YOUR FREE BIBLE STUDY Call Joe now at 913 492-1564 to try a Free Bible Study.  If in the past you studied with a high control group, you will now get the chance to see why they are wrong about so many things and this will help de-study or deprogram you so that you will not be in danger of returning to the high control group even after decades may have passed.  Otherwise you will always have inside your head that just maybe they were right about this or that.  Getting out of a high control group is part of the ballgame, the rest of it is never going back. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDY:  Basically, one person reads then the other answers the question that's in dark print.  Be sure to look up and read together all of the scriptures; otherwise it would not be a Bible Study.  Study also begins and closes with prayer.  Although you can read through and look up the scriptures on your own it is more helpful to have at least one other person to discuss it and other things with.   For online Bibles click here: http://www.biblegateway.com CURRENT TOPICS FOR STUDY (FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST SOME OTHERS): "The Truth," The Good News, Birthdays, Holidays In General, 144,000 In Heaven, The "One Faith," Blood Transfusions, Child Safety, Christmas, Cross, Easter, Halloween, Heaven And Earth, Medicine And Medical Treatments In General, Memoiral Of The Last Supper, The Divine Name, The Human Soul,  Shunning, Thanksgiving, Trinity, Unity, Women*, Young Christians*                *=To be added  1.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation "THE TRUTH:"  The heads of some groups have taught their followers to say their organization is "The Truth," but Christ says, and here it is underlined for emphasis: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, 6:68)   Christ also says the answer is not to “where” one will go after leaving some group but as he said, to Whom one will go, namely, to himself.  False friends may speak badly of those who leave some group that has set up a human group for being obeyed rather than himself, but he blesses those who do. (Matthew 5:11, Revelation 18:4) HOW DO YOU ANSWER: According to scripture, does Christ call himself "The Truth" or does he say The Truth is organization such as the the Vatican or the Watchtower Society?  Should Christians have as their ultimate Leader, Christ, some man or a human group? 2.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE GOOD NEWS: The heads of some groups such as the Watchtower Society's Governing Body men over Jehovah's Witnesses, have taught for example that the Good News is that "many now living will never die and they will live forever in paradise upon earth,” but at 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul informed Bible readers that we all sin and therefore we will all die.  So the Good News is not that humans will live forever but rather it is that because of Christ's ransoming sacrifice there will be a resurrection for all humanity, both the righteous and unrigheous (read Acts 24:15, John 3:16), although even after the resurrection some will still try to hurt others, offend Holy Spirit, receive the second death.  Scriptures do speak of Christians having the hope of resurrection to heaven and some may also be resurrected on earth restored to Edenic conditions although we're all free to differ in views and hopes will still being Christians. (Ro 14:1-22)  The teaching that Christ came as a "ransom for all" is held by people in the Bible Students Movement, non-Watchtower Christians meeting in homes whom Watchtower miscalls "apostates" and "The Evil Slave Class." HOW DO YOU ANSWER: When the Bible speaks of "The Good News" or "Gospel" what is it actually talking about? 3. The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation BIRTHDAYS: Job’s kids also celebrated each one his and her days of births, that is birthdays.  Read Job 1:4 then Job 3:1-3.  Further, Luke 2:7-17 shows that angels sang in celebration of Christ’s own birthday before shepherds.  It is not logical to think that any true Christian holds a birthday party to worship a person.  Birthday parties are held to show love, balanced respect and honor for a person and the fact that God has allowed the person to be born and live as long as he or she has lived.  True, we can imagine some situation in which a Christian might not celebrate a birthday, for example, if a dictator insisted that people celebrate his birth as a God, but that is not what occurs today in possibly up to 99% of birthday celebrations. Still, Paul says Christians have the right to observe or not observe special holy days or festivals. (Colossians 2:16) How do you answer: What are some positive examples about birthday celebrations which are mentioned in the Bible? 4.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation HOLIDAYS IN GENERAL:  Paul says do not let others judge us as Christians or not over celebrating holidays (Colossians 2:16), but yet the heads of some groups have taught people to do exactly that.  They have said don’t celebrate birthdays even though angels and shepherds at Luke 2 celebrated Christ's, Job 1:3 and then Job 3:1, 3 clearly show Job's children celebrated days of their birth, and Jude 12 says the earliest Christians enjoyed balanced merriment at "love feasts."  Some also denounce holidays as of pagan origins and yet those same persons use the names of days and months, personal names such as Diana, April, May/Mae and June, wedding rings and money, which are all from pagans.   The fact is that holidays form positive memories and affection for stronger families.  Mental health experts note there is much higher mental depression among people in groups which are harsh about matters such as birthdays.  How do you answer: Should we show or not show Christian fellowship toward people who celebrate holidays?  Should we show or not show Christian fellowship toward those who do celebrate holidays?  Why do you answer as you do? 5.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation WILL ONLY 144,000 BE IN HEAVEN?  Some teach that only a "Little Flock" of literally 144,000 humans will go to heaven.  (Revelation 7:4, 14:1) Is that really true, and if so, then why does Revelation 19:1 say that a “great crowd” is in heaven?  Read it for yourself, please.  It would seem reasonable instead to think that a literal or symbolic 144,000 humans will be chosen to go to heaven but also the invitation to strive for heaven is open to all Christians, and a great crowd of those may also go to heaven.   This does not rule out that a great number of people can also live upon earth restored to paradise or that there will also be a resurrection day or time period upon earth when, as scripture says, those in the memorial tombs will hear Christ's voice and come forth. (John 5:28-29) Revelation 7:4 speaks of 144,000 in heaven who are "out of every tribe of the sons of Israel."  John is credited as having written the book of Revelation, and if so then the 144,000 mentioned at Revelation 7 may be literal Jews or Jewish Christians such as John was, although many Christians today Revelation 7 is speaking of "spiritual" Jews, that is Christians.  Revelation 14:1 says of the 144,000 mentioned there that they have on their foreheads the name of the Father (Jehovah or in Hebrew Yahweh, possibly Yehuwah etc) and the name of the Son (Jesus or in Hebrew Yeshua).   Some groups have said the two groups of 144,000 are one and the same.  Others have said they are or might be two different groups.  Regardless, when we look closely at Revelation, we find that saying "only 144,000 go to heaven," might be wrong at least as much as that it might be right.  Paul has indicated that we enjoy Christian freedom to hold different views on such things.  Although it might bother some that we cannot know for sure during our lives on Earth about the definitely correct details are about all such things, still, we can be happy that God has already given us some knowledge about life in heaven and in due time we have died, God can then give additional information.  Not knowing everything at once is doubtlessly protective, and it also helps to teach us to cultivate greater patience. (Galatians 5:22) How do you answer: Where is a scripture which states that there is a Great Crowd (or Great Multitude) in heaven? 6.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation HELL: Over the centuries people have held different ideas about life after death.  Those ideas have included that the wicked may burn forever or a long time, just sleep forever, go into eternal isolation, experience some other type of discipline or punishment or perhaps a combination of the preceding.  So, first of all, whatever hell may be, is it something to be concerned about according to scriptures?  Paul at Acts 24:25 says Felix was frightened when Paul spoke to him about self-control and the coming judgment. At Matthew 5:29 Christ says it’s better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."   At Matthew 18:8 he adds “It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.”  At Matthew 13:41 he says The Son of Man’s angels will throw evildoers “into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, also said to be concerned! Christ says after death a rich man experienced torment or agony while in fire and asked for a drop of water.  He does not say the man screamed as one would if alive in literal fire but that he spoke clearly.  Nor would a drop of water be enough to give relief if it and the story were literal. (Lu 16:19-31)  Translations use the words “eternal” and “everlasting” in speaking of fire or fire-like conditions after death but in Hebrew the word "olam," although almost always translated eternal or everlasting, more precisely means of an unknown but possibly long period of time.  It describes the Aaronic priesthood, Mosaic Law, doors of Solomon's Temple, how long King David would live and Solomon's throne would last – all things that lasted a long time but ended.  The Greek word "aionion" like the related English word "eon" is also a long but not eternal period of time.   The word "aionios" normally means eternally into the past and future or just forever into the future but when "endless" time is clearly meant, Greek more commonly uses "aidios," a different word. Jude 7 says Sodom and Gomorrah suffer “everlasting fire” but those cities and the fire which once hit them are no longer seen burning in Israel although some might guess they do out-of-sight under the ground.  God says there is a fire “that burns down to the realm of the dead below.” (Deu 32:22) Psalm 86:13 says “For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.” Proverbs 15:24 similarly notes “The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.”  Isaiah 14:9 speaks of “the realm of the dead below” with spirits of the departed who speak.  At Matthew 12:40 Christ says he had been “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."  Peter says Christ while dead in the body preached to spirits of those who had been disobedient in Noah’s day. (1 Pe 3:19, 20, 1 Pe 4:6) At Philippians 2:10 the apostle Paul notes “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”  Some take these scriptures to be literal, others figurative.  Regardless, our conduct definitely matters.  God will judge each of us by what we did in life, the unrepentantly wicked not escaping His perfectly-measured, fitting punishment.  We must strive to not just say nice words but show loving-kindness toward others (James 2:14-26) and forgive them so our own sins can be forgiven. (Mt 6:12)  "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well." (2 Thes 1:6, 7)  However He is above all loving and merciful (1 Jn 4:8, Mt 12:7) and takes no pleasure even in the death of the wicked. (Ez 33:11, Ez 18:21-25) When anyone resurrected on Earth tries to again cause harm they will receive the "Second Death" from which there is no resurrection. (Re 2:11, 20:14, 15)  So whatever our past conduct was and our current wrong tendencies, let us try to do better including with deeds of loving-kindness not merely words, (James 2:14-26) and forgive those who wrong us so that our own sins can be forgiven. (Mt 6:12) How do you answer: If we mistreat others, do scriptures say anything will happen to us after we die?  Please give some details. 7.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE "ONE FAITH": Paul said there is “one faith” at Ephesians 4:4, 5.  So what was that "one faith" existing for Christians back when Paul said that it existed?  And for that matter what is that "one faith" for Christians today?  Since Paul had become a Christian instead of a Jew, it was Christianity in the general sense.  And today the only faith held in common by all Christians in the large tree of Christianity, which has thousands of branches, is also still general Christianity.  Yet the heads of some groups say they alone are the one and only true faith upon earth.  They may even say this although their own groups may not even have come into existence until, say, 1848, 1878 or 1932 etc.  How do you answer: What is the "one faith" which the apostle or saint Paul says existed in his time and which still exists today? 8. The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS:  Some groups say never take blood transfusions even if it means you yourself or a child whom you have may die.  However, please weigh what they say and any scriptures they show about abstaining from blood with Christ says God at Matthew 12:7, namely that God wants Mercy not Sacrifice. Further note that 1 Samuel 14:31-35 shows God forgave Saul’s men who ate unBLED meat to stay alive.   Most noted for claiming that God prefer adults and kids to die when bleeding are the Governing Body men heading the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Inc. which rules over Jehovah's Witnesses.  Their Awake! magazine (May 22, 1994) boasts of and has photos of JW kids who died refusing transfusions and you may see a copy of it at www.ajwrb.org.  In decades past they also used to forbid vaccinations and organ transplants, as readily seen by googling.  Some adult Christians may not want what they think of as  "wanton" (unnecessary) blood transfusions and some people may fear catching a pathogen from a transfusion even though such a possibility is now considered extremely rare; so this is a matter about which each adult must make his or her own personal decision, and it needs weighed too although "the symbol of life," blood, is important God considers human life itself to be what is most precious.  How do you answer: What do some scriptures say in support of permitting the emergency use of blood for saving the lives of adults or children?  Can you remember at least one in case a loved one is ever misled on this topic and so become endangered? 9.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation CHILD SAFETY: Horribly, the heads of some groups that profess to be Christian endanger the safety of children.  Most have heard about the Roman Catholic church protecting pedophile priests.  In 2011 Warren Jeffs, the head of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints was convicted of raping two children.  The Governing Body men over the Watchtower Society that rules Jehovah's Witnesses pushes all Jehovah's Witnesses “in good standing” to preach at doors which includes those whom the elders deem “repentant” pedophiles, and it is estimated that most JW congregations have at least one such pedophile whom Elders hide or shelter.  However Jesus Christ himself says to put the protection of our "Little Ones" ahead of any person who would hurt them.  Be sure to read of what Luke 17:2 where he details how he feels about people who abuse the Little Ones, our children and grandchildren!  In order to protect their sacred image as angels of light, criminal groups such as churches infested with pedophiles in leadership positions have dangerous policies and activities.  Beware that these may include stalking, bedroom wiretapping, phone or physical harassment and once in a while possibly even murder.  Pedophiles fear the Sword of Caesar. (Romans 13:1)  Go straight to the police if you learn that a child may be in danger.  Do not take crimes to clergymen who instead will urge you leave such a matter to themselves!  Revelation 18:4 says to get out of Babylonish wicked religion, in some lands also called cults or sects. How do you answer: A. Give some examples of clergymen harming children.  B. What are some of the dangerous activities that groups sheltering and hiding pedophiles may engage in which you need to be aware of? 10.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation CHRISTMAS: Although Christmas may have come from the non-Christian Saturnalia as JWs say, other sources say it may be from the Jewish Hannukah holiday (also spelled Channukah) which first began December 25, but the date varies yearly now as based on the moon.  In the winter Christ, himself a rabbi, was at the Feast of Dedication.  Read John 10:22.  The Feast of Dedication is another term for Hannukah, with its special lights, foods and gifts in many ways similar to Christmas.  Hannukah or the Feast of Dedication is also sometimes called the Festival of Lights.  As said, is also believed that early Christians may have decided to celebrate Christ's birth regularly in order to better help people switch from paganry to Christianity, viewing and using Christmas as a way for light to overcome darkness not as a mixing of light with darkness.  Those against celebrating Christ's birthday no matter what, often say Santa Claus came from a pagan god or wizard but actual historical records show that the origin of Santa Claus is from Saint Nicholas, an actual Christian famous for giving to help the needy.  Detractors also say that the Christmas tree began in pagan tree worship, but research says it began as the Paradise Tree in Eden used in medieval church plays.  Further the Bible is positive not negative in noting that the angels themselves as well as shepherds celebrated the holy day of Christ's birth.  Still, people have the scriptural right to either observe or not observe holy days according to Paul (Colossians 2:16), and if for example someone truly felt it was offensive to God to observe Christmas or some other day, then he or she has the scriptural right and duty to follow his or her conscience, and we need to not be judging the person one way or another but instead leave the judging to God.  How do you answer: What are some reasons why most Christians celebrate Christmas?  What are some reasons why some Christians don't?  How do you feel about it and why? 11.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation CROSS: You may heard someone saying that a cross is a horrible murder weapon which you need to shun, but if you do you can tell the person that Paul says BOAST of the cross for in Christ’s case it symbolizes resurrection victory over death.  Read Galatians 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 1:17-18. The word "stauros" in the original Greek language in the New Testament can mean either cross or stake, but never just mean stake.  First century pictures including of engravings on the sides of ossuaries show crosses not stakes.  Forensic research by Dr. F. Zugibe has proved suffocation would be in “minutes” if Christ died on a stake but in “hours” if with arms outstretched on a cross even as Luke 23:44 and Matthew 27:45-46 say it was.  The cross is not a mark of “false” Christians as the heads of anti-cross groups teach their followers, but of true Christians.  Still, as an act of Christian kindness it would be good to try to not stumble those who have not yet learned the truth and sincerely although wrongly think of a cross as an evil murder weapon.  Such ones do need to learn the truth but at the same time we must try to be tactful and kind in informing them --sometimes a very difficult but yet necessary endeavor. Read Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:32. How do you answer: What does Paul say about the cross?  What has forensics shown about it in contrast with a stake? 12.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation EARTH: Some Christians believe that besides the hope of going to heaven at least some people, whether Christians, Jews, both and or possibly others, will be resurrected upon earth.  Why is that?  Christ says to pray for and preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God to come upon Earth as in heaven is Matthew 6:10; 28:19.  He also says blessed are the meek for they will inherit the Earth. (Matthew 5:5)  He resurrected some people such as his friend Lazarus upon the Earth, and he also said people would come forth from the memorial tombs. (John 5:28, 29)  Prophets such as Elijah had also resurrected people upon the Earth.  Indeed Jewish people before Christ, in his time on Earth and since then have looked forward to resurrection upon Earth, not to heaven.  Daniel 7:27 for example says sovereinty, power and greatness of all kingdom UNDER heaven will be given God's holy people.  On the other hand scriptures do also definitely speak of some people going to heaven including a group literally or symbolically numbering 144,000 as well as a Great Crowd or Multitude. (Revelation 7:4, 14:1; 19:1)  A question often asked is if most of the 120 billion “righteous and unrighteous” people who have ever lived were resurrected as Acts 24:15 says, then how could they all be fed upon Earth, since currently only about 27% of our planet can be cultivated?  First, no one knows how many people besides the 144,000 will go to heaven, which means the number of people resurrected to heaven when added to the 144,000 may be a large percentage of the 120 billion who ever lived upon Earth.  Too, the Bible says those who have horribly offended or grieved Holy Spirit will not be allowed into the kingdom on Earth. (Matthew 12:31, 32)  Those might be only a few people or they may also be in the billions. Besides resurrection on earth for some people, whether Jewish, Christian, both, others etc, though, for some 2,000 years most Christians have expressed hope of going to heaven even as did most of the early Christians including Paul and the apostles.  Here are some scriptures showing why this has been the case: Matthew 7:21, 18:3, 19:23, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 ; Phillipians 3:20,  1 Peter 1:4.  At Ephesians 4:4 Paul adds that for Christians there is but "one" hope.  He does not specify if by one hope he meant that for Christians heaven is the one and only place of resurrection for them, although historically, as said, that has been the predominant view.  Each of us is scripturally entitled to hold and express different views on this and other topics so long as not trying to stumble other sincere, good people out of being Christians. (Romans 14:1-22)  As said, right now much of Earth’s land cannot be cultivated because it consists of high plateaus and mountains as well as deserts.  However, earthquakes could lower them such high places.  God can also inspire scientists to genetically enable plants to produce crops at high elevations and in deserts.  Revelation 11:18 says that God will ruin those who are ruining the Earth.  When humans learn to stay out of wars, they can focus all the more at improved our wonderful planet.  Ecclesiastes 1:4 says Earth remains forever but some other scriptures say it will end.  For example Christ says: "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."  It could be that if not soon then one or more billion years from now it will end but then later be recreated and in that sense never totally end.  Or God may let humans go to other habitable planets or new worlds, for Christ says his Father’s house has “many mansions.” (John 14:2) EASTER: Christians began using rabbits and eggs as symbols of new life resurrection at Easter time not as vestiges of pagan sex worship, which is what some groups misteach.    Most encyclopedias and dictionaries have said the name of Easter is itself from an ancient non-Christian pagan goddess named Eastre, Eostre or possibly even earlier, Ashtarte.  Such publications base this on the speculations of the ancient British scholar named Bede, and yet it has also been noted in other publications that the name may just as easily have come from the Old English or Anglo-Saxon word for East or Eastern.  Christianity came to Europe and later America from the direction of the East, specifically from the Middle East.  Further, formerly many Christians believed Christ would return from the east to resurrect people, possibly thinking of Matthew 24:27 which says he will return from the east. Colossians 2:16 says "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day," so you can scripturally either observe or not observe the holiday, although most do when they have full, correct knowledge about it.  How do you answer: What are some possible origins for the word Easter?  How do you feel about the Easter holiday?  13.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation HALLOWEEN: Halloween began when Christians costumed kids like faithful Bible figures tortured and martyred for staying faithful.  This was during the Middle Ages in Europe, and the holiday was then called All Saints Evening since it honored all the saints or holy ones of Christianity.  In some churches it is still highly regarded as a purely Christian holiday.  However, some Christians note that regardless some features have been added since then in the United States that make it too much darkness for them to bear in good conscience,  (2 Corinthians 6:14)  for example when kids tell people they must give them some candy or the kids will harm their property by soaping their windows, overturning a shed etc.  Some churches hold fun, alternative parties for the kids to not only keep them from doing wrong things but also to keep them from being endangered as when some people put poison with candies or fruits for kids on that day.  As with other holidays and many personal matters, if to observe it or not is a matter of personal conscience (Ro 14:1-22, Colossians 2:16) involving considerations such as our understanding of scriptures, how it is conducted in the particular land that we live in, etc. How do you answer: Why do many people celebrate Halloween?  Why do some strongly object to celebrating it?  What do you think about it? 13.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation HEAVEN AND EARTH: Some have claimed that the Good News is “many now living will never die and will live forever on paradise earth” but Paul says we all sin and therefore we will all die.  Read Romans 5:12.  You will remember that in Genesis 3, Eve was told that she would not die but in fact after eating dangerous fruit she did indeed begin to die slowly but surely.  So, no, the Bible doesn't say some or many people never will die.  However, it does tell the Good News which instead is that due to Christ's ransom sacrifice, we and and our loved ones have the hope of living again and with many additional blessings in the kingdom of God come upon earth as in heaven.  How do you answer: What is the Good News? 14.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE HUMAN SOUL:  Some teach that even truly evil persons just sleep in peace forever after death.  If so, how would that be justice for victims?  Would getting to peacefully sleep be justice from God for those who were made victims by those who were violent, wicked people?   Some groups teach that the souls of the wicked just sleep.  For example they use Eccelsiastes 9:5 which says the body of a dead person is unconscious, that is dead.  They also stress that Ezekiel 18:3 says the soul that sins will die.  They are assuming that the soul dies which would be true if the soul were just spirit, but as the following scriptures show, that is a wrong idea and misteaching.   So here are some scriptures which prove that spirits survive after their bodies have stopped working, and contrary to what those against survival of the soul teach, this is not an idea or teaching that only comes from non-Christian religious groups.  It's in the Bible itself. For example you can read Psalm 90:10 which in the New International Version says "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."  What is it that flies away at death?  It's not the body but something that leaves the body, so it must be a person's spirit.  Also, 1 Kings 17:21-22 says in the NIV that Elijah while at the home of a kind widow saw her dead son and said to God "let this boy’s life return to him!  The LORD heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived."  What returned so as to cause the boy to live again?  The spirit of life returned and activated his breath and body cells so that he again became a living soul.   Recall also that Revelation speaks of a Great Crowd in heaven and 144,000 who go to heaven.  So, as said, the Bible says people, clearly their spirits not their bodies, go before the throne of God to be judged according to how they conducted themselves when alive. (Revelation 20:12)  By such examples we see that a soul is a spirit that is in a human body or that used to be in a human body.  In summary, then Spirit + Body = Living Soul, Spirit - Body = Soul in the sense of being a living but as a spirit without a body.  So now you can understand better when 1 Corinthians 15:45 says Adam became a living soul or Ezekial 18:4 says "the soul that is sinning will die."  A living soul sins and so it does die as to body.  If after resurrection on Earth if a person chooses to be harming other people again, then he will die a "second death" (Re 2:11, 20:6, 14-15; 21:8) without any resurrection and at that time God can also remove his very spirit. (Mt 10:28, Lu 12:5) Also read each of the following: 2 Corinthians 5:8 on being absent from the body and at home with the Lord, Philippians 1:23-24 on Paul wanting to go be with Christ but saying he has to remain in the body to be helpful to still living fellow Christians, and Revelation 6:9-11 which speaks of the souls of those slaughtered crying out in a loud voice for God to judge and avenge their murderers.  Thoughtfully contrast these and the other scriptures with the idea that even truly evil persons just sleep in peace forever after death.  How do you answer: Basically, then, what exactly is meant by "the human soul"? 15.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation MEDICINE AND MEDICAL TREATMENTS IN GENERAL: Jesus Christ himself believed in curing people and saving their lives.  As we know he also brought people back to life.  It is worth reading some scriptures where he remarks that sick need a doctor, for example at Matthew 9:12, Luke 5:31 and Mark 2:17.  The apostle Luke also set a fine example by being a medical doctor. Read Colossians 4:14.  The heads of some groups, in particular in Christian Science, say to only use "spiritual" healing.  Some small groups have even withheld vital foods and water from children, leading to death.  Clearly no one should ever be senselessly killed by those who either don't know the Bible correctly or misuse it, and nor should any ever have to go the rest of his or her life feeling depressed over having senselessly caused the death of someone innocent. How do you answer: Should you trust the safety of yourself and loved ones to other people who say God disapproves of various types of medical care and treatment, certain foods, treatments or diet procedure?  Why do you say so? 16. The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation MEMORIAL OF THE LAST SUPPER: A very few groups annually observe the Last Supper by gathering as other groups do but then discouraging only a few of those present from partaking of wine and bread emblems.  Those groups need to consider though that Christ says Christians must do exactly that in order to receive everlasting life. Please read John 6:53-55.  To do less is to not follow what he says.  However, it is also true that Paul says that if someone does not feel worthy to partake then he is not to do so for it would bring God's judgment against the person.  (1 Corinthians 11:27) For example someone who was a murderer or who hurt children would want to think twice or more as such evils clearly grieve God's Holy Spirit.  This does not mean, though, that a murderer might not become truly repentant and become worthy of partaking.   God is the one and only perfect Judge, not any imperfect human or group of humans.  2 Chronicles 33 says Manasseh was a wicked king in ancient Judah but he too was able to repent and showed it by what he did afterwards. Also read Isaiah 1:18.  How do you answer: Who should partake or not partake of the emblems of wine and bread during the observance of the Lord's Last Supper? 17.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE DIVINE NAME: Please read Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6.  Notice that those scriptures say that Christ said to call God "our father" and Paul also said to call God "Abba" which means dad, father or papa.  If our father whom we greatly love is named John Doe Smith, do we call our father "John," or "Mr. Smith," or don't we simply, closely call him Dad or Daddy?  There is no law one way or about it, but saying father, dad or daddy is a way for expressing a close relationship.  When you want to address or speak about God in a formal way, we can use a respectful title such as Lord, by the common English name of Jehovah (see Psalm 83:18, King James), the more scholarly Yahweh, a short form such as Yah or Jah as in words like "hallelujah" which is itself from "hallelu" (sing praises to) and Jah (short for Yahweh or Jehovah).  No scripture in the Bible bans the use of any such names or expressions.  Romans 10:13 says if we call upon the name of the Lord we will be saved.  This doesn't mean we must use the pronunciation of a name, as some might  with a magical incantation, but that we must call upon God as a powerful, loving person, our beloved Father in heaven.  Similarly, although most Christians in English call Jesus Christ by the English name, some for various reasons may prefer the Hebrew "Yeshua Messhiyah," the Greek "Yesu Kristos," etc.  True Christianity permits great freedom. How do you answer: According to Christ, Paul and various scriptures, how are we supposed to address God Almighty? 18.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation NEW YEAR'S:  In the Bible God Almighty directed the Jewish people to begin the celebration of "Rosh Hashanah" (Hebrew for "Head/Beginning of the New Year") on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishri.  (Leviticus 23:24, Numbers 29:1)  The celebration was to be a spiritual time of joy but people nowadays have added over-drinking and drinking while driving, etc; so some Christians may, as scriptures also permit, choose to not participate.  Paul says do not let others judge us as Christians or not over celebrating holidays. (Colossians 2:16) How do you answer: Does the celebration of New Year's Day have a scriptural basis?  Why do some Christians observe it but others not observe it? 19.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation SHUNNING:  Although the Bible says to be careful to not associate with those who would get us to do wrong things, (1 Corinthians 15:33) and it is only natural that older reputable adults give helpful warnings to younger persons about bad association, still, the scriptures do not say to treat people who disagree with us in a fanatical, extreme and unloving fashion.  To the contrary, Christ tells us to love even our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)  The wise old saying is hate the sin not the sinner.  Groups that shun former associates in extremist fashion often do not shun them because they did something criminal or scandalous but because they peacefully differed or disagreed about some policy, view or interpretation. James 2:4, 13 and 3:12  condemns unmerciful, all too often unfair judging.  Further, Paul notes that a "Majority" of Christians avoided a serious wrongdoer whom he had suggested they not be associating with (2 Corinthians 2:6) but notice that the word "majority" means a minority did not do as he had suggested, and this proves that each of us has the freedom to decide whom to associate with or not.  It is true that Paul could "order" Timothy regarding missionary work that they were doing together to help the needy, yes, but Christians keep the freedom to differ.  Besides, unkindness is unkindness, and in contrast we know that Love never fails. (1Corinthians 13:8)  No scripture authorizes any individual or group to show hatred toward others based on their holding different views or having quit the group. How do you answer: Do true Christians shun?  Why do you answer as you do? 20.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THANKSGIVING: God Himself began a harvest festival for Israel which was called the Festival Of Booths, and it was for thanking God for bountiful crops.  So, although some non-Christians also have similar holidays, the holiday is not of pagan origins for Christians.  For proof read Deuteronomy 16:13-15 and Leviticus 23:33-34, 39.  God told the Israelites to have what different Bible translations call the Festival of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths.  During this holiday families built simple structures or booths in which they places samples of their crops and thanked God for those.  Nor is Thanksgiving an ultra-nationalistic holiday for just people in the United States as some have claimed because Germany, Canada, the Philippines and many other lands have a Thanksgiving holiday for thanking God.  It must be remembered that Paul says we have the right to observe or not observe special holy days or festivals. (Colossians 2:16)  Is Thanksgiving without scriptural basis?  Is Thanksgiving an ultra-nationalistic holiday for only the United States? 21.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE TRINITY DOCTRINE or belief refers to three, that is the Father God Almighty (Yahweh, Yehuwah or Jehovah), the Son (Jesus Christ of Nazareth, called Yeshua in Hebrew), and the Holy Spirit.   Romans 1:20 mentions, depending on which translation is used, that there is "godhead," "godship," "divine nature, quality or essence" or the like.  This means the state of being holy, of having holiness.  All genuine Christians believe the Father is holy, the Son is holy, the Holy Spirit is holy.  The trinity teaching also says that the Father is greater than the Son.  (John 14:28)   Titus 2:13 in most translations states that Jesus Christ is "God," which some Christians understand to mean that Christ is holy or divine as part of an overall Godhead or Godship although not the same as God Almighty, but which some such as priests in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church mostly in eastern Europe and the Middle East believe means that Christ and His Father are one and the same person.   Also a very few churches and individuals teach that the Father morphs, that is changes, into Christ, within a twinkle of the eye then in the Holy Spirit and back again, so forth, a teaching called modalism, not trinitarianism, and the main promoter of modalism or "Oneness" is the United Pentecostal Church.   Another issue about the nature of God or the trinity doctrine has been whether the Holy Spirit is a Person or else the power of God Almighty.  Those with differing views can present a number of different scriptures.  One of the most weighty scriptures is Matthew 28:19 which says to baptise in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  If the Holy Spirit were not a third Person, then it would not be necessary to mention baptising in the name of any Persons other than the Father and the Son.  Thus the trinity doctrine has continued for centuries appearing in the written statements of beliefs, that is creeds called the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.  Do not assume though that every church either goes by or does not go by a written statement, that is a creed.  In fact many do not but instead simply say that a person is considered a fellow Christian or church member if he or she believes Jesus Christ is his or her Lord and Savior and goes by what is said in the overall Christian Bible. It is very, very important to note that Christians can and do peacefully hold different views on many other topics and by agreeing to disagree in a kind and love way are able to stay united in considering one another to also be Christians.  A great basis for such tolerance is given by Paul at Romans 14:1-23.  So, there is no reason why Christians of either view point cannot similarly fellowship with the others on the topic of the trinity instead of insisting all believe the same, thus causing divisions or sects in the one overall faith (Ephesians 4:5).  True Christians put Love and Mercy first.  (Matthew 12:7)  Love provides the only true bond of unity (Colossians 3:14), not absolutely compelsory sameness of views, which is Satanic and dictatorial rather than Godly and loving.  Sadly, over some 2,000 years there have been many arguments and sometimes fighting or blood-shed about which is the right view, but it has always been true that Love is the mark of all true believers (1 John 4:7-21), the first-named fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a light which shines brightly even if underneath a basket atop a hill at night. (Matthew 5:15, 16) How do you answer: What is actually taught in the Trinity Teaching?  Would you fellowship with people who hold some different views about God's nature and why or why not? 22.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation THE THREE MAIN CREEDS: A creed is a statement of beliefs.  Many churches and individuals go by one or more creeds, although others fellowship with all who believe in Christ as Lord and Savior and go by the Christian scriptures instead of some other publication or oral beliefs.  The most common of the three major creeds that possibly 95% of all Christian churches and believers go by is called “the Apostles Creed,”  for example by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Western Orthodox, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists. The Apostles’ Creed was probably written about 99 or 100 A.D. after the death of the last apostle, John, as a summary of basic Christian beliefs.  It says that Christians believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Furthermore, the Son was born of Mary, slain but went to heaven from where he shall return to judge the living and the dead.  Also, Christians believe in meeting together, holding communion, forgiving sins, looking forward to a resurrection for eternal life. The Nicene Creed of 381 A.D. is a longer written statement, and it has more details.  It says that God's Son was "eternally begotten," meaning that Christ has existed eternally even before born upon Earth of Mary; and also Jesus Christ the Son of God is divine or holy.  Titus 2:13 backs this by saying that Christ is also rightly called not only Son but "God."  This means either that Jesus Christ the Son of God is simultaneously also God Almighty the Father, or else Jesus Christ the Son of God is equally divine or holy along with God Almighty the Father but all the same Jesus Christ the Son not identical to the Father.  The Nicene Creed also calls Holy Spirit the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, is also worshipped and glorified.  So the concensus of its writers is that Holy Spirit is a Being or Person who is different from the Father or the Son. The Athanasian Creed came into use after 500 A.D. in West Europe but not East Europe or the Middle East.  It says that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three different persons but one God co-eternal, uncreated and almighty.   Some priests and others do take this to mean the three are one Being or Person, but others believe the description is referring not to one Person with three parts or lesser persons within Him but to the overall Godhead or Godship.  The Athanasian Creed says the Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth is equal to the Father in so far as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood; Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.”  It also says “The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.” So the Athanasian Creed also says the three are different Beings or Persons.  It calls all three "God," and so this has sparked numerous debates over the centuries, sometimes even fighting and deaths of Christians.   The contention is over if “God” in the creed means that the three are one and the same Person, or if it means the three are different but one in being holy.  The Roman Catholic Church has priests say they are one and the same Person; among Protestants there has long been diversity in views. Sincere Christians with different views can and do often fellowship despite differences of views on many other topics, and there is no reason why they cannot do so on this topic too.  There is Unity by Love instead of everyone having to all claim to hold identical views on everything. (Colossians 3:14) How do you answer: 1. Do all churches and individuals go by a creed?  2. What are the three main creeds?  3. Which creed is the most common?  4.  How do you feel about creeds and why? 23.) The Old Testament Part (Hebrew, Aramaic): Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi  The New Testament Part (Koine Greek):  Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians  Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation UNITY: According to Colossians 3:14, love is the perfect bond of Unity.   It is not necessary or desirable for us to try to make everyone else believe the same things that we do.  Trying to do that would be dictatorial and unkind, remindful of Satan instead of our kind and loving Father in heaven.  Still, in addition to actively showing an abundance of love, true Christians do hold many beliefs in common.  For example Christ said to pray what is called the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)  At Hebrews 6:1, 2 the apostle Paul gives a list of basic foundational teachings.  Possibly 95% of modern Christians have accepted  what is called the Apostles' Creed, which likely goes back to about 100 A.D.  All the same, the way to identify true Christians is the way that Jesus Christ said is needed, by bearing much good fruit, (John 15:8, Matthew 7:16) being like a bright light illuminating the dim to dark pathway of life winding across the world and through time. (Matthew 5:16)  The Bible is God's word of truth for us, the one and only perfect teacher (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16), giving us more and more light provided we study it carefully, humbly and with appreciation. (Proverbs 4:18)  The opposite of unity is disunity.  Paul at 1 Corinthians 1:10 says to be fitly united in mind and thought without divisions.  God is not a God of disorder and nor is He a Dictator.  He provides love for when we differ as we strive to progress beyond the simplest basics in the Bible.  It is natural and Godly that all flowers are not the same color, fragrance or shape; and likewise natural that humans differ including as to views on important matters like Bible topics.  Staying focused on keeping love first and foremost is the only thing that can maintain unity.  Otherwise stormy divisions occur.  Churches divide over doctrinal views even though doing so is clearly not desirable.  Love, too, we need to remember, is not just the fruit of the lips, but the doing of actual deeds of loving-kindness.  Telling a hungry man in winter weather to stay warm and well-fed is pretty in words, but not in deeds.  Give such a person blankets and warm food!  James says faith without works of kindness is dead.  (James 2:16)  We need to show active love, laying our hands in Christian love for example by actually helping the poor, needy widows, the orphans, alien residents, prisoners, the blind, lame, sick, poorly clothed or naked, the dying, the bereathed, the hungry and starving.  Didn't Christ not only preach but actually help the sick and feed the hungry?!  The gospels are full of such doings by our Chief Role Model and Spiritual King.  There is no law against doing acts of kindness, (Galatians 5:23)  giving freely of ourselves helps not only others but even ourselves, and there is no better witness to God's glory than helping others in need, yet a lot of churches and individuals just show their love with words!  How do you answer:  What is the true bond of unity?  What causes disunity and divisions? ARMAGEDDON FEAR EXAMINED AND SURPASSED BY LOVE

CHRIST FOR THE TRUTH THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE  John 6:68 and 14:6.  Please read the following paragraphs, each of which has a question to be asked and answered, and in particular be sure to read all of the scriptures from any reputable Bible translation.  You may study from this publication either alone or with one or more other persons.  THE GOOD NEWS 1. To begin, please look up 1 Corinthians 15:22.  Read it.  Notice that Paul says there that we all sin and therefore we will all die.   So when for example if you were to hear that many people who now live will never die, you now know from the Bible itself that that is not true.  We all sin and we all die, as Paul wrote, however, the real Good News is that we have the Christian hope of resurrection.  In fact is the “Good News” that many will never die, or is the “Good News” that “we have the hope of resurrection”? 2. You may also hear that the resurrection for most people will be upon the earth after it has been made beautiful again like the Garden of Eden was.  That sounds wonderful, but what does the Bible say?  For example, we know that Christ resurrected people such as his friend Lazarus while here upon earth.  But will a Great Crowd be resurrected upon earth or will most Christians be resurrected to heaven?   Revelation 19:1 answers this.  It says a Great Crowd are in heaven, not earth.  Read it.  Also, please read and think about what 1 all of Corinthians 15 says.  God Himself will decide if He resurrects this person or that person to heaven or upon earth.  But the Bible gives Christians who love Christ a strong hope for resurrection to be with Christ is heaven. According to the Bible will most Christians be resurrected on earth or to heaven? 3. It is true that Revelation, written by the apostle John, has other scriptures that speak of 144,000 spirits of humans who have gone to heaven.  (Revelation 7:4, 14:3)  However, Revelation is recognized as a book of symbolism.  For example numbers such as 3, 7 and 666 (Re 13:18)  are used symbolically.  Something said three times emphasizes it.  The number 7 indicates perfection as with there being seven creative time periods or days.  Six, being one less than 7, indicates imperfection.  And 666 is imperfection emphasized three times over. What do numbers such as 3, 7 and 6 symbolize? 4. Although the number 144,000 could be exactly 144,000, it can, therefore, also be symbolic for a larger number.  Indeed, John saw that he saw a large multitude after he heard a description of the sealing of the 144,000.   So it is reasonable that the 144,000 is symbolic of that large group. What is another reason to believe that 144,000 is symbolic for even more people to be in heaven? 5. Some wonder, why would being resurrected to dwell in heaven be better than being upon planet earth become beautiful again?  Christ has said that in the starry heavens the Father has “many mansions.”   The stars are like endless jewels of all colors and wondrous forms.  There are even more planets than stars, possibly some being comparable to the earth.  Earth has gorgeous flowers, snowflakes, sunsets, but heaven also has numerous other truly unimaginable wonders.  Indeed, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.  (1 Corinthians 2:9)  A spirit creature can see and  perceive even more than can a human of flesh and blood.  And, even better than the reward of getting to enjoy unsurpassed beauty, is the thought of being with Jesus Christ in heaven. Why is heaven an even more desirable place for resurrection than upon earth? 6. You may have heard some people ask if the earth will remain forever or not.  Scientists have suggested it may exist several more billions of years.  Some people say it may end tomorrow or any moment.  Actually, the Bible has a number of scriptures about this.   For example, Ecclesiastes 1:4 says “the earth will remain forever,” which is what some groups emphasize.  However, Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33, and Revelation 21:1 counter-balance by saying the earth will pass away but a new earth will come.  Read those to see the proof for yourself.  The answer, then, is that in the long run our planet earth remains forever.  It passes away but it is re-created. Explain why the earth will or will not always exist? CONDITION OF THE DEAD 7. Is the human soul “immortal,” “eternal” or “long-lasting”?   To begin, notice that Ecclesiastes 9:5 says "the dead are conscious of nothing at all." Some say that means that all the dead sleep.  In other words, many who die sleep until they are at some point either resurrected as a reward on earth or to heaven, but the wicked are never awakened and their punishment is that they just keep sleeping peacefully forever.  However, that line of reasoning ignores that God is also Just,  which means that the really wicked people do indeed receive some kind of punishment after death, not just getting to sleep forever.  What does Ecclesiastes 9:5 say about the dead? 8. Yes, dead bodies are conscious of nothing, which is as Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, but since human spirits become as angels in heaven (remember for example the 144,000 humans going to heaven), then spirits or souls (spirits once with a body) do survive the death of the body.  This is not a teaching, as some have claimed, that is only from pagan Greeks, but is also found in the Christian Bible. How do we know the human spirit survives when a body dies? 9. However, how long do spirits of humans get to exist once they are in heaven?  The Bible never says the human soul is “immortal” but to the contrary as stated at Ezekial 18:4, 20.   Also be sure to read 1 Timothy 16:16.  The angels and those humans who are rewarded with life in heaven as spirit beings, can enjoy life but it is always with the understanding that they must never mis-do as Satan did.  Once “clothed with immortality," that is having the potential to possibly exist forever, a human still stay faithful. (1 Cor. 15:53, 54)  Also read Ecclesiastes 12:7 and Psalm 146:4 showing the spirit or soul survives death of the body. Do any human spirits become immortal?  Explain. TRINITY: 10. Now let’s look at the statement of belief called the trinity.  First what is it not?  It  is not that there are three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) who are the same God.  Instead the belief teaches that there are three persons who are different persons. Although different as persons, God the Father, God’s only born Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one in being totally holy. At Romans 1:20 this state of holiness is called godship or godhead, referred to as divine essence or divinity.   Does the trinity doctrine say the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the same person? HOLIDAYS: CHRISTMAS: 11. Paul at Colossians 2:16 says "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."  Also read John 10:22 which says Christ himself celebrated the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hannukah or the Festival of Lights with not only special menorah candle-holders with lights but also special foods and gifts.  Some believe Christmas developed from Hannukah instead of the Roman festival of Saturnalia.  Luke 2 says angels and shepherds celebrated Christ's birthday, Christmas.  After reading Job 1:3 followed by Job 3:1, 3, many believe those show the patriarch Job's children each celebrated their days of birth. Santa Claus came from Saint Nicholas, an actual Christian who dropped small pouches of gold as gifts through open wooden window shutters at night, not a god or wizard.  Research has proved the Christmas Tree developed from use of the Paradise Tree in Eden after it was used in medieval Christian church plays. Some opposed to holidays do however use days of the week and months, personal names such as Jason, Diana, April, May and June, rings and wedding rings, money, which all originated from pagans. What are some reasons why some Christians celebrate Christmas, and what are some reasons why some other Christians don't?  How do you feel about it and why? THANKSGIVING: 12. God Himself began a harvest festival for Israel which was called the Festival Of Booths or Festival of Tabernacles, when the Israelites thanked God for bountiful crops.  Read Deuteronomy 16:13-15 and Leviticus 23:33-34, 39.  The booths were simple structures in which families placed samples of their crops for which they thanked God.  Thanksgiving an ultra-nationalistic holiday for just people in the United States as some have claimed because Germany, Canada, the Philippines and many other lands have a Thanksgiving holiday for thanking God.  Explain why Thanksgiving is or isn’t unscriptural or ultranationalistic. EASTER: 13. Christians began using rabbits and eggs as symbols of new life resurrection at Easter time not as vestiges of pagan sex worship.    Most encyclopedias and dictionaries have said the name Easter is from an ancient non-Christian pagan goddess named Eastre, Eostre or possibly even earlier, Ashtarte.  They base this on the speculations of the ancient British scholar named Bede, but some unabridged dictionaries have said the name more likely is from the Old English or Anglo-Saxon word for East or Eastern.  Christianity came to Europe and later America from the direction of the East, specifically from the Middle East.  Also some Christians believe Christ will return from the east to resurrect people as Matthew 24:27 says. What are some possible origins for the word Easter?  How do you feel about the Easter holiday? HALLOWEEN: 14. Halloween began when Christians during the Middle Ages in Europe had their kids dress up like faithful Bible figures tortured and martyred for having stayed faithful, hoping the kids would also grow up to be faithful.  The holiday was called All Saints Evening as it honored all saints or holy ones.  In some European nations it still follows this tradition but some Christians note that pranks, devil and witch costumes etc have been added in the United States; therefore for them there is too much darkness, and Paul wrote that light has no fellowship with the dark. (2 Cor 6:14)  Yet most adult Christians view it as a matter of light since kids get to enjoy candy and joy is a fruit of Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)  Some believe jack-o-lanterns may be from the pagan holiday Samhain in Ireland; others say even if so since it replaced Samhain it is not darkness mixed with light but rather is light that overcame darkness.  (2 Corinthians 6:14)  Some adults do not let their kids go trick-or-treating but instead have a fun party at home or church, a play, skits or costumes centered around faithful Bible characters or Patriarchs, bobbing for apples etc.  As Christians we each make our own decisions about such things, individually standing or falling before God in view of how we conduct ourselves.  (Romans 14:4) Although as said Paul for example wrote that light has no fellowship with the dark (2 Cor 6:14), most parents note that for their little kids it is usually a matter of light in that they enjoy getting a lot of candy on the day and joy is also a fruit of Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)  True, too, though, at times some malicious people have given kids poison in candy, which is a matter of darkness, and whether the kids like Halloween candy or not they must be protecting and parents can always provide their cookies and candy treats.  Also, some older kids have told people that they must give them candy or else have their windows smeared with soap or other pranks done, and such acts are naturally viewed as a form of youthful extortion and vandalism, additional forms of darkness.  If you will read Romans 14:1-22, Paul said allow each to do as his or her own Christian conscience says in such matters, be considerate and not trying to stumble, definitely not be judging each other over such things.  Further, some say the day was an outgrowth of the pagan holiday Samhain in Ireland, although others say, no, it must be viewed as a holiday that replaced Samhain, a matter not of darkness mixed with light but rather a matter of light overcoming darkness.  (2 Corinthians 6:14)  A common illustration is to say would you drink a glass of clean water that had even a little bit of poison mixed with it?  The answer is almost always "No, of course not."  On the other hand it is equally possible to answer, "You're using the wrong illustration.  This really more like when a glass of water has poison in it and you add into it something that neutralizes the poison, thus making the water safe again."  So both sides have their own reasons for what they do or don't do, and it's a matter of conscience. Regarding Halloween as with the other holidays, it is good to bear in mind that Paul said to let none be judging us over if we observe holidays or Sabbaths one way or another. (Colossians 2:16)  Let us also remember that as Christians we each have the responsibility to make our own decisions about such things, standing or falling before God Almighty in view of how we have conducted ourselves, whether following a Bible-trained conscience or deliberately ignoring it.  (Romans 14:4) Explain why some do some don’t celebrated Halloween.  What do you think about it? THE ONE TRUE FAITH AND ITS ONLY HEAD: 15. A common question is “What is the one true faith?”  Many groups say theirs is the only one truth faith, that only they have The Truth.  At Ephesians 4:5, the apostle Paul says there’s “one faith.”  The one faith existing when Paul said it existed, and for that matter which still exists is not any one certain name group or denomination, but general Christianity.  Like a big tree, Christianity has had some good, many average, and some extremely bad branches.  The very bad ones are not truly Christian, but that doesn’t mean that Christianity in general is all bad or false.  One ant does not end an entire picnic. How do we know Christianity is the one true faith? 17. Some groups have been headed by one person or several who referred to themselves as the “Faithful and Discreet” or “Loyal and Wise” servant whom Christ says at Matthew 24:46  is in charge of all God’s followers and their possessions on earth.  However, the MOST faithful and discreet, or MOST loyal and wise servant of God has not been the head or heads or any of the different branches of Christianity.  No, that role has always been filled by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Who is the Most faithful and discreet, wise or loyal servant of God? DATES FOR “THE END” 18. Over the centuries various individuals and groups have predicted that the End of the World or The End Of Civilization As We Know It would come on a certain date or no later than a certain date.  For example some have said that the year 1914 was a year when some of the people then living would see the End.  Others have prophesied 1975, 2000, 2011, 2014 etc.  However, Christ has said at Matthew 24:36 that only the Father knows the hour of the end.  Time after time the individuals and groups who predicted or prophesied dates have been proved wrong, while Christ has always proved correct.  Please read Deuteronomy. 18:20-22. Why should we not believe in predictions for “The End”? 19. Is such date-setting an innocent activity that doesn’t harm anyone, just excites people to try harder to be good and worship more?  Time and again people have done things such as sell their homes, not pay bills, etc in expectation of such false dates.  Then after such dates did not prove true, they turned sour on having anything more to do with any branch of Christianity, felt extra depressed, and some have committed suicide. What are some of the negative consequences of the setting of false dates for the End? TRUE UNITY: 20. In some groups it is told if everyone in it doesn’t believe the same thing, it’s a lack of unity.  However, Colossians 3:14 says the one true bond of unity is Love, not everyone holding robotically same beliefs on everything.  Read Romans 14 and John 8:32 thoughtfully, and you will see that Christians are granted freedom to hold different beliefs.   God did not make all flowers of the one same color, scent or appearance.  He provided variety which is good and definitely godly.    This does not mean that holding essential, fundamental or key beliefs is unimportant; to the contrary. (Read Hebrews 6:1)  But Christians do, as stated in the Bible, enjoy Christian freedom of conscience and the right to exercise it without some person or group doing them harm such as severely shunning them. To what extent do Christian have the right to differ? DANGERS TO AVOID:   21. Scripture says Satan masquerades as an angel of light, trying to make himself look attractive to unwary persons.  Sometimes entire groups make themselves look attractive by dressing up, preaching a lot, etc.  But those same groups also may be ones which deny people the Christian freedom spoken of in Romans 14.  Such groups also often teach things that harm the people and endanger the lives of themselves or others.    Revelation 18:4 says to get out of any Babylonishly bad groups.   Christ says his yoke is gentle and light.  (Matthew 11:29, 30)  He does not have tons of rules or laws that he imposes as did the Pharisees or their modern equivalents.   Do Christians in good branches of Christianity have lots of rules they must go by?   22. For example at Luke 17:2 Christ says put the protection of our Little Ones over any man who abuses them.  Yet there are organizations that  push all or a clergy class of members deemed “in good standing,” including for example so-called “repentant” pedophiles, to interact with the Public, the Public’s kids and kids within the group’s own flock.   This is definitely against Christ!   When rightly upset parents have protested to heads over such organizations, they have sometimes been told to “shut up,” “wait on the Lord,” threatened with shunning or total expulsion, etc.  Roman 13:1 says to obey  government officials and Caesar’s sword of the law, as God allows such to exist. He knows they often act for good order and helpful purpose such as when they direct people to turn in those who harm others including little ones for investigation and possible punishment.    What does Christ say about our “Little Ones”?   23. John 8:32 says the real truth sets us free.  Free from what?   For example, the most dangerous religious groups are called which are rightly called sects or cults, and they often impose numerous rules upon their members.  Their invasiveness can sometimes extend even into the intimate lives of married couples.  Their policies or rules may cause deaths or great bodily or mental harm.  They may secretly spy on, wiretap, harass etc their own members and others.  When people leave a cult that kind of organization often will cut them off from ever speaking to or at least not speaking in a normal, fully free way with members of their own family who are still in the cult.  However, Christ says those who do lose family on account of following him will be compensated with many new spiritual brothers and sisters.  Read Matthew 5:11.   What are some signs or indications of a dangerous cult or sect?   CONFIDENCE IN THE BIBLE AND CHRIST:   24. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says the scriptures themselves teach and guide Christians, meaning the Bible is essential, our real teacher, but, although sometimes handy as with wedding or funeral preaching, human clergy officials are not so essential.   In fact, true ministers are those who minister, that is help other.  Holding a title or a piece of paper saying you are a minister doesn’t make you a minister, but actually ministering (helping) others as a Christian makes you a Christian servant or minister.  Paul ordained persons not to a position of power over others or entitlement but to do things that helped others.  Of course, though, in many places governments require a written document saying one or more persons in a congregation are its elders, minister or servants, so be sure, as the Bible directs, to comply with the law. (Romans 13:1)   Who or what is the one perfect teacher for Christians?  Describe what a true minister is.   25. Too often highly legalistic religious organizations are also corporate businesses, getting money from having their members sell literature or various other items.  As corporations they may put their own organization’s existence over the happiness of their own members.  However, Christ says himself is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” at John 6:68 and 14:6.   No other individual or “false Christ,” that is persons pretending to speak for and take Christ’s place, can truthfully say that.  No corporation or other human organization can give you The Truth or give you Life.  The sheep know their master’s bell.    What are some differences between Christ and human religious organizations?   26. This is not to say that all groups which operate in an orderly manner are wrong.  As said there are good, many average, and also some bad branches of Christianity just as surely as there are also those Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Animism, Hinduism, etc.  Individuals and groups are known by their Christian fruitage, that is by how well they behave, how actively loving they are among themselves and toward others. Fine fruits consist of love, joy, peace etc.  Read Galatians 5:22.  There are many good persons who try to act like Christ, but we must use some discernment.  They don’t just preach by words, they do acts of mercy and kindness.  Doing things, that is works, are not required for salvation, but they are a natural fruitage that come from trying to be like Christ.   Why are all organized religious groups not bad?   PREACHING:   27. The Bible shows conversions took place quickly, no long “Bible study” being needed.  Also, at Luke 10:1-7, Christ told his apostles to go from a house in one location to a friendly house in another location.  For example we are not to go "transferring" about in an annoying way, and we need to seek out places with friendly people but shake the dust off if a place and its people are unfriendly to the Good News.  Hot debates usually accomplish nothing except to waste time, cause negative feelings.  It needs to stay clear that we are trying to be reasonable, staying peaceful to all insofar as it depends upon ourselves.  Christ and the apostles preached to the public wherever people gathered.  Some places were at the Lake of Galilee, in a moving chariot, in a forum, in synagogues, etc.  They usually met for fellowship at homes. (Romans 16:1)  Remember, too, that we preach best not by just our lips but even more so by hands-on acts of loving-kindness.   What are some of the best ways to preach?   HEALTH: 28. Some groups preach against using any kind of medical treatment, even though the Bible calls Luke “the beloved physician” and Christ said healthy people don’t need a doctor but the sick people do.  Read Matthew 9:12.  Other groups have caused the deaths of followers including children by saying God does not want them to  eat certain necessary foods or, for example, opposed the emergency use of transfusions of whole blood.  This goes against 1 Samuel 14:31-35, which shows God forgave Saul’s men who ate unbled meat to stay alive, and it also goes against Christ saying at Matthew 12:7 that God wants Mercy not Sacrifice.     Name some unscriptural dangerous anti-good health practices by some groups.   29. God wants people to have good health.  For example, He was sad when the misconduct of Adam and Eve led to imperfections causing pains and the later deaths of those two as well as their descendants.  We are grateful that He later sent  Christ to be born, live and die as a perfect ransom so that we have the resurrection hope.    How do we know God wants us to enjoy good health?   CLOSENESS TO GOD:   30. We know we are imperfect, and yet out of love we want to draw closer to God in prayer.  What’s the best way to do so?  Christ answers this at Matthew 6:9 in the chapter that has the model prayer for Christians.  He says to address God in a respectful loving manner, and specifically he says to call God our “Father.”  Similarly Paul at Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6 say to call God “Abba” which is Aramaic for dad, daddy or papa.  It is not wrong to use a formal term of address or a formal name such as Lord, Adonai, Jehovah or Yahweh.   However, think about it like this and in line with what Christ and Paul have told us: if you are Mark or Suzie Jones would your father Charles Jones want you to call him Charles Jones, Mr. Jones, Mister; or lovingly say dad, daddy, father?  How can we draw closer to our heavenly Father?