When it comes to the topic and truth of Biblical Christianity, it is important for believers in Jesus Christ to know and understand the various differences out there that are continually competing against the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, new cultic “churches” pop up every year, making the unsubstantiated claim that they are Christian. The book of Jude warns us of this! Note this verse:
Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God [fn] and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just because such churches may have the term “Christian” in their name doesn’t always mean that their tenets agree with or adhere to the Bible. So, how are we to determine the difference(s)?
Studying the Bible and attending a biblically based, Christ-centered church is the best way to determine truth from error.
I also recommend a newly updated and expanded edition of Fritz Ridenour’s book entitled, “So What’s The Difference?” You can purchase the paperback on Amazon for under $14.00. It makes a great stocking stuffer. Use Amazon Prime for delivery by Dec. 21st.
Why do I recommend this book? Several reasons. There are so many lies floating around about what the Bible truly says and just who Jesus Christ is and why He came to this earth. This book provides (in an easy-to-understand and non-judgmental way) the differences (some are very stark differences, other more subtle but still are lies) between Biblical Christianity, the major religions of the world, the major cults, new religions, and the occult.
One of the best benefits that I have found through reading this book is that you will learn why relative thinking–the idea that there is no objective, absolute truth–has become the predominant mindset in our culture. This book will give you help in how to respond.
The back cover tells us that this bestselling guide will help you recognize the real differences between the Christian faith and other viewpoints. It may make it easier for you to explain and share your faith with others.
I have had individuals ask me, “why do you believe what you believe?” Have you ever had someone ask you that question? Usually they want a short response. I have found that they may cut me off when I start to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
My suggestion?
Give them this book!
They may read it right away or stick it on a shelf and read it later. That’s OK, at least you are attempting to plant a seed in them to research their own beliefs about God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ.
The book contains many resources in the end notes that expand upon what is written in each chapter. There is an appendix containing resources for further study and ministries for information on cults. It is important that you should be aware of cults in order to avoid them!
Fellow believers, I pray that you will take the time to read The Peculiar Glory of the Incarnation. It will renew your joy in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Excerpt:
Dear Christian, does it still astonish you?
Can you slow down the holiday hustle and bustle long enough to let your mind ponder these astonishing truths? to let the eyes of your heart fix their gaze upon the glory of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ? My prayer for you this Christmas is that you would do just that. That you would take these truths and turn them over in your mind—like Mary, to treasure these things and ponder them in your heart (cf. Luke 2:19
). And that your heart would be stirred to worship God in Christ for the peculiar glory of the incarnation. For then, and only then, are you truly celebrating Christmas.
Merry Christmas and God bless!
~ Christine
Rom 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 3:21
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
Rom 3:22
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all [fn] who believe. For there is no difference;
Rom 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Rom 3:24
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Rom 3:25
whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed
Rom 3:26
to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Hat tips to all links.
Talk Wisdom 