More Letters, Questions, and Answers

By Larry R. Lasiter

©

Dear Pastor,

Receive much greetings in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Pastor Lasiter ,I know you have been expecting me to visit you during this month of July .I am sorry I won’t be able to make it.

Pastor, I happened to visit a friend at our neighboring country Uganda and during my stay there were 70 people defected from Sunday worship and accepted Sabbath truth. For that reason I have sacrificed my coming there this month in order to take care of these people and teach them what exactly Sabbath truth means .

I am planning to visit you early next year .Although I will continue updating you on our progress.

Please greet your dear family and the beloved church of Christ .My family and the church sends you greetings. We all love you and forever grateful that you brought to us the Sabbath truth during your Crusades here in 2001.

Thanks for taking the time to answer in depth. I appreciate your response.

I was in the Worldwide church, but have been away over 20 years. The doctrine I stepped furtherest away from is that teaching about being in the "God family" because I came to see that Isaiah has verses which say God is NOT reproducing himself. (Check out Is. 44:6, 8, & 43:10.) I do still believe after the resurrection & that mortal bodies will put on immortality, just not quite in the same way Herbert Armstrong taught.

Recently, a forum reprinted news about your African trip which made me interested in looking at your web site. The update mentioned Sunday folks came to the Sabbath as a result of that trip. Thanks again for responding. Cindy

By your response I think you will agree,- it really doesn't matter just exactly what we shall be when the Lord appears as long as He finds us faithful. Those are interesting Scriptures. Let me give you another Scripture or two to think about. I believe these are very deep and frankly I don't have a firm understanding of them, but I do receive them as the Bible states them.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST, just as He CHOSE us IN HIM (Jesus) BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He PREDESTINED US to ADOPTION AS SONS through JESUS CHRIST to Himself." (Ephesians 1:3-5)

This appears to say that those who are "called" and "chosen" are actually "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world." And that those who WERE chosen BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD were PREDESTINED to become SONS OF GOD.

Colossians says that this Jesus "created all things." (1:16) And that He is the Head of the Body, which are those predestined to be chosen "in Christ", the Church. (1:18) Paul goes on to say that Jesus is the "first-born" from the dead and therefore "first in everything." Verse 19says that "it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him (Jesus)." Chapter 2 verses 9-10 reveals what that "fulness" is, notice,- "For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you (church) have been MADE COMPLETE, and He is the HEAD over all rule and authority."

Paul appears to be saying that the fulness of Deity is composed of one Body, the Body of Christ with Jesus as it's Head and the church as His Bodily form. Notice also that this Bodily form is "Deity" (divine) and is made complete in its fulness with Christ as its Head and those chosen in Him before the foundation of the world His Body. The Church and Christ seem to be, or become one. In Corinthians Paul says "You are one Body, the Body of Christ." That we are "one Lump" which is "unleavened." Peter says we and Christ are a "spiritual Temple." The church are the "living stones" and Christ is the "Cornerstone." But obviously it is a single structure, just as the Head and Body are a single Bodily form.

Ephesians 2 verse 10 says that the church is "His workmanship,CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS for good works, which God PREPARED BEFOREHAND, that we should walk in them."

Romans 8:29-30,- "For WHOM He FOREKNEW, He also PREDESTINED to become conformed to the IMAGE OF THE SON, that He might be the FIRST-BORN among MANY BRETHREN; and WHOM He PREDESTINED,these he also CALLED, and WHOM He CALLED, these he also justified; and WHOM He justified THESE He also GLORIFIED." Paul is saying that those "called" and "chosen" were "foreknown" by God, and were "predestined" to be "conformed to the image of the Son."

Hebrews 2 says that man was made for a little while lower than the angels, and also that Jesus likewise was made for a little while lower than the angels in order that He might suffer death. Verse 10 says that this Jesus is the Author or "captain" of our salvation and through His sacrifice is bringing "many sons to glory." Now notice verse 11, "For BOTH He WHO SANCTIFIES and THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED are ALL FROM ONE FATHER; for which reason He si not ashamed to CALL THEM BRETHREN." Now Paul is saying here that "BOTH" Jesus who "sanctifies" and THOSE who are sanctified (that's the church) are "ALL FROM ONE FATHER," and this is the REASONthat Jesus is not ashamed to "call THEM BRETHREN."

Verse 14, "Since then the CHILDREN share in FLESH and blood, He, HIMSELF likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." Who are the "children" who shared in the "flesh and blood?" Are they not those who were "sanctified" and "all from one Father?"

Now, in quoting these passages I am not saying that the saints of God had a pre-existence with memory and existence apart from Christ. Or that the saints were "God-Beings" like or separate from God, the Son. But these Scriptures do seem to say that those called, chosen and sanctified were "foreknown", "predestined" "chosen IN CHRIST before the foundation of the world." It is a mystery, such as the mystery of Levi paying tithes to Melchezidek before he was born, even yet while he was in Abraham's loins. Yet, we learn here, that Levi was "in Abraham's loins" before he was born.

An observation: When giving Adam a mate, God saw that there was no suitable mate for him among the animals which He had made. When God made a mate for an animal, he simply reached down and took of the earth to fashion one from.

But when God made a mate for Adam he did not reach down, pick up some soil and make a woman, He made Adam's bride from Adam. The first woman came from the first man. God reached into Adam's side and "chose" a part of his "body" to make a mate. Before Eve existed as Eve she existed "in Adam."

And God pronounced them "one flesh" not two. Perhaps, when the Father chose a "bride" for the second Adam which is Christ, he found none suitable among the earthy and "chose" one "in Christ" as we read in Ephesians 1:3-5. Paul told the Corinthians that he wished to present the church to Christ as a pure virgin and that they were "betrothed to one husband, that to Christ." (2 Cor. 11:2) Revelation 19 says that the bride will have made herself ready when Jesus returns in glory.

This bride and Jesus the Groom are "one spirit" as Adam and Eve were "one flesh." Not "many Gods" but one God the Son, Jesus is the Head, we are His Bodily form, spiritally speaking of course. When the spirit is finished with this mortal there will be nothing left of what was us except what the spiritual Seed in us produces. We are a "new creature in Christ" but composed of what has always existed, the spiritual Seed or essence of God the Son. In expanding the God-Family, we are not becoming many gods, but many individual members of ONE BODY, -the FULNESS of DEITY in BODILY FORM.

Concerning the article "You Keep Sabbath - I Keep Sunday?" the Disciples of Christ pastor Robert Muthoka who I tell the story of talking about Sabbath observance with did bring his church into the Sabbath. Since then, he has visited Uganda and brought another church into Sabbath observance through his witness and testimony.

Also, I received word from a pastor from Kisii, Kenya who said that he was at one of my crusades in Nakuru and argued with me over Sabbath observance after the meeting. In the letter, he told me he couldn't stop thinking about the points I had given him and finally began to study it honestly for himself. As a result he and his congregation are now a Sabbatarian fellowship. I want to say,- the crusades were never about Sabbath observance, but were mainly the pure saving gospel of Jesus Christ. However, we always made an invitation to the crowds to attend that week's Sabbath Service at the local church where I would be. So they all knew we were Sabbatarians

.Aside from this, we established three new Sabbath congregations in Kenya during our five weeks of crusades. I preached 34 crusades in 34 days in four different regions of Kenya, W. Africa. There are pictures atwww.pointsoftruth.com/mission.html

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!My name is Sebastian Neagu and I am writing to you from Bucharest the capital of Romania, a small country in south-east Europe. I found your e-mail address on internet in a site that offer a list with independent seventh day churches. Hoping this won’t be a burden for you I decided to write to you, the main reason being that I intent to start a similar church here in Romania.

But first let me tell you few words about me. I am nearly thirty years old, I grew up in an orthodox family but for almost ten years I came to know very well the seventh day adventist, baptist, penticostal and evangelical churches. I am student in the last year at Theology Faculty of Romanian Biblical Institute, a non-denominational school, and I will graduate this summer.

As I mentioned before I want, by Lord’s grace, to plant a seventh day worship independent church. By independent I mean not under one organization’s control. I don’t know how things are in America but here all major churches are going trough an institutionalization process becoming non-functional. That’s why I think an alternative is necessary.

Because this kind of initiative is a pioneer one in Romania, I am writing to you considering that your experience might be useful for me, and hoping you will support me in my effort. If you agree to communicate with me about this subject I am waiting for an answer from you.

With faith that God will answer through you to the need for salvation of the people from Bucharest I wish God’s blessings for you.Your brother in Christ, Sebastian

Dear Sebastian,

WARMEST OF GREETINGS IN THE MIGHTY AND MAJESTIC NAME OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS GLORIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST! I hope this email finds you well and prospering in the love, grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.

Thank you for the exciting news! Have you visited our web site? You can view it at www.pointsoftruth.com We can help by sending you tracts, literature and booklets which you may reproduce for your evangelistic effort there in Romania. We also have sermon tapes available upon request. I look forward to hearing from you again. Let me know how I may help.

Your Friend in Christ's Service, Larry R. Lasiter

Greetings from Poland!

Are you pentecostals seventh day? Leszek

Dear Leszek,

Warmest of Greetings in the Mighty and Majestic Name of our Heavenly Father and His Glorious Son Jesus Christ!

We do not have a "Pentecostal" background but many consider us Pentecostal because of our lively praise and worship, our belief in the gifts of the holy spirit, including the speaking of tongues. Pentecostals themselves would probably not characterize us as true Pentecostals because we don't place special emphasis on speaking in tongues, nor do we hold that all Christians who possess the holy spirit speak in tongues.

We yield to the move of the holy spirit during services but also maintain order as the Apostle Paul instucted the church to so that all things are done without confusion, for God is not the Author of confusion. We do not observe holidays which have pagan roots and which predate Christianity, and we do observe the Biblical holy day Festival as given by God in Leviticus 23, though with New Testament, Gospel meaning. I hope I have been helpful to you. Please write back and tell me about yourself.

Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

Why is it that Jesus freaks like you always have to pin everything on the Bible? since the Bible is so vague and generalized, of course its going to be "accurate" to some degree, and I know in your reply you will say that it is precise and you will waste your time with quotes from that pile of dead trees. bye, bye

Dear Friend, Thank you for writing.

It is reasonable to question the Bible or any other book, especially one which claims to be the inspired word of a divine Creator. And you are also right in your assessment that much of the Bible is written vaguely. The Bible even says that God speaks to His prophets in "dark sayings" which are difficult to understand. So, the prophetic books of the Bible are often vague, dark sayings which could be interpreted wrongly. Prophecy is not to be interpreted but revealed only by the source of that prophecy which according to the Bible, is God. However, many still try to apply the prophetic writings to mean what they want them to mean.

I think the most powerful evidence that there is something extraordinary about the Bible can be found in the testimonies of those who have witnessed its power and truth firsthand. I, myself was a Rock musician about to sign a recording contract when this Book suddenly and dramatically changed my thinking and my life. That was 30 years ago and I have not been disappointed.

One of the most remarkable things about the Bible and Christianity is that a person suddenly becomes a Christian in a single moment, in a twinkling of an eye. People don't really study to "learn" Christianity until they have already been changed into Christians. It is a mystery that is beyond simple explanation. I did not want to become a Christian, I was not searching for God, I liked my life as it was, but suddenly and dramatically I found an overwhelming urge to begin reading the Bible. No one "witnessed" to me, it all happened suddenly and without any human involvement. I found myself transformed and I liked it, and still do.

There are literally millions of testimonies where "non-Christians", "atheists", "occultists" etc, are suddenly transformed in a single moment into Bible believing Christians. People who were just hours before not even thinking that such a thing was even possible. As I am sure you know, this has happened to Presidents, Scientists, Physicians, Astronomers, Professors, etc, as well as those of simpler professions and all walks of life.

The Bible and Christianity has changed the entire complexion of the world. Wherever the simple gospel (good news) of our Creator becoming a man to suffer and die that those who are guilty may be spared is told, people of all cultures and all races find a spiritual call to embrace the message. God did not just forgive the evil in man but paid the penalty for that evil with His own blood. That is how great a love God has for us.

Many people such as Werner Von Braun, the founder of NASA, and Oxford Professor, Author and former atheist C. S. Lewis began reading the Bible to "prove it wrong" only to find themselves wrong instead. It has been my experience that most critics of the Bible have never honestly read it. They assume they know what it says, what it teaches from hearing various "Christian talk" or from what they have heard preachers say. Even most professing Christians have never really read their Bibles to really prove it right or wrong.

What I have found in my 30 years of being a Christian, is that most Christians have never truly studied their Bibles to know that it is true, and most non-Christians (non-Bible believers) have likewise never truly checked it out firsthand either,- not like the men I mentioned above did.

Most people in the world just go along to get along. They just believe what they want to believe and never really search for real truth in anything. Some attack the Bible or Christianity because of its teachings against sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, drunkenness etc.

These people do not want to believe that the Bible may be true because they don't want to change their lifestyle, so without evidence or research, they "decide" that the Bible is not really God's Word to man and has no real authority in their lives. One motivation for this thinking is that the Bible teaches that all unbelievers who do not change will be thrown into a Lake of Fire. This is an uncomfortable thought to those who are living wayward lifestyles.

You never mentioned which article you were referring to. Did you go to the home page? www.pointsoftruth.comMay I suggest you check out this article? www.pointsoftruth.com/worldjesus.html

I don't know anything about you personally. I don't know if you have checked out the Bible firsthand and actually read through it with an open mind. But if you haven't, I wish you would. You can only make an intelligent observation of it by thoroughly reading it. If you haven't, then you really shouldn't have an opinion about it one way or the other. I never have a strong opinion about any book I have not read. I noticed that your email contained no specifics, no Scriptural references which illustrated your critic. If you read the Book then you and I can intelligently discuss specific points and come to logical conclusions. After reading through the Bible many times over, I have found it more reasonable to believe that it is the actual Word of God than to believe that it is not. And I have witnessed firsthand it truth and its power.

On a more personal note. Through reading the Bible and through prayer and worship of its Author, I can testify that I have seen Jesus with my own eyes, I have heard the voice of God speak, I have witnessed supernatural and wonderful miracles and instantaneous healing of diseases. All in the name of the God of the Bible and of Jesus His Son. I have felt the power of God's presence run through me which is absolutely too euphoric to describe.

I understand that you cannot, and should not just believe what I am saying to you. You cannot know that I am telling you the truth. But, understand also, that I, like other Christians, have nothing to gain personally in taking the time to write such a lengthy reply. I once was like you, until in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye my life was transformed forever. I once was blind, but now I see. To my heavenly Father and to Jesus my Savior I give thanks. It is my hope and prayer that you may experience the love, power and joy that I now have. Then you will know what all the fuss is about. Thanks again for writing I do appreciate your comments.

Dear Pastor Larry Lasiter
My heart lept with joy with the Sabbath information you have supplied us. I can’t wait for Sunday to go and tell our brothers and Sisters in the church about this message you have written to us. I will visit our Reverend tonight and invite some of our friends who had been involved in the Sabbath debate to read for themselves what you have sent us. God bless you Pastor Larry and the Crusade Church there. Amen!

I will write telling you the results of tonight with our Reverend. Although I have little money to spend I will sacrifice my launch to print out the information you send us.
In Christ Jesus,Julius Zulu ,Zimbabwe, Africa

I found your website through the coffee news newsletter. I found the Sabbath....Sunday? link and read it with great interest. My family and I moved from California to Kentucky. We attend the local Seventh Day Adventist church. since moving to Kentucky we have not found many Sabbath  keepers who are awake in the word. Sadly most of the congregation at our new church here are spiritually fast asleep. Do you have any churches here in KY? I would really enjoy attending a Sabbath keeping church service closer to home. Thank You, Cherokee

Dear Mr. Lasiter,
How do you do?
After reading your article, What happens at death? , then I would like to ask you why does the Bible reads 20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. (I Cor 15) "He is now become (the firstfruits) of them that slept. " But, Elijah the prophet did rise up the widow's son, and Lazarus was made risen from the death. So the two was risen before Jesus Himself - is there a disagreement with it?
Lastly, Jesus answered one of the malefactor that "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Does it mean he is the first one delivered immediately to heaven after death? Luke 23:42-43 - And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comes into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
I have translated some of your passage's content into my letter/language,
so as to edifying others.
Please help answering it. Regards. Sincerely, Jack

Good to hear from you again. Elijah the prophet did raise the widow's son, but not to eternal life. He just lived out his natural life and died again and is now awaiting the resurrection. The same is true with Lazarus, he was raised but only temporarily, he later died and is also awaiting the resurrection. Jesus rose from the grave with the "keys" to death and the grave."Blessed and holy is he who has a part in the first resurrection from which death has no power." (Revelation 20) Death still had power to take the widow's son and also Lazarus at a later date. Jesus raised them from the dead to fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah. Remember when John the Baptist's disciples came to Jesus and said, "John wants to know if You are the Christ, or should we look for another?" Jesus answered, "Go and tell John that the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the dead are raised."
 

Concerning the statement Jesus made about Paradise while on the Cross. Translators added punctuation to the sacred Scriptures so this statement could be read like this - "Verily I say unto thee today, you shalt thou be with me in paradise." Notice that I put the comma AFTER "today" and not BEFORE "today."

This would mean that Jesus was telling the man "today" ( the day of the crucifixion) he would be in Paradise with Jesus but does not identify when. The rest of the Scriptures identify that time as the time of the first resurrection. Ask yourself this question,- Where did Jesus go "that day?" Did He go to Paradise or the grave?

When asked what is the sign of Him being the Messiah, Jesus answered and said that He would give them only one sign, the "sign of Jonah." As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the grave." Jesus did not ascend to the Father to be presented until three days later and did not ascend back to His heavenly throne until forty days later. (Acts 1)

Clearly, Jesus did not go to Paradise the same day of His crucifixion. Both Jesus and the man He promised Paradise to were placed in their tombs later that day to await the resurrection. Jesus, being the First Fruit of the first fruits was raised following the third day, but the man is waiting the resurrection of the saints which will occur at the return of Christ.

Also concerning the "Coming in of His Kingdom" the disciples asked the resurrected Jesus who had appeared to them for forty days, as He was ascending into Heaven, "Lord is it at THIS TIME that you are restoring the Kingdom?" So even forty days after His resurrection Jesus had not restored the Kingdom. But when the Kingdom is restored at His Glorious return to the earth, Jesus will"remember" this man who He promised Paradise to.
Thank you for writing and for giving me an opportunity to help. I hope that I have been of help to you. May God richly bless and keep you always in search of the Truth and in His loving Grace Brother Larry

Greetings in the name and love of Jesus Christ. It is encouraging to communicate with Saints who wants to walk with God believing the truths of the Sabbath and Holy days. I and a few brothers and sisters are also keeping the Sabbath and celebrating the holy days with the help of Godwit much oppositions and persecution, but the trails of our faith has made us strong. When we got your address we overjoyed and comforted, thinking that we can get encouraging words from you. We pay much to send this message by e-mail because we didn’t have computer. We are poor in the materials of the world but rich in faith of God.

Sir, we are not here asking physical support, but spiritual support. Please, will you send us your literatures- magazines, tracts, books, booklets, periodicals or others? You can use the following address: We expect eagerly your response. Don’t underestimate the service you give to us. Your reward will be great in heaven. God bless In much love.

PLEASE RECEIVE THE WARMEST OF GREETINGS IN THE MIGHTY AND MAJESTIC NAME OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS GLORIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST! I hope this email finds you well and prospering in the love, grace and mercy of our Beloved Lord and Savior.

Thank you for writing and sharing your faith in the holiness of the Sabbath and your testimony of Christ. We will be happy to add you to our mailing list for literature. We love Africa, in 2001 we held 34 crusades in Kenya. We also have an outreach in Sierra Leone. Pass our blessings to the church and tell them we love them and pray for our African brethren each day. Where did you get my email address? Our web site is www.pointsoftruth.com

I ran into a site that states the only way to repent of adultery is to get out of that relationship. What if you have married someone who divorced on non biblical grounds and you married her and had 3 kids over 14 years and did not realize that caused you both to commit adultery till now. Do you have to divorce and leave your wife and 3 kids to repent of adultery and stay single for the rest of your life or until their first spouse dies? Jesus plainly called it adultery. This is driving me crazy!!! I and other people that I know are in the situation. 1 Corinthians 6 states "Do not be decieved no adulterer ... shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. Did they divorce to stop committing Adultery. Please Respond!!! Thanks, Larry Triplett

WARM GREETINGS IN THE MIGHTY AND MAJESTIC NAME OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS GLORIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST! Thank you for writing and for allowing me to minister to you.

Paul told the Corinthians to stay in the condition in which God called them into His grace. Once a person repents of practicing sin, is baptized and receives the holy spirit they are a new creation in Christ. The old person is now dead and not subject to the penalty of past transgressions. John 6:44 says "No man can come to Me (Jesus) unless the Father draw him."

We did not choose the time that God calls us into His mercy and grace, He does. He calls many people after they have committed many gross sins and their new life begins when the old self dies in the watery grave of baptism. The Crusade Church of God teaches that people are to stay in the relationship in which they are called and remain faithful to their spouse. Paul says when a person dies they are no longer bound but are free. A person who receives Christ Jesus, having made a committment to stop living in sin, is baptized and receives the holy spirit is dead in the flesh but alive in the spirit.

If a person truly repents, is baptized and really receives the indwelling of the holy spirit and then later divorces their mate, they are not allowed to marry but must be reconciled to their mate according to Scripture. People who knowingly and willingly rebell against God in this manner must repent by separating for they are living in sin. But this is truly very rare indeed. When "Christians" go this far they have almost always already left God in many other ways along the way and are no longer true Christians. I hope I have been helpful, I would have written in more detail but it is very late here, but I didn't want to delay giving you an answer. Please feel free to write again.

Blessings, Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

Do you have women preachers or pastors?

Thank you, H.L. Smith

Dear Mr. Smith,

Greetings in the Name of Jesus. The answer is no. There is no Biblically based authorization for women pastors. Women can hold the office of Deaconess or Prophetess but women are not allowed to teach men in the congregation. This however, does not mean that they are ignorant, and they should be respected as co-heirs of the kingdom of God. But God's word is clear on this subject and whether we like it or not we must always yield to God. Paul told Timothy that women are not allowed to teach men and should quietly receive instruction.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul told them that the women are to remain silent in the church during services. (chapter 14) The Bible however does show that women can be Prophetesses. So in our congregation only men teach during the regular worship service, but women are welcome to testify or prophesy but not teach during the afternoon testimony service. In fact the pulpit is open even to children during this time.
Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

I live in Wellsville, New York, a small town south of Buffalo, New York. I am a seventh-day Adventist and I found your web site interesting. I would like to know how your congregation celebrates the different feasts according to scripture and some more about your church. I would really appreciate this information and God bless you.

Warm Greetings in the Mighty and Majestic Name of our Heavenly Father and His Glorious Son Jesus Christ. I hope that this email finds you well and prospering in the love, grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.

We celebrate the Biblical festivals with New Testament meanings. They are harvest festivals representing three harvests of souls. They also picture God's great plan of Salvation. If you will email me your mailing address I will send you along some literature and sermon tapes about us and the Biblical Holy Days. They truly are wonderful blessings once you observe them.

Thanks for your article on Jesus' great sign. (Of being three days and three nights in the grave) Did you know that the Muslims use the 'Good Friday' story to disprove Jesus? Notice this from an Islamic web sitehttp://www.al-islam.org/short/closerlook/ -"Jesus was crucified on Friday, this is certainly known among all Christians, and it’s the reason for calling that Friday by "Good Friday." Jesus was buried on Friday night. Now let us start counting. Friday night Jesus was buried.This is night #1 1.Saturday day Jesus was still in the grave.This is day #1. Saturday night Jesus was still in the grave. This is night #2

2. The number of days and nights Jesus spent in the heart of the earth is 1 day and 2 nights. This challenges what Jesus had prophesied.

Yet, but for so many 'Christians,' it doesn't matter that the Good Friday tradition runs contrary to THEIR (OUR) OWN SAVIOR'S WORDS!"

This shows us why it is important to be correct in our teachings. Thanks Again for standing in TRUTH, Kirk H

Thanks Kirk,

I am glad that you found it helpful. After you wrote I emailed the article to the Islamic web site you mentioned to let them understand that "all Christians" do not hold the belief that Jesus was not a full three days and three nights in the grave. Blessings, Brother Larry

I have a few questions that I would like to know. I wanted to know if I could be forgiven? I made a lot of mistakes in my life. I was a fornicator, I was sexual immoral by having unnatural sexual practices, I was a thief, and a liar. I believe in Jesus but I fedl as if I have too much sin to be forgiven. Is there too much sin for God to forgive? I mostly wanted to know if I could be forgiven for one sin in particular, and that is my unnatural sexual practice. I was once very heavy into drugs ( ecstasy and PCP), when I took these drugs I messed up really bad, I had sexual relations with an animal a few times while I was taking them. I thought I could not be forgiven for this mistake. I stopped taking drugs after this happened and started going to a recovery church seeking God’s forgiveness but I didn't know if I could be forgiven for this particular sin. I think I have done the unpardonable sin so please return this message and tell me if I could be forgiven or not.

I didn't want to ask my pastor these questions because Im ashamed and thought that they would judge, me so I would greatly appreciate it if you would reply back soon. thank you. Ricky

Dear Ricky,

WARMEST OF GREETINGS IN THE MIGHTY AND MAJESTIC NAME OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS GLORIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST!

Thank you for writing and for allowing me the opportunity to answer your question. Yes, you can be forgiven. When Jesus suffered and died, giving His holy and righteous life for the sins of humanity, it included all types of sin. The only sin which cannot be forgiven is blasphemy against the holy spirit and this is because without the holy spirit one cannot receive Jesus into their heart. It is by the power of the holy spirit that conviction of sin comes to us. Those who reject that conviction will over time have blasphemed the holy spirit and can never be saved. God will give them over to the unlawful passions they lust after, and according to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, will even send upon them a lying spirit that they would believe that they are OK. You, obviously regret the sins of your past, so lay them at the foot of the cross and allow Jesus to bare them for you. God will cast them into the "sea of forgetfulness" to never be remembered again. PRAISE THE LORD! I have some sermons that I think will help you, so email me your physical mailing address and we will put them in the mail free of charge.

I wanted to know how I’m forgiven for bestiality when there was no atonement nor forgiveness in the Old Testament for capital punishments . I’m losing hope, I’m new to all of this Biblical stuff so I don’t know much, but I think I’m going to HELL for this sin I've committed while on drugs. I live my life in fear of going to hell because I’m so guilty, so I have been looking all over the Old Testament to see how I could be forgiven for this sin since the Old Testament is the only part of the Bible bestiality is spoken. I have came to a passage of scripture that said that there was no atonement nor forgiveness for capital punishment. That they were supposed to be dead and not participating in the Day of Atonement festival. I need help, I’m losing faith. I thinking that Jesus won’t forgive me since there was no atonement nor forgiveness for bestiality. Am I going to hell? HELP ME! Ricky

Dear Ricky,

If you have repented of this sin and have asked God to forgive you, then you are forgiven. The only sin that cannot be forgiven is blasphemy against the holy spirit. This happens when God convicts a person through the holy spirit and that person refuses to repent of their sins. People have committed all types of evil yet God in His mercy forgives those who repent. The devil is working on your mind, you need to seek wise counsel from a local man of God. Find someone you can talk to, someone who will strengthen and encourage you. I am going to Florida for a few days so I will be unable to counsel you by email, so please go to your pastor or someone you know is faithful and talk to them. We have all sinned and we all come short of God's glory, no one should cast a stone at you. Have Faith, Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

.I am trying to get info on both sides of this issue....and have read your article "Can You Lose Your Salvation?"....your points are taken in consideration ....but i don't agree with you....You failed to address John 10:27-29 and John 17:12.

Also your view of Hebrews 6:4-6 falls short of whats the writer is saying in context.....The primary reference of this passage is to Jewish believers in the sense of them being called out of Judasim...this is not a salvation passage.

This is not a bashing, and I'm not trying to change you view......just felt compelled to write. Scott Evans

Thanks for writing and for expressing yourself. I agree that nothing can take us out of God's hand, but I believe that we can choose to leave. Satan cannot steal us away from God, but we can choose to follow him into evil and wickedness. I have personally witnessed this on occasion in my 30 years as a witness of Christ. God pleaded with Cain while he was contemplating murdering his brother saying "Sin is crouching at the door, and you must master it." I don't believe that Cain was "of the evil one" (1 John 3:12) until he made a conscious decision to walk away from God's Way. God will never leave us, but neither will He follow us into perdition. In His letters to the seven churches of Asia MInor (Revelation 2,3) Jesus told each church where they were in error and what to repent of. To the church at Ephesus He warned that if they did not do the things which they had done before they had went astray, that He would remove the lampstand from their mist. Paul told the Galatians that if they received circumcision and embraced the Book of the Law that they would sever themselves from Christ. (Chapter 5) Hebrews 6 is a salvation issue, notice what happens to those who fall away - "but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned." Any plant which the Lord plants yet yields no fruit but thorns and thistles ends up being cast into the fire.

Obviously, like most Bible topics, we can make a case for one than one view. But we need to harmonize the Scriptures. We have to look at those passages which tell us that nothing can take us out of God's hand in light of the Scriptures which warn of the dangers of falling away from the Lord. All Scripture is correct and true, so our challenge as faithful messengers of Christ, is to try our best to rightly divide them, and bringing them into justification with one another.

I am currently living with my fiance. I am saved, however he is not. We will marry soon . I was wondering if oral sex is fornication. I think I know that it is. Being something only a husband and wife should share. We have been together for almost 2 years. I have committed fornication since I was 13, but I have recently been saved and no longer do. I know that I love him, we haven't had the most open and honest relationship on my part. I have opened up to him and confessed my lies and wrongdoing. I know that he doesn't trust me, but I am committing my life to God, and feel that we can work on trust but to make this right he must be saved, become a Christian and us get married. Until then I am LIVING a sinful life apposed to sinning as is our nature. I am stuck in a turmoil over helping him and our relationship and not letting it go Our time on Earth is about relationships, FIRST WITH OUR LORD'S SON, then with other mankind. I know the decision I must make, how can I, we, maintain, love, cherish and worship both? Please help. Teresa

Warm Greetings in the Mighty and Majestic Name of our Heavenly Father and His Glorious Son Jesus Christ!

To be saved one must first "repent" of their sins. That is, to stop practicing sin. The Bible defines "sin" as the "transgression of God's law." (1 John 3:4) The Bible clearly states that all sinners, including fornicators (those who practice sex outside of marriage) will be thrown as profane into the Lake of Fire. To 'be saved" is to be saved "from that penalty." If you have not repented from practicing fornication, you are not saved but still under the penalty of sin and the judgment of Hell.

Without real repentance there is no forgiveness of sins. As a Christian, you cannot live with this man anymore. Also, if you are now a Christian you cannot engage in dating a non-Christian. Paul said that Christians can only marry others in the Church. (1 Corinthians 7) He said to do otherwise would be "unequally yoked." Meaning, when plowing one does not yoke a donkey with an ox. Paul goes on to ask "What does light have to do with darkness."

When God calls a person into the light of His truth and they accept salvation through Christ Jesus, they are then God's children of Light and are instructed to not join themselves with those still in darkness. That is not to say that we no longer care for them, in fact, we care much more for then and desire for then to be saved too, but we are not to join ourselves to them.

Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father first draw him."(John 6:44) You and I have no way of knowing whether God is going to call the man you have been committing sin with anytime soon. You cannot lead him to salvation unless God has drawn him to Jesus first.

But if you are convicted of your sinful behavior and realize that you have greatly offended your God, who is standing at the altar with the Blood of His own Son,- all to save you from a fiery judgment, then you must not keep Him waiting, nor should you wait on the man. My counsel to you is to "run from sin" and run to your merciful Father. Put your relationship with the man behind you, and put your trust in God. I very seriously doubt that the Lord will call this man anytime soon, and doubt also that the Lord wants to keep him in your life. In my 30 years in God's service, I have never once seen this to be true in cases like this.

The Lord will test you and the Devil will tempt you with the man whom you practiced sin with. "Oral sex" is still sex, and sex outside of marriage takes you where you do not want to go. Being saved, means saying to God, "Not my will, but Your will be done in my life." It means obeying God. Stop sinning, leave the house or put the man out, and also get on with your life as a Christian and God will provide you the man of His choosing. Let me say also, that if this man "accepts Christ" because he wants to keep you, he has not truly accepted Christ at all.

Teresa, God looks down from Heaven and sees all. He is not bound by time or space. He can see all the faithful servants throughout time as He watches from above. What does He see? Read Hebrews Chapter 11. He sees faithful servants who suffered and died in order to be found obedient to Him. He sees Daniel thrown into a den of hungry lions because he would not stop praying three times each day. He saw three young Jewish boys thrown into a fiery furnace because they would not bow to an idol when the music played. (Book of Daniel) He saw His faithful prophet Isaiah put into a hollow log and sawn into only for speaking truly the Word of God. He saw Mary Magdelene committing adultery, be arrested by the Jews for it and dragged to Jesus for Judgment. Then He heard Jesus tell her to "go and sin no more" as He forgave her of her sins.

God has seen, and still sees, faithful servants suffer for the cause of righteousness. Now it is your turn too choose Christ. And if it means losing some people and some things, you will never have given what your Savior did to save you. Choose life.

First, thank you for your response it was welcomed and much needed. As far as I know, there aren't many of us who believe God's complete truth. Which was given to man by the prophets of old and Jesus Christ. I came from a full gospel environment but not the belief or the knowledge in Sabbath keeping. I am studying the functions regarding the appointed Sabbaths and days which God's requires us to observe. But I need a little help. Do you have literature or self help teaching that would instruct me and my household as to how we are to keep these Holy days? I welcome any instruction on how to fully please the Lord. In the Lord, Valerie

Yes, I will send you an audio sermon "Should Christians Observe the Holy Days?" I will also include two sermons which explain the differences between the Sinai Covenant and the Covenant of Promise which was made to Abraham. The key to understanding what laws are a part of the Christian Covenant and which laws that are not, is in the understanding of those two Covenants. The Crusade Church of God is a charismatic church which believes in praise and worship, all the spiritual gifts of the holy spirit, and remaining steadfast in truth while remaining unstained by the world. Our services here in Russellville, Arkansas begin Friday evening with an intimate praise and prayer service, then is followed by all day services on the Sabbath day. It is difficult to find Sabbath-keeping churches which also embrace the spontaneous moves of the holy spirit.

I would like to thank you for creating the Points of Truth web site..............it helped me and my family to know the true meaning of Halloween. We had known that we shouldn't celebrate Halloween, but my cousins were watching all their friends talking about Halloween, and made them want to start telling us how they didn't care what we said about not celebrating Halloween, that they were going to do it anyway. My aunt came to me to ask to find information about why we shouldn't celebrate Halloween, and I trully didn't know what to do. I started to look in the internet and come upon this. What I love the most is that it even shows where in the Bible it has proof of why you shouldn't do it. Thank you, Ginelli