"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 3-4

Each generation must earnestly contend for the faith which we delivered unto the saint in the First Century because we can depart from the faith. I am Charles Burke, Minister in Sedona, Arizona. Let me explain the manner in which we must contend for the faith so that we can learn more about the Divine Blessings of New Testament Christianity because we are only one generation away from apostasy.

I. We must earnestly contend for the faith because God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. For God hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." Matthew 4:4, 2 Peter 1:3

II. We should earnestly contend for the faith because Christ has brought unto us the wonderful words of life. "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 6:66, John 12:48

A. In being a New Testament Christian, we can not Scripturally add to the word of God. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Revelation 22:18

B. In being a new creature in Christ, we can not lawfully take away from the word of God. "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:19

I. God is the being of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator because God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit created our own divine nature of life free of sin. God said, "Let us (who are the Persons that are called God) make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image" (of life). John said concerning those three Persons who equally are called God in being our Creator, "For there are three (Persons) that bear record (of our creation) in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit: and these three (Persons) are one" (equal) in power, rule and authority because They equally possess the same Personage, Powers, Nature and Attributes of the one and only God in reference to Their Own Individual Nature of life. Genesis 1:26-27, 1 John 5:7

Equality signifies that those three Persons who are called God in being the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit are equal in power, rule and authority because They equally possess the same Personage, Powers, Nature and Attributes of the one and only God in matters of Their Own Individual Being of life. *Personage means possessing a Spiritual Body, and an Eternal Soul and Spirit. *Powers signify being Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. *Nature reveals being eternal, impartial, perfect, spiritual and etc. *Attributes indicate being lovable, righteous, merciful, faithful and etc.

II. Since God is the being of three Personswho equally are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, this highly magnifies the total being of our own divine nature of life because we possess the Divine Characteristics of God who is the being of three equal Persons that are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in reference to our own creation of life.

I. The Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two Persons because those three God-Persons, who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator, equally made Themselves to work in the Name of Christ in being called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so that They could be our Redeemer. This is why, "The Lord (God) said unto my Lord (Christ), sit thou on my right hand, until I make the foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that the Lord God (who was the being of the Father and the Holy Spirit in heaven) hath made that same Jesus (who was the Incarnated Word upon the earth), whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Jesus (who was made both Lord and Christ in being our Redeemer) said concerning those three Persons who equally would be called Christ in matters of our own redemption of life, "Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." 2 Acts 2:34-36, Matthew 28:18-20

Equality signifies that those three Persons, who are called God and Christ in being our Creator and our Redeemer, are equal in power, rule and authority because They possess the same Personage, Powers, Nature and Attributes of God and Christ in matters of Their Own Individual Nature of life. *Personage means possessing a Spiritual Body, and an Eternal Soul and Spirit. *Powers signify being Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. *Nature reveals being eternal, impartial, perfect, spiritual and etc. *Attributes indicate being lovable, righteous, merciful, faithful, and etc.

II. Since the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ is the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship instead of being two Persons, this greatly amplifies all aspects of our own divine nature of life because we possess the Divine Features of three Heavenly Persons who equally are called God and Christ in being our Creator and our Redeemer.

I. Christ is the being of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer because Christ in being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit redeemed our own divine nature of life from the guilt of sin. This is why we in being an alien sinner must be baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins by being baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit so that we can become a New Testament Christian. Our Lord said concerning those three Persons who equally would be called Christ in being our Redeemer, "Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Matthew 28:18-20, Galatians 3:27

Equality signifies that those three Persons who equally are called Christ in being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equal in power, rule and authority because They equally possess the same Personage, Powers, Nature and Attributes of the one and only Christ in matters of Their Own Individual Being of life. *Personage means possessing a Spiritual Body, and an Eternal Soul and Spirit. *Powers signify being Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. *Nature reveals being eternal, impartial, perfect, spiritual and etc. *Attributes indicate being lovable, righteous, merciful, faithful and etc.

II. Since Christ is the being of three equal Persons who are made to be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer, this greatly magnifies the total sum of our own divine nature of life because we possess the Divine Qualities of Christ who is the being of three equal Persons that are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in reference to our own redemption of life.

I. If we want to become a New Testament Christian, we must hear the word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

II. If we want to become a disciple of Christ, we should believe the word of God. "Without faith it is impossible to please him (God); for he that cometh to God must believe that he is (He exists), and that he (God) is a rewarder (a promise keeper) of them that diligently seek him" (God). Hebrews 11:6

III. If we desire to become a New Testament Saint, we ought to repent of our past sins because we have sinned against God. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:5

IV. If we wish to become new creature in Christ, we need to confess the Deity of Christ because He is our Redeemer. "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the Eunuch said, see, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:36-38

V. If we want to become a New Testament Christian, we must be baptized into Christ so that we can put on Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

I. Baptism is a commandment of God. "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water; that these (the Gentiles) should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we (the Jews)? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47-48

II. Baptism is for the salvation of our souls. "While the ark was a 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." 1 Peter 3:20-21

III. Baptism is the act that puts us into Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

VI. Baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ, was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life, For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-6

V. Baptism is act that saves us. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16

VI. Baptism is the act that washes away our sins. Ananias said unto Saul, "Why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

VII. Baptism is the climax of the New Birth: the Spiritual Birth. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (in a spiritual way), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water (be immersed in water), and of the Spirit (the teachings of the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:3-5

VIII. Baptism is Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "Go make disciples out of all nations, baptizing them in the name (the authority) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-20

IX. Baptism is for the remission of our past sins. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name (the authority) of Jesus Christ for the remission (the forgiveness) of your sins." Acts 2:38

Now, baptism is a burial in water. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12 Therefore, baptism is a resurrection from water. "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized (immersed) him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him not more; and he went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:38-39

I. In being a new Testament Christian, we must partake of the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day: Sunday because we are to remember our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave. Upon the first day of the week (Sunday is the Lord's day), when the disciples came together to break bread (to partaker of the Lord's supper), Paul preached unto them. For as often as ye eat this bread (the unleavened bread is his body), and drink this cup (the contents of the cup contains the fruit of the vine, and the fruit of the vine is his blood), ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes." Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:26 

II. In being a son of God by regeneration, we should pray unto the Lord our God because we talking to Him in our prayers. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Let us therefore come bodily unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Acts 2:42, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 4:16

III. In being a New Testament Saint, we need to sing with vocal music only (acappella music) unto the Lord our God because we are glorifying Him. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (not singing with some musical instrument, but simply singing) with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16

Now, instrumental music was not used in the worship service of the early Church because instrumental music is not Divinely Authorized for New Testament Worship. However, instrumental music was later introduced into the worship service of the church many years after the Church had been established. It was added to the church in about 670 A.D. Nevertheless, instrumental music caused a religious division in the church which already had apostatized from the truth of God concerning many different doctrines. Thus, we should not use instrumental music in our worship service unto the Lord our God because the Lord our God has not authorized instrumental music to be used in the worship service of the New Testament Church. Therefore, vocal music only is a worship service of the New Testament Church because we can express our praises unto the Lord our God for the Divine Blessings which we are receiving in being citizens of His kingdom.

IV. In being a new creature in Christ, we ought to give liberally of our money unto the Lord our God because the giving of our money proves our love for Him. "Now concerning the collection (the giving of your money) for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week (Sunday which is the Lord's day) let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

V. In being a disciple of Christ, we must listen to faithful gospel preaching because it increases our faith in the Lord our God. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

I. Love is a fruit of the Spirit which we can demonstrate in our lives. "Owe no man any things, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt no covet; and if there by any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this say, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:8-11 

II. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit which we can achieve in our lives. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

III. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit which we can attain in our lives. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not you heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 

IV. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit which we can develop in our lives. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:10-11

V. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can render unto other in our life. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

VI. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can perform unto other in our lives. "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, skewing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2

VII. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can accomplish in our lives. "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye might be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 

VIII. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit which we can execute in our lives. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 

IX. Temperance is fruit of the Spirit which we can produce in our life. "And as he (Paul) reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answer, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Acts 24:25

I. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would not depart from the faith. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some (not all) shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be receive with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:1-3

II. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would be fighting a good fight of faith. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:10

III. If we earnestly contend for the faith, we would be given a crown of life. "For I (Paul) am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to my only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8

I. We should earnestly content for the faith by knowing the True Being of God and the True Being of Christ in matters of our own creation and redemption of life.

II. We need to earnestly content for the faith by understanding the way by which we must become a New Testament Christian.

III. We must earnestly contend for the faith by knowing the manner in which we are to worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

IV. We ought to earnestly contend for the faith by understanding the way by which we are to live the Christian live upon the earth.

I. Has God given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness? True or False________

II. Did Christ bring unto us the wonderful words of life? True or False________

A. In being a New Testament Christian, can we Scripturally add to the word of God? True or False________

B. In being a New Testament Christian, can we Scripturally take away from the word of God? True or False________

I. Is God the being of three ranked Persons who would be called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator? True or False________

II. Is God the being of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit in being our Creator? True or False________

I. Is the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ the being of two ranked Persons? True or False________

II. Is the Father and the Son Relationship which exist between God and Christ the being of a Father-head Figure and an Offspring Status Relationship? True or False________

I. Is Christ the being of a ranked Person who would be called the Son (Jesus) in being our Redeemer? True or False________

II. Is Christ the being of three equal Persons who are called the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in being our Redeemer? True or False________

I. Must we become a New Testament Christian by hearing the word of God? True or False________

II. Must we become a New Testament Saint by believing the word of God?  True or False________

III. Must we become a disciple of Christ by repenting of our past sins? True or False________

IV. Must we become a new creature in Christ by confessing the Deity of Christ? True or False________

V. Must we become a New Testament Christian by being baptized into Christ so that we can put on Christ? True or False_______

A. Is baptism a commandment of God? True or False________

B. Does baptism save the soul from its past sin? True or False________

C. Is baptism is the act that puts us into Christ? True or False________

D. Is baptism is the act that destroys the body of sin? True or False_______

E. Is baptism is act that save us? True or False______

F. Is baptism the act that washes away our sin? True or False________

G. Is baptism the climax of the Spiritual Birth (the New Birth) so that we can enter into the Kingdom of God? True or False________

H. Is baptism Divinely Authorized by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? True or False________

I. Is baptism for the remission (the forgiveness) of our past sins? True or False________

1). Is baptism a burial in water so that we can duplicate our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave? True or False________

2). Is baptism a resurrection from the water so that we can live a dedicated life unto the Lord our God? True or False_______

I. Is the Lord's Supper is a worship service of the Church because we are to remember our Lord's death, burial and resurrection from the grave? True or False________

II. Is prayer is a worship service of the Church because we are talking to the Lord our God in our prayers? True or False________

III. Is vocal music only (acappella music) is a worship service of the Church because we are glorifying the Lord our God? True or False________

IV. Is the giving of our money is a worship service of the Church because we are to prove our love for the Lord our God? True or False________

V. Is faithful gospel preaching is a worship service of the Church because it increases our faith in the Lord our God? True or False________

I. Is love a fruit of the Spirit which we can demonstrate in our life? True or False________

II. Is joy a fruit of the Spirit that we can achieve in our life? True or False________

III. Is peace a fruit of the Spirit which we can attain in our life? True or False________

IV. Is Longsuffering a fruit of the Spirit that we can develop in our life? True or False________

V. Is goodness a fruit of the Spirit which we can render unto others in our life? True or False________

VI. Is gentleness a fruit of the Spirit that we can perform unto others in our life? True or False________

VII. Is faithfulness a fruit of the Spirit which we can accomplish in our life? True or False________

VIII. Is meekness a fruit of the Spirit that we can execute in our life? True or False________

IX. Is temperance fruit of the Spirit which we can produce in our life? True or False________

I. Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can keep ourselves from departing from the faith? True or False________

II. Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can lay hold upon eternal life? True or False________

III. Should we fight a good fight of faith so that we can receive a crown of life? True or False________

I. We should earnestly content for the faith by knowing the True Being of God and the True Being of Christ in matters of our own creation and redemption of life.

II. We need to earnestly content for the faith by understanding the way by which we must become a New Testament Christian.

III. We must earnestly contend for the faith by knowing the manner in which we are to worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.

IV. We ought to earnestly contend for the faith by understanding the way by which we are to live the Christian life upon the earth.

PLEASE E MAIL ME YOUR ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones.

Charles Burke