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This message still applies today, by Pastor Dr. Hans Nikoley  
 
Pastor Many people have asked for a copy of the outline or the sermon tape of the message preached here at PRBC on February 23, 1997, entitled Seven Things Wrecking America. II Cron. 36:11-16, Prov. 14:34 Illus: What God loves & hates Prov. 6:16-19. God promotes a nation, man, church; and He puts it down when He is displeased with it. It is usually wrong living by the Christian that degrades a nation to the point of decay. Story: Zedekiah is Judahs last King before the captivity vs. 11-14.
Nebuchadnezzar this time does not knock, but pushes over the wall of Jerusalem & destroys the city and takes Judah into captivity. All in God providence. God had a two-fold purpose for Judah. They rejected the Prophets, and were living on borrowed time. It makes we wonder if we are living on borrowed time here in America. How much longer will God put up with our sin? For the nation of Judah, their time had come. There is a time when a nation reached that point. I wonder how close our nation is?
For 490 years Israel had not observed the sabbatical years as commanded in Lev. 25:1-5. The land was to rest every 7 years. They did not because of their greed. So God took them for 70 years to let the land rest. 490 divided by 7 is 70. Time stops when you are out of the will of God. Nothing much is said about the 70 years under Babylon.
 
SEVEN THINGS ARE WRECKING AMERICA IN THE 90 s.            
 
1. POLITICS WITHOUT PRINCIPLES. We have always had impure men in politics. There never has been a time when politicians were perfect but we are to work toward that end. We dont expect politicians to be any more perfect than any of the rest of us. However, I believe right living promotes a nation to great-ness.
The U.S. is great, because it was good in the past. A few years ago the Gallup Poll indicated we had 75 million people who claimed to be born-again Christians. Politicians are using the terms to get elected. These days they appeal to the far-right. Yet they criticize them. Mr. Clinton carries his Bible around every Sunday, yet fails to obey its principles regarding homosexuality, abortion, etc. What really concerns me is that Washington consumes more liquor per capita, than any other city.
What we need in America today is some Nathans who will point their finger in the king face and say, Thou art the man. I am not saying that some of us preachers dont need the same. We need some John the Baptist who, at the risk of their own neck will accuse the king if he is immoral. We need some men of God who will not compromise and are not interested in popularity, but who are interested in pleasing God, honoring Christ, and winning their cities at any price for the Lord.
2. PLEASURE WITHOUT CONVICTION We licensed liquor during the Roosevelt Administration and have been pickled in alcohol ever since. Laziness is a major problem in America. More days off, more holidays, shorter work week, etc. are all a part of a crumbling society. Hollywood and TV are doing a very good job at having us accept the abnormal for normal, the perverted as good, etc. Right now, over 70% of TV programs, prime time, use profanity and sex. If you watch and listen to something long enough you will become brainwashed yourself. Some people even stay home on Sunday morning to see TV evangelists, etc. Lester Roloff called the networks the sewer lines of ABC, NBC and CBS, piped right into our homes. Listen: Dope, liquor, cigarettes, rock music, pornography, dirty movies all come from the same cesspool, HELL.
3. KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT CHARACTER. A. You cannot have knowledge without discipline. B. The humanistic religion is taught in our schools. C. Communism is no longer bad, just another way. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. Used to say, You can hire brains but you can buy character. Character is that something built into a man by the Holy Ghost through faithfulness to the Word of God, and obeying its commands. A great preacher used to say, Mushrooms spring up overnight but oak trees require a life time. A nation without character goes into captivity by default. As we increase in knowledge we must increase in character.
Did you hear about the latest study: They just found out that Phonics are beneficial for a childs reading. Wow! Someone said, When you educate unregenerate men you just teach them how to sin better, that all. Education without sanctification is abomination. Education is not enough.What is wrecking America? Today we have educators who believe murder (abortion) is OK, that homosexuality is a lifestyle and a matter of choice, etc. Listen, according to Romans chapter one; depravity leads to a reprobate mind. We see in Chronicles as well as entire OT that there was a general decline in Israel & Judah. However, there were about five periods of Revival, Renewal & Reformation:
A. Under Asa: Return and obedience to The Word of God.
B. Under Jehosophat: Return & obedience to …. C. Under Joash: Return & obedience to …… D. Under Hezekiah: Return & obedience …… E. Under Josiah: Return & obedience to …… In each instance Return & obedience to The Word of God. Which always led to repentance of the people & at least a temporary Renewal and Reformation of the nation. GLORY TO GOD! We will have to look at the other Four another time:
1. BUSINESS WITHOUT ETHICS.
2. SCIENCE WITHOUT GOD.
3. CHURCHES WITHOUT EVANGELISM.
4. WORSHIP WITHOUT SACRIFICE.
 
By Dr. Hans Nikoley  

Nowhere in the Scripture are believers commanded to figure out the date of Christ’s return. In fact, there is a great deal of Scriptural warning against date setting.
Matt. 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matt. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Matt. 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
I Thess. 5:1-2 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
The Scripture teaches that we should be ready at anytime for the return of Christ. Nevertheless, many religious leaders claim to have discovered hidden codes in the Scripture, special methods of interpretation or revelation from God that allows them to determine the time of Christ’s return.
DATE SETTERS OF THE PAST
Prov. 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh
well to his going.
In 365 A.D. Hillary of Potiers concluded that the Bible taught that Christ must return before 400A.D.
In 236 A.D. early church father Hippolytus concluded that the return of Christ in 500 A.D. was taught in the Scriptures. Lactantus (250-330 A.D.) echoed this teaching as did a historical writer Julius Africanus.
In 1179, John Toledo determined that Christ was returning in 1186. In 1147, Gerard of Pochide declared that he had found evidence of a 1306 return of Christ in Scripture. In 1190, Joachim of France taught that the return of Christ must take place before 1205. Pope Innocent III declared that Christ must return in 1284.
German preacher Militz of Kromerig declared that the Bible taught that Christ must return between 1365 and 1367. In the 1520’s German preacher Melchoir Huffman taught that Christ must return in 1533.
Michael Stiefel, an early German Lutheran preacher, claimed to have discovered the return of Christ in the Bible. He announced that Christ would return at 8:00 a.m. on October 19, 1533. He was rejected by Luther. A crowd gathered at the appointed time in Lachau, Germany.
In 1490, Christopher Columbus wrote that Christ must return in 1672. The Fifth Monarchy men announced that they would begin the millennium and cause the return of Christ in the 1660’s. Baptist preacher, Benjamin Keach announced that Christ would return in 1689. German Lutheran preacher Alsted predicted the return of Christ in 1694. Johann Philipp Petri (1718-1792) taught that Christ must return around 1847. James Purves (1734-1795) wrote that Christ must return in 1766. Christopher Huffman preached that Christ must return in 1826. William Cunningham preached that Christ must return in 1839.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, preached that God must return in 1836. John Albrect Bengel (1687-1752) also interpreted the Bible as prophesying an 1836 return of Christ. Theologians named Ellicott and Cumming predicte
The followers of William Irving (Catholic Apostolic Church) offered several conclusions as to the time of the return of Christ. First, 1835, then 1838, then 1864, then 1866. A once flourishing religious movement then died.
Daniel Wilson, Archbishop of Calcutta, promised that the return of Christ must take place within 14 years of 1847.
English preacher, Thomas Parker, concluded that the return of Christ must take place in 1859.
William Miller, the inspiration for the Seventh Day Adventist Movement, preached that the Bible taught March 21, 1843 return of Christ. Disappointed followers were assured that October 22, 1844 would be the time.
American preachers Brewer and Decker taught an 1867 return of Christ.
Class Epps, a Russian preacher taught that Christ must return between March 8, 1889 and March 8, 1891.
Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, predicted an 1890 return of Christ. He claimed that he heard the voice of God declaring the date.
In 1902, 1600 Russians called Dukhobers waited in the nude for Christ to return to a rural Canadian village. There were a number of cases of frostbite.
Charles Taze Russell, founder of Jehovah’s Witness movement, taught that his study of the Bible revealed that Christ would return in 1910. Then 1914. Then 1929.
A preacher named Guiness wrote that 1923 was the year.
In 1860, Piazzi Smith, Royal Astronomer of Scotland, wrote that the Great Pyramid of Egypt revealed that Christ would return in 1960.
In the 1930’s, Australian preacher Leonard Sale Harrison, toured the U.S. preaching that Christ must return in 1940-1941.
Radio preacher Herbert W. Armstrong taught that his Bible study revealed the return of Christ in 1936. In 1937, he announced that 1972 was the real date. This was later changed to 1979.
Moses David Berg, founder of the Children of God cult, prophesied the return of Christ in 1973.
Baptist Evangelist Art Wilson preached for years that Christ must return in 1974. In 1957, British teacher Adam Rutherford published 1500 pages (4 volumes) on the relationship between the Bible and the Great Pyramid of Egypt. His research concluded that Christ must return in 1978 or 1979.
In the late 1970’s, con artist John Todd preaching a 1981 return of Christ in many Pentecostal and Baptist churches.
Arnold Murray founder of the Shepherd’s Chapel radio church, predicted a 1980 return of Christ.
In 1987, Edgar Whisenant published, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Be in 1988.” Thousands of copies were mailed free of charge to churches. He concluded that Christ must return between September 11-12-13. He followed this with a book “Why Christ Must Return in 1989.” This time the return of Christ was forecast between September 11-13 in 1989.
T.V. preacher Jack Van Impe has suggested a 1976 return for Christ, then 2000, now 2010. A Korean Pentecostal preacher, Lee Jang Rim, promoted the idea that Christ would return at 10:00 a.m. October 28, 1992. In the 1500’s Mother Shipton, a mystic promoted heavily by James Dobson, predicted a 1991 return of Christ. Pentecostal preacher Dorothy Miller taught a September 28, 1992 return of Christ.
Warren Jeff, of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ, taught that Christ must return between 1993 and 1997. The he declared April 6, 2005 as the date for Christ’s return. He now suggests 2010.
Pentecostal preacher Benny Hinn predicted a 1993 return of Christ.
In 1992, prominent radio preacher Harold Camping published “1994”. He taught that the Old Testament offerings predicted that Christ would return in 1994, between September 5 and September 27. He has more recently published “Time Has an End: A Biblical History of the World 11,013 B.C. – 2011 A.D.
Pastor John Hinkle also concluded that the Bible taught that Christ would return in 1994 A. D. The Seventeenth Week Newsletter predicted a 1997 return of Christ because of the Hale-Bopp Comet. Pentecostal preacher Tracy Peterson, prophesied the return of Christ on May 8, 1999. God’s Salvation Church promised that Christ would return in 1999 in Texas. Gulham Cooper prophesied the return of Christ on January 1, 2000.
Charismatic writer, Rebecca Harrison, promised a May 17, 2000 return of Christ. Charismatic preacher, Dan Millar declared September 21, 2000 to be the day. Jim Searey, a Presbyterian preacher, declared that Christ would return in October 2000. He also declared that Prince Charles was the Antichrist. He was influenced by the book “The Anti-christ and a Cup of Tea” by Jim Cohen.
The Lord’s Witnesses, a split off the Jehovah’s Witnesses, declared that Christ would return in October 2000. They later changed this to a date in 2001 then another date in 2001. They now promise the Lord’s return in 2008.
Pentecostal preacher, Marilyn Agee, first prophesied the return of Christ on May ­ 22, 1999. She then changed the date to June 11, then June 20, then July 9 then August 20. She now predicts the return of Christ in 2006.
Stuart Cobbs predicted an October 5, 2005 return of Christ.
CONCLUSION
These date setters all have one thing in common – they were all wrong!
The literal interpretation of Scripture would prevent Bible students from making such mistakes. After his two embarrassing failures, Edgar Whisenant wrote “I guess God doesn’t always do think the way man thinks He will”. Amen! The internet abounds with prophecies about the return of Christ in 2006. Also in 2007, 2008, 2009 and especially 2010.
I would not at all be surprised if Christ returns during that time frame. But if He does, it won’t have anything to do with the calculations of any man or woman.
Deut. 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
If Christ had wanted us to know the date of His return, He would have told us clearly in the Scripture.
 
By: Dr. Phil Stringer

Make sure that you are in the right Baptist church first... 🤔
 
 
Southern Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.sbc.net/knowjesus/theplan.asp
How to Become A Christian
If it is your sincere desire to receive Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, then
talk to God from your heart:
Here’s a Suggested Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal
life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me
to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins
and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of
eternal life.”
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.imb.org/core/story.asp?storyID=3840&LanguageID=1709
Position Paper Concerning The IMB Guideline On Baptism
As a true follower of Christ, one must receive baptism in its proper orderâafter salvation (Acts
2:41-42, 8:35-39, 9:18, 16:30-33).
Southern Baptists have always understood the Bible to teach that baptism is not a part of
salvation, but subsequent to it (Luke 23:42-43; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:21-22, 10:9-10, 11:5-6;
Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:12-13). Southern Baptist churches teach that baptism is purely
emblematic in nature and not essential to salvation.
The 1963 statement clarified Baptist beliefs about baptism further, stating âBeing a church
ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.â
International Mission Board A Southern Baptist Convention entity
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.sbc.org/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=965
Be it further RESOLVED, That we affirm our belief in the biblical truth that all who are saved are
sealed by the Holy Spirit and will never fall away from the state of grace;
 
Free Will Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.nafwb.org/?q=knowjesus
Do you know Jesus? If not, why not? It is the most important relationship you can have. Why not
trust Christ and ask Him for forgiveness.
The following steps to salvation are taken directly from the Word of God:
1. Admit your sin. As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10).
2. Acknowledge the penalty for sin. For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a).
3. Believe that Jesus death and resurrection paid the penalty for your sin. But the gift of
God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23b)
4. Ask God to forgive your sin. If thou shalt confess thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9, 10).
5. Acknowledge Christ as the Lord of your life. But as many as received him, to them gave he
the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12).
Perhaps you would like to pray the following simple prayer. You don’t need fancy words, just an
honest and open heart. Pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. But I also believe You died for my sin, and through faith in
Your death and resurrection I can be forgiven. I confess my sin and ask You to become my
Savior and Lord from this day forward. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.firstfwb.org/beliefs
Salvation – Man receives pardon and forgiveness for his sins when he admits to God that he is a
sinner, when in godly sorrow he turns from them and trusts in the work of Christ as redemption
for his sin. This acceptance of God’s great salvation involves belief in Christ’s death on the cross
as man’s substitute and the fact of God’s raising Him from the dead as predicted. It is a salvation
by grace alone and not of works.
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.fwbcsavannah.com/Our Beliefs on Baptism.html
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM?
A. Perhaps it would be better to begin by mentioning what baptism does not do:
1. Baptism doesn’t take away sin and save.
a. Titus 3:5
b. Baptism is a righteous work. Its something we ought to do after we have been
saved; but it isn’t something we do to secure salvation.
Sometimes the language of Acts 2:38 confuses people on this matter.
a. Note the words,Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR
remission of sins.
b. The word or in Acts 2:38 in the original language is the word, It means, because.
c. Peter is not teaching that you should be baptized to remit sins, but rather, because your sins
have been remitted, you ought to be baptized.
d. The command to repent precedes the command to be baptized. (Repentance brings
salvation)
Lets look at a practical illustration from everyday life.
a. Close the window; its cold outside wouldn’t mean that closing the window makes it cold
outside, but because it is already cold outside someone has given the order to close the
window.
b. When Peter said, Be baptized…for remission of sins, he was saying you need to be
baptized because your sins are remitted already!
c. Don’t ever forget that salvation is the gift of God (Romans 6:23). Therefore we cannot earn it
by being baptized.
 
North American Baptist
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.nabconference.org/about-us/our-beliefs
5. We believe salvation is redemption by Christ of the whole person from sin and death (II
Timothy 1:9-10; I Thessalonians 5:23). It is offered as a free gift by God to all and must be received
personally through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts
20:21). An individual is united to Christ by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 2:20;
Colossians 1:27). As a child of God, the believer is acquitted of all guilt and brought into a new
relationship of peace (Romans 5:1). Christians grow as the Holy Spirit enables them to understand
and obey the Word of God (II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; I Thessalonians 3:12).
6. We believe the Church is the body of which Christ is the head and all who believe in Him
are members (Ephesians 1:22-23; Romans 12:4-5). Christians are commanded to be baptized
upon profession of faith and to unite with a local church for mutual encouragement and growth in
discipleship through worship, nurture, service and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
the world (Acts 2:41-42, 47; Luke 24:45-48).
 
General Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://clintongeneralbaptist.org/tp40/page.asp?ID=161139
First General Baptist Church
Clinton, Arkansas
IV. SALVATION
We believe that salvation (regeneration, sanctification, justification, and redemption) has been
provided for all mankind through the redemptive work (life, death, resurrection, ascension, and
intercession) of Jesus Christ, and that this salvation can be received only through repentance
toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
VIII. ORDINANCES
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances instituted by Christ to be observed by
Christians only.
 
Missionary Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://missionarybaptistchurches.com/beliefs.html
Salvation Statement
In order to obtain true salvation there first must be a sense of trouble, conviction,
and condemnation set up by God in the heart of the unsaved person. They must
pray and seek God and repent of their sins until they know for themselves that God
has forgiven and saved them. Man does not convict them and man cannot tell them
when God forgives and saves them.
God is all powerful and can save the soul of one seeking Him any place, any time
when God’s conditions are met. However, we give opportunity for those desiring to
seek and find God to come to the front for prayer. The pew sitting in the front
facing the congregation is referred to as the “mourner’s bench”.
When God saves the individual, the individual knows, without anyone telling them –
including the preacher, loved ones, or any friend.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the
crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with it’s effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new
life; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s supper.
 
Primitive Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.primitive-baptist.com/articles-of-faith.htm
We believe that the Elect were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, and predestinated
them to be conformed to the image of Christ.
We believe that the Saints shall persevere in grace and never finally fall away.
We believe that Baptism and the Lords supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ; that true believers are
the only Subject, & that Baptism by Immersion is the Gospel mode.
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primitive_Baptist#Doctrinal_beliefs
Baptism: Mainstream Primitive Baptists practice Baptism by immersion, sometimes referred to as
believers Baptism.Baptism must only be performed by an ordained minister, and is the ordinance
by which a person becomes a member of a Primitive Baptist Church.
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.pb.org/abstract.html
IV) Irresistible Grace – All of the elect will be quickened by the Spirit of God at some point in their
natural lives.
VI) Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit accomplishes the new birth by direct
operation upon the heart, and therefore works independently of all agency of man, including the
gospel as preached by man.
Independent Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://independent-baptists.org/article11.html
Gods Simple Plan of Salvation
Simply believe on Him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and
whom God resurrected. His resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim
everlasting life when Jesus is received as Savior.
In Luke 18:13, the sinner prayed:God be merciful to me a sinner. Just pray: Oh God, I
know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when He died on the Cross. I
believe His shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive Him as
my Savior. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting
life, because of Your merciful grace. Amen
You should be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ as a public testimony of
your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay.
 
Baptist Bible Fellowship Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.bbfi.org/index.php/about-us/articles-of-faith
XI. Of Justification
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is
Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles
of righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we
have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed unto
us.
XII. Of Repentance And Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces,
wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt,
danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned
contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus
Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
 
Independent fundamental Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from:
www.ifbweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=8
What WE BELIEVE
That all we must do in order to receive this free gift is call upon His name, for Jesus Christ is the
Way, the Truth, and the Life; that whosever (meaning you and I) calleth upon His name shall not
die, but have everlasting life.
This is how simple it is:
Only your decision to accept Jesus as your savior (turn to God) will save you.
Trust Christ. Turn to God. Accept Jesus as your savior. Turn away from sin.
Confess to everyone that you’ve accepted Jesus, not in words or deeds, but truly accepted Him.
If you’ve trusted in Christ as your saviour, then I’m happy and excited for you. Please feel free to email
us and let us know of your decision!
BUT, it doesn’t stop there. Now that you’re a new creature in Christ, there are some ways to help
you grow spiritually.
1. SHARE with others the commitment you’ve made.
2. Be baptized. Baptism acts as a public profession of your decision, is an act of obedience, and
identifies you with Christ.
 
 
Conservative Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.cbamerica.org/cba_Resources/Doctrinal_Statement.php
Salvation
We believe in salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We further believe that this
salvation is based upon the sovereign grace of God, was purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross, is
eternally secured by the Holy Spirit, and is received by faith, apart from any human merit, works, or
ritual. We further believe salvation results in righteous living, good works, and proper social concern.
The Church
We believe that the Church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the head. We believe that the true
Church is composed of all persons who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We believe that
this body expresses itself in local assemblies whose members have been immersed upon a credible
confession of faith and have associated themselves for worship, for instruction, for evangelism, and
for service. We believe the ordinances of the local church are believer’s baptism by immersion and
the Lord’s Supper. We also believe in the interdependence of local churches and the mutual
submission of believers to each other in love.
 
Landmark Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.landmarkbaptistchurch.org/gospel.php
3. Trusting
Won’t you make that decision to trust him right now?
If you have made that decision, you may want to pray to God to thank him for the gift of eternal life
that he has provided for you. But remember that you are saved by trusting in the gospel, not by
saying a prayer. God is concerned with the condition of your heart, not some words that you recite.
If you want to thank God for this gift, but aren’t really sure how to pray to him, you can use the
following as a guide.
LORD, I know that I am a sinner.
I know that, as a sinner, I deserve death.
And I know that I cannot earn eternal life or work my way to heaven.
But I believe that You died for my sins on the cross and paid my debt so that I can have eternal life
as a free gift.
I believe that you rose from the dead for my justification.
I have decided to trust in you as my Savior and receive that gift.
Thank you for dying for me and for your free gift of eternal life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have placed your trust in the gospel, you are now eternally saved. Nothing can change that.
 
Regular Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.garbc.org/?page_id=31
VIII. Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation.
XV. Baptism and the Lords Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a
solemn and beautiful emblem our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Savior, through
Whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that baptism is to be performed under the authority of
the local church; and that it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.
 
Seventh Day Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.seventhdaybaptist.org/content/salvation
A Typical Prayer Of Surrender
Lord, I confess to you that I am a sinner in need of your salvation. I be-lieve that Jesus died on
the cross for my sins. So I ask you to forgive me of my sin. Lord, I want to repent by turning away
from the sin in my life and turn to-ward you as my Savior. Lord, I want to surrender my life to you
and ask you to make me the kind of person that you want me to be. I want to live my life for you.
Lord, give me your Holy Spirit so that I can have the power I need to live a life that will be pleasing
to you. I thank you that I am now your child. In Jesus’ name I thank and praise you, Amen.
 
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: www.sgba.net/information/statement_of_faith.php
V. The Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of God’s grace The salvation of God is therefore
not merely made possible, but is actually procured, through Christ’s vicarious death, for all who
believe savingly in Him.
XV. Christian Baptism
We believe that the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in
Christ; in the name of the Father, and Son and Holy Spirit; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful
emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and
resurrection to a new life; that baptism is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to
the Lord’s Supper.
 
National Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.nationalbaptist.com/about-us/what-we-believe.html
IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace
V. JUSTIFICATION.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as
believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin
VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth
XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into
the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem,
our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection
to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper.
 
Old Time Missionary Baptist Church
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://oldtimemb.com/ourbeliefs.html
We believe that salvation comes by faith through the grace of God and requires the hearing of
the preached word, the inspiration and calling by the Holy Spirit and that it takes place not only in
the mind, but most of all in the heart.
Believing in your mind is insufficient as the demons also believed, and trembled. The word of
God convicts us all who believe and is our strength through this life and into eternal life.
[Then they give their source of authority]
Pendleton Manual 1867
http://www.archive.org/stream/churchmanualdesi00pend#page/n1/mode/2up
(p. 11) Regeneration is the spiritual process by which we become new creatures in Christ are
born again born of the Spirit born of God quickened together with Christ renewed after the
image of God, etc., & This being the case, regeneration does not occur in baptism.
(p. 13) There is an actual, a real remission of sins when we believe in Christ there is a declarative,
formal, symbolic remission in baptism.
 
Full Gospel Baptist Church
(Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.fullgospelbaptist.org )
FULL GOSPEL DISTINCTIVES
VIII. We believe in Jesus Christ as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, who brings men and women at
salvation into relationship with Himself and His Body, the Church. We further believe that it is the
baptism of the Holy Ghost that places one into the Body of Christ. All Believers have been baptized
by Christ with the Holy Ghost
XIII. We believe all Believers are baptized with the Holy Ghost and all Believers should be filled with
the Holy Ghost
Compendium on Distinctives VIII and X
A) Being filled with the Holy Ghost may and should occur subsequent to salvation in obedience to
biblical exhortation.
B) The baptism of the Holy Ghost occurs once and for all at salvation.
C) Being filled with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing
characteristic of the believers consecrated holiness
D) We believe in speaking in tongues, as our heavenly language, that builds us up in our most holy
faith. Tongues is an indicator, not a qualifier.
[Note: No mention is made of water baptism, only baptism of the Holy Ghost.]
NARY BAPTIST CHURCH
 
Evangelical Baptist Church
 
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.ebcct.org/beliefs.html
SECTION X – GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION
WE BELIEVE (a) that in order to be saved sinners must be born again (b) that the new birth is a
new creation in Christ Jesus; (c) that it is instantaneous and not a process; (d) that in the new birth
the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal
life, the free gift of God; (e) that the new creation is wrought about in a manner above our
comprehension, not by culture, not by character, not by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the
power of the Holy Spirit in connection with Divine truth so as to secure our voluntary obedience to
the Gospel; (f) that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and
newness of life.
SECTION XII JUSTIFICATION
WE BELIEVE that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is
Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life on principles of
righteousness; (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we
have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemers blood is His righteousness imputed unto us.
SECTION XIII – REPENTANCE AND FAITH
WE BELIEVE that repentance and faith are (a) solemn obligations and (b) also inseparable
graces (c) wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God (d) thereby being deeply convicted of
our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy, (e) at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as
our only and all-sufficient Savior.
SECTION XV – BAPTISM AND THE LORDS SUPPER
WE BELIEVE that Christian Baptism is (a) the believes immersion in water (b) into the name of
the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost; (c) to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in
the crucified, buried, and risen Savior with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;
(d) that in the scriptural order baptism precedes the privileges of church membership and is the
public recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
 
Six-Principle Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://spbaptists.info/articles/fundamentals10.html
Fundamentals of the Faith
Baptism, though not essential to salvation, is absolutely essential to Christian obedience and to the
declaration of those great truths which Baptism alone symbolizes and declares.
Our Denomination and Its Distinguishing Traits
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://spbaptists.info/synopsis.html
Our denomination, Six-Principle Baptists, sometimes referred to as the Old or General Six-Principle
Baptists, traces its origin in America to the ministry of Roger Williams in the 1600’s.
 
Reformed Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://faithreformedbaptist.org/?page_id=127
Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling
1. Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed, and accepted time,
effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by
nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ
Chapter 11: Of Justification
1. Those whom God effectually calls, he also freely justifies, not by infusing righteousness into them,
but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous
2. Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of
justification
4. God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for
their sins
5. God continues to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from
the state of justification
Chapter 14: Of Saving Faith
1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the
work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts
Chapter 17: Of The Perseverance of the Saints
1. Those whom God has accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and
given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but
shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved
This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of
the decree of election
 
Cooperative Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.cbfonline.org
A Look at Todays Baptist Beliefs
The Baptist denomination is part of the protestant church that believes that Jesus Christ is the Lord
and Savior and that salvation (being saved) is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. They believe
that baptisms should be given to adult believers who can rightly take that choice, unlike other
Christian denominations that baptize children. They believe it is a symbol and a sacrament but
baptism is not necessary for a soul to be saved.
 
Baptist BMA (Baptist Missionary Association of America)
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.fortworthbaptistchurch.org/Visitors/BMAADoctrine.asp
Doctrinal Statement of the Baptist Missionary Association of America
B. The Way of Salvation–Salvation is based wholly on the grace of God apart from works (Titus 3:5;
Eph. 2:9). Anyone who will exercise repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will
be saved (Acts 16:30-32; Luke 24:47; Rom. 10:17).
D. The Ordinances of the Church–Her two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism
is the immersion in water of a believer as a confession of his faith in Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19; Rom.
6:4) and is prerequisite to church membership and participation in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41, 42).
1. We believe in the premillennial return of Christ to earth, after which He shall reign in peace upon
the earth for a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6).
2. We believe the Scriptures to teach two resurrections: the first of the righteous at Christ’s coming;
the second of the wicked at the close of the thousand-year reign (I Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:6, 12-
15).
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.fortworthbaptistchurch.org/Visitors/Salvation.asp
“What must I do to be saved?”
How do you ask Jesus for the Salvation which He offers? Simply say in your own words
something like this: “Jesus, I am a sinner. I need your cleansing and your forgiveness. I believe that
your are the Son of God and that you died to save me from my sins. I believe you are alive today
and are waiting for me to be saved. Jesus will you now wash my heart and cleanse me from sin as I
accept you as the Lord of my life?”
 
Separate Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.separatebaptist.org/index.php?page=ourbeliefs
Articles of Doctrine
Article 4
We believe that salvation, regeneration, sanctification, justification and redemption are through faith
in the life, death and resurrection, ascension and intercession of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Article 8
We believe that Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and feet washing are ordained of Christ appointed in the
Church and none, but true believers, are proper subjects, and that immersion is the Gospel mode of
baptism.
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.separatebaptist.org/index.php?page=symbolsummary
Summary
That whosoever will believe in God, Son and Holy Spirit, and that Christ was crucified and He is our
salvation and being Baptized with the Holy spirit, believing in the word the eternal truth can be
saved, we will have eternal life.
American Baptist
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.abaptist.org/whatmustido.html
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
I. RECOGNIZE THAT FACT THAT YOU ARE LOST.
II. RECOGNIZE THAT JESUS DIED AS YOUR SUBSTITUTE.
III. REPENT TOWARD GOD, WITH GENUINE SORROW FOR THE FACT THAT YOU ARE A
SINNER.
IV. ASK GOD TO SAVE YOU, TO FORGIVE YOUR SIN FOR JESUS’ SAKE, AND TRUST
(BELIEVE) WHOLEHEARTEDLY THAT HE WILL.
 
 
Fundamental Baptist
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.fbfi.org/constitution-aboutus-84
Article III – Statement of Faith
Section 6. Salvation: We believe in the salvation of sinners through Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of
God, Who is the only Savior of men by virtue of His shed blood, i.e., His substitutionary death for
sinners. We believe that salvation is completely dependent on the grace of God, is a free gift of God
that man cannot earn or merit in any way, and is appropriated by repentance and faith in the person
and cross work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hold that in salvation the believer is called,
regenerated, Spirit baptized into union with Christ, justified, (including the forgiveness of sin and
restoration to favor with God through the merit or righteousness of Christ), adopted, sanctified, and
glorified. We believe that God secures and guarantees the final salvation of every true believer, and
that the genuine believer will continue in his faith and show evidence of his faith in Christ until he
meets the Lord. We believe all the elect of God, once saved, are kept by Gods power and are
secure in Christ forever.
Section 10. The Ordinances: We believe there are two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s
Supper… Baptism is a prerequisite to church membership.
 
 
World Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.wbfi.net/statement.htm
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Section 12. Of Repentance and Faith We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn
obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God;
thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger, helplessness, and of the way of salvation by
Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient
Saviour.
Section 14. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper We believe that Christian baptism is the
immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost with
the authority of the local church to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the
crucified, buried, and risen Saviour with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;
that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord’s Supper.
Section 18. Of the Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events “That the Lord shall
give unto Him the throne of His Father David;” and that “Christ shall reign a thousand years in
righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet.”
 
KJV Bible Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.kjvbible.com/agreement-of-belief
Agreement of Belief
The Baptist churches listed in the KJVBible Baptist Church Directory are believed to concur with this
brief agreement of belief.
The Bible
We believe the AV 1611 King James Bible to be the perfect and infallible word of God.
Salvation
We believe a man is secured in his salvation eternally and unconditionally in this age at the moment
he believes.
The Ordinances
We believe that believers should be immersed in water after being saved.
Future Things
We believe in a pre-millennial, pre-tribulational translation or rapture of the Church.
We believe in the restoration of an earthly kingdom to Israel and a literal Millennial reign of Christ
upon earth.
 
Pentecostal Free Will Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://www.pfwb.org/missionstatement.htm
OUR BELIEFS
We believe that the saved should receive WATER BAPTISM, in the name of the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a testimony to the world that he has accepted Christ as Savior and
Lord.
We believe that the PENTECOSTAL BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AN ENDUEMENT OF
POWER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CLEAN HEARTS, and the initial evidence of the reception of
this experience is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
We believe in DIVINE HEALING as provided in the Atonement.
We believe in the SACRAMENT OF THE LORD´S SUPPER as commemorating Christ’s death and
anticipating His Second Coming. And feet washing.
We believe in the PERSONAL, PRE-MILLENIAL, SECOND COMING OF CHRIST; first, to resurrect
the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to meet Him in the air; second, to reign with
His saints on earth a thousand years.
 
Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Quotes copied & pasted from: http://wabaptists.org
Who We Are
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) is an organization of churches willing to
go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender
identity, and who have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith.
 

Most Americans are characterized for sure by two features: They love money and they are in debt. The Bible is plain regarding the love of money. “For the love of money is the root of all evil (I Tim. 6: 10). There are many attendant problems associated with the love of money (I Tim. 6: 5-11). Having said this, money is vital to and in our lives. How can one obey the command to provide for one’s own without an awareness, appreciation, and acquisition of money (I Tim. 6: 10, Eph. 6: 2). Regarding debt and money, there is a relevant command that seems to have been almost forgotten.
Paul wrote thus to the Christians at Rome: “Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (13: 8). Let us now focus more on the subject of debt under two headings. All accountable men have a debt (something owed to another). The debt is sin and sin, I submit, is universal (I Jn. 1: 7-10). Jesus taught, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6: 12). Commentator Albert Barnes makes some excellent comments on the thought and concept of the “debt” mentioned by Jesus. Please consider them: “Debtors are those who are bound to others for some claim in commercial transactions.Literally there can be no such transaction between God and us.
It must be used figuratively. We have not met the claims of law. We have violated its obligations. We are exposed to its penalty. We are guilty, and God only can forgive, in the same way as none but a creditor can forgive a debtor. The word ‘debts’ here, therefore, means ‘sins’ or offences against God – offences which none but God can forgive” (Barnes Notes on the New Testament, Vol. 1, Matt. 6: 12). God will forgive man his debt of sin and God expects man to forgive those who have personally sinned against him (Matt. 6: 12, 18: 23-35).
Not only does the teaching of Matthew 18: 23-35 contain the glorious thought that God will forgive man of his sin, but the text also presents sin or debt comparatively viewed. The comparison is between man’s sins against God and man’s sins against man. From this comparison, we learn that man’s sins against his fellow man are small in debt compared to man’s sins against God (see vs. 23-35). In fact, the enormity of the debt of sin owed to God is such that the record states, “And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay (vs. 24, 25, ten thousand talents was an amount totally out of the reach of the average man to pay, regardless of the different possible currency considerations). Man, on the other hand, is seen owing man a much smaller debt (vs. 28).
Man’s spiritual debt to God cannot be paid by man’s meritorious efforts, this is another paramount lesson in Matthew 18: 23-35. The forgiveness from God must be “out of compassion” and not because we have paid off the debt (vs. 27, 32, 33). In the language of Paul, man cannot work and earn salvation or freedom from spiritual debt (Rom. 4). However, this is not to say that “Jesus did it all on the cross; therefore, man is totally passive.” Man resolves his spiritual debt by appropriating God’s grace (Eph. 2: 8, 9).
Involved in this appropriation is belief, repentance, confession of Jesus’ deity, and water baptism for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2: 36-38, Rom. 10: 9, 10). The Christian continues to contact Jesus’ blood (the means of the debt being retired) by “walking in the light” and “confessing his sins” (I Jn. 1: 7-10). In the matter of debt to man, Paul experienced a great feeling of debt, to preach the debt releasing gospel to all men (Rom. 1: 14-16). What a thought: we are as far as our own means are concerned, hopelessly in debt to God and facing ultimate condemnation throughout all eternality, but God has made our forgiveness possible through the blood of his Son (Matt. 26: 28).
The matter of financial debt. According to one survey, the average American owes $6,000.00 in credit card debt. Some of the debt involves such an exorbitant interest rate that many of these people will never be able to recover. The Christian is to, “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fall, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (Lk. 16: 9, see vs. 1-13). I am convinced that Jesus is teaching the proper use of money in this parable. One can correctly make use of money by visiting the fatherless and the widows in their affliction (Jas. 1: 27). Assisting the needy in general and contributing into the treasury of the local church (Eph. 4: 28; cp. I Cor. 16: 1, 2).
Financial debt can and does contribute to spiritual failure. Financial worries constitute a portion of the “cares of this life” that result in not bearing fruit to God’s glory (Lk. 8: 14). Marriage failure, mental, and emotional problems are all often connected to financial indebtedness. Families are deteriorating often because both the mother and father are so deeply in debt that they are working long hours just to try to keep from going under or experiencing bankruptcy. Paul said: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Rom. 13: 8). I do not think that Paul necessarily means to say that purchasing on time or taking out credit is automatically a sin.
When one charges a purchase, one is promising to pay by installments. If the installment is not paid, one has not fulfilled the promise. In fact, the word “owe” on Romans 13: 8 is the Greek opheilo, which means a moral obligation. Credit is taken too lightly today and bankruptcy is too readily available to enable people to escape their debts. Some ways to avoid, meet, and control debt. In the first place, many of the “things” for which people incur debt are not things that man really needs. Americans have come to think that they must have it all and maintain a certain lifestyle. We have too often forgotten the basic necessities of life, food, shelter, and clothing (Matt. 6: 25-34). Covetousness and lack of contentment are rampant (Heb. 13: 5).
In many cases, by being diligent and industrious in labor we can avoid objectionable debt. The Christian is to be the opposite of sloth and laziness (Col. 3: 22, 23). The teaching of the wise man is always applicable: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” (Eccl. 9: 10, contrast with Prov. 6: 6-11). Many are living beyond their means. Plastic money is a temptation some cannot resist; hence, they financially overextend themselves. In doing local preaching, I have too many times encountered families that were in financial bondage. “We cannot help or participate in different acts because we are so in debt,” I have heard. I have always found that such problems are the result of being too fond of material things (I Tim. 6: 6-10).
Lack of money management is often the cause of people’s financial problems. One simple way to track and channel expenditures is to keep a log or record of where your money is being spent. When some have done this, they have been shocked at the percentage going for “recreation.” Keeping a log can help us assess our financial priorities and make the necessary adjustments (Matt. 6: 33). Husbands and wives should work together in financial management. This is especially true when both the husband and wife are involved in secular work. Separate checkbooks, credit cards, etc. can and often do lead to financial embarrassment if they are not monitored. The family should be working together in such matters, not going their own separate ways (see Prov. 31: 10-31).
Many are in financial want because they ignore hard, honest work and seek after the easy, fast money. Increase in gambling is reflective of such an attitude, I believe. “If I could only win the lottery,” some repine. Constancy over a period of time is always the practice that pays great dividends. The bottom line in the matter of financial debt is self-control. Credit is much too available and many do not seem to be able to resist it. I was speaking to a young person just the other day and asked, “when was the last time you went home?
” She answered and I mentioned that I was sure the cost of travel was a big factor. “Oh, no,” she replied, “when I want to do something and I do not have the money, I just charge it to my credit card.” In conclusion, God’s great love is willing to release us from the debt of sin and spiritual bondage (Rom. 5: 6-10). As a result, we should appropriate God’s debt releasement and ever be ready to forgive those who sin against us (Matt. 18: 23-35). We are admonished to, “Owe no man anything and we need to also be aware of excessive debt to man, viewing such as a moral obligation to be taken seriously.
 
Author unknown, post taken from my website TGL.

Genesis 41: 47-53, “Fruit in the Life of Joseph”
“And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah the priest of On bare unto him. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.” Genesis 41:47-53
As God warned Pharaoh, in Genesis 41:1-8, in two frightening dreams, which the magicians and wise men could not correctly interpret, that a severe famine was coming, and how Joseph correctly interpreted the two dreams, the two dreams of Pharaoh start to happen. For seven years the earth brought plenty of food exactly how Joseph correctly interpreted the two dreams. As we read the Bible we must remember that every word, of every prophecy, will come to pass, whether or not the wise men of this world correctly understand it, and that the man of God, who correctly interprets the scripture, will be rewarded in the end.
For seven years, exactly as Joseph had prophesied, the land of Egypt brought forth the fruit of the ground in so much abundance that Joseph stopped numbering the quantity that he had stored up. God is one who causes the land to bear fruit as He so decrees it. Like the ant, Joseph stored up food, as God led him, during the time of plenty, in preparation for the time of want. “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.” Proverbs 30:25.
Could it be that during the time of his confinement that Joseph studied, by observation, nature, and learned how to lead men?
Joseph, a Jew, due to the envy of his brethren, was rejected, temporarily, by his own people, had a Gentile bride, and bore fruit. The Lord Jesus, a Jew, due to the envy of His brethren, was rejected, temporarily, by His own people, has a Gentile bride, and bears fruit.
John 1:10-12, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Romans 11:11, “I say then, Have they [the Jews] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them [the Jews] to jealousy.”
Ephesians 5:23-25, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
God is using the life of Joseph, a type of Christ, to give us, Gentiles in the church, because of His love and promises towards the Jews, a clear picture of what He is going to do with His chosen people in the last days. Like Joseph, the Lord Jesus, loves His brethren and, like Joseph, will reconcile Himself to them in the last days
The first son, Manasseh, means that God caused Joseph to forget his toil and His father's house. I think this meaning can help us. The Lord Jesus can help us in our troubles.
The second son, Ephraim, means that God caused him to be fruitful. I think that this meaning can help us also. The Lord Jesus can help us be fruitful in our toils of life. It is obvious that Joseph believed that God caused the hardship and the blessings. We need to remember that. In this life God will give us hardship and blessings. Job 1:21, “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return hither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
In Josephs era, and in our era, this world is full of temptations of the flesh, heartache, anxiety, distress, and times of unjust actions from others. We need to reminded of the words of Paul the apostle in order to encourage us in our time of toils, hardships, anxieties, and distress. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
With a wife, Asenath the daughter of Potipherah, God is starting the family of Joseph and eventually the tribe of Ephraim, and Manasseh. Proverbs 20:7 “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” The integrity of Joseph, as with the integrity of Job, has wonderful fruit.
God is starting to abundantly bless Joseph for his life of integrity and his close walk with God. Throughout the story of the life of Joseph we can see the results of the fruit of the Spirit. Joseph is an example for every believer who will decide to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Galatians 5:22-23  & 25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law… If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
At this juncture we need to consider the part of the prophecy of Zechariah in Zechariah 10:5-10.
Zechariah 10:6, “ And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them to place them; for I will have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.” And, Zechariah 10:10, “I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.” This prophecy is literal, is very clear in interpretation, cannot be applied, or given, to the church, and has not been fulfilled yet in any sense of the word.
Among many passages in the Old Testament prophets, the Lord Jesus prophesied that one day the house of Joseph would be gathered a second time out of Egypt, and bring them back to the land of Israel, “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:31
Exactly as Joseph prophesied that after seven years of plenty there would be a famine of seven years comes to past. I am reminded of the words of King Solomon when he said, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.” Ecclesiastes 7:14
God brings prosperity, and adversity, in everyone’s life for a particular reason. When adversity comes our way, and surely it shall, then at that time we need to consider what God is trying to tell us and to let us know that, in the end, all of this life apart from God, and His perfect will, is what we should do.
And, in conclusion, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13