by Phil Sanders

1. “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you love Jesus.”
2. “One church is as good as another.”
3. “Telling people they are sinners hinders the preaching of the gospel.”
4. “Sin is an outdated word.”
5. “When Jesus lived on earth, he committed sins.”
6. “Just believe and say the sinner’s prayer, and your sins will be forgiven.”
7. “Don’t be baptized to be saved; be baptized because you are saved.”

Satan has always been a liar (John 8:44), and we must realize that he is out to get our souls by leading us away from the truth to a lie (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 4:14). We must measure everything we hear by the word of God. Satan wants to appear like an angel of light, but his message is really darkness (2 Cor. 11:3-5, 13-15).

The devil can quote Scripture (Matt. 4:6), but he is selective in what he quotes and ignores the rest of Scripture. Just because something is true does not mean it is the whole truth. So let me suggest:

1. Love Jesus and take care what you believe (1 Tim. 4:16).
2. The Lord’s church is the only church purchased by His blood (Acts 20:28).
3. Sinners must repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
4. The wages of sin is still death (Rom. 6:23).
5. Though Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, He is without sin (Heb. 4:14-16).
6. Repent and be baptized so that your sins will be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
7. Baptism also now saves us (1 Pet. 3:21; Tit. 3:5-7; Mk. 16:16).

You want to use a Forthright Magazine article in your site, e-zine, church bulletin, or publication? We're happy for you to do that. Just put the author's name in the byline and include this text at the end of the item:

Used by permission from Forthright Magazine (www.forthright.net). Copyright © 2004 [name of author].

We have blanket permission from our regular columnists to simplify this for you. But do us a favor as well.

Please let us know what you're reproducing and where. If it's your publication, we'd really appreciate it if you'd send us a copy of the issue containing the article. (But please don't put us on your mailing list; let us decide that.)

By the chance you want to reproduce an article in a print magazine or bulletin, all the above still applies. We would appreciate a copy in which the article appears. Please send to this address:

Randal Matheny Caixa Postal 11 Sao Jose dos Campos, SP 12201-970 - Brazil

Jeff is now checked in to his room, and we're tidying things bit getting ready for him to ride the elevator up. As soon as the bellhop lugs his luggage in, he'll be with us.