Gospel Hall~

[Ironside]

---

14 And even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up:


John 3:14 The account of the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness is found in Numbers 21:5-9. When people were bitten by the serpents, Moses was told by God to make a brazen serpent and lift up the image in a pole and all those who were bitten were healed when they just lifted up their eyes to the image of that brazen serpent.

The lifting up of the serpent was a type of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ and all those who look in faith to Christ who died on the cross will have everlasting life.

[Ms.Beau]

I haven't read all the posts here yet...but mo AMEN ko to gospel!


"The gospel to me is simply irresistible.” Blaise Pascal (French Mathematician, Philosopher and Physicist, 1623-1662)


Mao na akong intermission, bro Ironside

[Ironside]

My friend,

It seems you want to be honored.

1) 'SEEMS' is the operative word in you statement above. You are again basing your conclusions about me basing on what you THINK i said. Not on what I actually said. Sa bisaya pa: "Nangta gyud og bikil"
Why cant you be objective in your post? There you go again my friend, judging on appearance.
Isn't that unfair to me?

[Joey telling Ironside]: "Ironside Bro. Nangita manig bikil tawhana. abi nakug kamao ni mo handle og conversation?


2) i was not seeking honor. I was asking for SIMPLE BASIC COURTESIES that we give to people when asking for something.

"can you PLEASE pass to me the ketchup?" "Can you PLEASE move a little? "Ironside can you PLEASE tell me what did you edit in you post?"


SIMPLE BASIC COURTESIES. You are bossy and overbearing. You are like a superior asking somebody under you:

"What did you mean by edited?
I WANT TO KNOW WHICH HAS BEEN EDITED?
WHAT HAS BEEN EDITED?
I DID NOT ASKED FOR THE DEFINITION

I could have replied to you: "None of you business actually" But out of being polite and courteous I deigned to answer your questions hoping that you realize what you are doing.


3) if saying PLEASE honors all men then i would definitely do it. Why? because it is taught in the Bible:

1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.


You quote so many Bible verses here in this forum but are you practicing it? Is showing courtesy to people honoring them? Yes. So why can't you give out common courtesies?




When saying please is use when you are giving instruction.



Really? Not when asking for favors? or when asking for something? does a teacher say please when he or she is instructing his or her students about a particular subject?Does your boss say to you "please" when he is giving you out instructions what to do that is part of your job description?


Or does he say PLEASE when he request for something that is not part of your job?



How can i say please if im just asking what you've said.


You were asking me what did i write in the post i edited when you said:


What do you mean by edited?


I thought this statement was just a simple question that sought for the meaning of the word "edited", so i said: "edited could also mean delete or "elimate"


Then you replied:

I mean what has been edited?
I want to know which has been edited?
I didn't ask the definition.


WAW!!!! It then came to me: "WAW who is this guy demanding such?" So when you said: "What do mean by edited?" you were not asking for the definition, you were questioning my activity in this thread. WAW!!! not even the moderators question my editings here.


How can i say please if i am just asking what you've said?

I the writer of my post excercised the right to edit my post, that should give you the idea that I the writer changed my mind about a particular subject and choose not to reveal my thoughts about the matter.

No one has the right to overbearinly question my editings and even demand what did i write and edit. Any polite person who would want to know what i edited would then asked accordingly and courtesly which you did not, rather you did not take notice of these things and asked bossily and overbearingly. Behavior unbecoming of one who profess religion.


When i courteously replied to you about about my deletion, you even replied:

This is a forum my friend not a hide and seek.


Why do you want my post back? What are you implying with these words of yours above? Are these polite words to say to one who has every right to edit his post? I am not playing hide and seek. I decided to edit my post for some reason.


when we asked for favors we usually say "please": "Can you pass the ketchup PLEASE?" "Can you please move a little?"


Well anyway, I am just expressing my views on your manners here my friend, if that is not your thing, that's up to you. You have the freedom to be bossy and overbearing. You demanded from me what did i edit? I told you "If i post it again here then why did i edit it in the first place?" You do not have to know actually, the writer chose to edit his post, what's that to you? if you want to know what the writer has edited, then don't give instructions acting as if you are the boss.


Look at the way you worded your statements: "What has been edited?" I WANT TO KNOW WHICH HAS BEEN EDITED? What do you mean by edited? I did not asked for the definition"

honestly you sound like a spoiled kid





If you really want attention then sorry i cant give it to you.


Don't worry i am not asking attention from you. I mean who are you. And why would i asked attention in the internet from a stranger. I have one who can give me plenty of it. You are quoting Bible verses here in this forum and you acting bossy and overbearing does not adorn beautifully what you write in this forum


Still as this thread shows your real personality manifest. You really hate Eli Soriano.


I dont HATE Soriano. That is your accusation against me. Still i am being hurled with accusations from one who purportedly came from the true religion. I can bear it. Anyway this is just the internet.



What did he do to you personally?


None. So why would I hate him? This question came from your unfounded supposition that i hate Soriano. Stay objective my friend. If you just back up a bit and look things from an objective perspective, you will see that you are the one deviating from the principles of sound and mature conversation.



Or we read the verse in the bible and your church doctrine has been hit?


Again another supposition.



To tell you frankly my friend i don't think your capable enough to answer some question your just good in asking hypothetical questions.


You think they are hypothetical because you have suppostitions in your head about me. You are actually replying on what you THINK i said, not on what I ACTUALLY said.


[Joey telling Ironside]: "Is this a sign of a fanatic or what?"



You just keep on saying "opps sorry bold and italic".
there's no rule about this bold and italic. I just wrote against the way you reply me previously that
in Technical Writing its a NO,NO to write in All CAPS.........


What book? what page? the author? is this universally accepted?

[Ironside]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Begotten Son, that every one who believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.



John 3:16. This is the most popular verse in the whole Bible and many have received everlasting life just by reading this verse.

This verse very clearly declares that the God of Biblical revelation is a God of love. Other so-called gods of other religions are vindictive and judgmental. Because of His love, he sent his Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, not just to live in this world, but to die on the cross.

Every one who believes [that is trust in the Savior] will no longer perish but shall have everlasting life. This kind of life is enduring in quality because this comes from God. And every one receives eternal life the moment he genuinely believes [trusts]. And he who receives eternal life will no longer perish in hell forever. Thus he is eternally secure in his salvation. See John 10:28,29.

[Ironside]

UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE MOST HIGH: a true story told by Corrie ten Boom


Let me share to you a true story which happened during World War 2 as told by Corrie ten Boom


"Many people came to know and trust the Lord Jesus Christ during World War 2. One was an Englishman who was held in a German prison camp for a long period of time. One day he read Psalm 91 which read:


PS 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

PS 91:2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”


PS 91:9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

PS 91:10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.
PS 91:11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.


“Father in heaven,” he prayed, “I see all these men dying around me, one after the other. Will I also have to die here? I am still young and I very much want to work in Your kingdom here on earth.”

He received this answer: “Rely on what you have just read and go home!!!”

Trusting in the Lord, he got up and walked into the corridor toward the gate. A guard called out, “Prisoner, where are you going?”

“I am under the protection of the Most High.” he replied. The guard came to attention and let him pass, for Adolf Hitler was known as “the Most High.”


He came to the gate, where a group of guards stood. They commanded him to stop and asked where he was going.

“I am under the protection of the Most High.” All the guards stood at attention as he walked out the gate.

The English officer made his way through the German countryside and eventually reached England, where he told how he had made his escape.

He was the only one to come out of that prison alive."


The above does not happen to all Christians. Some are delivered while some are given to persecution and even to martyrdom. The English brother was rescued from physical danger. But much more than that, his soul was delievered from the eternal danger of the lake of fire simply because he was under the protection of the Most High when he trusted in Christ Jesus alone for salvation.


How about you, are you under the protection of the Most High?

[Ironside]

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him may be saved.




John 3:17 Why are some people condemned already? Because they have not believed in the Name of the Only Begotten Son of God. In this verse, the verb believe is pepisteuken. This verbal form is in the perfect tense which means permanent. When people have already permanently decided in their minds not to believe, then the judgment of God is already upon them.





36 He who believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he who does not believe in the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God remains on him.




John 3:36 This verse explains further why the judgment or wrath of God remains on people. It is because they are disobedient to the Son. The verb translated “unbelieving” is apeithon. This is a present participle from the root apeitheo which means to disobey or not to believe. Because this is in the present tense, this means a continuing attitude.

[Ironside]

The Unknown God




I wrote this piece specifically for people who have zero knowledge of Christianity. I have posted this once in a forum in India [if my memory serves me right].

The title is based on Acts 17: 23, wherein the apostle Paul preached the gospel to the people there.


Ac 17:23 "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:

[It would be of great benefit on your part if you continue your reading of it in your own Bible down to verse 34].


The Unknown God


I. He has revealed Himself in Creation

Untold millions have strayed from worshipping the true and ever living God. And you maybe one of them dear reader. You went so far from Him that He has practically become unknown to you.

This “unknown” God was the One who created all things in the universe, including you. He made the innumerable stars that adorned our skies during night time. The billions of galaxies and nebulae that astound astronomers by their beauty. He was the One who set all the planets in the Milky Way in perfect orbit. He is the Great Architect of all these things. Do you know Him?

This “unknown” God is the One who wonderfully made you from your mother’s womb. Notice the intricate design in you. The perfect symmetries found your in body. The complex systems at work in you; your digestive system, your circulatory system, your respiratory system and etc. All these shout that a Grand Designer made you. Do you know Him?
Creation testifies eloquently of this God.

II. He has placed within you a sense of right and wrong

This God made us humans as moral beings. Universally, we humans recognize a standard of right and wrong. We have a sense of what’s right and fair. What’s wrong and unjust. This is what we call conscience. We all have experienced, in varying degrees, at one point in our lives where the pangs of conscience has condemned us for doing the wrong thing.

Our consciences act as traffic lights in our lives. “Stop” tells us to put on the brakes. “Go” tells us to step on the accelerator. But many a time we have stepped on the accelerator when the light in our consciences tell us to “Stop”. And also, many instances there are in our lives wherein the light of our consciences tell us to “Go” but we stepped on the brakes. This “unknown” God is the moral Governor of the universe. And He has appointed a Day to judge us for the wrongs we have done.


III. He has appointed Jesus Christ as Judge

At the close of time, God has appointed a day wherein all human beings will stand before Jesus Christ and give account for all the things we have done. He will recompense all the wrongs we have done. All of us who has not turned from wrongdoing and wicked ways, thoughts, words and intentions He will justly punish with an everlasting punishment.

However, this “unknown” God does not want any of us to suffer forever in His just punishment. He is showing His patience and forbearance with us by giving us time to turn from our evil ways. This “unknown” God is also gracious and merciful.


He sent Jesus Christ to die for our wicked and bad deeds and ways. Two thousand years ago, Jesus and came back to life [for God raised Him back to life from the dead] for the forgiveness of our evil doings.

Anyone who turns away from doing wrong and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our wrong ways, God will forgive. So I exhort you dear reader, before the Day of judgment comes to turn from your evil ways and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your wrong ways and doings.

[Ironside]

My Testimony


Ro 4:25 "who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification."

I was once a very materialistic young man. Money was my god. This continued until i was 18 years old. During this time i was brought under conviction of sin [which i did not know at that time]. I repented of my sins and i became a totally changed man.

I had this super desire for righteousness. It became my all-consuming passion to be perfectly righteous in the eyes of God. For five years, i worked so hard to be perfectly righteous until i found it an impossibility. I was so depressed that i could never be perfectly righteous. I found myself a helpless sinner in the eyes of God. I cried out to God to please stoop down to my level.

One night as i was reading Romans chapter 3 [ a chapter on righteousness ], i can somehow sense someone guiding me as i was reading the verses. It's as if I knew what the next verse would say. This continued on until i reached chapter 4 verse 25.

There my quest for perfect righteousness was ended. It was in Christ Jesus' work on the cross that i became perfectly righteous in the eyes of God [praise God].. there i understood Christ work and it was there i first believed on Christ alone for salvation. I discovered that it was indeed by faith alone.


Before I was opposed to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone until I saw myself as a helpless and hopeless sinner. that changed everything. I placed my whole weight on what Christ eternally did for me. Ohhh what ecstatic joy i experienced.........peace came into me like a flood. My mind kept on saying on and on: 'I'm a friend of God.............i am a friend of God'

I stood up and leaped for joy. So much joy and peace as the words: "I am friends with God..............I am friends with God" kept on repeating in my mind without me deliberately thinking it.

Moments later i returned to my reading...............and the next verse said:


Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

And a whole round of joy and peace embraced me again............i can sense God smiling at me for the first time in my life.......the joy was so ecstatic.....i felt i was taken to heaven for a nanosecond and back.

After that by and by other truths of the Word was opened to me. My discoveries of these truths were confirmed as i began reading Christian books on doctrine.

The words in James really rang a bell in me:

Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.


P.S. anyone looking for perfect righteousness?.............it's in Christ my friend.....place your trust in Him.

He is the Lord our righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6

[Ironside]

CHAPTER 4




10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If you had known the gift of God, and who is saying to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked him, and he would give you living water.


14 But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst forever; but the water that I shall give give him will become in him a fountain of water bubbling up into everlasting life.



John 4:10,14 What did Jesus mean when He offered “living water” to the Samaritan woman? Simply, He was talking about eternal life which those who trust in Christ alone for salvation receives when he accepts Him as his Lord and Saviour.

The Lord Jesus declared that once a person receives this “living water”, he will never thirst again. The word "never" is ou me ou me in Greek. It presents the strongest expression of negation in Greek. This means that once a person is genuinely saved, he will never long for another kind of life. Instead, this life will be like a bubbling fountain, demonstrating the satisfaction and excitement of a sinner who truly trust in the Savior for salvation.

[Ironside]

Genny, Issy and Chrissy
(He has a plan indeed )


‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ Jeremiah 29:11



God always has a plan, a glorious plan to those WHO ARE HIS COVENANT PEOPLE. The promise above is not for ALL people. It is given to those who have entered into a covenant with Him. The promise above is for the nation Israel. And it will be fulfilled in the future in the second Advent of the Lord Jesus. Though in principle it could be applied to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.



Israel rejected their king, the Lord Jesus in His first advent, they crucified Him. God then set Israel aside and punished them for hundreds of years now. Now, there is no spiritual Israel, the Israel right now is an apostate Israel. It is an Israel that has no covenant with God. They have no right relationship with God.


So what is God doing after they [Israel] rejected Jesus? God set them aside out of His favor. God is now calling all people in all nations. He is now building His Church, a people distinct from Israel [Romans 11]. When the number of people is completed to constitute the Church, He will take the Church to Himself [1 Thes. 4:13-18], then the end of the age will usher in and He will rebuild Israel again in His second coming and reign on earth for 1000 years [Revelation 20:1-7) then eternity will ensue.


The Church Age is the Christian Age. The word ‘church’ is from the Greek word ‘ekklesia’ or ‘called out.’ It is derived from two words in Greek ‘kaleo’ meaning ‘to call’ and ‘ek’ meaning ‘out.’ Thus, it means the “called out ones.” He is now calling all sinners out of the life of sin all over the world through the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ [ 2 Thes. 2:14].


His plan for all who repent and trust in the good news is that they will be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 8:29-30]. His desire for those who have not yet heard the gospel is for them to be evangelized and hear His salvation in Christ. This age is the age of grace, the Church age or the Christian Age. That’s why all over the world many, many churches and Christian groups abound. But the time will come when this age will end and the Great Tribulation [Revelation chapters 4-19] will come in, it is a period of seven years when God’s anger will be poured out to those who did not respond positively to His offer of salvation and forgiveness of sins in Christ. By then the Church will have been taken from the earth [1 Thes. 4:13-18].


Today God classed people into three different groups:


a)the Jew or the Israelite, [whom God has set aside for now but will be in God’s favor again as predicted in numerous prophecies in the Old Testament]


b)the Church of God or the Christians whatever denomination or group they are in as long as they repent and trust on the work of Jesus on Calvary for salvation


c)the Gentile [non-Israelite and non-Christian people all over the world including Filipinos who have not repented and trusted in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ].


“Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks [meaning Gentiles, they call the Gentiles as Greeks because most Gentiles in the first century spoke Greek] or to the church of God [His new covenant people, Christians]” 1 Corinthians 10:32


You are obviously not an Israelite, so two choices only remain for you, either you are a Gentile in the eyes of God or a member of the Church of God. Which are you?


To be a member of the church of God and avail of His glorious plan, one must repent and trust in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, then and only then can you be assured that God indeed has a plan for you, a glorious plan that is, which He will fulfill in His time and in His way.


The Age of the Church is fast going to it’s end, the time to repent and trust in the saving work of the Lord Jesus for salvation is NOW.