My Testimony
I
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
my
Savior
when
I
was
17
years
old.
I
stood
at
the
water’s
edge
in
Huntington
Beach,
California,
as
a
Christian
church
pastor
(whom
I
had
just
met)
led
me
in
a
prayer.
I
vividly
remember
a
warm
ocean
wave
rolled
on
the
beach
up
to
our
knees
as
I
prayed
for
forgiveness,
opened
my
heart
to
Jesus
and
asked
Him
to
take
control
of
my
life.
I
also
remember
experiencing
a
feeling
of
peace
and
joy
on
the
inside—unlike
anything
I
had
felt
before—which
lasted
a
few
days.
However,
later
that
week
I
rejected
an
offer
by
a
local
church
leader
to
come
to
a
Bible study, and I was soon back to my old self.
A
few
years
later,
when
I
was
21
years
old
and
serving
in
the
United
States
Air
Force,
I
was
facing
serious
consequences
for
my
behavior—including
a
court-martial,
going
to
prison
and
receiving
a
dishonorable
discharged.
I
had
made
absolute
mess
of
my
life
and
my
future
was
bleak.
Meanwhile,
the
Holy
Spirit
was
actively
working
to
cause
me
to
wake
up,
realize
my
situation,
understand
the
consequences,
let
go
of
the
control
of
my
life,
and
turn
my
heart
towards God. This is when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord.
Thereafter,
things
began
to
change.
I
was
not
court-martialed,
was
given
a
reduced
punishment
and
did
not
go
to
prison.
I
soon
joined
the
Christian
church
on
the
Air
Force
base
and
began
to
support
the
youth
group.
A
couple
of
years
later
I
completed
my
4-year
commitment
and
was
honorably
discharged.
Five
years
later
I
graduated
with
a
Bachelor
of
Science
in
Business
Administration,
and
was
hired
by
a
large
multibillion-dollar
international
company
where
I enjoyed a 31-year career.
I
turned
66
in
May,
2020
and
have
been
married
only
once
to
my
best
friend,
wife
and
mother
of
our
two
sons
for
more
than
40
years.
Some
may
not
believe
this…but
it
is
true…my
wife
and
I
have
never
had
an
argument.
We
both
seek
God,
we
read
the
Bible
and
pray
together,
we
constantly
poke
fun
at
each
other,
we
laugh
and
cry
together,
and
we
enjoy being with each other.
Praise
God
in
that
His
word
is
true
and
everlasting...for
I
have
learned
throughout
the
years…He
keeps
His
side
of
the
bargain.
Hebrews
13:5
says,
“I
will
never
leave
you
nor
forsake
you.”
For
His
grace…and
His
promises…and
His
love
transcends all of my sin.
When
evaluating
the
multitude
of
challenges
and
tribulations
I
have
experienced
in
my
life…I
can
see
how
these
events
changed
me
and
cleansed
me
from
within…a
process
that
continues
today
as
I
desire
to
become
less
of
me
and
more
like Him.
UniqueBibleStudies.Com
More
than
20
years
ago
I
developed
a
compelling
desire
to
research
and
write
topical
Bible
studies.
This
collection
is
now
posted
on
the
website,
and
is
continuing
to
grow
as
I
obediently
write
as
I
feel
led.
Each
writing
is
prayed
over,
humbly placed at the foot of Jesus (because He alone is worthy), and freely made available to all.
There
have
been
many
times
when
I
write…and
I
will
stop
and
read
what
is
written…realize
the
power
that’s
in
the
words
and
how
they
will
touch
lives…and
begin
to
cry
as
I
worship
Him…because
I
know
the
only
One
who
can
touch
a
person’s heart and change them from within is the Holy Spirit.
As such, I pray each person spiritually grows from each of the lessons, and shares them with others.
My Beliefs
(All scripture is New King James Version)
I believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God.
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I believe all persons have a sinful nature.
“As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
I
believe
the
Son
of
God
was
conceived
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
born
of
the
Virgin
Mary,
and
became
a
human
being
in
the
person of Jesus Christ.
“Now
the
birth
of
Jesus
Christ
was
as
follows:
After
His
mother
Mary
was
betrothed
to
Joseph,
before
they
came
together,
she
was
found
with
child
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
Then
Joseph
her
husband,
being
a
just
man,
and
not
wanting
to
make
her
a
public
example,
was
minded
to
put
her
away
secretly.
But
while
he
thought
about
these
things,
behold,
an
angel
of
the
Lord
appeared
to
him
in
a
dream,
saying,
‘Joseph,
son
of
David,
do
not
be
afraid
to
take
to
you
Mary
your
wife,
for
that
which
is
conceived
in
her
is
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
And
she
will
bring
forth
a
Son,
and
you
shall
call
His
name
Jesus,
for
He
will
save
His
people
from
their
sins.’
So
all
this
was
done
that
it
might
be
fulfilled
which
was
spoken
by
the
Lord
through
the
prophet,
saying:
‘Behold,
the
virgin
shall
be
with
child,
and
bear
a
Son,
and
they
shall
call
His
name
Immanuel,’
which
is
translated,
‘God
with
us.’
Then
Joseph,
being
aroused
from
sleep,
did
as
the
angel
of
the
Lord
commanded
him
and
took
to
him
his
wife,
and
did
not
know
her
till
she
had
brought
forth
her
firstborn
Son.
And
he
called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25
I believe Jesus Christ lived a sinless life.
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew
no
sin
to
be
sin
for
us,
that
we
might
become
the
righteousness
of
God
in
Him.”
2
Corinthians 5:21
Because of each person’s sin, I believe Jesus Christ died a substitutionary death (to pay the price for our sin).
“Surely
He
has
borne
our
griefs
and
carried
our
sorrows;
yet
we
esteemed
Him
stricken,
smitten
by
God,
and
afflicted.
But
He
was
wounded
for
our
transgressions,
He
was
bruised
for
our
iniquities;
the
chastisement
for
our
peace
was
upon
Him,
and
by
His
stripes
we
are
healed.
All
we
like
sheep
have
gone
astray;
we
have
turned,
every
one,
to
his
own
way;
and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6
“For
Christ
also
suffered
once
for
sins,
the
just
for
the
unjust,
that
He
might
bring
us
to
God,
being
put
to
death
in
the
flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18
I
believe
Jesus
Christ
was
raised
from
the
dead
the
third
day,
ascended
into
heaven,
and
is
seated
at
the
right
hand
of
God.
“For
I
delivered
to
you
first
of
all
that
which
I
also
received:
that
Christ
died
for
our
sins
according
to
the
Scriptures,
and
that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 14:3-4
“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12
I
believe
God’s
love
for
us
is
expressed
by
His
grace
(giving
us
what
we
do
not
deserve)
and
mercy
(not
giving
us
what
we deserve) through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“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.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world
through
Him
might be saved.” John 3:16
“But
God
demonstrates
His
own
love
toward
us,
in
that
while
we
were
still
sinners,
Christ
died
for
us.
Much
more
then,
having
now
been
justified
by
His
blood,
we
shall
be
saved
from
wrath
through
Him.
For
if
when
we
were
enemies
we
were
reconciled
to
God
through
the
death
of
His
Son,
much
more,
having
been
reconciled,
we
shall
be
saved
by
His
life.
And
not
only
that,
but
we
also
rejoice
in
God
through
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
through
whom
we
have
now
received
the
reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11
I believe one must be born again to enter into heaven.
“Jesus
answered
and
said
to
him,
‘
Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.’
Nicodemus
said
to
Him,
‘How
can
a
man
be
born
when
he
is
old?
Can
he
enter
a
second
time
into
his
mother’s
womb
and
be
born?’
Jesus
answered,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the
Spirit
is
spirit.’
”
John 3:1-6
I
believe
the
10
Commandments—which
were
initially
written
on
stone—are
now
written
into
the
hearts
of
those
who
are
born again.
“This
is
the
covenant
that
I
will
make
with
them
after
those
days,
says
the
Lord:
I
will
put
My
laws
into
their
hearts,
and
in
their
minds
I
will
write
them,”
then
He
adds,
“Their
sins
and
their
lawless
deeds
I
will
remember
no
more.”
Hebrews
10:16-17
I believe Jesus Christ is the one and only means for eternal life.
Jesus said,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
“Nor
is
there
salvation
in
any
other,
for
there
is
no
other
name
under
heaven
given
among
men
by
which
we
must
be
saved.” Acts 4:12
I
believe
there
is
nothing
we
can
do
to
earn
salvation
other
than
exercising
our
faith
and
believing
in
what
Jesus
Christ
did for us on the cross.
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“If
you
confess
with
your
mouth
the
Lord
Jesus
and
believe
in
your
heart
that
God
has
raised
Him
from
the
dead,
you
will be saved.” Romans 10:9
I believe there are persons who externally profess to be a Christian—but do not know Him.
“Not
everyone
who
says
to
Me,
‘Lord,
Lord,’
shall
enter
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
but
he
who
does
the
will
of
My
Father
in
heaven.
Many
will
say
to
Me
in
that
day,
‘Lord,
Lord,
have
we
not
prophesied
in
Your
name,
cast
out
demons
in
Your
name,
and
done
many
wonders
in
Your
name?’
And
then
I
will
declare
to
them,
‘I
never
knew
you;
depart
from
Me,
you
who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way
which
leads
to
life,
and
there
are
few
who
find
it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
I believe the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
“Nevertheless,
I
tell
you
the
truth.
It
is
to
your
advantage
that
I
go
away;
for
if
I
do
not
go
away,
the
Helper
will
not
come
to
you;
but
if
I
depart,
I
will
send
Him
to
you.
And
when
He
has
come,
He
will
convict
the
world
of
sin,
and
of
righteousness,
and
of
judgment:
of
sin,
because
they
do
not
believe
in
Me;
of
righteousness,
because
I
go
to
My
Father
and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:7-11
I believe born again Christians are directly influenced (and indwelled by) the Holy Spirit.
“But
you
shall
receive
power
when
the
Holy
Spirit
has
come
upon
you;
and
you
shall
be
witnesses
to
Me
in
Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“In
Him
you
also
trusted,
after
you
heard
the
word
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation;
in
whom
also,
having
believed,
you
were
sealed
with
the
Holy
Spirit
of
promise,
who
is
the
guarantee
of
our
inheritance
until
the
redemption
of
the
purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
“Or
do
you
not
know
that
your
body
is
the
temple
of
the
Holy
Spirit
who
is
in
you,
whom
you
have
from
God,
and
you
are
not
your
own?
For
you
were
bought
at
a
price;
therefore,
glorify
God
in
your
body
and
in
your
spirit,
which
are
God’s.”
1
Corinthians 6:19-20
“But
you
are
not
in
the
flesh
but
in
the
Spirit,
if
indeed
the
Spirit
of
God
dwells
in
you.
Now
if
anyone
does
not
have
the
Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Romans 8:9
I
believe
born
again
Christians
experience
a
progressional
day-by-day
(Holy
Spirit
directed)
spiritual
transformation:
(1)
how they view the world, and (2) changes in behavior that reflect Jesus.
“Therefore,
if
anyone
is
in
Christ,
he
is
a
new
creation;
old
things
have
passed
away;
behold,
all
things
have
become
new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior.”
Titus 3:5-6
I believe Satan’s desire is to deceive, darken and destroy all whom he can by leveraging man’s sinful nature.
Jesus
said
of
Satan
“He
was
a
murderer
from
the
beginning,
and
does
not
stand
in
the
truth,
because
there
is
no
truth
in
him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44
“But
even
if
our
gospel
is
veiled,
it
is
veiled
to
those
who
are
perishing,
whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded,
who
do
not
believe,
lest
the
light
of
the
gospel
of
the
glory
of
Christ,
who
is
the
image
of
God,
should
shine
on
them.”
2
Corinthians 4:3-4
I believe the influential power and darkness of Satan is disarmed against those who are born again.
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
I believe those who are born again will be raised to eternal life, and unbelievers to eternal death.
“And
many
of
those
who
sleep
in
the
dust
of
the
earth
shall
awake,
some
to
everlasting
life,
some
to
shame
and
everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
the
hour
is
coming,
and
now
is,
when
the
dead
will
hear
the
voice
of
the
Son
of
God;
and
those
who
hear
will
live.
For
as
the
Father
has
life
in
Himself,
so
He
has
granted
the
Son
to
have
life
in
Himself,
and
has
given
Him
authority
to
execute
judgment
also,
because
He
is
the
Son
of
Man.
Do
not
marvel
at
this;
for
the
hour
is
coming
in
which
all
who
are
in
the
graves
will
hear
His
voice
and
come
forth—those
who
have
done
good,
to
the
resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:25-29
I
believe
all
persons
who
reject
Jesus
Christ
will
be
judged
during
the
Great
White
Throne
Judgment.
These
are
those
whose names will not be found in the Book of Life and will experience eternity in the lake of fire.
“Then
I
saw
a
great
white
throne
and
Him
who
sat
on
it,
from
whose
face
the
earth
and
the
heaven
fled
away.
And
there
was
found
no
place
for
them.
And
I
saw
the
dead,
small
and
great,
standing
before
God,
and
books
were
opened.
And
another
book
was
opened,
which
is
the
Book
of
Life.
And
the
dead
were
judged
according
to
their
works,
by
the
things
which
were
written
in
the
books.
The
sea
gave
up
the
dead
who
were
in
it,
and
Death
and
Hades
delivered
up
the
dead
who
were
in
them.
And
they
were
judged,
each
one
according
to
his
works.
Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.”
Revelation 20:11-15
I
believe
Jesus
will
not
blot
out
the
names
of
those
who
are
born
again,
and
He
will
confess
their
names
before
God
and
the angels, and they will live with Him for eternity.
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name
from
the
Book
of
Life;
but
I
will
confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5
I
believe
all
born
again
Christians
will
also
be
judged
by
Jesus
Christ
(Judgment
Seat
of
Christ).
This
judgment
is
not
for
entrance
into
Heaven
because
our
“’ticket”
for
entrance
into
Heaven
was
paid
for
by
Jesus.
However,
we
will
be
judged for our works. That which is done for self will not endure. That which was done for Jesus will be rewarded.
“For
we
must
all
appear
before
the
judgment
seat
of
Christ,
that
each
one
may
receive
the
things
done
in
the
body,
according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
“For
no
other
foundation
can
anyone
lay
than
that
which
is
laid,
which
is
Jesus
Christ.
Now
if
anyone
builds
on
this
foundation
with
gold,
silver,
precious
stones,
wood,
hay,
straw,
each
one’s
work
will
become
clear;
for
the
Day
will
declare
it,
because
it
will
be
revealed
by
fire;
and
the
fire
will
test
each
one’s
work,
of
what
sort
it
is.
If
anyone’s
work
which
he
has
built
on
it
endures,
he
will
receive
a
reward.
If
anyone’s
work
is
burned,
he
will
suffer
loss;
but
he
himself
will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
I believe we are in the last days. But more important, Jesus Christ will soon return as promised.
“But
know
this,
that
in
the
last
days
perilous
times
will
come:
for
men
will
be
lovers
of
themselves,
lovers
of
money,
boasters,
proud,
blasphemers,
disobedient
to
parents,
unthankful,
unholy,
unloving,
unforgiving,
slanderers,
without
self-
control,
brutal,
despisers
of
good,
traitors,
headstrong,
haughty,
lovers
of
pleasure
rather
than
lovers
of
God,
having
a
form of godliness but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Now
when
He
had
spoken
these
things,
while
they
watched,
He
was
taken
up,
and
a
cloud
received
Him
out
of
their
sight.
And
while
they
looked
steadfastly
toward
heaven
as
He
went
up,
behold,
two
men
stood
by
them
in
white
apparel,
who
also
said,
“Men
of
Galilee,
why
do
you
stand
gazing
up
into
heaven?
This
same
Jesus,
who
was
taken
up
from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11
“Behold,
He
is
coming
with
clouds,
and
every
eye
will
see
Him,
even
they
who
pierced
Him.
And
all
the
tribes
of
the
earth will mourn because of Him.” Revelation 1:7
Jesus
said,
“But
of
that
day
and
hour
no
one
knows,
not
even
the
angels
of
heaven,
but
My
Father
only.
But
as
the
days
of
Noah
were,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.
For
as
in
the
days
before
the
flood,
they
were
eating
and
drinking,
marrying
and
giving
in
marriage,
until
the
day
that
Noah
entered
the
ark,
and
did
not
know
until
the
flood
came
and
took
them
all
away,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.
Then
two
men
will
be
in
the
field:
one
will
be
taken
and
the
other
left.
Two
women
will
be
grinding
at
the
mill:
one
will
be
taken
and
the
other
left.
Watch
therefore,
for
you
do
not
know
what
hour
your
Lord
is
coming.
But
know
this,
that
if
the
master
of
the
house
had
known
what
hour
the
thief
would
come,
he
would
have
watched
and
not
allowed
his
house
to
be
broken
into.
Therefore
you
also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44
May God richly bless you with peace, wisdom and His continual presence
.
All for the glory of God
H
arold D. Thomas
Jesus
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
My Testimony
I
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as
my
Savior
when
I
was
17
years
old.
I
stood
at
the
water’s
edge
in
Huntington
Beach,
California,
as
a
Christian
church
pastor
(whom
I
had
just
met)
led
me
in
a
prayer.
I
vividly
remember
a
warm
ocean
wave
rolled
on
the
beach
up
to
our
knees
as
I
prayed
for
forgiveness,
opened
my
heart
to
Jesus
and
asked
Him
to
take
control
of
my
life.
I
also
remember
experiencing
a
feeling
of
peace
and
joy
on
the
inside—unlike
anything
I
had
felt
before—which
lasted
a
few
days.
However,
later
that
week
I
rejected
an
offer
by
a
local
church
leader
to
come to a Bible study, and I was soon back to my old self.
A
few
years
later,
when
I
was
21
years
old
and
serving
in
the
United
States
Air
Force,
I
was
facing
serious
consequences
for
my
behavior—including
a
court-martial,
going
to
prison
and
receiving
a
dishonorable
discharged.
I
had
made
absolute
mess
of
my
life
and
my
future
was
bleak.
Meanwhile,
the
Holy
Spirit
was
actively
working
to
cause
me
to
wake
up,
realize
my
situation,
understand
the
consequences,
let
go
of
the
control
of
my
life,
and
turn
my
heart
towards
God.
This
is
when
I
accepted
Jesus
Christ
as my Lord.
Thereafter,
things
began
to
change.
I
was
not
court-
martialed,
was
given
a
reduced
punishment
and
did
not
go
to
prison.
I
soon
joined
the
Christian
church
on
the
Air
Force
base
and
began
to
support
the
youth
group.
A
couple
of
years
later
I
completed
my
4-year
commitment
and
was
honorably
discharged.
Five
years
later
I
graduated
with
a
Bachelor
of
Science
in
Business
Administration,
and
was
hired
by
a
large
multibillion-dollar
international company where I enjoyed a 31-year career.
I
turned
66
in
May,
2020
and
have
been
married
only
once
to
my
best
friend,
wife
and
mother
of
our
two
sons
for
more
than
40
years.
Some
may
not
believe
this…but
it
is
true…my
wife
and
I
have
never
had
an
argument.
We
both
seek
God,
we
read
the
Bible
and
pray
together,
we
constantly
poke
fun
at
each
other,
we
laugh
and
cry
together, and we enjoy being with each other.
Praise
God
in
that
His
word
is
true
and
everlasting...for
I
have
learned
throughout
the
years…He
keeps
His
side
of
the
bargain.
Hebrews
13:5
says,
“I
will
never
leave
you
nor
forsake
you.”
For
His
grace…and
His
promises…and
His love transcends all of my sin.
When
evaluating
the
multitude
of
challenges
and
tribulations
I
have
experienced
in
my
life…I
can
see
how
these
events
changed
me
and
cleansed
me
from
within…a
process
that
continues
today
as
I
desire
to
become less of me and more like Him.
UniqueBibleStudies.Com
More
than
20
years
ago
I
developed
a
compelling
desire
to
research
and
write
topical
Bible
studies.
This
collection
is
now
posted
on
the
website,
and
is
continuing
to
grow
as
I
obediently
write
as
I
feel
led.
Each
writing
is
prayed
over,
humbly
placed
at
the
foot
of
Jesus
(because
He
alone is worthy), and freely made available to all.
There
have
been
many
times
when
I
write…and
I
will
stop
and
read
what
is
written…realize
the
power
that’s
in
the
words
and
how
they
will
touch
lives…and
begin
to
cry
as
I
worship
Him…because
I
know
the
only
One
who
can
touch
a
person’s
heart
and
change
them
from
within
is
the
Holy Spirit.
As
such,
I
pray
each
person
spiritually
grows
from
each
of
the lessons, and shares them with others.
My Beliefs
(All scripture is New King James Version)
I
believe
the
Bible
is
the
inspired,
inerrant,
and
authoritative Word of God.
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness,
that
the
man
of
God
may
be
complete,
thoroughly
equipped
for
every
good
work.”
2
Timothy 3:16-17
I believe all persons have a sinful nature.
“As
it
is
written:
There
is
none
righteous,
no,
not
one.”
Romans 3:10
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
Romans 3:23
I
believe
the
Son
of
God
was
conceived
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
born
of
the
Virgin
Mary,
and
became
a
human
being
in
the
person of Jesus Christ.
“Now
the
birth
of
Jesus
Christ
was
as
follows:
After
His
mother
Mary
was
betrothed
to
Joseph,
before
they
came
together,
she
was
found
with
child
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
Then
Joseph
her
husband,
being
a
just
man,
and
not
wanting
to
make
her
a
public
example,
was
minded
to
put
her
away
secretly.
But
while
he
thought
about
these
things,
behold,
an
angel
of
the
Lord
appeared
to
him
in
a
dream,
saying,
‘Joseph,
son
of
David,
do
not
be
afraid
to
take
to
you
Mary
your
wife,
for
that
which
is
conceived
in
her
is
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
And
she
will
bring
forth
a
Son,
and
you
shall
call
His
name
Jesus,
for
He
will
save
His
people
from
their
sins.’
So
all
this
was
done
that
it
might
be
fulfilled
which
was
spoken
by
the
Lord
through
the
prophet,
saying:
‘Behold,
the
virgin
shall
be
with
child,
and
bear
a
Son,
and
they
shall
call
His
name
Immanuel,’
which
is
translated,
‘God
with
us.’
Then
Joseph,
being
aroused
from
sleep,
did
as
the
angel
of
the
Lord
commanded
him
and
took
to
him
his
wife,
and
did
not
know
her
till
she
had
brought
forth
her
firstborn
Son.
And
he
called
His
name
Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25
I believe Jesus Christ lived a sinless life.
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew
no
sin
to
be
sin
for
us,
that
we
might
become
the
righteousness
of
God
in
Him.”
2
Corinthians 5:21
Because
of
each
person’s
sin,
I
believe
Jesus
Christ
died
a substitutionary death (to pay the price for our sin).
“Surely
He
has
borne
our
griefs
and
carried
our
sorrows;
yet
we
esteemed
Him
stricken,
smitten
by
God,
and
afflicted.
But
He
was
wounded
for
our
transgressions,
He
was
bruised
for
our
iniquities;
the
chastisement
for
our
peace
was
upon
Him,
and
by
His
stripes
we
are
healed.
All
we
like
sheep
have
gone
astray;
we
have
turned,
every
one,
to
his
own
way;
and
the
Lord
has
laid
on
Him
the
iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6
“For
Christ
also
suffered
once
for
sins,
the
just
for
the
unjust,
that
He
might
bring
us
to
God,
being
put
to
death
in
the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18
I
believe
Jesus
Christ
was
raised
from
the
dead
the
third
day,
ascended
into
heaven,
and
is
seated
at
the
right
hand
of God.
“For
I
delivered
to
you
first
of
all
that
which
I
also
received:
that
Christ
died
for
our
sins
according
to
the
Scriptures,
and
that
He
was
buried,
and
that
He
rose
again
the
third
day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 14:3-4
“But
this
Man,
after
He
had
offered
one
sacrifice
for
sins
forever,
sat
down
at
the
right
hand
of
God.”
Hebrews
10:12
I
believe
God’s
love
for
us
is
expressed
by
His
grace
(giving
us
what
we
do
not
deserve)
and
mercy
(not
giving
us what we deserve) through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“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.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16
“But
God
demonstrates
His
own
love
toward
us,
in
that
while
we
were
still
sinners,
Christ
died
for
us.
Much
more
then,
having
now
been
justified
by
His
blood,
we
shall
be
saved
from
wrath
through
Him.
For
if
when
we
were
enemies
we
were
reconciled
to
God
through
the
death
of
His
Son,
much
more,
having
been
reconciled,
we
shall
be
saved
by
His
life.
And
not
only
that,
but
we
also
rejoice
in
God
through
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
through
whom
we
have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11
I believe one must be born again to enter into heaven.
“Jesus
answered
and
said
to
him,
‘
Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
again,
he
cannot
see
the
kingdom
of
God.’
Nicodemus
said
to
Him,
‘How
can
a
man
be
born
when
he
is
old?
Can
he
enter
a
second
time
into
his
mother’s
womb
and
be
born?’
Jesus
answered,
‘Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the Spirit is spirit.’
” John 3:1-6
I
believe
the
10
Commandments—which
were
initially
written
on
stone—are
now
written
into
the
hearts
of
those
who are born again.
“This
is
the
covenant
that
I
will
make
with
them
after
those
days,
says
the
Lord:
I
will
put
My
laws
into
their
hearts,
and
in
their
minds
I
will
write
them,”
then
He
adds,
“Their
sins
and
their
lawless
deeds
I
will
remember
no
more.”
Hebrews 10:16-17
I
believe
Jesus
Christ
is
the
one
and
only
means
for
eternal life.
Jesus
said,
“I
am
the
way,
the
truth,
and
the
life.
No
one
comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
“Nor
is
there
salvation
in
any
other,
for
there
is
no
other
name
under
heaven
given
among
men
by
which
we
must
be saved.” Acts 4:12
I
believe
there
is
nothing
we
can
do
to
earn
salvation
other
than
exercising
our
faith
and
believing
in
what
Jesus
Christ did for us on the cross.
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“If
you
confess
with
your
mouth
the
Lord
Jesus
and
believe
in
your
heart
that
God
has
raised
Him
from
the
dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
I
believe
there
are
persons
who
externally
profess
to
be
a
Christian—but do not know Him.
“Not
everyone
who
says
to
Me,
‘Lord,
Lord,’
shall
enter
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
but
he
who
does
the
will
of
My
Father
in
heaven.
Many
will
say
to
Me
in
that
day,
‘Lord,
Lord,
have
we
not
prophesied
in
Your
name,
cast
out
demons
in
Your
name,
and
done
many
wonders
in
Your
name?’
And
then
I
will
declare
to
them,
‘I
never
knew
you;
depart
from
Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way
which
leads
to
life,
and
there
are
few
who
find
it.
Matthew 7:13-14
I
believe
the
Holy
Spirit
was
sent
by
the
Father
and
the
Son
to
convict
the
world
of
sin,
righteousness,
and
judgment.
“Nevertheless,
I
tell
you
the
truth.
It
is
to
your
advantage
that
I
go
away;
for
if
I
do
not
go
away,
the
Helper
will
not
come
to
you;
but
if
I
depart,
I
will
send
Him
to
you.
And
when
He
has
come,
He
will
convict
the
world
of
sin,
and
of
righteousness,
and
of
judgment:
of
sin,
because
they
do
not
believe
in
Me;
of
righteousness,
because
I
go
to
My
Father
and
you
see
Me
no
more;
of
judgment,
because
the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:7-11
I
believe
born
again
Christians
are
directly
influenced
(and
indwelled by) the Holy Spirit.
“But
you
shall
receive
power
when
the
Holy
Spirit
has
come
upon
you;
and
you
shall
be
witnesses
to
Me
in
Jerusalem,
and
in
all
Judea
and
Samaria,
and
to
the
end
of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“In
Him
you
also
trusted,
after
you
heard
the
word
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation;
in
whom
also,
having
believed,
you
were
sealed
with
the
Holy
Spirit
of
promise,
who
is
the
guarantee
of
our
inheritance
until
the
redemption
of
the
purchased
possession,
to
the
praise
of
His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
“Or
do
you
not
know
that
your
body
is
the
temple
of
the
Holy
Spirit
who
is
in
you,
whom
you
have
from
God,
and
you
are
not
your
own?
For
you
were
bought
at
a
price;
therefore,
glorify
God
in
your
body
and
in
your
spirit,
which
are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“But
you
are
not
in
the
flesh
but
in
the
Spirit,
if
indeed
the
Spirit
of
God
dwells
in
you.
Now
if
anyone
does
not
have
the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Romans 8:9
I
believe
born
again
Christians
experience
a
progressional
day-by-day
(Holy
Spirit
directed)
spiritual
transformation:
(1)
how
they
view
the
world,
and
(2)
changes
in
behavior
that reflect Jesus.
“Therefore,
if
anyone
is
in
Christ,
he
is
a
new
creation;
old
things
have
passed
away;
behold,
all
things
have
become
new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior.” Titus 3:5-6
I
believe
Satan’s
desire
is
to
deceive,
darken
and
destroy
all whom he can by leveraging man’s sinful nature.
Jesus
said
of
Satan,
“He
was
a
murderer
from
the
beginning,
and
does
not
stand
in
the
truth,
because
there
is
no
truth
in
him.
When
he
speaks
a
lie,
he
speaks
from
his
own
resources,
for
he
is
a
liar
and
the
father
of
it.”
John 8:44
“But
even
if
our
gospel
is
veiled,
it
is
veiled
to
those
who
are
perishing,
whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded,
who
do
not
believe,
lest
the
light
of
the
gospel
of
the
glory
of
Christ,
who
is
the
image
of
God,
should
shine
on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
I
believe
the
influential
power
and
darkness
of
Satan
is
disarmed against those who are born again.
“And
you,
being
dead
in
your
trespasses
and
the
uncircumcision
of
your
flesh,
He
has
made
alive
together
with
Him,
having
forgiven
you
all
trespasses,
having
wiped
out
the
handwriting
of
requirements
that
was
against
us,
which
was
contrary
to
us.
And
He
has
taken
it
out
of
the
way,
having
nailed
it
to
the
cross.
Having
disarmed
principalities
and
powers,
He
made
a
public
spectacle
of
them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15
I
believe
those
who
are
born
again
will
be
raised
to
eternal
life, and unbelievers to eternal death.
“And
many
of
those
who
sleep
in
the
dust
of
the
earth
shall
awake,
some
to
everlasting
life,
some
to
shame
and
everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
the
hour
is
coming,
and
now
is,
when
the
dead
will
hear
the
voice
of
the
Son
of
God;
and
those
who
hear
will
live.
For
as
the
Father
has
life
in
Himself,
so
He
has
granted
the
Son
to
have
life
in
Himself,
and
has
given
Him
authority
to
execute
judgment
also,
because
He
is
the
Son
of
Man.
Do
not
marvel
at
this;
for
the
hour
is
coming
in
which
all
who
are
in
the
graves
will
hear
His
voice
and
come
forth—those
who
have
done
good,
to
the
resurrection
of
life,
and
those
who
have
done
evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:25-29
I
believe
all
persons
who
reject
Jesus
Christ
will
be
judged
during
the
Great
White
Throne
Judgment.
These
are
those
whose
names
will
not
be
found
in
the
Book
of
Life
and will experience eternity in the lake of fire.
“Then
I
saw
a
great
white
throne
and
Him
who
sat
on
it,
from
whose
face
the
earth
and
the
heaven
fled
away.
And
there
was
found
no
place
for
them.
And
I
saw
the
dead,
small
and
great,
standing
before
God,
and
books
were
opened.
And
another
book
was
opened,
which
is
the
Book
of
Life.
And
the
dead
were
judged
according
to
their
works,
by
the
things
which
were
written
in
the
books.
The
sea
gave
up
the
dead
who
were
in
it,
and
Death
and
Hades
delivered
up
the
dead
who
were
in
them.
And
they
were
judged,
each
one
according
to
his
works.
Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.”
Revelation
20:11-15
I
believe
Jesus
will
not
blot
out
the
names
of
those
who
are
born
again,
and
He
will
confess
their
names
before
God and the angels, and they will live with Him for eternity.
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name
from
the
Book
of
Life;
but
I
will
confess
his
name
before
My
Father
and
before
His
angels.” Revelation 3:5
I
believe
all
born
again
Christians
will
also
be
judged
by
Jesus
Christ
(Judgment
Seat
of
Christ).
This
judgment
is
not
for
entrance
into
Heaven
because
our
“’ticket”
for
entrance
into
Heaven
was
paid
for
by
Jesus.
However,
we
will
be
judged
for
our
works.
That
which
is
done
for
self
will
not
endure.
That
which
was
done
for
Jesus
will
be
rewarded.
“For
we
must
all
appear
before
the
judgment
seat
of
Christ,
that
each
one
may
receive
the
things
done
in
the
body,
according
to
what
he
has
done,
whether
good
or
bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
“For
no
other
foundation
can
anyone
lay
than
that
which
is
laid,
which
is
Jesus
Christ.
Now
if
anyone
builds
on
this
foundation
with
gold,
silver,
precious
stones,
wood,
hay,
straw,
each
one’s
work
will
become
clear;
for
the
Day
will
declare
it,
because
it
will
be
revealed
by
fire;
and
the
fire
will
test
each
one’s
work,
of
what
sort
it
is.
If
anyone’s
work
which
he
has
built
on
it
endures,
he
will
receive
a
reward.
If
anyone’s
work
is
burned,
he
will
suffer
loss;
but
he
himself
will
be
saved,
yet
so
as
through
fire.”
1
Corinthians 3:11-15
I
believe
we
are
in
the
last
days.
But
more
important,
Jesus Christ will soon return as promised.
“But
know
this,
that
in
the
last
days
perilous
times
will
come:
for
men
will
be
lovers
of
themselves,
lovers
of
money,
boasters,
proud,
blasphemers,
disobedient
to
parents,
unthankful,
unholy,
unloving,
unforgiving,
slanderers,
without
self-control,
brutal,
despisers
of
good,
traitors,
headstrong,
haughty,
lovers
of
pleasure
rather
than
lovers
of
God,
having
a
form
of
godliness
but
denying
its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Now
when
He
had
spoken
these
things,
while
they
watched,
He
was
taken
up,
and
a
cloud
received
Him
out
of
their
sight.
And
while
they
looked
steadfastly
toward
heaven
as
He
went
up,
behold,
two
men
stood
by
them
in
white
apparel,
who
also
said,
“Men
of
Galilee,
why
do
you
stand
gazing
up
into
heaven?
This
same
Jesus,
who
was
taken
up
from
you
into
heaven,
will
so
come
in
like
manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11
“Behold,
He
is
coming
with
clouds,
and
every
eye
will
see
Him,
even
they
who
pierced
Him.
And
all
the
tribes
of
the
earth will mourn because of Him.” Revelation 1:7
Jesus
said,
“But
of
that
day
and
hour
no
one
knows,
not
even
the
angels
of
heaven,
but
My
Father
only.
But
as
the
days
of
Noah
were,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.
For
as
in
the
days
before
the
flood,
they
were
eating
and
drinking,
marrying
and
giving
in
marriage,
until
the
day
that
Noah
entered
the
ark,
and
did
not
know
until
the
flood
came
and
took
them
all
away,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.
Then
two
men
will
be
in
the
field:
one
will
be
taken
and
the
other
left.
Two
women
will
be
grinding
at
the
mill:
one
will
be
taken
and
the
other
left.
Watch
therefore,
for
you
do
not
know
what
hour
your
Lord
is
coming.
But
know
this,
that
if
the
master
of
the
house
had
known
what
hour
the
thief
would
come,
he
would
have
watched
and
not
allowed
his
house
to
be
broken
into.
Therefore
you
also
be
ready,
for
the
Son
of
Man
is
coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44
May
God
richly
bless
you
with
peace,
wisdom
and
His
continual presence.
All for the glory of God
Harold D. Thomas
Jesus
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.