Honestly, some of the Protestant churches may as well be affiliated with the Catholic Church. So many people are ignorant to the simple message. They truly believe it is too good to be true. I blame the pastors and their lack of knowledge. Many of them are not called to preach, but do so anyway for whatever reason. Maybe it’s power and control.

Klaus,

Everything written in scripture is not to be applied as if it were to be followed by you. Some of it is instruction to the Jews. Some of it is just history, etc. God gave teachers in the Church for good reason. Without teachers people misapply what is written. The fact is that the Bible teaches salvation by belief in the Savior that God provided.

A few scriptures misapplied does not nullify the scores of clear passages that say salvation comes by believing God.

You said this. The obvious answer is that Paul was talking to an assembly that had believers and unbelievers.

This is not the obvious answer. At least not for me.

When I read the Bible I hear God talking directly to me. I don’t view things from the perspective of what audience Paul was speaking to. I hear the Word of the Living God(Jesus Christ) speaking directly to me. It cuts right to the very core of my spirit. After all ,Christ is the living word.

Just like when Paul is speaking hear to Titus in 1:16

Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

I hear Christs words speaking through Paul directly to myself. People need to read the Bible for themselves and not rely on anyone’s view of it.

I am fairly new to Christianity, however I do not consider myself a baby Christian.I believe I have embraced Christianity, Jesus and The Word quite well, although I struggle at times interpreting parts of the Bible,thankfully my Sister is able to interpret for me what I don’t understand. Once I understood salvation, I couldn’t believe just how simple it really is. My Sister also introduced me to you and The Prophetic Years and I very much enjoy reading what you have to say, as you simplify everything so well.

Keep up the good work and God bless you.

I too am concerned for kids these days, especially if they are in any public schools. I know not everyone can afford private or homeschooling, but, teens are very resourceful, and able to hide much from others, and I mean parents in particular. If you are not monitoring your daughters use of technology, social media, etc, then you may be in for a shock or two over the next few years. I would suggest you look into what’s available, to keep close tabs on her activities, because parents DO have a right to know. I’m assuming you provide access to her phone, computer etc, so, you should be up front about any monitoring. Don’t give into the line “you’re invading my privacy” because, most of what she does is public anyways. It’s just that you don’t know what anonymous profiles she might have. Any social media except facebook allows pseudononymous accounts.

I can only speak for myself, but at 16, I was very uncontrollable and independent. It took another 30 years before I learned the truth about God. But, I had no religious family what so ever. I’m sure you are aware of the dangers facing our young people these days, so take steps to be more informed about your daughters activities. It may already be too late though, and she will have to learn the hard way. That don’t mean disowning, but also, not accepting certain behaviors that offend either. I will pray for you both.