Matthew 11:11\nI tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.\nFrom the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.\n\n(notice again that John the Baptist is the reincarnation of Elijah)\n\n...But would you really want to go to heaven if you are going to be like a sub-human lower than everyone up there, or are you just scared that God is a monster without mercy that's going damn you to hell?
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Here it goes Mr. Paradox, you inquiring mind, you. \nJesus was saying in this verse that John was part of the age of the old covenant. You know the LAW that God made with the Israelites at Mount Sinai? (Exodus 20:1-17)\nAs great as John was in the age of the old covenant, even the least person in the age of the new covenant is greater than John by being "in Christ". (Saved by grace, washed in the blood).\nThe New Testament church is the "bride of Christ". John the Baptist was only a "friend of the bridegroom". John 3:29\nWe as New Testament believers are participants of what John was only able to prophecy about. Praise the Lamb!
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Ps. 37:29: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Why People wants to go to Heaven?)\n\nEccl. 9:5, 10: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all . . . All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol,* the place to which you are going.” (If they are conscious of nothing, they obviously feel no pain.)(A bucket of water has turn off the firing hell.)\n\nEzek. 18:4: “The soul* that is sinning—it itself will die.” (*“Soul,” KJ, Dy, RS, NE, Kx; “the man,” JB; “the person,” TEV.)(No immortality here)\n\nJob 14:13, Dy: “[Job prayed:] Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell,* and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” (Why did Job wanted to be protected in hell? (Is not that place a horrendous, tormenting, despicable, give me pain for I deserve it?)\n\nJesus Christ said: “You should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven . . . ’” He also said: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. . . . If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it.”—Matt. 6:9; John 14:6, 14, JB; (Many Christians are praying to saints, icons, and objects, thus completely nullifying  these Scriptures.)\n\nA note to Softfuzzy.. For what I Know JW are the only one that are not ignoring the Scripture like 2 Tim. 3:16 states. You are!\n(Ex. 6:3; Rev. 19:6) Neither expression is ever applied to either the Son or the holy spirit. (Almighty)
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Hello.  I was raised Southern Baptist in Texas.  I'm not sure which branch of the Baptist church you are attending, but the basic tenants of all Baptist churches are: 1) Jesus Christ is the human incarnation of God; 2) He was crucified and died for the forgiveness of the sins of all humankind; 3) He was resurrected on the third day after His death; 4) He ascended to heaven where he sits with God; 5) His gift to us when he departed was leaving us with the Holy Spirit; 6) Christ will come again at the end of the world; 7) God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are three-in-one - the Trinity. 7) Baptism is a voluntary external demonstration of an internal acceptance of Christ as your personal savior.\n\nAfter those basic facts, churches can vary widely on their interpretation of Biblical events and on their doctrinal beliefs.  The book of Revelations provides great material for debates in the Baptist church.  Baptist churches are also largely evangelical - they believe in sharing the word of God with others and inviting outside people to visit the church and worship with them.  The Baptist church is not generally a place where you will hear a pastor say "our denomination is the only one that has it right."  Baptists generally believe that all denominations of Christianity are worshiping the same God and the same Christ, but that there are ceremonial and some doctrinal differences in the way the worship services are conducted.  I hope this information helps!  Please let me know if you would like to discuss the topic further.  \n\nBy the way, one of the previous respondents mentioned that women were treated as second-class citizens.  I have to say that I wonder what Baptist church this person has visited.  I taught Sunday School at my church from a very young age and was a very respected person (regardless of gender) there.  Women and men held equal positions in the church council, and were given equal voice.  While I'm sure that there are unfortunate areas of the United States where gender discrimination occurs in and out of church, I am proud to say I have not encountered it. Also, I am Mexican-American.  I never encountered racism in my church.  I did encounter racism in my public high school, and even in the work force, but the church was always a haven where everyone was welcome and treated with respect.  I hope and pray that you find a church home that follows the most basic teaching of Christ: "Love one another".  -Amy
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Luke 23:42-43\n42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[a] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” \n43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”\n\nJohn 3:16\n16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.\n\nThere a lot of them out there and I know I will read more here from the responses you get.\n\nMy deepest sympathy's to you sarahalyse I pray that God give you strength, for those who morn they shall be comforted.
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Dead in sin-Gen 2:16-17 "you shall surly die", Gen 6:5 "of his heart was only evil continually" ,See Rom 8:7, 1 Cor 2:14\n"There is none who seeks after God" Rom3:11\n"No one can come to me unless it is grated them by the Father"  John 6:65\nSovereign election-Ephesians 1:4 \njust as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, Romans 9:16  So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.\nJohn 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.\nLimited-John 10:26-28  But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.\nJohn 17:9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours\nGrace-John 10-My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.\n1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.\nPhilippians 1:6\nbeing confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;\nPermanent- Jude 1:24  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,\nSovereignty of God=Jonah 2:9\nBut I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” \nEph 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works ALL things according to the counsel of His will,\nvs 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,  \nIsaiah 46:9-11 \n     Remember the former things of old,\n      For I am God, and there is no other;\n      I am God, and there is none like Me,\n        Declaring the end from the beginning,\n      And from ancient times things that are not yet done,\n      Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,\n      And I will do all My pleasure,’\n        Calling a bird of prey from the east,\n      The man who executes My counsel, from a far country.\n      Indeed I have spoken it;\n      I will also bring it to pass.\n      I have purposed it;\n      I will also do it.
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God has never pitted us against each other.  That is the work of Satan.  God is showing his love for us all.  He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us all.  There can be no greater love than that!  Revelations is a warning to you and you are not listening.  God's Church will be raptured and spared the Judgments.  The non-believers and the followers of the Antichrist will not change.  They will question God, they will curse God and then they will have to answer to God.  It's not difficult to accept His Word and lead a Christian life.  You have to read the whole Bible, not just pick and choose.  You have to thank God and accept Jesus as your Savior then you will be born again.  You will have the Holy Spirit within you.  You will understand God's love and grace.
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you're right. not all will go to heaven.\ni mean.. why did the bible say the meek will inherit the earth then?\nthere are two possible hopes then, either heaven reigning with Christ and god, or the eternal life in perfection on earth, as god originally intended.\nthat arrogant (holier than thou) attitude was present with some of the pharisee that Jesus spoke with
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The Bible states quite frequently that "ALL" who believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will make it into heaven. So it is rather hard to give you a number. I just know that one day when I am in heaven I will be able to find out. Read John 3:16
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My friend, I agree with you, yet I also see a more pressing matter at hand. What about those persecutors and all the non-believers? If they die, they will not rejoice with all of us in heaven with the Lord God. I will pray for both the believers and the non-believers. There isn't much I can do from my present state but pray and preach the Word, since i'm not in a position to do anything but that. Email me if you have questions or are a fellow believer in Christ at questinchrist@yahoo.com. God bless
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Yes, but it doesn't mean that the rest will go to hell. Majority of mankind who finds favor with God will inherit the earth.\n\nConsider these verses:\nMatthew 5:5. Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth, not heaven.\nJohn 3:13. No one--including Moses, and Abraham--at the time of Jesus went to heaven. So, where are they? They are naturally waiting for the resurrectionn on earth--just like when Lazarus, and many others were resurrected on earth, not in heaven.\n\nRevelations 5:10 says that certain ones were bought from every tribe and country, and they shall rule with Christ on EARTH. Naturally, if there are rulers, then there are subjects. These "royal class" who will be in heaven with Christ will rule with him and restore paradise earth.\n\nRevelations 14:1-4 says that those who were bought from the earth numbers 144K.\nRomans 11:11,12 confirms that there is a limited number of Jews (spiritual that is, and not literal).\n\nTry reading carefully Revelations 5:9-10; and 14:1-4 and you will get the connection between the 144K and those who will rule with Christ.\n\nThe above verses further ties in nicely with Matt 6:10 (thy kingdom come, not thy kingdom go up), and Rev 21:2-4 which mentions New Jerusalem, which represents God's kingdom, coming down on earth to restore Paradise on earth.\n\nSadly, many do not know this. They have been blinded by  false teaching w/c claims that the good ones will go to heaven.
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good point you make...i agree...keep questioning God...don't let these so called christians tell you that you will "go to hell" for asking...  God wants us to find him however we can...don't be a follower but a leader and ask ask away....
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You guys need to get your facts straight.The 1000 yr reign and most of revelations has already been fulfilled this is the time that Satan is loosed for a season. 24th chapter of Matthew Jesus was talking to Peter,James,John and Andrew and he said this generation will not pass till all these things be fulfilled. This generation is not that generation.
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No where in the bible does it command you to pray to the mother mary.  She is not a god, only a holy vessel used by God for her obediance to the law commanding to stay pure until marriage, nothing more.  The bible says the only way you can be born again or saved is to accept Christ as your personal savior.  And as a born agian Christian you should be trying to convert others, trying to save them from hellfire, this is commanded by Christ.  If you have anymore questions contact me at sbosleyjr@yahoo.com
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Heeeww, alot of opinions. But just like the Bible, only the author's interpretation is the correct one. ;)\n\nFor those who stumble at the thought of comparing God to man... it is just a parable or analogy. After all, did not Jesus do this with the prodigal son? Or was He blowing it as well?\n\nOK, Heron, here is the skinny. The guard is that which blocks personal fellowship with God. I can describe it no better than Isaiah did in chapter 59...\n\nBehold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.\n\nSo to all of those commenting above, yes, God is capable of hearing all who call. But if there is sin in your life, it will cause a seperation. Eliminate the sin barrier, and you have instant access. This is why we needed a Savior.\n\nSo, what my study says is that we need a mediator, someone to go before us and grant us access. Job lamented that he had no such mediator to go before him to a holy God (see Job 9) It says in 1 Timothy 2:5\n\nFor there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.\n\nSo, we accept Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sin. Through His blood we are made clean, thus eliminating the "guard" and granting us access. Now we can speak to God, not as some fearful omnipotent Creator, but as our Father in heaven. As we get to know and love Him, we realize through the promises in the Bible that we have been adopted as sons and daughters wherein we can cry out, "Abba!"\n\nThis point was so important for me to teach my kids, that while they were growing up, they learned to call me Abba instead of Dad. Because I want them to know that when they read this promise in the Bible, they will know immediately what it means.\n\nRomans 8:15\nFor you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”\n\nGalatians 4:6\nAnd because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”\n\nThe whole point of "Getting Past the Guard" was to put in earthly terms a parable about the eternal realm. It is not an easy task, but it has caused at least a few people to come to know Jesus as Savior. And for that I am thankful and all the angels in heaven rejoice.
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Jesus was not following His plan He was following the Fathers plan... the end of the book of John says: that all of the miracles that Jesus performed would; if they were written down; the whole world could not contain them. \nLazarus was part of Gods plan... part of the ministry teachings that Jesus did on the earth, and God knew that it would still be relevant today. \n\n\nJohn the baptist was killed for preaching the word of God. Why would Jesus want to take away Johns Glorious place in heaven.
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Jesus is the one true God. Some people think that he was just a prophet from God, but he actually died for our sins. I mean the Jews rejected him, but what he went through at the cross, no one would have survived a part of what he went through. I am a struggling christian I admitt it, I am, because I am just not use to all the things that we r suppose to obey. But I am learning slowly. Hey but at least I am still learning more and more about God that I thought I understood before. The Bible is all the proof you need. I would sudgest to get a New King James Version to help you understand the words a little. I even have trouble understanding it. Hey I'm 15 I can have an escuse to have a little trouble. ~LOL~ Also look at Probvers, Acts, and Revlations. They will tell you of how he died for you, what is coming for us in the rapture, and how we should act as christians. I hope you take of what I said into concideration.
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What the Bible means to me is that Jesus is our Lord and God is our God and we will be saved in the end if we ask for forgiveness for our wrong-doings. God doesn't expect us to be perfect but he DOES expect us to try do our best for other humans and he expects us to love him above everyone, even your parents, siblings. I was shocked when my mom said she loved God more than she loved me, her daughter. I didn't know it was possible to love someone that much.....like how much I love my family. But I guess that's the "law" and I need to "get over it" and learn that God is above all others, etc...and that way he will gladly take me with him  to the gates of heaven. You asked. I answered.