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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:16


There is a false gospel being preached in most churches for many generations now that says you just need to say/think you believe Jesus is Lord and thereby are saved. This is not what God's Word says. That confession must happen but also must be followed an act of faith or the faith is dead. (read Heb ch.11 and James ch. 2 to see that Faith requires action)

In order to have a_living_faith we must acknowledge we are a sinner to God and repent of, our human ways of thinking, our sin. We also must be water baptised (the action), by immersion, to symbolize the cleansing of, and death to, sin in our lives and to enter into new life with Christ.

Please read on.

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Defining the words 'Faith' and 'Belief' in the Bible.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16

The second part of the verse above refers back to the first part of the verse. I pray you see where the verse says 'believeth not', it refers back to the first part of the verse which says 'He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;'. A very clear definition of what 'belief' is for us going forward.

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...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.   Acts 16:30-33

Here the first part of the verse says 'believe' and when they did believe they were baptized immediately. Again, linking believing and baptism thus confirming Mark 16:16.

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Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.   Acts 8:35-38

Once more we see the person hearing the gospel and wanting to be baptized. Clearly, when the gospel is_properly_preached and accepted, baptism follows. Always search out verses that confirm what other verses are saying.

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Jesus' two manners of speaking

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

When Jesus speaks to the masses he_always_speaks in parable or veiled speech. He only elucidates, and makes clear, the gospel to the disciples privately. Hence, why he says only the word 'believe' in John 3:16. Yet, in Mark 16:16 when speaking to the disciples he says  'believe and be baptized' .

* Remember this fact about the two types of speaking Jesus does as you read Gods Word. It helps with understanding the Bible. Confirming verses below.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: but when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.   Mark 4:34

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables;   Mark 4:11

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The Bible doesn't always say 'believe and be baptized' throughout the New Testament. At times just 'have faith' or 'believe' are said.

Christ himself only says 'believe' in John 3:16. But 'believe and be baptized' is always true as there is only one way to heaven, not multiple ways. To say to 'believe and be baptized' is not the way is contradicting Christ's own words in Mark 16:16, don't make that mistake.

Also, when "believe with thine heart" and other similar verses are said, heart is referring to the flesh, our human nature. So believing with your heart means the flesh obeys. i.e. baptism.

We also see this to be true in accounts of the great commission which are spoken only to disciples, quoted on the Baptism page. Also, baptism is confirmed in many other parts of the Bible.

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God gave Himself for us!

But God commendeth his love toward us, that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.   1Cor 2:1-2 

If someone took a bullet for you, would you not feel very grateful for that? Christ took the bullet for us all. Give thanks, repent and be saved!

That is why Christ came, to sacrifice himself. He knows we will stumble and fall, sometimes badly and/or for long periods. Don't give up! Christ will not give up on you! There is victory over sin and for the sin you have not gotten the victory over yet there is forgiveness!

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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the light; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.   John 14:6

The scripture says 'way', singular, not multiple 'ways'. Part of true faith in Christ is water baptism by immersion. If you were not water baptized possibly you have never heard the true gospel message. Go to, The Way, and also read the whole Bible for yourself to learn and know the Truth.

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God's promise to us

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9 

Confess your sin to God, walk in truth.

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God cares for us.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.   Jer 29:11

This is our joy, to walk in His will for our lives! Stay in prayer and in the Word for spiritual guidance in all your thoughts, words and actions.

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God wants us to know Him

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.   Matt 6:33

Don't get caught up in chasing the 'stuff' of life. God will provide what is needed for you, and even your other desires, if you seek His will and way for your life.

(read the Bible and pray to get the insight His Word provides) 

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God desires us to have peace

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.   John 14:27

Note the clear statement above that God's peace is different from peace of the world. Interesting and thought provoking. Also note we are to not fear or worry. Not because there won't be trouble in life but we are to trust in God. Even if/when we don't understand what's happening around us.

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SAMARITAN'S PURSE MINISTRY