New MTA Video Available Online

We have just released our third DVD. It is called "Diablo Mountain." It isdesigned to be a DVD gospel track that investigates the truth of the saying that all paths lead to the top of the mountain.

What people mean by "all paths lead to the top ofthe mountain" is that all beliefs, and all religions, take you to the same place... heaven, nirvana, paradise, to God, to become a Buddah, or nowhere (for atheists). You can believe whatever you want, and that will be fine.

You can what all of the videos on this DVD online by going to:

MTA Online Videos

In addition to the "Diablo Mountain" video, there are two bonus tracks included:

- Identifying False Religions and False Teaching

- What Is Truth?

As with all of our DVDs, this DVD may be copied and freely shared with others. You may get a copy of this DVD by sending $1.00 to cover postage to:

Mission to America
P.O. Box 974
Tualatin, OR 97062

Please be sure to include your address, and tell us which DVD you'd like us to send to you.

The Rules Of The Church

I was reading Colossians this morning and 2:20-23 really caught my attention. I've been studying Hinduism in preparation for a mission trip to India later this year. Hinduism is filled with rituals and other things you must do in order to please god (the gods). It is a religion with many requirements. Here is what Colossians says about the requirements religions impose on people:

"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belong to it, do you submit to its rules: Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch! These are all destined to perish with us, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

Paul is not saying we should ignore the civil law. He is talking about religious "laws" that people create as requirements for salvation or pleasing god. These "laws" are usually justified as having "come from god" but in reality they are a creation of men. Paul is talking about Jewish laws in this case, but this equally applies to Hindus, Mormons, Muslims and Jehovah's Witnesses. They all impose "must do" laws on people.

As Christians we know there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. No matter how good we are at following religious laws our most righteous deeds are like filthy rags to God. And as Christians we are not obligated to follow any of the laws God has given us. We are not obligated, but instead out of love we desire to live in obedience to God. Live in obedience to God not because of what we'll get in return, but because we recognize what God has done for us (He first loved us) and out of our love for God we desire to follow the example Jesus gave us and his obedience and love.

There is a big difference. Striving to live in obedience because of what you'll get in return (all religions except Christianity). This is self-centered. Or striving to live in obedience to God simply because you love God... you get nothing in return. This puts the focus on others.

This is one of the fundamental differences between Christianity and all other religions. Many of their activities (laws, requirements, etc.) are self-centered. They are about getting something for yourself from god.

In Christianity everything is done freely. Nothing is received in return from God other than what He has already given and is willing to freely give to us. God has already given us the greatest possible gift, salvation from the consequences of our sin. It is given as a free gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it. There is nothing we can do improve on it.

Research Examines the Faith of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses

The Barna Group has done a survey of Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons that has some interesting results.

The Barna Group is a Christian research organization that regularly conducts polls. In their most recent poll they asked Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons about their faith and what they believe. They then compare the results with answers from born again Christians. Most of the questions had to do with actions... how people live out their faith. They were not doctrinal questions.

So, if you observe these three groups, based on their actions which group appears to be the stronger Christian?

The Jehovah's Witnesses by far. Then the Mormons and they were followed somewhat closely by born again Christians. That is sad! That is distressing!

By the way, I am not saying that either Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons are Christians. However, this survey shows their behavior is more Christian-like than born again Christians.

You can read the the survey results at: Barna Research Group

So what's the problem? The Bible says that one way we can know a Christian is by their fruit. This is telling me that most born again Christians may not truly be born again. They may have invited Jesus into their heart, but they have never recognized they are sinners in need of a savior, and that Jesus Christ is the only way they can be saved. Jesus said that if we are saved we will love him. And if we love him we will desire to obey his commands. The word used for love is "agape," meaning a love that results in action. Agape love is not a love of feeling good about a person. If you call yourself a Christian, are you showing your love for Jesus, through your actions, at least as well as those who are in cults? Are you making sacrifices for Jesus? If not, you need to visit 911 Christ.

P.S. By the way, most of the Christian-like actions of Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormon are not coming from a love for Jesus. They are coming from a love of self. They are doing the things they have been told they need to do in order to have the highest possible level of salvation/glorification. #1 on the list of things they need to do is to obey the church.