7 Steps to FOREVER [Extension]

- Frequently Asked Questions -

Question : Is organized religion good or bad?

Answer : It can be good... or bad. Organized religion is defined as a formalized system of religious beliefs, rituals, and practices that are systematically established. While that is a very broad definition, it can still be used to determine if any specific 'religion' or local church adheres to correct theology, as taught by Jesus Christ.

It's certainly true that organized religions/churches can be corrupted by money, power, politics, incompetence, etc. Be advised that it will probably get worse until the end times draw near; just read Bible prophecy. Unfortunately, there are church leaders who prioritize membership counts, political allegiance, and/or fiscal donations as more important than just staying with GOD's truth (as taught by Jesus Christ). Beware of churches that are always promoting a worldly agenda.

With that being said, there are organized, faith-based churches that are the 'real deal'. Just be careful when finding a home church to join... but please try to find a good church. The Bible encourages regular meetings of faithful believers (Hebrews 10:25). GOD has specifically created roles for pastors and elders to lead others within these churches. Be aware of GOD's expectations for those who lead these churches (Titus 1:6-9). Most importantly, to discern truth, a believer must be armed with absolute faith and good knowledge of scripture. This will help to filter out any incorrect teachings.

So, to answer the basic question: While GOD is very clear that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as King is all that is required to be saved, it's also true that 'organized religion' is designed by GOD. The organized meeting of believers can be a very good method of staying in close relationship with Jesus (Matthew 18:20), as well as staying focused in fellowship with other believers (Proverbs 27:17). If the local church organizes its religious doctrine and practices based solely on the teachings of Christ Jesus, it will keep the members on path.

Be aware that a lone believer will likely struggle more with scripture clarity, so a group of true believers can offset misunderstandings much better. The devil will always try to mislead us to an incorrect gospel... so the believers (in an organized church) can keep each other grounded in truth better.

Belonging to an organized church will allow you to sing praises to GOD with other believers and participate in serving the local community better (Hebrews 13:15-16). It can also help you make disciples of others (Matthew 28:19-20).

Of course, if you get stranded on a remote island (no churches available) -- then a faithful, committed relationship with Christ is all you have... and thank GOD, that is all you need!

GOD authorizes organized religion. There are no bounds for GOD's grace upon those whom organized religion consists of actively participating in local church worship, fellowship, and outreach efforts!

Question : How should a true Christian approach the LGBTQ community?

Answer : With compassion and love. This one is easy to answer:

Are gay people sinners? Yes.

Are you a sinner? Yes.

Am I a sinner? Yes.

We're all sinners here, no exceptions. Our role is not to inform homosexual/bisexual people about their specific sins or how they should address their desires. Instead, our role is to turn a gay person to Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.

In fact, this is our goal towards all people: Since we're all sinners... and only GOD can truly know our heart... and only GOD can forgive our sins... and only GOD can drive out demons -->

Our role is to turn people to GOD. Whether it's sexual immorality, addictions, pride, greed, disrespect, etc. While we can use our own experiences to help others with a specific sin, it's not right to think we can just address any other types of sins (which we have no experience with).

Therefore, allow GOD to work within each person. We just need to turn their focus to GOD. They need to know Christ Jesus as their Savior too... and they need the Holy Spirit to guide them (like all of us). If so, GOD will change them from the inside... and they will have a heart for GOD too... and GOD will work on their sanctification (like all of us).

Question : Do we need to read the books of the "Apocrypha" for salvation?

Answer : Not I. The Apocrypha is a collection of ancient biblical texts, written in the time period between the Old and New Testament books. These books are not considered as part of the full Christian Bible. Their authenticity and even authorship is debatable, and there might even be some basic contradictions between these books and all other Books of the Bible.

I'm not claiming to be an expert in the Apocrypha (or that I've even read these books), but will absolutely claim the other 66 Books of our Christian Bible are more than enough to understand all we need to know for a lifetime commitment to GOD and Eternal Life in his Kingdom of Heaven.

Not saying the books of Apocrypha are totally false either. They are recognized as official canon by some religions. Even the denominations that don't accept these books as official Biblical scripture still use them as reference or compliment to the 66 Bible books.

Of course, reading external biblical reference material is encouraged... but always compare any other written text against the perfect Word of GOD, which is found within the 66 books of our Christian Bible.

If you base your beliefs on the usual 66 Books of Old Testament and New Testament scripture, you are equipped with all that is needed to know who GOD is and have a personal relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ!