HOME BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM

DEAF BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAMOld Testament Course

the Prophets II

Lesson 1.5

Silent Word MinistriesPO Box 889

Trenton, Georgia 30752

A Free Bible Correspondence CourseFor Deaf People

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INTRODUCTION

The two courses, Prophets I and Prophets II, are studies of theprophets in the Old Testament; their fight against idol worship and allfalse worship. It is a study of the prophets, their ministry and messagesabout sin, the will of God, judgments and the future.

What Is A Prophet? What is a true prophet? What is a false prophet?How many books did the prophets write in the Old Testament? What isthe true and false religion? Who is right? These questions and otherswill be answered in these courses. This is a much needed study for thedeaf. America has become the same as Israel in the Old Testament,having many different religions and beliefs. These courses will givebetter understanding about the true and false religions. What is rightand wrong, true and false, good and bad. The Word of God will teachChristians to identify false prophets, cults and false religions.

The Prophets I - A study of the writings and life of the prophets;the times and history of the prophets; the people and how theyworshipped in the Old Testament days.

The Prophets II - A study of the fight of the prophets against falseworship and idols. This course has strong teaching against the falsedoctrines and religions of today.

Note to Teachers - “The Prophets” are two important courses becausethey teach what is truth and false, and true religion and false religions.These two courses teach about false religions and idol worship in theOld Testament. Prophets I introduces the prophets and theirministries. Prophets II teaches the false religions of the past and today.Review both lessons before you teach.

Teachers: Try to study both courses before you begin to teach so thatyou will not repeat what could be taught later. Do not rush the courses.Take time to explain the meaning of prophet and prophesy, who theywere and what they did. Explain the prophets in the Old Testament andNew Testament. What about prophets of today? Give a sign name foreach prophet so you will not have to spell it each time. Remember theone goal of these courses is to strengthen the deaf against falseworship so they will not be stolen by false shepherds. Many cults havelearned sign language and are now pulling deaf people into their beliefs.Do not teach in depth about false religions of today until Prophets II isbeing taught. Do not make the mistake of hurrying through thesecourses because you may have regrets later... Ted Camp, Author

“...and they that have not heard shall understand.” -- Romans 15:21

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WHAT IS A PROPHET?

In the Old Testament, three key terms are used for prophet. TheHebrew words Ro'eh and hozeh are translated as seer. Themost important term, nabi, is usually translated prophet. Itmeans "one who is called of God to speak." God usedprophets to speak for Him to the people. The prophets spoke onlywhat they were told or what they saw from God. Prophets wereused as messengers from God to the people. The word“Prophecy” means to speak about future happenings fromGod. Today there are many “psychics” or “seers” seeking topredict the future but they are not prophets from God. Israellooked for prophets to lead them (Deuteronomy 34:10). SomeGreat Prophets in the Old Testament: Moses, perhaps Israel'sgreatest leader, was also a great prophet (Acts 3:21-24). Mosesappeared in the transfiguration with another great prophet, Elijah(Elias) (Matthew 17:1-8). Samuel, who was a prophet, priest,and judge (1 Samuel 3:20; 7:6,15). Samuel was able to see intothe future by a vision (I Samuel 3:11-14) and to ask God forthunder and rain (12:18). He led in victory over the Philistines (1Samuel 7). God used Samuel to anoint David as King. BothElijah and Elisha offered counsel to the kings. The prophets didmore than predict the future they also were leaders of Israel.

Prophets in History - Prophets wrote Old Testament historyand events during their lifetimes. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, andMicah wrote about the Assyrian rise to power. Jeremiah andEzekiel wrote about the Babylonian threat. Obadiah, Haggai,Zechariah, and Malachi wrote about the advent of the PersianEmpire in the sixth century. Prophets recorded their propheciesevents and happenings during their lifetimes.

Prophets Represented God - The prophets were messengersfrom God. The prophets influenced almost all of Israel, despitethe fact that they were often viewed with contempt: (Jeremiah37), ignored (Isaiah 6:9-13), and persecuted (1 Kings 19:1-2).

Prophets Warned the People - The prophets served judges andkings. They also led the people in worship (Amos 5:23-24). Theprophets also spoke the word of the Lord in worship (Psalm 50:5;60:6; 95:8-11). The prophets revealed the Law of God to thepeople (Isaiah 58:6-9; Micah 6:6-8; Amos 2:4; 5:21-24). Theprophets of God represented God to the people.

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Prophets Trained Other Prophets - Prophets formed guilds orschools (II Kings 4:38; I Samuel 10:5; 19:20). While most references to prophetic schools belong to the period of themonarchy, there is some evidence to believe the schoolscontinued (Jeremiah 23:13-14).

Prophets of God - A prophet must show proofs of his calling:

1. A Prophet was called from God and known as a man of God. All other prophets were false (Jeremiah 14:14). 2. Prophets saw heavenly things (Isaiah 6:1-7). 3. God spoke to His Prophets in many ways; personally,

visions, dreams, or an appearance. 4. Prophets spoke the true word of God. 5. Prophets gave God's message by illustrations as well as by

word (Isaiah 20:1-3; Ezekiel 4:1-3). 6. The prophets also performed miracles which proved their

message. While some prophets like Moses (Exodus 4:1-9) and Elijah (1 Kings 17) worked many miracles, virtually all prophets did some miracle to fulfill God's word (Isa. 38:8). Some healed others (1 Kings 17:17-22; 2 Kings 5).

7. Prophets also wrote the word of God (Isa. 8:1; Ezk. 43:11). 8. Prophets were to minister to the people. They were to test

God's people (Jeremiah 6:27) and be a watchmen for what is right or wrong (Ezekiel 3:17). Prophets also represented the people to God (1 Kings 13:6; 17:17-24).

9. Throughout Israel's history prophets had great experiences.10. Prophets were one-hundred percent correct in their writings

and preaching. It was the Word of God.

False Prophets vs True Prophets

There are several tests of proof for a true prophet of God.

1. He must be true to the one true God (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

2. His words must be true and fulfilled completely (Deut. 18:22). Some prophecies were fulfilled after death (Micah 3:12).

3. Predictions could be compared to other prophets (Jeremiah 28:8).

4. A prophet should also have good character as a man of God (Micah 3:11) and be willing to suffer because of his faith in God. (1 Kings 22:27-28; Jeremiah 38:3-13).

True prophets never prophesied wrong – never!

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New Testament Prophets - The word prophet means "to speakbefore" or "to speak for another." Thus it refers to one whospeaks for God. The prophets were also important in the earlychurch (1 Cor.12:28-31; Eph. 4:11; 2:20). From the Old Testamentto the New Testament, for almost 500 years, there were noprophets. God was silent these many years. God began the NewTestament with Angels as His messengers (Luke 1:11,26-27). Anangel appeared to Mary and Zechariah to prophesy (Luke 1:46-67). An angel appeared to the shepherds, the prophet andprophetess declared Jesus to be the redemption Israel awaited(Luke 2:10-12,25,36-38). John the Baptist was the first prophetin the New Testament. He predicted the coming of the Lord Whowould baptize in the Spirit (Matthew 3:11).

Jesus Called Was A Prophet (Luke 13:33). His miracles anddiscernment were rightly understood as prophetic (John 4:19). Hedid not teach by citing expert rabbis or others from schooling, butwith His own prophetic authority (Mark 1:22).

Prophets of God - The prophets used words as "the Lord says"or "the Holy Spirit says" when they spoke. Their message wasnot from them but God (Acts 21:11). New Testament prophecywas limited (I Cor.13:9); it was to be evaluated by thecongregation (I Cor.14:29; I Thess.5:20-21). Jesus said prophetscould be known by their fruit and works (Matthew 7:15-20). Pauldemanded orderly, Christ-honoring, prophecy and preaching thatagreed with apostolic authority (1 Cor.14:26-40). The Apostleswere the last of the prophets. The Scriptures slowly replaced theneed of prophets. The written Word now represents God to man.God’s message is now complete in the Word of God. There is noneed for prophets in this age (1 Cor.14:38-39; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

BIBLE PROPHETS - APOSTLES - PROPHETESS

I. Major Prophets are called because of their larger books andcontent. Major prophets: Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.

II. Minor Prophets: The twelve OT books Hosea, Joel, Amos,Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,Zechariah, and Malachi are called Minor because of their sizeand content. All the books are important and inspired.

III. New Testament Prophets: New Testaments prophets wereJohn the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostles and a few others.

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What about a Prophetess? A prophetess was a woman whoprophesied but she was not a preacher. She foretold divineinspirations from God. She was also a prophesier of God (Exodus15:20; Numbers 12:2; 2 Kings 22:14; Acts 21:9).

Note: The offices of prophet and prophetess phased out as the Word ofGod was completed. The Word of God, now replaces the Apostles andprophets. Paul was probably the last prophet and Apostle. The ApostleJohn wrote the book of Revelation and was probably the last livingApostle. There is no need for prophets today as the last revelation andprophecy is now in the book of Revelation. ..Ted Camp, SWM

FALSE PROPHETS

Deaf ministries and deaf people are no longer safe from falsecults, teachers or prophets. Across America false cults arelearning sign language and visiting deaf people. Deaf people arejoining false cults in many major cities. Even the deaf in foreigncountries are being visited and pulled into cults. The only way todefeat a lie is to teach the truth. The Word of God will prove whatis right and wrong: true and false: and what is a truth or a lie. Thisstudy will help teach the truth. It is important for all Christians tounderstand what is right and wrong.

Many Christians think that they are right but they are wrong. It iseasy to be fooled by smart and friendly leaders. It seems thateach generation has some people, men and women who claim tobe a prophet, divine leader, or even Christ. In the past there wasDavid Koresh in Waco, Texas who had many people faithfullyfollowing him. Jim Jones had several hundred dedicatedfollowers commit suicide for him. Islam is one of the fastestgrowing religions in the world with followers who submit evenunto death. You should compare all teachings to the Word ofGod. Always remember that today there are no true prophets orapostles, but only false leaders who claim to be more than man.The Word of God is the last revelation of God given to man. TheBible is complete without any new additions. Today there are nonew visions or words from God.

Warning - Be careful of false religions! Just because a person isfriendly it does not mean he is right. Paul wrote to Timothy,“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; fromsuch turn away” (II Timothy 3:5). Let No Man Deceive You!

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OLD TESTAMENT FALSE GODS Baal Diana Nisroch Asherah Dagon Sun God Acts 19:35 Isaiah 37:38 1Kgs. 11:5 1Sam. 5:3-5

Notice that some of the gods were part human and part animal or fish.Baal was the Egyptian sun god that many worshipped.

SOME FALSE GODS OF TODAY - Many people today are stillfollowing false gods. Some follow the horoscope and stars, somefollow the Psychics advertised on TV, and many follow Buddha inother countries. Some follow a man who claims to be God. Someworship statues and idols. The Devil has many false gods for manto worship. Can you name others?

ELIJAH, PROPHET OF GOD

WHOM WILL YOU SERVE? (I Kings-Chapters 17-19). Elijah wasa prophet of God who had great courage and feared no man. Hisname means "God Is THE God." In the days of Elijah peopleworshipped a false Egyptian sun god named Baal. They bowedbefore this god and worshipped him as the "sun god." Baal was afalse god who could not help them. But they wanted a god theycould see, and touch, so they made a sun god and named him"Baal." King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, also worshipped thisfalse god. Many false prophets preached that Baal was the trueGod. The people had turned away from the Lord. They decided toworship Baal. Elijah knew that Baal was a false god which hadno power. He planned a way to prove to the people that Baal wasa false god. Elijah called the people together. He then challengedthe false prophets in a contest to prove which god was the trueand living Lord. The false prophets accepted the contest. Therewere 450 false prophets against Elijah. Surely they would winagainst one man. Now the people would learn who was the Lord.Who would win? Baal or God!

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THE BIG CONTEST Baal vs God

Elijah had much wisdom. He told the prophets to build an altarand put an animal on wood for a sacrifice (an offering to God). Hetold them not to start the fire under the wood but let the true Lordsend the fire from Heaven. The people agreed to the rules. It wasa fair way to prove who was the true Lord. They gathered aroundthe hillside to watch the exciting contest. Elijah permitted the falseprophets to start first. The 450 false prophets built the altar, putthe animal on the wood and began to pray. There was muchexcitement! Who would win? Would Baal send fire and answerthe prayers of the false prophets? The king and queen were nottroubled as they watched the contest; surely they would win. Onlyone man stood for the Lord. Everyone was anxious to watch thecontest. This contest would prove who was the true Lord. Only aliving God could send fire from Heaven.

THE FALSE PROPHETS

The prophets circled the altar as they prayed. When they finishedpraying, they stood back waiting for the fire to fall. They waited-nothing happened. Then they prayed again and looked up intoHeaven-nothing happened. They prayed harder and harder. Theyprayed until the afternoon but nothing happened. They becameimpatient and afraid. They did not understand why Baal did notanswer their prayers. They prayed till evening but the fire still didnot fall from Heaven. What was wrong? They began to screamand shout for Baal to answer their prayers, but he did not. Finally,Elijah mocked them and said, "Maybe your god is asleep."This made them very angry. They prayed harder and harder butstill Baal was silent. When nothing happened, they started cryingand cutting themselves before Baal. They cried and begged Baalto hear them. Baal stayed silent. Nothing happened! The falseprophets failed to have their prayers answered. All false religionswill always fail. There is no hope in a dead god or religion.

THE TRUE PROPHET

The people were all surprised when the false prophets failed.They wondered what would happen next. They did not even thinkabout eating or being hungry. They were in deep thought aboutthe strange contest. They became afraid because they knew thatif Baal did not help the prophets, he could not help them.

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What could they do? What about their hope and future? Elijahthen stepped forward. The people were very still and silent. Whatwould happen? What could Elijah do? He was only one man. If450 prophets could not get an answer to prayer, surely one manwould also fail. Elijah was not troubled. He had much faith in God.He told the people to build an altar in the name of the Lord. ThenElijah did a strange thing which surprised everyone. He pouredtwelve barrels of water on the sacrifice (animal) and the wood.The people were amazed! It would be hard to start a fire with wetwood. The water ran over the wood and onto the ground.Everything was wet. Then Elijah prayed a very short prayer to theLord. The Lord heard Elijah. The fire fell from Heaven. Quickly itburned the sacrifice and the wood. It also dried up the water.

THE TRUE GOD

When the people saw what happened, they became afraid. Theyfell down and said, "The Lord, he is the God" (I Kings 18:39).They now knew that Baal was a false god and the Lord was thetrue God. Elijah then commanded that all the false prophets bekilled. The people obeyed and killed them. The people believedthat the Lord was the true God. Elijah won the contest!

FALSE RELIGIONS OF TODAY

Today, some people are the same as the people in the days ofElijah, following false religions that will not help them. Only thetrue and living God can answer prayer and help His people.Christians need to be the same as Elijah and stand against thefalse worship and religions. A false religion cannot save a personfrom Hell. It is a religion without hope. It was sad that theprophets prayed to a false god who could not help them. Theythought they were right and tried hard to prove that Baal was theLord. But their religion failed. It is sad that many people today arefollowing false religions that cannot help them. They think theyare right, but when they die, they will open their eyes in Hell withno hope. Religious people think they are saved but they arewrong, because religion will not save. Some people worship falsegods that have eyes and cannot see, ears but they cannot hearand hearts that cannot love. A person can think he is right andbe wrong. How many times have you driven the wrong waythinking that you were right? Just thinking you are right will notmake it right. Only Jesus Christ is the right way (John 14:6).

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PROPHET DANIEL

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine."

-- Daniel 1:8

This Scripture means that Daniel refused to do the things thatwould be bad in God's sight. He decided to live a clean, godly life.During those days there was a war between the nation ofBabylon and Israel. The people of Babylon were very ungodly.They worshipped false gods and were very sinful. The wickedking of Babylon defeated the people of Israel in the war. Thewicked king took many prisoners from Israel. Daniel was one ofthe prisoners. He was only fifteen years old. How sad that he wastaken away from his home, parents and godly people. It would behard for him to live for God in the wicked city. The people in thecity did not know God or His ways. Daniel must decide which wayhe wanted to live-the ways of the people in Babylon or the waysof God. The people were tempting him to do wrong. He was awayfrom his parents and he could now do as he pleased. What wouldhe decide? Daniel decided to live for God. He knew that God inHeaven saw him in the wicked city just as He had seen him inIsrael. Daniel decided he would be a witness for God in thewicked city. When he was tempted with the things of the world,he refused and said, "No." The people saw that Daniel wasdifferent. He refused to sin. Daniel purposed (decided) in hisheart that he would live for God and not let anyone or anythingstop him from serving the true God.

STAND FOR GOD AS DANIEL

God needs students in the Deaf schools to stand as Daniel.Christians need to be as Daniel on the job and in the work place.Do others know that you are a Christian? Do not be ashamed ofthe Lord Jesus Christ. He died for you and you need to live forHim. Be as Daniel with your friends. Refuse to go to the wrongplaces or do the wrong things. When your friends offer youtobacco, alcohol or drugs just say “no.” I cannot do it because Iam a Christian. Refuse sins and temptations of the world.Refuse to copy the ways of the world. Learn to say “no” to sin asDaniel. Daniel was only fifteen years old but he was a truewitness for God. When he was an old man and put into the lion’sden, God stood for Him. Decide to be as as Daniel!

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DANIEL'S FRIENDS FOLLOWED GOD Daniel 3: 8-30

One day the king of Babylon made a newlaw that all the people must bow down tohis false god. The false god was made ofgold. It was very large and when thepeople saw it they had to bow down andworship it. At a certain time, music wouldbe played. When the people heard themusic they had to bow down to worshipthe false god. If they refused to bow, theywould be thrown into a burning furnace offire. The people were afraid not to worshipthe false god. All the people bowed to thegod made with hands, that is, all but threeyoung men who were friends of Daniel.They remembered that Daniel refused to

sin. They also decided to follow God.

They refused to bow to the false god. The king heard aboutthese young men and he became very angry. He had thembrought before him, and commanded them to bow to his god. Hetold them if they refused to bow, they would be thrown into thefurnace of fire. They surprised the king and told him they wouldnot bow to a false god. They would only bow to the true and livingLord. They told the king that the Lord was able to free them fromthe furnace, but even if He did not, they would still refuse to bowto a false god. The king became very angry. He ordered thesoldiers to throw them into the fire. The soldiers made the furnaceseven times hotter and threw the three young men into it. The firewas so hot that it killed the soldiers. The king was shocked as helooked into the furnace. He saw four men walking in the fire withno harm. The king said the fourth man was like the Son of God.The king called the three men to come out of the fire. They cameout of the furnace without hurt. Their clothes did not burn, theirhair did not burn, and they did not even smell of smoke. It was amiracle. The Lord saved them from harm. The Lord is the trueGod. The king then decided to make another new law-that noperson could speak wrong against the Lord of these three men.They did not bend, bow, or burn!

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The King Honored God - The king honored them with a highposition in his kingdom. Daniel and his friends led many people toknow God. They honored and glorified God in a wicked world.When you stand for the truth and do right then others will followyou. The greatest testimony to the world is a changed andconsistent Christian life. Stand up for the Lord and for what isright. Do not follow bad friends and their habits. Say “no” to sinand “yes” to God. Refuse to follow the world and false ways. Beas Daniel and his friends and do right no matter what happens.

MALACHI - TRUE & FALSE RELIGION

Malachi was the last of the prophets. He wrote what God told himand his writings are the last book in the Old Testament Bible. Hisname means "My Messenger" or "The Messenger of God."Malachi was truly a messenger of God to a people who were veryreligious, but not godly. The people talked of God andworshipped, but they were only pretending. Their worship was nottrue. They worshipped God with their words but not with theirhearts. They pretended to be good followers of God. When theygave sacrifices to worship God, they offered animals that werelame and sick (Malachi I :8). They offered fruit and meat that wasspoiled (Malachi 1:12). They wept and prayed but not from theirhearts (Malachi 2:13). They were only acting their religion.Malachi preached that God was tired of their pretending andacting. He told them they needed to serve God from their heartsand live right (Malachi 2:17).

They were the same as hypocrites (people who are two-faced).They acted like godly people-they spoke good with their lips buttheir lives were ungodly. The people thought that they were rightin their ways. They thought that they were good enough withoutchanging. They did not give tithes and other things to God. Theyrefused to worship God's way. Malachi preached, telling thepeople to turn to God and He would bless them. The peoplerefused his messages. They believed that they were right andMalachi was wrong. They refused the true Word of God (Malachi3:7-10). Their worship was empty and meant nothing to God butthey thought that they were right. It was sad because eventhough these people were sincere, they were wrong. A personcan be sincere, but be sincerely wrong. They thought they had theright religion but they were far from God.

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FALSE RELIGIONS

There are many people today who worship the same as thepeople worshipped in the days of Malachi. They think they areright and all other religions are wrong. A person who is sick maythink he is well, but that does not make him well. Judas Iscariotwas a great pretender. He acted like the other disciples but hewas never truly a Christian. There are many actors on TV whoact like they are other people, but the greatest actors in the worldare the hypocrites in the churches. They pretend they areChristians when they have never been saved.

THE END OF FALSE RELIGION

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing (as godly people), but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me (Jesus) in that day,

Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?...and in thy name done many wonderful works? ...then will I (Jesus) profess unto them,

I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (sin).” -- Matthew 7: I5-23

The ways of a hypocrite are in Matthew 23. These religiouspeople were pretending to serve God. They prayed long prayers(v. 14). They were good on the outside but in their hearts theywere wicked (v. 25). Jesus called these people hypocrites andserpents. He told them they were leading many other people toHell. These hypocrites pretended to be godly people but Jesusknew they were ungodly. Religious people can fool others butthey cannot fool God. God knows if you are pretending. The endfor hypocrites is the Lake of Fire. A hypocrite has never beensaved and his name is not written in Heaven. When a person issaved, God writes his name in a book in Heaven. He does notwrite his name in the book when he joins a church. Every personwhose name is not in God's book in Heaven will be cast into theLake of Fire.

The end of false religion is the Lake of Fire.“And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." -- Revelation 20: I5

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RELIGIONS THAT CANNOT SAVE

The people in Bible days were very religious andworshipped idols. What does religion mean? Theword "religion" means a way of worship or faith. Areligious person is a person who gives his life to hisbelief. Don’t give your life to a cause, but give yourlife to Christ. "Thou shalt have no other godsbefore me. Thou shalt not make unto thee anygraven image, or any Iikeness of any thing that is

in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath. . . Thoushalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I theLord thy God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:3-5). “Littlechildren, keep yourselves from idols" (I John 5:21).

GOOD PEOPLE CANNOT SAVE

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a good person but she cannotsave. Some think that because she was the mother of Jesus thatHe would surely listen to His mother and honor her. They pray toMary and think she will talk to Jesus for them. This is false. Shewas a good woman but she cannot save. It is not right to pray toanyone other than God through Jesus Christ. Mary, a priest, or apreacher, father or mother, gurus, good people, or religiousleaders cannot save, only Jesus can save.

“For there is one God, and one mediator (person between you and God)

between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." -- I Timothy 2:5

PRIESTS OR PREACHERS CANNOT SAVE

Confession to a priest or preacher cannot forgive sins. Only Godcan forgive sins. If you need groceries, then go to agrocery store. If you need money, then go to a bank. Ifyou need gas, then go to a service station; but if youneed forgiveness of sins, you must go to God. Apreacher may have wisdom but he cannot forgive sins.The priest does not have the power to forgive sins, only

Jesus can forgive sins. The Pope may be a good man but he isnot God. Only Jesus Christ can forgive sins (Mark 2:10;Ephesians 4:32.)

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LORD'S SUPPER CANNOT SAVE

Every Christian should take the Lord's Supper inremembrance of Jesus and what He has done forthem. When a Christian drinks the cup he is toremember with thankfulness the blood of Jesusgiven for his sin. When he takes the bread he is toremember the body of Jesus broken for him. A

Christian takes the Lord's Supper because he is saved. TheLord's Supper cannot save. Only Jesus can save and forgive you.(Study Luke 22:14-20).

GOOD WORKS CANNOT SAVE

Some people think that if they will stop bad habits and becomegood they will go to Heaven. This is false. Every person hassinned. (Romans 3:23.) He sins because he is a sinner. If aperson could be saved without Jesus, then there would havebeen no need for Jesus to die for his sins. Every person needs todo good works and stop sinning, but doing these things will notsave-only Jesus can save.

BAPTISM CANNOT SAVE

Some teach that baptism in the water will wash away your sins.This is false. Every saved person needs to be baptized, butbaptism will not save. Some think that because they werebaptized when they were babies they are saved. This is false.Water cannot cleanse sins. Baptism means that you believe inthe life of Christ, His death and burial and His resurrection. Whena person stands in the water, it means he believes in the life ofChrist. When he is put under the water, it means he believes inthe death of Jesus. And when he is raised from the water, itmeans he believes in the resurrection of Jesus. Baptism is only atestimony to others that you have been saved and you are now aChristian. Baptism is only a testimony, but it does not save. OnlyJesus can forgive sins (Romans 6:4).

SPECIAL DAYS - COMMANDMENTS CANNOT SAVE

Some teach that you should go to church on special days andthat you should keep the Ten Commandments to be saved andgo to Heaven. Some people feel the only day of worship is theSabbath or Saturday.

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GREAT MEN CANNOT SAVE

In other countries people bow and worship great men who areleaders. Some worship kings, rulers or religious leaders. Theybuild special temples, idols or statues in their honor. This iswrong. Many men can be wise but they cannot become God. Godis a jealous God and does not want you to follow any otherperson but Him. (II Corinthians 11:2.) All men are sinners andneed to be saved but only Jesus can save. No man can take aperson to Heaven.

IDOLS AND STATUES CANNOT SAVE

In many foreign countries some people are praying to statues.They have them in their yards, cars and homes for safety. This iswrong. A statue which is built of man-made materials is not from

God. A statue is not alive. It cannot help you.Buddha, crosses, dolls, statues, and pictures arenot real but false. Buddha has ears that will nothear, eyes that cannot see, hands that cannottouch, and he has no heart to feel. How can astatue of stone help anyone? It is sin and wrongto worship a statue or idol (Exodus 20:3). Godwarns not to have any other gods before you. God

is a jealous God and He will not honor or bless anything oranyone who tries to become as God. In some countries theyworship voodoo dolls. There are people in America who arefollowing witches, stars, psychics and new cults. In the OldTestament some worshiped a golden calf. How sad to worshipsomething or someone who cannot help. “Little children, keepyourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21). “There is noneother God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4).

WARNING! ABOUT FALSE RELIGIONS

Do not worship idols or leaders. Worship the one and true livingGod. The Devil tries to deceive and confuse you with many falseteachings. You should compare teachings to the true Scriptures.Also the Holy Spirit will help you know when it is false teachings.They are smart as the serpent, and some even learn SignLanguage. It may seem right but it is wrong.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

-- Proverbs 16:25

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WHAT IS THE RIGHT RELIGION?

Only Jesus Christ is the right way of salvation. All other ways arefalse. Remember, there is a God in Heaven and one day you willdie and meet Him. Be sure you are saved. Do not be like thehypocrites and pretenders. There are many ways which seemright but there is only one way to Heaven. There are manydifferent ways that lead to Washington, DC, our Capital, but thereis only one way to Heaven. That one way is Jesus Christ. Allother ways are false. It can be confusing because there are somany different beliefs and religions. Who is right? The deaf wantto know the true answers. There are many churches and beliefsin the world. In the East, millions of people worship Confucius. InIndia, millions of people follow Hinduism. In the Middle East, thereare over 300 million people worshiping Mohammed. In Japan andthe Far East, more than 180 million people worship Buddha. Inthe world there are more than 327 million Catholics, 12 millionJews and 150 million atheists (people who do not believe in anygod). In America, there are many different religions, but there isonly one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is not areligion, but a relationship with Christ. Do not be deceived byfalse religions that twist and turn Scriptures to seem right. TheScriptures are always the absolute, assurance, and authority.

THE RIGHT RELIGION

There is only one Heaven, one God, one Jesus Christ and oneway to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and thelife: no man cometh unto the Father (in Heaven), but by me"(John 14:6). Jesus is the only way to Heaven. When you die theLord will not ask the name of your church, but are you “In Christ?”All people are either “in Christ” or “without Christ.” When youbelieve and receive Christ you are saved. (John 1:12). “He thathath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hathnot life” (I John 5:12). You are saved by faith not feelings.

Warning! Stay away from false religions! Also warn yourfriends to avoid false religions. You should find a good Bible-believing church that preaches the truth about Jesus Christ andsalvation. Seek to worship and serve the one true God.

The world conforms you – The Word transforms you!

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