundations we are to crack! These foundations are based in sand. Without cracking these foundations, we have no chance of building, or edifying, a soul that it might see Heaven. You cannot successfully crack a foundation without using δύναμις (du'-na-mees), or the power of dynamite. This δύναμις, according to Paul in Romans 1:16, is the Gospel, and THE power of God that can save.

There is another saying about the church I used to hear. It is even sadder that I fail to hear it today. It has gone the way of the joke I mentioned earlier. Christians used to be known to know what the Bible said; as people of the Book. People may not have agreed with the interpretation, but a Christian could help anyone locate anything, about any subject, in the Bible. This common knowledge is what led directly to the salvation of my parents.

Peter was not politically correct when he accused the masses of murder. He pulled no punches, whatsoever. I do not claim to have all the answers. Nevertheless, I believe our lack of response in these days is due as much to a watered down message, as it is to the lack of any message at all. Ephesians 4:15 says that the truth must be taught “in love.” Many contend this means we are to offend no one.

I have determined to pull no punches in my preaching. Yes, people will be offended. Jesus said He was an offense and a stumblingblock. If we do not offend people with our preaching of Jesus, we are not preaching Jesus! My friends, why should our teaching be any different than that of Jesus when He offended people in Mark 6:2-4? I want you to note that the same context of speaking the truth, does mention, in Ephesians 4:4, that there is only one body, and Colossians 1:18 calls it the church. Therefore, much to the chagrin of the denominationalists, there is only one church. We cannot be ashamed to teach this!

I have a sermon prepared which has resulted in a 50% conversion rate, so far, among the people to whom it has been preached, bringing them out of denominations and into the church. This sermon proves, beyond any doubt, denominationalists will not see heaven. I also have an example of logic which proves that most of the denominations are not even the church. I will give you the gist of the sermon, as well as the logical deduction, that you may use them as tools in your efforts. After these, the lesson will be yours this morning. I never heard these preached or taught before I figured them out. There is a principle, though, which I have heard. Every time you study the Bible, you learn something new. While I never heard these before, those to whom they have been presented agree with the logic behind them. I am unable to reach as many people these days as I once could. If I can enlist the aid of others, I believe I can more effectively fulfill my own mission of spreading the Word.

The sermon is titled, “Election Day.” I have copies of it saved if you want one that you may share with others. Just ask me if you want one. The sermon uses 2nd Peter 1:4-11 as a text. This is the passage that speaks of making your calling and election sure.

This passage plainly states that our election can be sure. Necessarily, this infers our election can be unsure. The sermon begins by giving examples from scripture which prove this inference.

Then, I take this passage, and draw parallels to current events, just as did the Master in His style of teaching. Specifically, our spiritual election is compared with that of electing the President of The United States. Of necessity, this includes the naming, or nominating, process.

Next, requirements for being confessed or nominated, from the very mouth of Jesus are listed and referenced.

Now, we are ready to crack the untenable foundation they use, regardless of their particular brand of denominationalism. Think about this one, my brethren. While on earth, we are seeking to be nominated for a position in Heaven. What then is the opposite of being nominated? What is it we are to avoid to obtain such a nomination? The opposite of nominate is denominate! The opposite of obtaining a nomination for Heaven is being in a denomination. Without a nominating (being confessed), it is impossible to get in, even by sneaking through a back door.

Once you have proven that no denominationalist is getting into Heaven, people who want to go to Heaven are more eager to hear what you have to say.

Now, let us consider one final point of logic. To do this, I need us all to be on the same page, understanding some definitions. Theology is the science, or study, of God. Yet the last half of that word comes from the Greek, “λόγος” (lo’-gos), which translates as “words.” We are to use words correctly in our study.

What is a chapel? Is it not a place where the church meets? Why, of course, it is! There are two types of music used within what is popularly recognized as “Christianity” today. What types are there? One is “A Cappella.” The other is instrumental. The other definition we need to get a good grasp of is this. “A Cappella” music is vocal music. That is to say, it is music that has no accompaniment by mechanical instruments. The other type of music is “non-A Cappella,” or instrumental music.

We have the definitions in hand. What is the significance of this? Well, you are going to hear it this morning if you never have before. “A Cappella” is a Latin phrase. This is the language spoken by ancient Rome.

“A” is a preposition. It is the same in Latin, Italian, and Spanish, as the latter two derive from the first. It has two meanings, depending on the derivative language. In Spanish, the translation comes to English as, “of.” In Italian, the translation renders to English as, “from.” It makes no difference to the point here, because if something is “of” a place, it is what can come forth “from” a place.

In Italian, “Cappella Sistina” renders to “Sistine Chapel.” Can you see where this is leading? “A Cappella” translates into English as, “Of the Chapel,” or “From the Chapel.” Latin is the same. You can verify this translation in any Latin lexicon you choose. Do you remember that a chapel is a church building? Do you remember that “A Cappella” music is vocal only? That’s right, if it is vocal music, it is the type found in, or coming from, church buildings. If it is instrumental, it is the type, which is not found in church buildings. Logically then, (There’s that “λόγος” again.) if there are instruments present and in use, that place is not where the church is located. The people meeting there are then proven to not be the church. The people meeting there are not Christians at all! What they think, or call themselves, matters not.

As long as people believe they are already in a church, they are not hungry for the bread of life, and they will not eat; being full of vain and poisonous calories. From here, once you have proven to your students they are not really in the church; they are ready for you to build upon the fresh ground.

Also, the grammatical construct of Ephesians 5:19 demands that all people use the same instrument. Scripture names the human heart as that instrument. If it was even possible to force another instrument into that passage (and it isn’t) then only the people playing the instrument would be free from sin. Everyone sitting in the audience and NOT playing would be in sin.

I pray these tools will prove valuable to you. There may be those among us who have yet to name Jesus as their savior with their obedience to Him. Will you have the attitude of one who seeks agreement with his maker?

Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Mga Taga Roma 10:17, “Kaya nga ang paniniwala'y nanggagaling sa pakikinig, at ang pakikinig ay sa pamamagitan ng salita ni Cristo.”

Will you say God will save everybody? Or, will you accept the Word of God.

John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Juan 8:24, “Sinabi ko nga sa inyo, na kayo'y mangamamatay sa inyong mga kasalanan: sapagka't malibang kayo'y magsisampalataya na ako nga ang Cristo, ay mangamamatay kayo sa inyong mga kasalanan.”

Will you say we can think Jesus was just a good person? Or, will you accept the Word of God?

Luke 13:3, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Lucas 13:3, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo, Hindi: datapuwa't, malibang kayo'y mangagsisi, ay mangamamatay kayong lahat sa gayon ding paraan.”

Will you say you don’t have to quit doing wrong? Or, will you accept the Word of God?

Acts 8:37, “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Ang Mga Gawa 8:37, “At sinabi ni Felipe Kung nanampalataya ka ng buong puso ay mangyayari. At sumagot siya at sinabi: Sumasampalataya ako na si Jesu-Cristo ay Anak ng Dios.”

Will you confess that, “God for Christ’s sake has pardoned my sins?” Or, will you accept the Word of God and confess that, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”

1st Peter 3:20-21, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

1 Ni Pedro 3:20-21, “Na nang unang panahon ay mga suwail, na ang pagpapahinuhod ng Dios, ay nanatili noong mga araw ni Noe, samantalang inihahanda ang daong, na sa loob nito'y kakaunti, sa makatuwid ay walong kaluluwa, ang nangaligtas sa pamamagitan ng tubig: Na ayon sa tunay na kahawig ngayo'y nagligtas, sa makatuwid baga'y ang bautismo, hindi sa pagaalis ng karumihan ng laman, kundi sa paghiling ng isang mabuting budhi sa Dios, sa pamamagitan ng pagkabuhay na maguli ni Jesucristo;”

Will you be baptized “because you have already been saved?” Will you refuse to be baptized at all? Will you insist that the one, valid baptism of Ephesians 4 isn’t the one applicable to us today? Or, will you accept the Word of God and be baptized in order to be saved by water - (and therefore by the blood), as was Noah?

Will you not seek to walk with God? Will you not obey Him, not only in the beginning, but continually? Are you willing to accept God’s terms for salvation rather than inventing your own; or accepting the inventions of another man such as Calvin? Are you already a Christian? Have you been going -- to teach as commanded? If a lack of results has discouraged you, please determine to carry on with your Great Commission. Have you not been teaching, but know you need to get started? All things are ready, whatever the need may be. Will you not come to God? Today? As we stand and sing this song of encouragement?

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Election Day

This morning, I am beginning a two-part lesson. We have regular elections and inaugurations in our nation, and I believe we can use these current events to draw an appropriate analogy to our Christian walk. Today, we will speak on election, and the election process, as it relates to Christians and God.

2nd Peter 1:4-11, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

2 Ni Pedro 1:4-11, “Na dahil dito ay ipinagkaloob niya sa atin ang kaniyang mahahalaga at napakadakilang pangako; upang sa pamamagitan ng mga ito ay makabahagi kayo sa kabanalang mula sa Dios, yamang nakatanan sa kabulukang nasa sanglibutan dahil sa masamang pita. Oo, at dahil din dito, sa pagkaragdag sa ganang inyo ng buong sikap, ay ipamahagi ninyo sa inyong pananampalataya ang kagalingan; at sa kagalingan ay ang kaalaman; At sa kaalaman ay ang pagpipigil; at sa pagpipigil ay ang pagtitiis; at sa pagtitiis ay ang kabanalan; At sa kabanalan ay ang mabuting kalooban sa kapatid; at sa mabuting kalooban sa kapatid ay ang pagibig. Sapagka't kung nasa inyo ang mga bagay na ito at sumasagana, ay hindi kayo pababayaang maging mga tamad o mga walang bunga sa pagkakilala sa ating Panginoong Jesucristo. Sapagka't yaong wala ng mga bagay na ito ay bulag, na ang nakikita lamang ay ang nasa malapit, sa pagkalimot ng paglilinis ng kaniyang dating mga kasalanan. Kaya, mga kapatid, lalong pagsikapan ninyo na mangapanatag kayo sa pagkatawag at pagkahirang sa inyo: sapagka't kung gawin ninyo ang mga bagay na ito ay hindi kayo mangatitisod kailan man: Sapagka't sa gayon ay ipinamamahaging sagana sa inyo ang pagpasok sa kahariang walang hanggan ng Panginoon natin at Tagapagligtas na si Jesucristo.”

Friends, I know this goes against conventional religious wisdom. Yet, there it is. Our election can be made sure. Necessarily, then, our election can be unsure. Notice that passage is, in fact, speaking of getting into Heaven. Well, my friends, I have long ago learned to ignore the wisdom of the world, in favor of the wisdom of God.

1st Corinthians 1:18-29, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

1 Mga Taga Corinto 1:18-29, “Sapagka't ang salita ng krus ay kamangmangan sa kanila na nangapapahamak; nguni't ito'y kapangyarihan ng Dios sa atin na nangaliligtas. Sapagka't nasusulat, Iwawalat ko ang karunungan ng marurunong, At isasawala ko ang kabaitan ng mababait. Saan naroon ang marunong? saan naroon ang eskriba? saan naroon ang mapagmatuwid sa sanglibutang ito? hindi baga ginawa ng Dios na kamangmangan ang karunungan ng sanglibutan? Sapagka't yamang sa karunungan ng Dios ay hindi nakilala ng sanglibutan ang Dios sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang karunungan, ay kinalugdan ng Dios na iligtas ang mga nagsisipanampalataya sa pamamagitan ng kamangmangan ng pangangaral. Ang mga Judio nga ay nagsisihingi ng mga tanda, at ang mga Griego ay nagsisihanap ng karunungan: Datapuwa't ang aming ipinangangaral ay ang Cristo na napako sa krus, na sa mga Judio ay katitisuran, at sa mga Gentil ay kamangmangan; Nguni't sa kanila na mga tinawag, maging mga Judio at mga Griego, si Cristo ang kapangyarihan ng Dios, at ang karunungan ng Dios. Sapagka't ang kamangmangan ng Dios ay lalong marunong kay sa mga tao; at ang kahinaan ng Dios ay lalong malakas kay sa mga tao. Sapagka't masdan ninyo ang sa inyo'y pagkatawag, mga kapatid, na hindi ang maraming marurunong ayon sa laman, hindi ang maraming may kapangyarihan, hindi ang maraming mahal na tao ang mga tinawag: Kundi pinili ng Dios ang mga bagay na kamangmangan ng sanglibutan, upang hiyain niya ang mga marurunong; at pinili ng Dios ang mga bagay na mahihina ng sanglibutan, upang hiyain niya ang mga bagay na malalakas; At ang mga bagay na mababa ng sanglibutan, at ang mga bagay na hinamak, ang pinili ng Dios, oo at ang mga bagay na walang halaga upang mawalang halaga ang mga bagay na mahahalaga: Upang walang laman na magmapuri sa harapan ng Dios.”

This is just an interesting little “aside.” The context here calls baptism (from the immediately preceding verses) God’s foolishness, and says it is wiser than men.

I want us to look this morning at the election process. For example, take the President of The United States.

In order for a man to be elected President, he must be first nominated. What, exactly, does this mean?

Simply stated, people who know the man will say he is qualified, or worthy, for the job. He is named, or confessed, for the position. With the number of voters, this is a complex process. How does this relate to Christianity?

Well, first, it is a simpler process. There is only one being whose nomination counts on our part: Jesus. We must meet all of His requirements in order for Him to nominate us to, or confess us before, the Father. Many will reject the Apostles teaching on this. My Grandfather, I am sorry to say, was one of these. He said, “If it isn’t written in red in the Bible, I don’t have to listen to it.” God said to hear Jesus. This is true. However, Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit back to earth when He left. The purpose of this was to “bring to remembrance” all of the things He had previously told the Apostles. They would speak truth. Whether we have it recorded that Jesus said it, if the Apostles said it in Scripture, it was something Jesus said anyway.

Nevertheless, guess what folks! While we may need this to understand everything we need to do to live as Christians, to become a Christian, we have it recorded exactly what Jesus says.

Now, many will object to the teachings of the Christ. I often hear, “Well, Pastor So and So says this part isn’t really necessary.” Or, I hear, “Preacher So and So says we have to do this, as well.” Or, I hear, “The ‘Right Reverend’ So and So says I don’t have to do anything at all.” My friends, who are you going to believe? Will you believe Jesus, or will you believe someone who has taken the name of God for himself, as in the case of the “Reverend” above (Psalm 111:9)? If the Lord wills it, we will learn more about this in another sermon.

For the record, Jesus said all of the following:

Matthew 11:15, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Mateo 11:15, “Ang may mga pakinig upang ipakinig, ay makinig.”

John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Juan 8:24, “Sinabi ko nga sa inyo, na kayo'y mangamamatay sa inyong mga kasalanan: sapagka't malibang kayo'y magsisampalataya na ako nga ang Cristo, ay mangamamatay kayo sa inyong mga kasalanan.”

Luke 13:3, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Lucas 13:3, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo, Hindi: datapuwa't, malibang kayo'y mangagsisi, ay mangamamatay kayong lahat sa gayon ding paraan.”

Matthew 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

Mateo 10:32, “Kaya't ang bawa't kumikilala sa akin sa harap ng mga tao, ay kikilalanin ko naman siya sa harap ng aking Ama na nasa langit.”

Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Macos 16:16, “At sinabi niya sa kanila, Magsiyaon kayo sa buong sanglibutan, at inyong ipangaral ang evangelio sa lahat ng kinapal. Ang sumasampalataya at mabautismuhan ay maliligtas; datapuwa't ang hindi sumasampalataya ay parurusahan.”

Well, my friends, the wisdom of the world, that is those outside the church, just went flying out the window! Jesus said do these things! He didn’t say do some of them. He didn’t say one of them is good enough by itself. “Reverend” So and So knows these scriptures exist. These scriptures just make it difficult for them to have their large congregations and large paychecks as a result. They are not there to serve God, but their own bellies (Romans 16:18). When you hear a preacher - any preacher - deny God’s plain Word, in favor of either more or less, it is time to run for the hills. It is time to get out of that place, get out of that setting, and out of that false teaching.

In response to hearing the truth, I often hear, “But, preacher, those are works. Works can’t save us.” They proceed to lift Ephesians 2:9 out of context to prove a point. Their version of Ephesians 2:9 makes Paul call James a liar when he wrote his letter, in chapter 2 and verse 24. If the afore mentioned works were works of men, they would be correct. For example, we cannot go out and decide that because we pay for an orphanage that we are saved. That isn’t commanded. It would be our work. Our works will not save us. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try. What is commanded is love. Purchasing an orphanage would only be one of many acceptable ways of showing it. We cannot bind where God has not bound and command that it be done. If we are saved, we will love both God, and man, enough to do these type things, even if not the same specifics. By the same token, we cannot loose where God has not loosed. We cannot give permission for activities when there is none in Scripture, but that is another sermon.

However, the works God commanded are not our inventions. It is not our own personal scheme of redemption in which we can glory. God’s works, if we do as commanded, will save us. How does this happen? How does baptism save us (1st Peter 3:21)? Why, then, should I do these works? The answer is simple my friend, that is faith, doing things we don’t understand, just because God said so! It is God’s scheme of redemption, which is all that matters. We do not have to understand. If we do these things in the covenant, for the reason God gave us for doing them, God will be faithful to the covenant. We will - only then - be faithful. Not doing these things, or fighting them, demonstrates to the world, and more importantly to God, our complete lack of faith. Without faith, which includes all of the aforementioned commands, we - will -not - make - it - to - Heaven!

This, my friends, is how we are nominated for a position in Heaven. This is what we must do for Jesus to confess us before the Father! We saw, earlier, that our election might be unsure, as well. I will give a few examples from Scripture demonstrating this truth, so denied by the world.

1st Timothy 1:19-20, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

1 Kay Timoteo 1:19-20, “Na ingatan mo ang pananampalataya at ang mabuting budhi; na nang ito'y itakuwil ng iba sa kanila ay nangabagbag tungkol sa pananampalataya: Na sa mga ito'y si Himeneo at si Alejandro; na sila'y aking ibinigay kay Satanas, upang sila'y maturuang huwag mamusong.”

At one time, Hymenaeus and Alexander were faithful. Yet, both had made that faith shipwrecked, or void. Their nominations were removed, and they were delivered to Satan. They were no longer in the race (2nd Timothy 4:7) to be elected.

Galatians 5:4, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

Mga Taga Galacia 5:4, “Kayo'y hiwalay kay Cristo, kayong nangagiibig na ariing-ganap ng kautusan; nangahulog kayo mula sa biyaya.”

Writing to Christians at Galatia, Paul told them they could fall from grace! Why? It was because they were adding into Christianity something that was familiar to them, but no longer an acceptable part of religion: the Law of Moses. Their nomination was removed.

Hebrews 10:26, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,”

Sa Mga Hebreo 10:26, “Sapagka't kung ating sinasadya ang pagkakasala pagkatapos na ating matanggap ang pagkakilala sa katotohanan, ay wala nang haing natitira pa tungkol sa mga kasalanan,”

Those who have already had knowledge of their salvation, yet sin intentionally, no longer have Jesus’ blood covering their sins! Their nomination has been removed.

Revelation 3:16, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Apocalipsis 3:16, “Kaya sapagka't ikaw ay malahininga, at hindi mainit o malamig man, ay isusuka kita sa aking bibig.”

The entire congregation at Laodecia was rejected of God because of indifference! They were as vile as vomit! Their nomination was removed.

Having your nomination removed means that Jesus will no longer confess you before the Father. Now, having studied the nominating process, let us turn our attention to the election itself.

Jesus, Himself, is not going to admit us to Heaven. -- This thought scares people. So, before we go too far in depth with this, let me be perfectly clear.

1st Corinthians 15:24, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

1 Mga Taga Corinto 15:24, “Kung magkagayo'y darating ang wakas, pagka ibibigay na niya ang kaharian sa Dios, sa makatuwid baga'y sa Ama; pagka lilipulin na niya ang lahat ng paghahari, at lahat ng kapamahalaan at kapangyarihan.”

The Father is the one who will admit us to Heaven, not the Son. However, if we have obeyed the Son, and he has nominated us, and we finish our lives without having this nomination removed, then we may be elected. Our - election - has - not - happened, - yet. We need to make sure that it does, according to 2nd Peter 1:4-11, which we read earlier.

Just as with the nomination process, the election does not consist of many millions of votes. It is not even decided by a single congregation, as is the custom of some. It is decided by one vote, and one vote only, that of Jesus Himself.

We are men. We make mistakes. We need the multiplicity of votes in an election to get the right man for the job. However, Jesus is God. He is pure. He is just. He, alone, is infallible among all who have worn the skin of man. His one vote will satisfy God, and get us into Heaven. Likewise, His one no-vote will keep us out.

1st John 2:1-2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1 Ni Juan, “Mumunti kong mga anak, ang mga bagay na ito ay isinusulat ko sa inyo upang kayo'y huwag mangagkasala. At kung ang sinoman ay magkasala, ay may Tagapamagitan tayo sa Ama, si Jesucristo ang matuwid: At siya ang pangpalubag-loob sa ating mga kasalanan; at hindi lamang sa ating mga kasalanan, kundi ng sa buong sanglibutan din naman.”

In Greek, “advocate” is “παράκλητος” or paraklētos (pronounced, par-ak'-lay-tos). You may know it better by its other English translation, paraclete. Simply put, it is an spokesman, avenger, and counselor. In other words, Jesus is our lawyer when we go before God, the Judge. The Judge is going to decide our fate based solely on the testimony, solely on the vote, or lack thereof, from His Son.

Matthew 25:31-46, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

Mateo 25:31-46, “Datapuwa't pagparito ng Anak ng tao na nasa kaniyang kaluwalhatian, na kasama niya ang lahat ng mga anghel, kung magkagayo'y luluklok siya sa luklukan ng kaniyang kaluwalhatian: At titipunin sa harap niya ang lahat ng mga bansa: at sila'y pagbubukdinbukdin niya na gaya ng pagbubukodbukod ng pastor sa mga tupa at sa mga kambing; At ilalagay niya ang mga tupa sa kaniyang kanan, datapuwa't sa kaliwa ang mga kambing. Kung magkagayo'y sasabihin ng Hari sa nangasa kaniyang kanan, Magsiparito kayo, mga pinagpala ng aking Ama, manahin ninyo ang kahariang nakahanda sa inyo buhat nang itatag ang sanglibutan: Sapagka't ako'y nagutom, at ako'y inyong pinakain; ako'y nauhaw, at ako'y inyong pinainom; ako'y naging taga ibang bayan, at inyo akong pinatuloy; Naging hubad, at inyo akong pinaramtan; ako'y nagkasakit, at inyo akong dinalaw; ako'y nabilanggo, at inyo akong pinaroonan. Kung magkagayo'y sasagutin siya ng mga matuwid, na mangagsasabi, Panginoon, kailan ka namin nakitang nagutom, at pinakain ka namin? o nauuhaw, at pinainom ka? At kailan ka naming nakitang isang taga ibang bayan, at pinatuloy ka? o hubad, at pinaramtan ka? At kailan ka namin nakitang may-sakit, o nasa bilangguan, at dinalaw ka namin? At sasagot ang Hari at sasabihin sa kanila, Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Yamang inyong ginawa sa isa dito sa aking mga kapatid, kahit sa pinakamaliit na ito, ay sa akin ninyo ginawa. Kung magkagayo'y sasabihin naman niya sa mga nasa kaliwa, Magsilayo kayo sa akin, kayong mga sinumpa, at pasa apoy na walang hanggan na inihanda sa diablo at sa kaniyang mga anghel: Sapagka't ako'y nagutom, at hindi ninyo ako pinakain; ako'y nauhaw, at hindi ninyo ako pinainom; Ako'y naging isang taga ibang bayan, at hindi ninyo ako pinatuloy; hubad, at hindi ninyo ako pinaramtan; maysakit at nasa bilangguan, at hindi ako dinalaw. Kung magkagayo'y sila nama'y magsisisagot, na magsisipagsabi, Panginoon, kailan ka namin nakitang nagugutom, o nauuhaw, o isang taga ibang bayan, o hubad, o may-sakit, o nasa bilangguan, at hindi ka namin pinaglingkuran? Kung magkagayo'y sila'y sasagutin niya, na sasabihin, Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, na yamang hindi ninyo ginawa sa maliliit na ito, ay hindi ninyo ginawa sa akin. At ang mga ito'y mangapaparoon sa walang hanggang kaparusahan: datapuwa't ang mga matuwid ay sa walang hanggang buhay.”

I have but one more small thought and the lesson will be yours, this morning.

We spoke of our election this morning. We spoke of the nominating process. We spoke of having nominations removed. Well, having them removed is the opposite of obtaining them. Am I right? Well, what is the opposite of the word “nominate” itself? I am getting ready to shake the foundations of many different religions, which all errantly “claim” to be Christianity. The opposite of “nominate” is “denominate!” Think about it! Having your nomination removed is to be “denominated!” To be “denominated” is to have your nomination removed! Does your religion proudly proclaim that it has been denominated? Does your religion proudly but ignorantly say they do not want Christ’s confession before the Father by calling itself a denomination? I don’t want to be denominated, or in other words in a denomination, for having my nomination removed like that will keep me far away from Heaven’s door at the judgment! Ask yourself. Would you rather be denominated now, or nominated later. The choice is yours. Only one of those options will save you.

All things are ready at this time. Are you a Christian who has made a shipwreck out of your faith, as did Hymenaeus? Or have you been misled, “thinking” you were a Christian, only to find out your group has voluntarily removed their   nominations from the Lamb’s Book of Life, and taken yours along with it? We already read the words of the Master. We already know what he said to do to be saved. Ignore the false and misleading teachings of man. Whatever they need may be; we sing this song as an encouragement to you. Will you not come? Come to Jesus instead of answering the call of man? Right now - while we sing.

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Dan, I hope the ideas in these have explained not only your answer, but the reasons why the answer is necessary.