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"BIBLE STUDY AND RESEARCH TOOLS"

This has many helpful items, tools and ideas for Bible Study and research. As a suggestion you may first wish to scroll up and down this page in order to quickly see what it has.

BIBLE RESEARCH TOOLS, ETC

BIBLOS.COM

This has Bible photos, a concordance, scriptures finding etc. It is especially recommended to go to it then click on the tiny word CONCORDANCE. You type in a word or more and click search and it will then show you all scriptures with those particular word(s). Often people know just a word or two of a verse but have forgotten the entire verse and don't know where it is in any case. This enables you to find such verses.

http://biblos.com/

BIBLE TRANSLATIONS IN MANY LANGUAGES

This website offers concordances, Bibles in English that include the New International Version, New American Standard Version, New King James Version, etc; also Bibles in other languages include Spanish, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Danish (Dansk), Dutch (Nederlands), French, Greek (Biblical Koine), German, Hebrew, Hungarian (Magyar), Nahuatl (Aztec), Norwegian (Norsk), Romanian, Russian, Swahili (Kiswahili), Swedish, Tagalog, Vietnamese (Tieng Viet) etc.

http://www.biblegateway.com

THE UNBOUND BIBLE
http://unbound.biola.edu/

NEW WORLD BIBLE TRANSLATION

http://watchtower.org/e/bible/

STRONG'S CONCORDANCE
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/strongs-exhaustive-concordance/

TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE

http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/

THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA

VINE'S EXPOSITORY

BIBLE DICTIONARIES ONLINE (EASTON'S, SMITH'S ETC)

BIBLE STUDY METHODS

Two common basic methods for Bible study are described farther below. Both methods teach people to enjoyably come to know more about the Bible. However, beware that being a Christian isn't just a matter of having such head knowledge. What also matters is showing love and consideration and not just by words but in a hands-on real way. As Paul once said, telling someone to stay warm and well-fed are nice words. However, what pleases God is not words that anyone can easily say, but actually helping the person to stay "warm" by getting him or her some blankets and also helping him/her to stay "well-fed" by giving him/her a sandwich or bowl of beans.

"Learning about the Bible" looms large in the lives of Christians, a goal to strive after constantly, but we are enriched immeasurably more by seeking to "Live the Bible." May God bless all who work hard to do what is right. We are imperfect, but He loves us anyway, and we love Him too and it is natural that many of us wish to keep drawing closer to our fascinating, awesome Father in Heaven via Bible reading and study so long as doing so is attainable and kept enjoyable.

THE BIBLE "CHAPTERS" METHOD

Your group thoughtfully reads a chapter in a book of the Bible each meeting and each participant is free to discuss how s/he feels that the chapter (or a portion of it if only part is read) can be applied in his/her own life or possibly may be remind of and then share some experience(s) that the reading reminds him/her of.

There are 1,189 chapters in the Protestant Bible. Each year has 52 weeks. This means that if you use if for the whole Bible, it will take 1189 divided by 52 or almost 23 years to study the whole Bible by doing a chapter a week. Also remember that some chapters are extra long or short.

The earliest Christians sat and heard at least a part of a letter read that an apostle had sent. They did not have concordances, encyclopedias etc that would allow them to do the more involved Topics method of study. So this was the original reading or study method. The earliest Christians had no television, internet etc to take them away from the Bible so much; and they were accustomed to doing more memorizing, too.

"TOPICS" METHOD

For this any interested person(s) can look up an assigned word or subject. For example, a person (or indeed a whole group) might choose to look in the Bible itself as well as for example in concordances, encyclopedias, leaflets, tracts, brochures, books etc for information to research then share about topics such as for categories like People, Places, Things, Fruits of Holy Spirit, etc. For example:
FRUITAGE: anger, joy, love, patience, peace,.......; PEOPLE: Abraham, Bathsheba, David, Ezekiel, Gabriel, Gideon, Jairus, Jesus, Joseph, Moses, Naomi, Paul, Rachel, Ruth, Samson, Sara, Uzziah......... TYPES: Angels, Animals, Apostle, Demons, Foods, Music, Musical Instruments, Plants, Saints, Teacher, Women;....... SUBJECTS: hell/after-death/grave/soul, preaching/evangelism, voting/vote,......... PLACES: Ai, Beersheba, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Jerusalem, Nazereth, Tyre,..... THINGS: altar, ark of covenant, urim.

Just be careful to not let this approach or method take you or your group away from reading the Bible itself.

"COMBINATION" METHOD

The "Combination" Method is a mixture of the Topics and Chapters methods. For example, you and some others get together, take turns reading scriptures in Matthew 15 and discussing them some as you go along, and that's the Chapter Method part of the study. But towards the end of your time together at least two or three of those present, if they have expressed interest, can take 3-5 more minutes to present their own views as individual speakers on other matters or topics.

Be prepared to hear some very "different" or controversial talks at times. Always remind people that our unity is not by identical same beliefs but by LOVE. The more we keep our love for one another even on "Hot Potato" topics, the more we can all grow individually and as groups.

HANDY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE

This is only a suggested possible way for reading through the Bible as individuals or groups. You may, for example, start by a brief prayer followed by reading Matthew 1 for the first week, Matthew 2 for the second week, etcetera. If meeting as a group of two or more you may ask that all present thoughtfully consider how he or she may be able to apply the scriptures to their own life. Prayer may go before and after the Bible reading. You may wish to include music, song, a simple meal, a talk or testimonial, a group project for doing some fine works or charitable causes.

There are 260 total chapters in the Bible, and some chapters are longer or shorter than others. The total of 260 chapters divided by the 52 weeks which are in a year equals 5 years. So this is a reading schedule good for that length of time, doing only one chapter per week. The Hebrew-Aramaic or Old Testament part of the Bible may be used for individual reading and or talks by individuals. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, all scriptures are beneficial, can reprove and train us. On the other hand it's also true that some scriptures weigh even heavier than others.

Also, if you are an isolated or relatively isolated person you are encouraged to make use of the internet for social fellowshipping, telephone conferencing on or off the internet etc. Facebook.com, MySpace.com, etc are some common social networks but of course each has bad personalities intertwined with wise, good and understanding friends who love God.

NEW TESTAMENT (ORIGINALLY IN KOINE/BIBLICAL GREEK)

Matthew
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Mark
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Luke
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
John
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Acts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Romans
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 Corinthians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2 Corinthians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Galatians
1 2 3 4 5 6
Ephesians
1 2 3 4 5 6
Philippians
1 2 3 4
Colossians
1 2 3 4
1 Thessalonians
1 2 3 4 5
2 Thessalonians
1 2 3
1 Timothy
1 2 3 4 5 6
2 Timothy
1 2 3 4
Titus
1 2 3
Philemon
1
Hebrews
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
James
1 2 3 4 5
1 Peter
1 2 3 4 5
2 Peter
1 2 3
1 John
1 2 3 4 5
2 John
1
3 John
1
Jude
1
Revelation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

HOLY LAND GEOGRAPHY

DEAD SEA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea
GOLAN HEIGHTS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golan_Heights
JORDAN RIFT VALLEY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Rift_Valley
JORDAN RIVER, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=JORDAN+RIVER+ISRAEL&m=text
MEDITERRANEAN, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=MEDITERRANEAN+ISRAEL&m=text
MOUNT CARMEL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel
SEA OF GALILEE http://flickr.com/search/?q=SEA+OF+GALILEE+ISRAEL&m=text
MOUNT SINAI http://flickr.com/search/?q=Mount+Sinai&m=text

COMPACT CONCORDANCE
This is still being developed so please keep coming back as more scriptures and topics will be added here.

A*
Abba: say Father/Abba Mt 6:9; Mr 14:36; Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6
Angel(s) Peter’s Ac 12:15; at Christ’s birth Lu 2:13; even if angel out of heaven declares false good news let him be accursed Ga 1:8; they began to say it was Peter’s angel Ac 12:15
Anointed: God’s spirit dwells in 1 Co 3:16, judge angels 1 Co 6:3; we were created in union with Christ for good works Ep 2:10
Apostates: 2 Jn 9-11
Apostles: much disputing took place Ac 15:7
Arrangements decently 1 Cor 14:40 Ro 13:2
Association: little leaven ferments whole lump 1Cor 5:6
B*
Babylon (chosen one in): 1 Pe 5:3
Baptizing: by water Ac 8; repent & be baptized Ac 2:38; all got baptized into Moses by cloud & sea 1 Cor 10:2
Bear: you weren’t able to bear them (things wished) at present Jn 16:12
Beroeans: more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica Ac 17:11
Bible: all scripture is inspired for teaching, reproving etc 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Birthdays: Lu 2:13, Job 1:4; 3:1-3
Blood Ban: Ac 15:20, 29; Ge9:14
Brothers: “All you are b.”: Mt 23:8
Body Of Christ: function as Ep 4:16
C*
Channukah Festival of Dedication Jn 10:22 (Jesus in Jerusalem temple in winter)
Charitable deeds Mt 25:44 (See “Poor”)
Children: honor your father and mother that it may go well with you Ep 6:2, 3
Christ “Your leader” (Mt 23:10), one mediator 1 Tim 2:5; rock-mass meant the C 1Cor 10:4; the head of every man is the C 1Cor 11:3
Christian, first called name of Ac 11:26
Circuit Ro 15:19, Mr 6:6
Cleanliness 1 Thes 4:7, 8
Clothing God doesn’t go by outward looks Ga 2:6 modesty
Confidential talk, don’t reveal Pr 25:9
Congregations action by apostles, older men, entire congregation not Gov Body, Ac 15:22; Congregations in houses: in Philemon’s house Philemon 1:2
Contributions: God loves cheerful giver 2 Cor 9:7
Counselors, multitude of Pr 11:14
Cults: we are warned to get out of any cult Re 18:4
D*
Defence: ready to make for your hope 1 Pe 3:15
Disfellowshipping: don’t mix with any called brother but doing bad 1 Cor 5:13;
shame with no association but admonish as brother 2 Thes 3:6;
don’t receive in homes or greet anti-Christs not in Christ’s teachings) 2 Jn 9:1
Divorce: wife should not depart from husband but if does let her remain unmarried or make up 1 Cor 7:10, 11; if widowed she is free to marry whom she want in the Lord 1Cor 7:39
Doctrine: foundations of: Heb 6:1, 2
Drink: some for stomach 1 Tim 5:23
E*
Earth: remains forever Ec 1:4, meek inherit Mt 5:5, to be burnt 2 Pe 3:7, to perish Heb 1:10; passes away: Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33, and Revelation 21:1; [it passes away but is restored and in this way remains forever]
Eating with unbelievers: 1 Cor 10:27
Education: Paul was a lawyer Ac 22:3, Luke a doctor Col 4:14
End: nobody but God knows when Mt 24:36
Enemies: love and prayfor Mt 5:44
Equality: Be subject to one another Ep 5:24, God called Paul not men Ga 1:15-24, men and women are Christians Ga 3:28, 29
Evangelizer: do the work of 2 Tim 4:5
Exposed all to God Heb 4:13
F*
Faith makes one righteous (not by works) if in Christ (Ga 2:15); makes sons of God (Ga 3:26)
Fellow workers of God: 1 Cor 3:9; not masters mover you 2 Cor 2:24
Forgiving: forgive freely Ep 4:32
Fornication: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, men kept for unnatural purposes, homosexual, thieves, greedy, drunks, revilers, extortioners won’t inherit the kingdom 1 Cor 6:9, 10; body is not for f but for the Lord 1 Cor 6:12
Foundation: only f is Jesus 1Cor 3:11
Freedom: don’t be reconfined in slavery Ga 5:1
Free-lance preaching Ga 1:15-21
Freeness of Speech: don’t throw away He 10:35
Freedom of Conscience: let each be convinced in his own mind Ro 14:5; skeptics also welcome Ro 14:1, be reasonable Philippians 4:5
Friends: I have called you Jn 15:15; send greetings 3 Jn 14; closer than a brother Pr 18:24; he not against us is for us Mk 9:40, 41; those who lose friends because of being Christian get new ones (Mt 5:11)
G*
Generation: these things occur then “this generation” dies Mt 24:34
Gifts: there are varieties of g 1Cor 12:3
God: invisible qualities seen by His creation even Godship Ro 1:20; catches wise in their own cunning 1Cor 3:19; there are those called “gods” but to us one God the Father 1Cor 8:45, 6; God is a God of order and peace 1Cor 14:33; all things are naked to His eyes Heb 4:13; our God and Savior is Christ Jesus Titus 2:13
Great Crowd in heaven: Rev 19:1
Greet: with a holy kiss 2 Cor 13:12 (See also “Holy Kiss”)
H*
Hair-splitting of doctrines is wrong: 2 Tim 2:16
Health: physicians needed if ailing Mt 9:12; Luke was physician Col 4:14; body’s a temple 1 Cor 3:16, 17
Hellfire rich men tormented in hades w fire Lu 16:23, 24
Holy Of Holies Chamber: some will wrongly say Christ is in the inner chambers Mt 24:26
Holy Kiss: Ro 16:16, 2Cor 13:12, 1 Thes 5:26
Holy Spirit: be aglow with Ro 12:11; searches into the deep things 1 Cor 2:1o
Homosexuality: Ro 1:27, 1 Ti 1:10
Hope: Christ is our hope 1 Tim 1:1; you are our hope 1 Thes 2:19
House Of God 1 Pe 4:17, Ep 2:19
Household: Paul baptized whole h of Stephanus 1Cor 1:16; Lydia’s household got baptized Ac 16:15; Crispus the presiding officer of synagogue and his whole household was baptized Ac 18:8
Hypocrites: they shut up the kingdom from others Mt 23:13
I*
Idol: is nothing 1 Cor 8:4; guard against 1 Jn 5:21
Inner Chamber: if say there don’t believe Mt 24:26
J*
Judging: you have class distinctions James 2:4; mercy exults over James 2:13; do judge 1 Cor 5:12, 13; don’t be judging one another Ro 14:13; judge! 1 Cor 5:12; wise may judge if to avoid worldly court 1 Cor 6:4,5; remove wicked man 1 Co 5:15; only the Son judges Jn 5:22; don’t judge anything till the Lord comes 1Cor 4:5; 1 Cor 6:2 holy ones will j the world
K*
Kingdom: from John Baptiser’s day being snatched Mt 11:12; transferred us into Col 1:13; kingdom lies not in speech but power 1Cor 4:20
Knowledge: puffs up but love builds up 1Cor 8:1
L*
Last Supper: Christ says partake or you don’t life John 6:53; partake proclaiming the Lord’s death till he arrives 1Cor 11:26; don’t partake unworthily 1 Cor 11:27; let a man scrutinize himself before partaking 1Cor 11:28
Law Of Moses: produces wrath Ro 4:15; to be in heart and mind Heb 8:10;
Law/Rule: don’t go beyond things written 1Cor 4:6
Lawful: all things are lawful but not all things are advantageous
Leader: only one is Christ Mt 13:10, Christ only mediator between God and men 1 Tim 2:5
Light: put off dark works for weapons of light Ro 13:12
Lots: selected Matthias by lots Ac 1:26; settle contentions with Pr 18:18
Love: never fails 1 Cor 13:8; what’s partial to be done away with 1 Cor 13:10; love is greatest remaining gift 1 Cor 13:13; love feasts Jude 12; work what is good to all especially those related in our faith Ga 6:10
M*
Macedonia: help Ac 16:9
Marital intimacy: do not be depriving each other 1Cor 7:5
Marriage: honorable with own wife Pr 5:15; some will forbid 1 Tim 4:13; if they don’t have self-control let them marry 1Cor 7:9; we have authority to have a wife as the rest of the apostles, the Lord’s brother and Cephas 1Cor 9:5
Marry: in the Lord 1 Cor 7:39
Mediator: Christ is the only mediator between God and men 1 Tim 2:5
Memorial (See “Last Supper”)
Mercy: mercy over judgment James 2:13
Meetings: don’t neglect Heb 10:25; we have a psalm, teaching, revelation, tongue, interpretation 1 Cor 14:26
Music: sing with in your hearts Ep 5:19
My Father has many mansions Mt Jn 14:2
N*
Name of God: pray to Our Father Mt 6:9, aMk 14:36, Ro 8:15, Ga 4:6; formal name is Jehovah Ps 83:18; to be made known Jn 17:26
Natalis solis Invitis Dec 25, Saturnalia was Dec 17-24, Kalends Jan 1-3
Word of God Re 19:13
O*
Outer appearances: God doesn’t judge by Ga 2P6
P*
Pagan vestiges: Ac 28:11 (NWT says they sailed on ship w figurehead Sons of Zeus
Parents: don’t irritate your children Ep 6:4
Peddlers: we’re not peddlers of the word as are many 2 Cor 2:17; God loves cheerful giver 2 Cor 9:7
Pharisees: like prominence Mt 23:6; shut others out of heaven Mt 23:13; reject justice, mercy, faithfulness Mt 23:23
Physical gestures: J teaches my fingers for warfare Ps 144:1; trods, slaps Moab w tricky hand movements Is 25:10, 11; push adversaries and trod down those rising against us Ps 44:5, strike ridiculer Pr 19:25; strokes for the backs of stupid ones Pr 19:29; let evil hunt man of violence in repeated thrusts Ps 140:11; overseer not to be a smited (before approved) 1 Tim 3:3, Titus 1:7
Places preached at: Aereopagus Ac 17:22
Politicians: Erastus was a city steward Ro 16:23; Ro 13:1 obey govt; David was king, Joseph next to pharaoh, Daniel govt administrator
Poor: help them Ga 2:10, Lu 19:13; relief given Ac 11:29
Praying: w hands up 1 Tim 2:8
Preaching: spirit-initiated Ga 1:15-20; done by two’s Lu 10:1; I became all things to all that I might save some 1Cor 9:22
Prejudice: racial p wrong as God is not partial Ac 10:34; all nations from one man Ac 17:26
Provacateur:
R*
Reasonableness: let your r be known to all Ph 4:5
Recording sins is wrong 1 Cor 13:5 love doesn’t keep track of sins
Relief Work:
Resurrection: 1Cor 15:13; so all Christians might be saved with everlasting life Jn 3:16
Rich But Spiritual:
Ridiculer: drive away Pr 22:10; strike the r Pr 19:25; don’t reprove a r person or he’ll hate you Pr 9:8
Righteousness: is declared by faith i8n Christ not works Ga 2:15
S*
Sabbath: observed versus not observed Col 2:16, Ga 4:10;; Mt 24:20; for 3 sabbaths he reasoned from scriptures Ac 17:2
Salvation: some not saved Mt 12:31, 32; some of Sodom saved Mt 11:21-24; Ac 24:15
Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Satan: is a being Mt 4;
Science: first cloning Ge 2:22; earth circular Is 40:22; earth hangs on nothing Job 26:7
Seal: says J knows his own; renounce unrighteousness 2 Tim 2:19; is the spirit in our hearts 2 Co 1:22; and the spirit is the truth 1 Jn 5:6
Secret Christians: Joseph of Arimathea was one Mt 27:57, Jn 19:38; Nicodemus Jn 3:1,2; greet she who is in Babylon a chosen one 1 Pe 5:3
Seven Congregations of God Re 1:11: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira
Sin: pays death Ro 6:23; all sin so all die 1 Corinthians 15:22 [so saying many now living will never die is not a Bible teaching but in opposition to what scriptures say]
Singing: praise with spirit and mind 1 Cor 14:15; in good spirits sing psalms James 5:13; new song Re 5:9; singing a new song Re 14:3; Song of Moses Re 15:3; I will praise you w song Heb 2:12
Slavery: spiritual slavery ...Christ set us free; don’t be re-confined in slavery Ga 5:1
Sleeping in Death Ec 9:5, 1 Cor 15:18, Ep 5:14
Soul; Spirit; Body: 1 Thes 5:23; can be destroyed along w body Mt 10:28
Spiritual Body 1 Co9r 15:44; plans frustrated where there is no confidential talk Pr 157:23
Spiritual Israel/Jews: male and female Christians seed of Abraham Ga 3:28, 29; Levi and Joseph tribes didn’t exist on earth Re 7:7, 8
Spy/Spying: on our freed in Christ to enslave us Ga 2:4
Sword: Caesar’s minister Ro 13:4; put away your s Mt 26:52
Synagogue on Sabbaths Ac 18:4
T*
Talks: in school and auditorium Ac 19:9
Temple: you people are 1 Co 3:17
Territory: 2 Cor 10:13-16
Third heaven: 2 Cor 12:2-4 [not atmosphere or starry heavens but presence of God]
Tongues: permitted 1 Cor 14:39; orderly 1 Cor 14:40; unless your speech is easily understood how will it be known what is spoken 1Cor 14:9; if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful 1Cor 14:14; I’d rather speak 5 words w my mind thatn 10,000 in a tongue 1Cor 14:19; let tongue speaking be limited to 2 or 3 at most in turns & let someone translate 1Cor 14:27; if there’s no translator let him be quiet 1Cor 14:28; don’t forbid tongues but do things by arrangement 1Cor 14:39, 40
Torture stake: boast in Christ’s Ga 6:14; talk of is foolishness to those perishing 1 Cor 1:17-18
Trinity: fullness of divine quality dwells bodily in Christ Col 2:9; Thomas’ exclamation Jn 20:28; we await our God, Christ Titus 2:13; And the word was God Jn 1:1; let angels do obeisance to Heb 1;6; exactly reflects Heb 1:3; is in God’s image first of creation Col 1:15; they are one as we are Jn 17:21
U*
Unbelievers: don’t be unevenly yoked with 2 Cor 6:14 but Joseph and Esther married to unblievers
V*
Vegetarianism: Ro 14:2, 3
Vessels: dishonorable vessels in a large house 2 Tim 2:20
Vine~Branches: every unfruitful branch the Father cleans so it bears more fruit Jn 15:2, Jn 15:5 I am the vine you the branches; heaven’s birds in its shadow Mk 4:32
Voting: multitude of counselors is good Pr 11:14; whole multitude chose Stephen Ac 6:3
W*
Weaknesses: welcome those weak in faith Ro 14:1
Women: Phoebe was a minister Ro 16:1; one in Christ Ga 3:28
Word fights not allowed: 2 Tim 2:14
Works: saved through faith and is God’s free gift Ep 2:8-10; works needed James 2:20

ISRAELI NEWSPAPERS IN ENGLISH
(New archaeological findings, news of Middle East
war events etc often appear here first)

Debkafile

Ha Aretz

The Jerusalem Post

THE APOSTLES' CREED
IN MANY LANGUAGES

About fifty years after the last apostle died what is called the Apostles’ creed (beliefs) was written down. It has summarized basic Christian beliefs for some 2,000 years, being used by both Catholics and Protestants and thus uniting most all Christians. When Protestants say the Apostles’ Creed the word “universal” is usually used instead of “Catholic.”

ENGLISH (a modernized version): I believe in God Almighty the Father, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into the grave but the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits upon the right hand of God Almighty the Father. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church; the saints' fellowship in Christ, the forgiveness of sins; resurrection of the body, and eternal life.

ENGLISH (Traditional): I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life Everlasting.

SPANISH: Yo creo en Dios el padre todo poderoso, creador de los cielos y la tierra. Y Jesucristo, su unico hijo y primojenito, nuestro Senor. Quien fue concevido por El Espiritu Santo, nacido de la Virgen Maria. Sufrido bajo Poncio Pilato, fue crucificado, muerto y enterrado, El desendio hasta el infierno. El tercer dia resucito desde la muerte. El ascendio al cielo y se sento a la derecha de Dios El Padre Todopoderoso. Yo creo en el Espiritu Santo. Yo creo en la Santa Iglesia Catolica, la Comunion de Los Santos. El perdon de pecados. La resurreccion del cuerpo. Y la vida eterna. Amen

PORTUGUESE: Creio em Deus Pai, Todo-poderoso, Criador do Céu e da terra. Creio em Jesus Cristo, seu único Filho, nosso Senhor, o qual foi concebido por obra do Espírito Santo; nasceu da virgem Maria; padeceu sob o poder de Pôncio Pilatos, foi crucificado, morto e sepultado; ressurgiu dos mortos ao terceiro dia; subiu ao Céu; está sentado à direita de Deus Pai Todo-poderoso, donde há de vir para julgar os vivos e os mortos. Creio no Espírito Santo; na Santa Igreja Universal; na comunhão dos santos; na remissão dos pecados; na ressurreição do corpo; na vida eterna. Amém.

DANISH: Jeg tror paa Gud Fader, den Almaegtige, himmelens og jordens Skaber. Og paa Jesus Kristus, hans envaarne Søn vor Herre. Som er undfanget ved Helligaanden, født af jomfru Maria. Pint under Pontius Pilatus, korsfaestet, død og begravet, nedfaret til dødsriget. Paa tredje dag opstanden fra de døde. Opfaret til himmels, siddende ved Gud Faders, den Almaegtiges, højre haand. Hvorfra han skal komme at dømme levende og døde. Jeg tror paa Helligaanden. En hellig, almindelig kirke, de helliges samfund. Syndernes forladelse. Kødets opstandelse. Og et evigt liv. Amen.

FRENCH: Je crois dans Dieu, le Tout-puissant du Père, Créateur de ciel et monde; et dans Jésus Le Christ, Son seul Fils, Notre Seigneur; qui a été conçu par le Saint-Esprit, né de la Vierge-Marie, souffert sous Pontius Pilate, été crucifié, été mort et été enterré. Il est descendu dans enfer; le troisième jour qu'Il a encore éveillé du mort; Il est monté dans ciel, s'assied à la main droite de Dieu, le Tout-puissant du Père; de de là Lui juger le vivre viendront et le mort. Je crois dans le Saint-Esprit, l'Église catholique Sacrée, la communion de saints, le pardon de péchés, la résurrection du corps et vie éternel. Amen.

LATIN: Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae, et in Iesum Christum, Filium Eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad ínferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.

SWAHILI: Ninamwamini Mungu, Baba Mwenyezi, Muumba wa mbingu na dunia; Na Yesu Kristo, Mwana wake wa pekee, Bwana wetu, aliyetwaa mwili kwa tendo la Roho Mutakatifu, akazaliwa na Bikira Maria. Akateswa zamani za Pontio Pilato, akasulibiwa, akafa, akazikwa, akashuka kuzimuni mwa wafu, akafufuka katika wafu siku ya tatu, akapanda mbinguni, anakaa kwa mukono wa kuume wa Mungu, Baba Mwenyezi, ndipo atakuja tena kuhukumu wazima na wafu. Ninamwamini Roho Mutakatifu,Kanisa katolika takatifu, ushirika wa watakatifu, ondoleo la zambi, ufufuko wa mwili, na uzima wa milele. Amina

TAGALOG (PHILLIPINES): Sumasampalataya ako sa Dios Amang Makapangyarihan sa tanan, Lumikha ng langit at lupa. At kay Hesukristo na Bugtong Niyang Anak at ating Panginoon Nagkatawang-tao sa pamamagitan ng Banal na Espiritu, ipinanganak ni Birhen Maria. Nagdusa sa ilalim ni Poncio Pilato, ipinako sa krus, namatay, inilibing at nanaog sa impierno. Sa ikatlong araw ay nagbangon mula sa mga patay. Nakyat Siya sa langit at nakaluklok sa kanan ng Dios na makapangyarihan sa lahat. Mula roon ay babalik na muli upang hukuman ang mga buhay at patay. Sumasampalataya ako sa Banal na Espiritu. Sumasampalataya ako sa banal at laganap na iglesya, ang pagkakaisa ng mga binanal. Sa kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan. Ang pagkabuhay na muli ng katawan. At sa buhay na walang katapusan. Siya nawa.

VIETNAMESE: Tôi tin Thiên Chúa, Cha toàn năng, là Đấng tạo dựng nên trời và đất. Tôi tin Giê-xu Ky-tô, Con Độc sanh của Thiên Chúa, Chúa của chúng ta. Ngài xuống thế làm người bởi Thánh Linh, sinh bởi trinh nữ Ma-ri. Chịu thống khổ dưới tay Bôn-xơ Phi-lát, bị đóng đinh trên thập tự giá, chịu chết và chôn. Ngài vào cõi chết. Đến ngày thứ ba, Ngài từ kẻ chết sống lại. Ngài thăng thiên, ngồi bên hữu của Thiên Chúa, Cha Toàn năng. Từ đó, Ngài sẽ trở lại để thẩm xét kẻ sống và kẻ chết. Tôi tin Thánh Linh, hội thánh phổ thông, sự cảm thông hiệp một của các thánh đồ, sự tha thứ tội, sự sống lại của thân xác, và sự sống vĩnh cửu. Amen.

STRONG'S CONCORDANCE
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/strongs-exhaustive-concordance/

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 t too much darkness, and Paul wrote that light has no fellowship with the dark. (2 Cor 6:14) Most adult Christian 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 each make our own decisions about such things, standing or falling before God in view of how we conduct ourselves. (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?

BIBLE TOPICS STUDY

FOR JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND OTHERS, WE WISH TO reason on matters in a respectful fashion, using scriptures that solidly explain beliefs, and also include solid reasoning. Our intention is loving although some scriptures may be hard for some. For example, JWs and many others know Watchtower teaches as good news that "many now living will never die but live forever in paradise earth.”  But in looking up 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul says there that we all sin and therefore we will all die.   So going by the Bible, it looks false that many now living will “never”die. You may disagree, but it's not a person(s) you are disagreeing with but the apostle Paul and the Bible scripture.

Reasonably, the idea of living on a paradise sounds great, but living with Christ in the starry heavens where he says the Father has “many mansions” (Jn 14:2) is more appealing when we picture being resurrected in a twinkling as a spirit who passes among stars and planets in heaven, an event comparable to going through fields of gorgeous flowers or snowflakes of diverse colors here on earth, but even more awesome. The eyes of a fleshly human cannot see all the things that a human resurrected as a spirit in heaven can see. As to earth remaining forever, notice that although Ecclesiastes 1:4 says “the earth will remain forever,” which Watchtower emphasizes, 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. So putting it together, in the long run our planet Earth remains forever as it will pass away but is re-created, in that sense not passing away.

Watchtower teaches JWs to teach people that only a “Little Flock” literally numbered 144,000 go to heaven (Re 7:4), but read Revelation 19:1 which says there is also a “great crowd” in heaven. Watchtower stresses that Ecclesiastes 9:5 says "the dead are conscious of nothing at all," and Watchtower says all who die are either resurrected as a reward on earth or to heaven, but the wicked just keep sleeping peacefully forever. God is just, so contrary to what Watchtower mis-states there will be some kind of punishment, not just letting the wicked sleep. Yes, dead bodies are conscious of nothing, but since human spirits become as angels in heaven (remember the 144,000 humans going to heaven), spirits or souls (spirits once with a body) do survive death of the body. Watchtower calls survival of souls (spirits come from bodies) a teaching from pagans like the Greeks but in fact it’s also a Bible-based teaching. Read and reflect upon 1 Corinthians 15.

Watchtower misteaches that the trinity belief is that there are three persons who are the same God, but instead the belief teaches that there are three persons who are different but who have or form what Romans 1:20 calls “godship” in the New World Translation. Most other Bibles translate the word as “divine essence” or “godhead.” The trinity teaching says the Father is relatively greatest. Very few churches teach the Father morphs into Christ, a teaching called modalism, not trinitarianism. In fact even read in the New World Translation, Titus 2:13 says our God and Savior is Christ Jesus. Read it now please.

JWs are allowed to use wedding bands, money, names of days of the weeks, all from pagans, but Watchtower says don’t celebrate Christ’s birth, Christmas, though angels and shepherds did. Job’s kids also celebrated birthdays. (Job 1:3 then Job 3:1, 3) God had a harvest festival for Israel like Thanksgiving. (Lev 23:33, Deu 16:13) Germany, Canada, etc have one. Leviticus 23 tells of celebrating New Years. Easter eggs and rabbits began and stay as symbols of new life by resurrection, never were, as Watchtower say, part of sex rites for Christians.

Watchtower points to its Governing Body men as if “the Faithful and Discreet Slave” put over all true Christians and what they have, but the most faithful and discreet slave ever of God is Christ himself!   Paul says there’s “one faith” at Ephesians 4:5, and the one faith then and now is general Christianity which has branches that are good, average and bad. Watchtower has mispredicted and wrongly hinted at Armageddon for up to 80 years after 1914, the 1975 etc. Christ says only the Father knows the hour of the end.

JWs are told if everyone in a group doesn’t believe the same thing, it’s a lack of unity, but Colossians 3:14 says the one true bond of unity is Love, not robotic same beliefs on everthing. Christ says his yoke is gentle and light, but JWs well know being a JW is actually a very heavy yoke. Read Romans 14 and John 8:32 thoughtfully about the great freedom that Christians are supposed to enjoy.

At Luke 17:2 Christ says put the protection of our Little Ones over any man who abuses them. JWs know Watchtower pushes all JWs deemed “in good standing” (including so-called “repentant” pedophiles) to preach at doors, thus putting them around kids of JWs and the public! When JW elders or others molest kids, the kids’ parents have been told to “wait on Jehovah” (code for shut up) to protect the organization, but Roman 13:1 says to obey the government officials who say to turn pedophiles in. The Bible shows conversions took place quickly, no long “Bible study” needed; Watchtower ignores that at Luke 10:1-7, Christ says go from a house in one location to a house in another location, to not go "transferring" about, that is going door-after-door.

As the New World Translation also shows at 1 Samuel 14:31-35, God forgave Saul’s men who ate unBLED meat to stay alive, yet Watchtower orders that JWs and their kids not even take an emergency blood transfusion to stay alive. At Matthew 12:7 Christ says God wants Mercy over Sacrifice.   Christ and Paul at Matthew 6:9, Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6 say to call God “our Father,” not just formal names like Jehovah or Yahweh.   Think about this: if you are Mark or Suzie Jones would your father Charles Jones want you to call him Charles Jones, Mr. Jones, or lovingly say dad, daddy, father?

John 8:32 says the real truth sets us free. Watchtower has so many rules and is so invasive even of married couples lives that JWs don’t feel “free.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says the scriptures themselves teach and guide Christians, not Watchtower.   Watchtower is a corporate business operating as a religious organization too that puts its own existence over the happiness its own members. Christ says he’s the Way, Truth and Life at John 6:68 and 14:6. That’s not Watchtower’s role.   The sheep know the master’s bell.

When people leave Watchtower it orders JW family and friends to shun them harshly, rigidly, but Christ promises those who do will get new and truer friends. (Mt 5:11) It’s important to get out of such a group mentally, emotionally and prayerfully also totally! (Re 18:4) It’s definitely best to not devote time, money and energy to Watchtower. Freely make and share copies of this.