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	<title>CRAOM</title>
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	<description>Seeking The Truth!</description>
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		<title>The Seventh Day Adventist Cult</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/the-seventh-day-adventist-cult.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/the-seventh-day-adventist-cult.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:33:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[False Movements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SDA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=498</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is an interesting topic to write about since lot of Christians consider the SDAs to be Evangelical Christians. I don&#8217;t blame them as the Seventh Day Adventist are very &#8220;Christian Like&#8221; at first sight. They talk and in many cases walk like Christians. They follow a false prophetess by the name of Ellen White. They consider her to be the &#8220;Spirit of Prophecy&#8221;. Lot of the SDA members consider her writings to be equal and in many cases, above scripture. White made many false prophecies and many consider her to be one of the biggest frauds of our time. They also have strange doctrines about the food we eat (To be a true SDA, one must be a vegetarian) and keep the Sabbath. One SDA recently told me that I am going to go to hell for eating pork and for working on Saturday. We had a nice talk and I provided many scriptures but she was too blind to hear what I was saying. If you are currently a member or thinking of joining the SDA, please reconsider. They base their hope in the teachings of Ellen G. White and not the Biblical Christ.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Jesus Alone! Faith Alone! How about your Life?</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/jesus-alone-faith-alone.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/jesus-alone-faith-alone.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:59:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calvinism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheap grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firm in the faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[god jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[imited atonement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[irresistible grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nconditional election]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perseverance of the saints]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romans 10]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tbn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[total depravity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unconditional election]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[word of god]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=472</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of my favorite verses in the bible is Romans 10:9 &#8220;That if you confess with your mouth, &#8220;Jesus is Lord,&#8221; and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.&#8221; This is one of those verses that millions of people have  interpreted the scripture out of context and ran with it. What we need to under stand is that we are called to be Christ like. We can&#8217;t only preach but yet not walk.  I consider myself to be a Calvinist, but please don&#8217;t be under the misconception that Calvinism teaches cheap grace. In fact, I learned what True Grace was when I started understanding the meaning of TULIP.   What is the TULIP you ask? Total depravity (Original Sin) Unconditional election (God&#8217;s Election) Limited atonement (Particular Redemption) Irresistible grace (Effectual Calling) Perseverance of the Saints Unless we come to an understanding that we are nothing without Him, we will never truly have that peace that comes only from knowing the Truth. When I was deep in sin and in the world, I never wanted to hear about God or anything about faith. I frankly didn&#8217;t like people of faith and they always seemed a bit off to me. I actually got happy anytime I saw the number 666 or other evil stuff that I really don&#8217;t want to get into right now. What I&#8217;m trying to say is that if someone like me got saved, anyone can. Brothers and sisters, I plead with you to spend more time in the word of God. Please turn off your television sets and forget about TBN for few months. Try to find His will in your life. We are going to be experiencing hard times ahead. The only thing that will keep us grounded and firm in the faith is the Word of God. The only way we as Christians get clarity and guidance is by the Word of God. We have been called to serve The Living True God. Lets not take advantage of His Grace and only be hearers.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Deity of Jesus Christ</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/the-deity-of-jesus-christ.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/the-deity-of-jesus-christ.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 18:58:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[God and Trinity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colossians 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deity of christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divine nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divinity of jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[divinity of jesus christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fundamental truths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[invisible god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lord and savior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[son of god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[various world religions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=464</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For thousands of years the divinity of Jesus Christ has been an ongoing debate. Muslims believe that He was only a prophet, Mormons believe that He is the literal, only begotten Son of God (not God the Son), and Jehovah&#8217;s witnesses teach that He is not God and is inferior to God. These are just a few viewpoints of various world religions. So, what is the true, divine nature of Jesus Christ? Who is He really? I&#8217;m so glad you asked! There are numerous references in the Holy Bible that confirm the deity of Christ. Let&#8217;s search a few of the scriptures together and uncover the fundamental truths. JESUS CHRIST IS FULLY GOD AND FULLY MAN &#8211; In Matthew 1:20b, 21, and 23* an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph (earthly father of Jesus) and said, &#8220;&#8230;for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.&#8221; (20b); &#8220;She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.&#8221; (21) &#8220;Behold, the virgin (Mary) shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,&#8221; which translated means, &#8220;God with us.&#8221; (23) JESUS CHRIST IS INCOMPARABLE &#8211; Colossians 1:15-18* &#8211; &#8220;He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities &#8211; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.&#8221; The above merely scratches the surface of the deity of Christ for the purposes of this article; however, it is more important to know that these truths are the hallmark of our faith. Without them, we would be living in vain. Therefore, as Christians, we must contend for the faith and not be fooled by anyone who is denies that Jesus is the Christ. There is a wealth of information in the Holy Bible that confirms over and over again exactly who Jesus Christ is. I encourage you to seek out a bible believing and teaching church (if you have not already done so) to learn more about Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Baptism: Why is it Necessary?</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/baptism-why-is-it-necessary.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/baptism-why-is-it-necessary.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2011 18:55:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BLOG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kingdom of god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voice of god]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=462</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This has been a long asked question in the church, and there are numerous ones associated with it. Did my first baptism count? Do I have to be Saved to be baptized? Will being baptized Save me? Let&#8217;s examine the Scriptural basis for baptism. &#8216;The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people: for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.&#8217; Matthew 21:25-27 K.J.V. From the section of Scripture presented above, it seems relatively clear that, to Jesus at any rate, the concept of baptism was tied with divine authority&#8230; or approval. Remember the segment of Scripture where John baptizes Jesus and the Voice of God answered saying, &#8216;This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased&#8217;. Matthew 3:17b K.J.V. Clearly, baptism is representative of our authority in Christ. In addition, Jesus warned Nicodemus, &#8216;Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God&#8217;. John 3:5b K.J.V. This verse has prompted many to wonder if one must be baptized to be Saved. I do not particularly think so. Remember, in Acts Peter says, &#8216;And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved&#8217;. Acts 2:21 K.J.V. This seems to preclude the necessity of baptism, as one wouldn&#8217;t really think that Peter would refuse to yield such crucial information to those whom he was converting. But what&#8217;s the real answer for baptism? Perhaps one of the most compelling verses is in 1 Peter: &#8216;Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ&#8217;. 1 Peter 3:20, 21 Spiritual authority and preservation, that is why we are baptized.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A biblical overview: Should Christians Live by The Law or by Grace?</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/a-biblical-overview-should-christians-live-by-the-law-or-by-grace.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/a-biblical-overview-should-christians-live-by-the-law-or-by-grace.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 18:52:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BLOG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[colossians 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eternal life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[galatians 3]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[israelites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship with god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sacrificial lamb]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The law, or the Old Covenant, was initially put into motion for the Israelites at Mt. Sinai by God in the form of the 10 commandments. Its purpose is to reveal the true nature of God, and govern how we conduct ourselves. On the flip side, the law shows us just how sinful and distant we are from God making it impossible to be right with Him by singlehandedly trying to perfect all of His laws. So, was the law a set up for us to fail? Well, not really. God knew that no one would be able to pull this off, so the law was a “set up” of sorts to keep His people in the way of salvation until Jesus Christ came. You see, God needed to show us that no matter how religious and ritualistic we become, we can ONLY receive salvation by FAITH alone in CHRIST alone. During the last supper Jesus instituted grace, or the New Covenant (see Luke 22:20). When His blood was spilled on the cross, He became the sacrificial lamb (the ultimate sacrifice for all sin). Furthermore, grace was sealed and the law was fulfilled. Therefore, righteousness with God no longer required perfecting all of the laws and regulations or performing animal sacrifices to be cleansed from sin. Through grace, we can have a righteous relationship with God, because He no longer sees us for who we really are (filthy rags – see Isaiah 64:6) and we are covered by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. The ball is now in your court. Will you choose to be a slave to sin or will you choose eternal life in Christ? Know that living under grace does not give you a license to sin, but the freedom &#38; power to serve Christ through obedience of the Word. The latter suits me and my house, and I pray that it will suit you and yours as well. *For a more in depth study of the law and grace, here are a few scriptures to get you started. Enjoy and be blessed! Galatians 3 (entire chapter); Romans 6:14-15; Colossians 2:13-15.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Meaning of Baptism</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/the-meaning-of-baptism.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/the-meaning-of-baptism.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 18:37:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Christian Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salvation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baptismal regeneration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[infant baptism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[local church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new testament]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[true believer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[true believers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=455</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A book on evangelicalism recounts a recent development in the practice of baptism: “Generally, new converts are baptized in the ocean. Here is what happens. After the words of the baptismal covenant have been exchanged, two deacons hold the person’s hands and feet in a horizontal stretch, swing the convert back and forth, and then throw the convert into a wave ‘in the name of the Father.’ The convert is washed to shore. The deacons quickly pick up the convert and throw him or her again in the name of the Son. The convert is thrown a third time in the name of the Spirit.” One may wonder whether this avant-garde approach to baptism has any biblical support. In fact, the whole issue of baptism is attended with many questions. “What does baptism mean? What is the proper mode of baptism? Does baptism save? Who should receive baptism?” This article attempts to answer just one of those major—the meaning of baptism Meaning of Baptism Baptism is the event in which a believer, in obedience to Christ, publicly and symbolically identifies himself with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, thus committing to walk in newness of life. Christ commanded baptism as part of His great commission (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16), and the book of Acts demonstrates the fulfillment of this command in the public baptism of new believers (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; 16:33). True believers will want to obey Christ by obeying this important command. Paul teaches that, through baptism, the believer identifies himself with Christ’s death (Rom. 6:3), burial (6:4), and resurrection (6:5; c.f. also taught in Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). Thus, it symbolizes the believer’s “new life” (Rom. 6:4) in which he is dead to sin and alive to God (Rom 6:6-11). Errant View: Baptism is a means of saving grace Some believe in a doctrine called ‘baptismal regeneration,’ a belief that, through baptism, God actually communicates saving grace to the recipient of baptism. Roman Catholics maintain that the proper administration of the rite accomplishes salvation. Lutherans, in a modified form of baptismal regeneration, regard faith as a necessary for the baptism to effect salvation. It naturally follows that baptismal regenerationists practice infant baptism. Errant View: Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant Consistent with their covenant theological framework, most Presbyterians believe that baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant. According to this system, humankind today is under the covenant of grace, or the covenant of redemption. By faith in Christ’s meritorious work on his behalf, a sinner is justified. However, it is not until the convert receives the baptism that he formally enters the covenant—the covenant of grace. God originally established this covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:7), but the covenant remains in effect today. In Abraham’s day, the sign and seal of the covenant was circumcision (Gen. 17:10). In the New Testament era, however, circumcision no longer initiates one into the covenant (Acts 15:1-11; Gal. 5:2), and is replaced by baptism. In [...]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>VICTORS, NOT VICTIMS ( 1 Peter 5:1-9)</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/victors-not-victims-1-peter-51-9.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/victors-not-victims-1-peter-51-9.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 15:36:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BLOG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2 corinthians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spiritual battle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=453</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your head pounds violently. Every muscle in your body quivers with desperate anxiety. Sweat drains from every pore. Fearfully, you squint through the iron grate of your armor, watching the heat waves wriggle upward from the dusty earth. The mid-afternoon air is heavy with an unnatural calm. Once more, you readjust your metal grip on the heavy lance, cradled in your right arm. Your massive white horse exerts a profound snort, and you feel his sinewy body twitch with pent-up energy. There you are, bearing the burden of your armor, enduring the oppressive heat, clasping the weighty weapons, and trying to shake a smothering terror. You, insignificant, weak, and helpless, are facing the murderous Black Knight in a to-the-death joust. A trumpet, far away in the stifling heat, sounds a fiendish fanfare. The contest has begun. Your charger breaks into a canter. Your body is crouched, tense, tight. You raise your eyes and see him hurtling towards you—the Black Knight on his massive horse. Thunderous hoof beats mingling with the weighty clang of iron and steel reverberate from the dark form. The knight is directly ahead, rising and falling with the gallop of his gigantic steed. He picks up even more speed, coming closer, closer. A cruel black sword dangles from his gigantic left arm. And in his right arm, he holds a lance, its point aimed directly at your defenseless body. Pretty intimidating, huh? What if that were you, and not a dream from some bygone age? Would you be nervous if I told that that is you? Sure, there are some changes. First, let’s take away the horses and lances. It’s a spiritual battle—no swords, maces, spears or machine guns. Also, you can’t see your enemy. He’s totally invisible. He possesses superhuman strength and an uncanny ability to influence your mind. By his very nature, he is murderous, deceptive, cruel, and has millions of devilish minions at his beck and call. This sinister rogue is real. This battle is real. And you’re in it. Right now. Too much is at stake for you to enter this battle without knowing your enemy’s tactics. Paul claimed, “No advantage [will] be taken of us by Satan” (2 Corinthians 2:11). How could he be so bold as to make that statement? He explains, “For we are not ignorant of his schemes.” If you are ignorant of Satan’s schemes, it is likely that he will take advantage of you. In the next few paragraphs, I will highlight two major satanic strategies so you can be a victor, not a victim. Fundamentally, Satan is a liar. It’s his nature. His primary strategy, simply, is deception. But how can you spot deception? After all, the whole point is to deceive, right. It would help to narrow deception down a little bit. Here are two major areas of deception that Satan uses to trip you up. 1. Satan makes sin look good. Doesn’t sin look really good sometimes? It’s true. Sin often looks very appealing. If [...]]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t Like What I&#8217;m Saying? Go Walk on Water</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/dont-like-what-im-saying-go-walk-on-water.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/dont-like-what-im-saying-go-walk-on-water.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 18:55:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BLOG]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[elementary education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith in god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hebrews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hebrews 6]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[repentance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savior jesus christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking on water]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=460</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Before you think I&#8217;m being piously judgmental, please realize that I&#8217;m not saying that in the traditional sense associated with that phrase. I&#8217;m saying that in the sense of &#8216;If you don&#8217;t like what I&#8217;m saying, buy a book&#8217;, or &#8216;If you don&#8217;t like what I&#8217;m saying, drink some water&#8217;. In other words, I&#8217;m saying that if you don&#8217;t like what I&#8217;m saying, do something which comes naturally to you. Well, you ask, what&#8217;s so natural about walking on water? First, let&#8217;s consider some basic evidence. One of the simplest things commonly overlooked by many who make this remark today, is that it wasn&#8217;t simply the Son of God who walked on water&#8230; it was Peter also! Granted, he didn&#8217;t get further than maybe three good steps before he started pulling a Titanic, and taking on water, but he did walk on water nonetheless. But more importantly, we need to consider ramifications much deeper than this &#8216;surface&#8217; example&#8230; we need to consider the ramifications which are more indicative of our identity in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There were at least two people in the Bible who indicated that they thought that we, as Christians and Disciples of Christ, ought to take to the water like ducks. That is, ON the surface, not BENEATH it. These two men are Paul and Jesus Himself. Paul&#8217;s Case: One of the more fascinating texts I&#8217;ve found in the Bible is where Paul admonishes those he&#8217;s writing, saying &#8216;Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.&#8217; Hebrews 6:1-4 N.I.V. Wait a minute&#8230; healing and raising the dead are part of our Elementary Education? Goodness, what do we have to do to Graduate? Perhaps we can find a clue in the words of Christ. &#8216;Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.&#8217; John 14:12 K.J.V. With Christ in us, rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic is a liberating task indeed.]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>What is the Rock? An Analysis of Matthew 16:18</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/what-is-the-rock-an-analysis-of-matthew-1618.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/what-is-the-rock-an-analysis-of-matthew-1618.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 18:40:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Christian Issues]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=451</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A correct hermeneutic strives for an “analysis of the plain meaning of words in their literary and historical contexts.” (Moore, The Hermeneutic of Historical Distance). It is essential that the Bible student keep before him a sound philosophy of interpretation when examining any passage, especially when that passage is difficult or controversial. Someone who forces his own denominational or religious ideals on the text of Scripture is not being a workman who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Admittedly, though, the Bible does “contain some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16), one example being Jesus’ statement in Matthew 16:18: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” What does this statement mean? What is the “rock?” To answer this question, this article presents a concise synopsis of the major views on the passage and sets forth the most likely conclusion. The disagreement revolves around a pun spoken by Christ after Peter’s great confession of Christ as the Son of God. The pun uses two similar Greek words: “you are Peter [Petrov] and upon this rock [petra] I will build my church.” There are three major views as to what is meant by “this rock.” Does “this rock” refer to (1) Christ, (2) to Peter’s confession, or (3) to Peter himself? According to the first view, Christ is the petra—the bedrock of our faith. In other words, Christ is saying to Peter, “You are a little rock, and upon this massive rock [pointing to Himself] I will build my church.” Those who hold this view maintain that the two Greek words are distinct from each other both grammatically (Petrov, masc.; petra, fem.) and in their meaning. Peter, of course, is Petrov, and petra refers to Christ. Why would someone take this view? There are several arguments that seem to support this view. First, other passages in Scripture refer to Christ as the foundation of the church. 1 Corinthians 3:11 speaks of “the foundation…which is laid…which is Jesus Christ.” Some even say that petra never refers to man, but only and always of God. A second argument to support this view is the conjuncture that that Jesus pointed at himself when he made the statement of “this rock.” A final argument affirms that Peter could not have been the rock, because there is no way that Christ would build the church on mere man like Peter. The rock, therefore, has to be Christ. The second major view states that the petra upon which the church is built is Peter’s confession. Jesus’ statement to Peter comes on the heels of Peter’s bold affirmation of “Christ, [as] the Son of the living God.” Christ, in reply, states “’upon this rock of revealed truth—the truth you have just confessed—I will build my church.’&#8221; The proposition which supports this position is that there is a difference in meaning between petra and Petrov. Lenski writes that “the plain distinction…between these [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Is Infant Baptism Christian?</title>
		<link>http://www.craom.net/is-infant-baptism-christian.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.craom.net/is-infant-baptism-christian.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 18:28:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Church Issues]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[infant baptism]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[taking in the knowledge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.craom.net/?p=448</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The question about infant baptism often arises in the minds of parents of newborns. Should parents support and allow their child to be baptized as an infant? To help answer this question it is important to understand the purpose of baptism. When we review the gospels we are commanded to “go forth and make disciples.” According to the book of Mathew Chapter 28 verses 19 and 20, the Bible tells us to “…baptize in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things commanded to you.” This scripture helps us to understand that we as Christians are suppose to be baptized when we learn about Christ and his commandments. Take a moment and turn to Acts and review chapter 8 verse 12. Note that this verse discusses a congregation that listened to Philip declaring the good news of God’s kingdom, and when they believed his teachings then they proceeded to get baptized both men and women. Both of these verses discuss baptism after learning about God’s word and believing and applying it a person’s life. Infants do not yet have the cognitive ability to learn and apply God’s word at this early stage in life. An infant is not yet capable of making a personal dedication to God and therefore should not be baptized. Baptism is a public declaration of someone showing that they have decided to dedicate their life to God. This has to be done after a person has gained the understanding of God’s word and can apply it to his/her life. The individual contemplating baptism needs to understand and put faith in what they have learned. The book of First Timothy chapter 2 verse 4 tells us that a person will be saved after taking in the knowledge of God’s word. Only an adult or a mature older child can reason on God’s word and apply them to his/her life. We know as faithful Christians that the Devil will try to stop us from serving the All Mighty. Being baptized as an infant doesn’t show that we understand God’s word and can apply his knowledge to make sound Christian decisions when Satan attacks. An infant can not understand what this type of dedication will entail and therefore should not be baptized. Baptism is a personal choice that should only be done after someone has dedicated his/her life to God. It is not a decision that should be made lightly. And it is certainly not a decision that should be made by someone else, such as the parent of an infant child.]]></description>
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