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If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don't forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel.

Newer Translations of the Bible

Question:

There has come up in my life the question of translations and the original text upon which the translations are based. It would be useful and beneficial to research and report on your findings here... and I haven't looked at all of your site yet; this is just what popped up... But the latest translations of the bible: Holman CSB, NIV is turning weird, and I'm sure there are others, but those are the most widely available "Bible Versions" to the public where I live, but I am hearing that a lot of words that are important in the meaning of the Word are missing, including important, even imperative words that are readable such as Hell, which is by no means something that should be taken out, because they don't hamper readability, and are actually necessary for readability. Jots and tittles are important, especially if you can afford to put them and still have a readable version. Now it appears that they are using a different "original text," which is very problematic, because we can't say "Over 24,000 New Testament Manuscripts Exist With No Major Variances." and then approve of the use of different translations that vary WIDELY from these so stated '24,000 manuscripts.'

Answer:

To begin with, this question points out the reason that the New Testament has a firm emphasis on the authority of revelation as God gives it to the apostles. Look here to see this.

There has come up in my life the question of translations and the original text upon which the translations are based. It would be useful and beneficial to research and report on your findings here... and I haven't looked at all of your site yet; this is just what popped up...

You are right in looking into this. Every translation has mistakes, some worse than others. I believe that God is in control and is revealing His word in His time. God is unfolding revelation continuously. At the same time, Satan is trying to confuse every issue with a variety of lies. Who will you listen to?

Jots and tittles are important, especially if you can afford to put them and still have a readable version. Now it appears that they are using a different "original text," which is very problematic, because we can't say "Over 24,000 New Testament Manuscripts Exist With No Major Variances." and then approve of the use of different translations that vary WIDELY from these so stated '24,000 manuscripts.'

We have 5,309 known Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. We have 10,000 Latin Vulgates. We have 9,300 other early versions. In other words, we currently have more than 24,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament. Two-hundred-and-thirty of these pre-date 600 AD. There are translations into other languages dating back to within 100 years of the original apostles. That is staggering when compared to the number of original documents remaining of other ancient texts: Aristotle, 5; Caesar, 10; Tacitus, 20; Pliny, 7. The more witnesses that agree, the more sure the word.

The Textus Receptus has no major variance between it and more than 95% of the manuscripts that exist, hence the name, "Majority Text." It is also known as the Traditional Text, Eastern Text, Received Text, Majority Text, Byzantine Text, or Syrian Text. There is strong evidence that Textus Receptus is the text that was used by the First Century Church. It was all but lost to the Roman Church during the dark ages but preserved by the Greek Church. Early church fathers quoted Scripture in their writings over 86,000 times, and those writings quote from the Majority Text rather than the Minority Text.

Minority texts are also known as Alexandrian texts. The Alexandrian texts appear to have been rejected by the early Christian Church. Alexandrian texts do have major variations between each text and every other text. Alexandrian texts tend to have many alterations in them. Alexandrian texts tend to downgrade the power and authority of Jesus Christ and of God. In some recently published Bibles, references to Alexandrian texts are written as, "ancient mss," "most ancient authorities," "best manuscripts," etc.

The King James translation used a manuscript known as the textus receptus as its source. Most modern scholars prefer two other manuscripts because they are older, the Vaticanus and the Sinaiticus. Also, the more modern translations tend to be translated by liberal scholars. For this reason, most of the more modern versions use the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus as their source.

The are two other texts, the Vaticanus manuscript and the Sinaiticus manuscript. Genesis 1:1-46, 28, Psalm 106-138, Matthew 16:2-3, Mark 16:9-20, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and everything after Hebrews 9:14 are all missing from Vaticanus and appear to have been left out on purpose since the manuscript was found in very good condition with no indication that anything is missing from the document as it was originally created. The Vaticanus also leave our 237 words, 452 clauses, and 748 sentences with room left on the pages to write these in. The omissions appear to be intentional, and this may have been the result of earlier texts that were created by heretics such as the Arien, Origen. The Sinaiticus manuscript was found in a garbage can in St. Catherines's Monastary in 1844. While the Vaticanus is written on very expensive vellum and carefully crafted, the Sinaiticus is a mess with obvious mistakes, erasures, sentences written over other sentences, and many words omitted. It does contain two apocryphal books. The corrections show signs that at least 10 different people have changed the text over hundreds of years and as late as the Seventh Century AD. "On many occasions 10, 20, 30, 40 words are dropped through very carelessness. Letters and words, even whole sentences, are frequently written twice over, or begun and immediately cancelled; while that gross blunder, whereby a clause is omitted because it happens to end in the same words as the clause preceding, occurs no less than 115 times in the New Testament." --- Dean Burgon

The Vaticanus and Sinaiticus manuscripts do not agree with the textus receptus, nor do they agree with each other. I believe that you meant to ask, Why do some of the newer translations use original texts that are not part of the textus receptus? Why do they use the Latin Vulgate and the Alexandrian text? If that is what you are asking, then this is a difficult question to answer. It would seem to make sense for the translators to throw out the Alexandrian text and the Latin Vulgate, but many of the modern translators give these two texts tremendous weight. It is difficult to understand why they would do that. The Vaticanus manuscript existed at the time of the reformers in the 15th, 16th, and 17th Centuries, yet the reformers all selected the Textus Receptus for their translations.

That being said, there are times when looking at all the translations is helpful. You can see how many Biblical scholars have interpreted a certain word. At the same time, it is good to remember that some of the translations were done using original texts that are questionable.

You can download online Bible. It is free. It has a version that has the ability to insert the Strong's numbers. If you double-click any Strong's number, the Strong's reference to the original word will pop up. Keep in mind that the Strong's definition of the original word is not the final word. Some of these definitions are debatable, but you can also search on the Strong's number and every verse that uses that Greek, Hebrew, or Chaldee word will come up. By context, you can tell a lot.

Beyond problems with all the translations, here are some other ways that Satan keeps you from understanding the Bible:

Two thousand years ago, there were those who were adding to the Bible or deleting parts of the Bible, and they had the original in their own language--no need to translate. Every day, you can hear or read extra-biblical doctrines about the end times, water baptism, tongues, salvation, being born again, spiritual gifts, communion, miracles for today, prosperity, pastors, elders, deacons, apostles or many other subjects. Most of the false doctrines on these subjects use texts that have good translations from the textus receptus. You should always check Scripture references, whether from a preacher, on a video, or in a book. Check to make sure the Scripture was quoted correctly. Make sure that the writer or speaker is not adding to Scripture. Here is a severe problem: if you have always heard a certain doctrine, and you have always heard a certain Scripture verse quoted to "prove" that doctrine when the verse does not really prove the doctrine, then you are in the same experience that 2 Corinthians 3 speaks about. When you hear the Bible verse, you don't really hear it as it is. You hear the false interpretation of the Bible verse. Does this explain why you sometimes wonder how another person can think the way that they do? Perhaps one of you is stuck, or maybe both of you are stuck. You need the Holy Spirit to pull away the veil.

You need to made sure that any preacher, video, or book is not taking from the Bible. How often we have heard something like, "Oh, that was only for the apostolic age." Whole sections of Scripture can be wiped away with this simple phrase. The order of the Church in Scripture can be demolished and replaced with the money-making, power-grabbing, ego-massaging systems that we see all around us. The miraculous power of God has been replaced by personal power of individuals. We see abominations declared to be good and we see that those who plainly declare what the Bible says about sin are labeled as evil persons for teaching the Bible as it is written. We see that the account of creation is ignored. All of this stems from failure to listen to the voice of God.

We also see people misquoting the Bible. We often hear something like this: "Ephesians 4, and verses 11 and 12 say, And he gave pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, so we need to support our pastors and our teachers in our churches..." The trouble is that Ephesians 4:11& 12 actually reads this way: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" and to understand it, you actually have to read through at least verse 16. This is very important because of Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; and Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Only Christ can do any edifying. In understanding Ephesians 4:12-16, you must go back to the main verb, edoken, in verse 11. Christ gave the gifts. He gave the office of apostle. He gave the four ministries. Those gifts are not the persons but the Christ in those persons, as another passage says, "Christ in us, the hope of glory." The text cannot be read any other way than to understand that these gifts are performing all of this work as the gifts proceed from Christ. Grace means, literally, free gift. This is grace, and we know from Scripture that it is grace that does any work that is done. In fact, God could give no greater gift, so He gave us of Himself. He chooses to do it through apostles, ones sent. He chooses to not use those who send themselves or who are sent by men. It is plain from the Greek that it is not gifted people who do any of this work, but rather the Gift Himself does the work through the members. This is true whether it is the apostle who is totally equipping and completing the member or the member who is now also moving in the power and authority of the same gift. When any member comes into submission to the apostle, that person carries the same anointing and authority of the apostle just as long and to the extent that they are in submission. They are not submitting to a man but to Christ Himself. If you can discern the Body of Christ, you will see this. If you see this, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but your Father in Heaven has revealed it.

You can go many places on the internet, on Christian radio, or in the religious world where you will find people twisting this Scripture. They will twist "apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" into "teacher/pastors", or "pastor/teacher", or "evangelists, pastors, teachers", or some other misquote. It is evil to twist the traveling elders and deacons, the apostles, into locally abiding pastors. Nowhere in the Bible does it talk about locally abiding pastors. There are locally abiding elders who pastor (care for the church as a shepherd does sheep) the members, and those men receive no money for what they do. They receive a double measure of honor. The Bible says what it says. The Scripture cannot be broken. Satan hates the Bible and he hates God's church and the orders of God's church. If you see someone doing this, run, do not walk, away.

It is difficult to realize the full extent of the depravity of the human mind. Our old Adamic nature lies to us and we don't even realize that the lies are being told. Total Quality Management uses the word paradigm.  A paradigm is an image of the world (fake reality) and is the fake world with which we interact rather than the real world. Communication theory speaks of filters. When we hear anything, we filter it by our presuppositions. Neurolinguistics uses the word, presuppositions. Another way to put this is that we each have a worldview. Presuppositions are ideas that we don't even think about but that reside in our minds. They make it impossible for us to see reality. Others speak of confirmation bias, which is the same thing. When we see things that are in conflict with our paradigms/presuppositions/worldview/confirmation bias/filters, we cannot receive it. We switch it around to fit whatever is already in our mind, and it actually confirms rather than conflicts. Too many conflicts can make us physically sick. We have various ways of protecting ourselves from the truth. In short, we all contend with God. Every time that God finally gets through to us, it is a revelation. We are just amazed. Yet, God reveals line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Notice the quote in the following paragraph.

"What you see is not what is out there in the world: not exactly, at least. Scientists have shown that your brain is tweaking the light coming in from your eyes and making predictions about what you expect to see.... The way PhysOrg put it, "What our eyes can't see, the brain fills in." And it fills it in from prior experience: "The results show that our brains do not rely solely on what is shown to the eyes in order to 'see'. Instead the brain constructs a complex prediction" of what it expects to see." creationsafaris.com

 

The real question is, "Who do you trust--Do you trust your own understanding or do you trust God?" Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [literally, Transfigured] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Notice that it does not say to be transformed by the removal of your mind. ... but how does the renewal of your mind work? First, you will notice the "the renewal of your mind" is in the passive voice. That means that someone else, God, is doing it. You cannot renew your mind. You only have the capacity to deceive yourself. Through self-effort, you have the capacity for hypocrisy only. God is the renewer of the mind. You need the Holy Spirit for this work. Don't be deceived. Don't let anyone else deceive you. Turn to God.

The human mind was never created to function without the anointing of the Holy Ghost. The human spirit was never meant to be separated from the Holy Ghost. The human mind was created to be in submission to the human spirit, which was created to be in submission to the Holy Ghost.

Heed The Warning Of Scripture Regarding Putting Your pseudo-Faith In The Human Mind. ... and that ye seek not after your own mind and your own ability to observe, with which you used to commit fornication: Numbers 15:39 The real question is, "Who do you trust--Do you trust your own understanding or do you trust God?" The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it to them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Romans 1:19 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:19

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it to them. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: You see? You know because God has showed it to you and to all of us.

 

But the latest translations of the bible: Holman CSB, NIV is turning weird, and I'm sure there are others, but those are the most widely available "Bible Versions" to the public where I live, but I am hearing that a lot of words that are important in the meaning of the Word are missing, including important, even imperative words that are readable such as Hell, which is by no means something that should be taken out, because they don't hamper readability, and are actually necessary for readability.
Extra-biblical doctrines on hell abound. Problems arise whenever anyone goes beyond Scripture. That is, when anyone adds to Scripture or takes from Scripture. A theology has been developed that goes beyond the Bible on the one hand by saying such things as "there is no hell," "there is a hell, but hell is not all that bad," "God would never correct anyone through punishment," or "all ways lead to God." I'm sure that there are other examples of this extreme view. On the other hand, a robust theology has developed beyond the Bible that makes the Scripture conflict with itself. This is a problem if we are to believe the entire Bible. This extreme dogma causes some theologians to find extra-biblical reasons to rationalize away the Scriptures that plainly say such things as, "As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive." Some people do not, as a result, believe in the restitution of all things, which is also a plain teaching of Scripture just as Hell is a plain teaching of Scripture. Sometimes, the best answer is, "We believe it all, but God has not yet told us how He is going to do this."

 

  • The apostles' doctrine--the church is to abide continually in this doctrine:
    • Acts 2:42-43 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."
  • To understand the apostles' doctrine, even when the apostles are right there teaching it to us, we need the Holy Spirit of revelation.
    • Ephesians 1:17 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
  • Things hidden in ages past are now being revealed to the apostles and prophets:
    • Ephesians 3:5 "Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;"
  • There will always be those who cause divisions. These were people bringing in doctrines that were not the apostles' doctrine. It might be noted that the word, heresy, means "dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims" in the original Greek:
    • Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
  • The apostles declare to the churches those things that have been revealed to them:
    • 1 John 1:3-5 "That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we to you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
  • The apostles are not infallible and that they correct each other. They are in submission to each other and each apostle is under the government of all the other apostles:
    • Galatians 2:11-15 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,"
  • One of the functions of the apostles is to make it so the believers are not blown around by winds of doctrine. The apostles are united in ministry and in doctrine. None of them teaches a variant doctrine, and they discipline themselves:
    • Ephesians 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
  • The apostles delivered the decrees. They traveled and delivered the revelation and established it in the local churches:
    • Acts 16:4-5 "And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
  • The apostles determine doctrine and how they make sure that everyone is teaching the same doctrine once it has been revealed. It also shows that a single apostle ought not consider himself able to establish doctrine on his own. Note how the spiritual gifts in apostles gave the final answer. Then, the doctrine was entrusted to faithful men and carried to the local elders who must be apt to teach-the must be able to cause the people to understand the doctrine. This is the pattern as it stands today:
    • Acts 15:1-31 "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy to all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did to us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken to me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting to the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation."
  • The apostles equip the church with revelation of the doctrine and the meaning of the Scripture:
    • Ephesians 1:8-9 "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known to us [the apostles] the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
  • The revelation is given to the apostles by supernatural means, but the local church at Corinth was unable to accept it because of their spiritual immaturity. No one was able to understand these parts of Scripture until they were revealed to the apostles.
    • 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:2 "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."
  • Paul speaks of his gospel, and we can be sure from other Scripture that Paul's gospel was the same as the gospel of all the other apostles:
    • Romans 2:16 "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my [Paul's] gospel."
    • Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"
  • The revelation of the meaning of Scripture is not given to one person. If it is revelation, it is given to all the apostles. Private interpretation is certainly not God's method by which revelation is given to a local elder or deacon or member of the church. They must have had theologians in that day just like they have them today:
    • 1 Peter 1:16-21 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Mature Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
  • Revelation is given a little at a time. Many times, God has tried to move through people over the centuries, and they went so and so far, then claimed to have it all. Often, what they had was truth mixed with speculation. By their stubborn attitude, they forced God to find someone else who was not so puffed up in their thinking:
    • Isaiah 28:9-10 "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
  • The doctrine is not given by man but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Only God can reveal the interpretation of Scripture:
    • Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
  • Sometimes, the apostles would give advice which was not revelation as in 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, and sometimes, the apostles would teach the revelation:
    • 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 "And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."
  • The book of Revelation is an example of a something that God revealed to the apostle through a vision alone. Note that the revelation was given to an apostle.
  • Paul had to go and confirm that the revelation he had been given was correct. This is still the pattern today:
    • Galatians 1:15-18 "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days."
    • Galatians 2:1 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also."
  • Paul assigned Timothy to work in Ephesus to guard against corrupt doctrine:
    • 1 Timothy 1:3-4 "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."
  • Paul taught the people to withdraw themselves from anyone who teaches a doctrine other than the apostles' doctrine.
    • 2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."

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How can we know anything about anything? That’s the real question


Topic: Questions and Answers


Question: Why is it so difficult for a doctor of philosopher to believe The Holy Bible? I am about to witness to a PhD philosopher. Answer: It\'s important that you realize what your responsibility is and is not. You are responsible to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. You are not responsible to lead this PhD to Christ. The Holy Spirit does that through you if it is to happen. So, you need...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. The points on this page may shake the faith of the Atheist in the precepts of Atheism, but the most important thing is that you share the Good News (Gospel). This is simple. All these other things may help, but it is the proclamation of the Gospel that transforms minds. See Give Them the...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Lies About the Bible and Flat Earthers This straw man argument is typical of many attempts of liberalism and other...


Can you do anything and be saved? Yes. Believe. This is the work of God. How Do I Do the Works of God? John 6:28-29 Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Interestingly, it is God who...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Mutation Questions & Answers What is the relationship of extinction to natural selection? Natural Selection Is Not \'Nature\'s Intelligence In a world where science has degenerated into shouting slogans, we hear all types of claims, many of them false.  Natural Selection claims to include the capability for creatures to generate various traits that improve their ability...


It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Whether the questions you receive are honest, sincere questions or those of an ungodly skeptic is often not known. It would not be surprising that the ungodly would use such reasoning as is found in the formulation of many of these questions. Every person has two voices speaking to them at all times. There...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Question: I have been in a debate with an atheist for months now. They will not stick to the issues because I disprove them and they just keep slandering, lying, name calling and trying to categorize me. I don\'t mind a good debate--matter of fact I love it, but only when both parties stick to...


Question: What is meant by against such there is no law in Gal 5:23? Answer: The fruit of the Spirit is what grows when you yield to the Spirit.  There is no law against the fruit of the Spirit.  The point is that the fruit of the Spirit is the work that God does through you as you yield to Him.  It is not the work you do but it is of the...


Romans 10:13 says that whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.   Are you willing to call upon the name of the Lord? You can, you know. Why not call on Him right now? Tell Jesus that you know you have fallen short of the glory of God. Tell Him that you know that you need His help. Tell Him that you want Him to change your life and to...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Is the Bible Literally True?   Question: Is the Bible literally true? Answer: If, by this question, you meant to ask, \"Is the Bible...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Here are some questions to ask Evolutionists. These questions remain unanswered. Questions Evolutionists Cannot Answer: Can you name one thing about Evolution that you can unequivocally say is certainly true, and how do you know that it is true? (You may get an answer, but press hard on getting to the bottom of the follow up...


  If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Gallop Poll: 35% Believe Darwinism Is Supported By Evidence   Evolution is merely a story.  It is a story that was made up by Atheists, like Charles Darwin, to compete with what God says.  This story very closely parallels Satan\'s story to Eve, \"You will not certainly die, for God knows that when you eat...


A site visitor askes a sincere question. \"Am I Saved?\" As a teenager, he had gotten into sin with drugs and girls. God obviously called him and he thought about God and talked to God, but drugs and other sin continued to plague his life. He knew that God is to be feared as a severe judge when we do evil. So his real question is, \"Am I saved?\" Read...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. The points on this page may shake the faith of the Atheist in the precepts of Atheism, but the most important thing is that you share the Good News (Gospel). This is simple. All these other things may help, but it is the proclamation of the Gospel that transforms minds. See Give Them the...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. The points on this page may shake the faith of the Atheist in the precepts of Atheism, but the most important thing is that you share the Good News (Gospel). This is simple. All these other things may help, but it is the proclamation of the Gospel that transforms minds. See Give Them the...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Question: \"Sweden has been one of the most peaceful countries in the world and it\'s 85% atheist. Honduras is about 99% Christian... and it\'s one of the most violent. How do you explain that?\" Answer: Can you imagine for a moment fear gripping you as you come to your car alone at night in a dangerous part...


Question: I heard a sermon this week entitled \"Empowered by the blood of Jesus.\" I only got a portion of it, but from what I got, it seems as though you can make your petitions to God through the Blood of Jesus, the same way we ask in the Name of Jesus. Answer: There is power in the blood. The only reason we can approach the throne of God...


Is It Unloving to Call a Cult a Cult? As the members of the Church of the Living God continue to walk away from His ways, the Bible becomes a very strange book to them. They see it as full of errors. One person wrote in: \"I am a fellow Christian but I believe that this website portrays to [one of the religions that worships spirit guides, that is, demons]...


  If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.     You may hear a question like this: \"God knew everything before he created it, so why did God make people who he knew in advance would turn on him and go to hell?  I guess the same can be said for why did God make angels he knew would turn on him too?\" In these...


A Scoffer and Teller of Tall Tales Asks Whether God and Creation are Fairy Tales The question below uses techniques from Neurolinguistic Programming. Neurolinguistic Programming is a way to accomplish extreme persuasion and deception. Note the \"Have you considered whether\" phrase. It is meant to seem harmless, but this is the opening to of your mind to the lie. There is noting wrong with this phrase if it were followed by...


Question: In practical terms what does true repentance involve in daily life? Answer: To repent is to have a new mind. God\'s intent is that you change your mind or, literally, have a new mind. Repentance is having a new mind. Romans 12:2 You Will Be Transfigured [metamorphoo] Just As Jesus Was Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a...


Question: Can a person truly repent if he or she doesn\'t know how God views his or her life and actions? Answer: The simple answer is, \"No.\" A person needs to know how God views his or her life and actions. The Holy Spirit convicts the person. The Father draws the person to Jesus. When a person is born again, they have a slight idea of how wicked they are in the...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Question: My question regards the creation of new \'information\'. First is this \'genetic\' information that is not produced? Are you saying that no new genetic information is ever produced by natural means? Answer: Yes. We are saying that no new innovative genetic information of the type needed for even the smallest advance in so-called molecules-to-man evolution is ever...


Question: Yes, I find the term \"falling in love\" very disturbing. God commands us to love one another, Who also shows agape loves towards us which is unconditional. So where does it say \"fall in love\"? Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing I\'ve ever done. Now, they use this same term with one another in relationships they fall in then fall out. I hear people say there are all...


Question: What is the difference between tongue and tongues? Are they the same or different?   Answer: Thank you for your question.  There is no difference as Paul is talking about a tongue "For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not to men, but to God" or tongues, "I would that ye all spake with tongues."  The difference is between the gift of tongues, the tongues of men, and the tongues...


Question:     My question is this. Our church is beginning to tolerate just about anything. Our Pastor is wanting our board (deacons) to only have the duty of financial matters. He wants all other responsibilities himself. He wants to leave scriptures out of our by-laws that relate to dealing with sin in the congregation. He has a young man at this moment sitting out of our praise and worship team...


  If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.     You may hear something like this: \"You people are stupid and intolerant! What makes you think that only your view of Jesus is accurate?\" Answer: This is actually an excellent question. We know Christ Himself, not a theology or theory about Him. He is a person Whom we know personally. The reason that followers of Christ...


Question: There are groups of believers that seem to be attempting to summon, call, or direct the Holy Spirit of God to move among them & do certain things.  Two examples being "Drunk in the Spirit" or "Slain in the Spirit"  Does a believer or a group of believers have the authority or the ability to cause the Spirit of God to manifest Himself in some expected way? Answer:   The Holy Spirit...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   You may hear someone say that they don\'t want to repent because they think life will become dull and boring. In these types of discussions, don\'t let Satan turn any discussion into a contest.  Discuss without turning the other person into a loser or turning yourself into the winner. Answer: Ask them why they think that life...


When you yield yourself to the Spirit of Christ, you become servant to the One whom you obey. Christ will rule in your heart. Obey Satan = slave of Satan. Obey God = Slave of God. Obey the flesh of others = Slave of Satan. Obey your own fleshly nature = Slave of Satan. When you are born again, your spirit is joined to God\'s Spirit. You then are seated with Christ...


It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. How Can We Know Which Assumptions Are Valid? There is no such thing as a valid assumption. Assumptions prove nothing, not even the assumptions made by a famous evolutionist. Not even if they call those assumptions, axioms. Not even if they claim that their assumptions are the correct assumptions. Evolution isn\'t science. Detailed Answer One of...


Socialism   There are many areas of politics where we could point out problems or predict problems where the problems are not based in lack of moral fiber but perhaps are based in the lack of wisdom. Over-spending would be a prime example.       People are not as careful with other people\'s money as they would be with their own money.  There is often a combination of covetousness and...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Chart explaining how time from the Creation to the present can be calculated using Scripture? Through the Book of Hebrews in the Bible, God says, \"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.\" Whenever Scripture is read, God speaks through it. All Scripture is God-breathed. When you read the following, you are...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Lies About the Bible--Falsely Claiming Inconsistency   One common lie is to say that the Bible is inconsistent. The following is an example:   I...


This page is provided to answer a specific question, but don\'t get tied up in detail and forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Almost all Evolutionists are...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Even More Questions that Evolutionists Cannot Answer This is a page full of questions about creation and about evolution. Has life really existed on Earth for thousands of millions of years? Using no emotional arguments or rationalizations, but only actual empirical observation and deductive logic, what proof can you offer for this? When you try...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Are Super-Germs an Example of Evolution In Action? NO! They are a problem for Evolutionism. Super-germs are not examples of adding order, Information, organization, an increase in complexity or improvement of function. Super-Germs are, in fact, examples of lost order, Information, organization, a decrease in complexity and degradation of function. This decrease in function has resulted...


An example where someone came to the conclusion that Acts 2:5-11 contained an error. One scoffer wrote that the Bible gives the wrong value for Pi: Article: The_Value_Of_Pi One scoffer claimed that there are three incompatible principles in the Bible: God has all power, God would have all to be saved, all people will not be saved? Article: The_Three_Incompatible_Principles Some have claimed that the Bible has an error in the report that tells...


Both materialistic evolutionary theory and theistic (God-controlled) evolutionary theory claim that we are all descendants of fish.  Who could believe such a message?  Only someone who wants to avoid God. Given the scientific facts that have been uncovered, a person would have to be willingly ignorant to believe such a thing. They would have to want very badly not to know about God\'s power and sovereignty, wouldn\'t they? They...


Does Evil Exist? This may or may not be a true story.  The author is unknown, but the point is valid. A university professor challenged his students with this question. \"Did God create everything that exists? A student bravely replied, \"Yes, He did!\" \"God created everything?\" The professor asked. \"Yes, sir,\" the student replied. The professor answered, \"If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists. And according to the principal...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. In answering this type of challenge, we must remember the words of George Macdonald: \"To try to explain truth to him who loves it not is but to give him more plentiful material for misinterpretation.\" Also, the words of Richard Weaver: \"How frequently it is brought to our attention that nothing good can be...


Evolution and Confusing Words Have you noticed how many important words have at least two meanings. Often these meanings are exact opposites. Here are a few examples: Axiom of science Meaning #1: a principle that has been proven, by observation and experience, beyond a reasonable doubt. Examples: Second Law of Thermodynamics, Inverse Square Law of Gravity. Meaning #2: an assumption or made up story, that is, a fabrication, which is accepted on make...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   False Credentials Phoney Credentials are an old ploy. You create a legal way to make yourself or someone else an expert. There are many ways of creating the illusion of authority. Certificates, degrees, licenses, tests, and many other methods may be used to create this illusion of authority. Once you create the illusion, you ask...


If a person were going to be an evolutionist, he or she must keep reworking the hypothesis to fit the unsupported assumptions upon which evolution is based, ever going further out on the limb. Evolution isn\'t science. An evolutionist must fall in love with the presuppositions of Humanism to be able to keep defending this unworkable, improbable hypothesis. This is not an intellectual problem. It is a spiritual problem. \"I am...


How have the schools teamed up with Hollywood to spread a myth about the Scopes Monkey Trial?   One of the many myths that an evolutionist will try to sell is this: an evolutionist will try to convince people that defense lawyer Clarence Darrow, the evolutionist, made the fundamentalist prosecutor William Jennings Bryan look like a fool over the Bible. William Jennings Bryan did, at times, look like a fool in the...


Junk Science Ungodliness teaches a form of logic that allows speculation, which is not valid. Evolution and other junk science depend on this false logic to fool people into thinking that their unsupported claims might have some value. There are many varied ways in which this is done, and some of the methods are difficult to detect, but they all violate true logic. True logic is simply a set of rules...


Question: I\'m 28 years old and I\'m from the United Kingdom. I said the sinners\' prayer in 2005 with some other Christians and I\'ve been going to church ever since. I got baptized in 2006. I was drinking very excessively before I started coming to church and I continued to live in this sin of drunkenness even when I was hearing the gospel at church and after I got baptized. When...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Does Evolutionism Have a Dependency on Abiogenesis? Feedback: \"evolution has nothing to do with creation or how life formed from non-life. that is abiogenesis. evolution is change over time.\" Dear Reader, Thank you for your comment. Your feedback brings up a matter of semantics, acually equivocation. Many Evolutionists want abiogenesis split from the Evolutionistic story. The stories...


A reader thought that this quote had been refuted.  Feedback from a reader is in the box.  We answer below that just because someone claims do have refuted something does not mean that they have refuted it.   Comment: \"We\'ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our heart.\" James Madison  this is completely false. james madison never said this. this is a made up quote from...


There is evidence of a restructuring of the planet on a scale and in a way that would be consistent with a world-wide flood. The types of restructuring that is evident is difficult to interpret in any other way other than that there was a world-wide, catastrophic flood followed by a shifting of the earth's surface in which the ocean areas went down and the continents and mountains went up....


The Scripture Testifies to Holiness as the Heritage of the Church 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now...


For those who think that they can have love without God, John, answers the question: "No."    Without God, there is no love.  Are you missing out on love?    For those who think that they can have God without having love, the answer is also, "No."    God is Love.   1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1...


God Made A Way; The Name Of God's Way Is Jesus. John 14:6 Jesus saith to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.  Rom 5:18-19 Therefore as by the offense of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men to justification of life. For as by...


Evolution\'s Cultic Dogma   Here is a quick explanation of why evolution is religious dogma of many cults and it is not science. EVOLUTION IS A SERIES OF BROKEN ARGUMENTS A common tactic of Evolutionists is to stack one bogus argument on top of another and continue this process hoping to bury you in the debris. On examining each argument, you find that not one of them has any value. Since they have no...


It is the truth that will set you free. Many, over the last century, have taken up the insane, unwarranted, and unsupported claim that there is no truth, that there is no reality. This, of course, is an obvious lie. There is real truth and there are real lies And when you state something is true, you are stating that it corresponds with reality.  It is the Truth that Will Set You Free. ...


I have a question about James chapter 5 verses 13 and 14. In verse 13 we are told that if we are afflicted to pray and if we are merry to sing psalms. However, in verse 14, instead of praying for ourselves when we are sick, we are told to call on the elders.   In 13 we do the praying and rejoicing ourselves, but not in 14.   Why does it...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. A Supposed Error by Jesus Jesus said that there were some who would not taste of death until they have seen Jesus\'...


Unless you are born again, you will lose out.  You can\'t enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith to 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 to thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the <\"\" />kingdom of God.  ...


John 3:1 - 21 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him, Verily, verily, I say to thee, Except a man be...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   What Is the Foundational Basis For Evolution Short answer Evolutionism is based on observation and mathematical logic and rationalized speculation and presupposed assumptions. Evolutionism presupposes that there is no God, there was no flood, there was no creation, and there are no miracles. You may wonder how a Christian would put up with the obvious conflict...


Short Answer Naturalism, the presupposition that God doesn\'t do anything, is not a valid assumption.  Actually, there are no valid assumptions.  This assumption, however, violates all that God has revealed to His people.   It violates what God has revealed through creation.  There is no way that Naturalism can account for creation.  That would mean that nothing created everything with no cause or energy.  Impossible!  The stories, such as the big...


Liberals Are NOT Open-Minded Worldly Liberals, including Evolutionists, strippers, the majority of public school teachers, people involved in all sorts of perversion, and News reporters, are only open to worldly liberal ideas. Actually, evolutionists are not open-minded to any ideas outside of the realm of worldly Liberalism. They are not open to the idea that God created the universe in six days, though that is what the physical evidence shows. They...


It is important that we are obedient to the Spirit of God as He reveals the order in the Scripture.  We are learning to hear His Voice and respond to it.  It is also important to note that no one can select his or her own calling or gift.  No one can decide to have an office in the Church or a gift of the Spirit or a certain ministry. ...


Teachings of Scriptural Christianity Biblical Christianity\'s Teachings on God: The Only God is triune, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present, and has always existed. No person can find purpose or meaning in life or be fulfilled outside of a relationship with God. God is love and wants a personal relationship with every person. Biblical Christianity Teachings on the Perfect Creation: God created the universe and everything in it,...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Why Do People Conform and Profess Belief In Evolution? Most people who believe in Evolution do so because they have never heard an alternative and they have never really been told about Evolution\'s many problems. In most schools, Evolution is taught as a religious dogma that cannot be questioned. And it is taught as if...


There Is Only One Scriptural Church Government Order.  There Are Many Man-engineered Orders For Church Government.  Scriptural Church Order: There is only one order defined in Scripture for the Church.  That order of authority is the Spiritual order.  It is the order of the Holy Spirit.  In the Kingdom of the Heavens, when it fully comes, this Spiritual order will become the order of the government of the entire earth. ...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   More Questions that Evolutionists Cannot Answer Who or what provided the material for the big bang? Why didn\'t it implode rather than explode? What are the specifics of the method by which the big bang coagulated into stars? What are the specifics of the method by which the planets were formed? Fifteen Questions for Evolutionists Fifteen Questions...


The baptism of the Holy Spirit is real and available to you today. Speaking in tongues is Biblical. Scripture speaks of two distinct types of tongues. Liberalism rejects the power of the Holy Spirit We can speak by the Spirit of God or not. 1 Corinthians 12:2-3 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute [incapable of articulate speech] idols, however you were led. Wherefore I...


The manifestation of the sons of God is the next great event that will take place.  When it does take place, it will be a tribulation to those at ease in Zion [the church], but it will be a day of light to those who are walking in obedience.  To some, it will come as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).  To others, it will be one final...


Protecting the Citizens   Another issue that often comes up is the issue of war and law enforcement.  Does God give authority to governments so they can enforce law or protect citizens?  The Scripture is clear on this for all who accept the Scripture.  These are not issues for the Church to be involved with.  Most of the anti-war or anti-law campaigns are put forward by the anti-Christ religions, and...


There was a day when I worked so hard, always trying to get everything done.  There was always so much to do that it was impossible and frustrating.  It bothered me so much that it was a problem in my life.  Then, one day, it just came to me.  I suppose that somehow God revealed it to me, but it just seemed that I knew this all of a sudden. ...


Dwelling On Church Short-Comings   Consider the question. \"What about all the things that are wrong with the Church?\" The fact that you could ask that question is an indication that you are seeing that there are things that are the Church and things that are not the Church. You are seeing that there are things that have come into the Church that are not of the Church. You can obviously...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   The Mechanism for Evolution--How Does It Supposedly Work? When you turn on a light, do you suppose it\'s magic that makes the light bulb glow, or do you think there is some sort of mechanism that makes the light go on. There is a mechanism. Everything has a mechanism, and if evolution were a valid...


As with the home, God has an order for the Church, and that order is in the Scripture.  There may be more that needs to be revealed from Scripture, but some things appear to be quite easily understood in the light that God has given today.  We believe that the Holy Scriptures teach:   The 5 apostolic ministries(Ephesians 4:11)   The nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)   Local congregations...


Satan told a lie that had enough truth to be convincing.  That's what he always does.   God cannot lie.  Satan always lies.  Satan meant this for evil, and that evil enemy continues to tempt every man and woman to struggle to try to become gods.  That is at the core of many of the useless cults such as New Age Religion, Alien false religions, and Secular Humanism. Yet, God said, \"I...


While everyone should promote tolerance, a promotion of homosexuality should not be thrust on little children and unexpecting parents. It is absolutely wrong for schools to be used to promote the homosexual lifestyle. Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association The above quote is part of Mr. Wildmon\'s response to bold tactics using public schools to promote the homosexual lifestyle. 4brevard.com/choice/Public_Education.htm This link is a real revelation of what has...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Relativism says there can be no absolute doctrine, principle or standard. Of course, that means that relativism violates its own premise, because relativism is an absolute doctrine, principle, and standard. The belief in absolutes, sometimes known as absolutism says there can be an absolute doctrine, principle or standard. Note: there are other, unrelated meanings...


What Is the Nature of True Liberty? � Worldly liberals are all about liberty. They want to be liberated, but from what? What do worldly liberals want to be liberated from? What do they want to be liberated to. What is this liberty What is this liberty of which we freely speak? We\'re free from Christ or free from self, There is no in-between. And if we\'re free...


In a sense, He does take you just as you are, but some people present God with a proposition that is unworkable.  They want to be joined to God and to not be joined to God.  That can\'t work. God takes you just as you are and makes you a new person.  Some people are so rebellious that they don\'t want this free gift.  They ask, \"Why god can\'t accept sin?\" ...


  The Bible is still unchallenged, though many have spent fortunes (often pubic tax money) trying to discredit it, not a single error has been found. All attempts have failed to find an error or inconsistency in the Bible. All attempts have failed to explain away the miracles in the Bible using the assumptions of Naturalism, materialism and uniformitarianism. When miracles take place today, then the followers of materialism and Naturalism will...


Question: What is the church? How it should be governed. what kind of worship is most pleasing God? Describe the different answers given in the 17th century church of England to these questions. what was the outcome of these controversies? What challenges to traditional theology were experienced in the 17th century and 18th century? and what effects could be seen in the life of the Christian church? what was the usual...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Question: I am an Atheist and have not [SIC] history of violence. Have you ever even read your Bible and it\'s history of violence? Answer: I\'m glad that you don\'t have a history of violence. And I think that we agree that violence is a terrible thing. As a person who believes in Christ, I can...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. How to Handle This Question (The parts in quotes are just examples of what you might say or ask.) It is best to...


Yes, the Bible says it is infallible. Notice the following scriptures. the Scripture cannot be broken John 10:35 b For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but...


There are no contradictions in the Bible.  Those who make these claims are confused, uninformed, or else deceptive.  Sometimes, it is a little of each.  Perhaps they don\'t know what a contradiction is. A contradiction says, \"At the same time and in the same relationship, two mutually exclusive propositions are both true.\"   That is a contradiction.  However, the Bible does not have any such thing.  A contradiction says: \"at the same time and in the same...


Study To Shew Thyself Approved. That means to give diligence, and that means to listen to the Spirit of God, because you need guidance as you read. Study to shew thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Actually, the word, \"study,\" in this verse means to make an effort or to be dilligent. Strong\'s 4704 spoudazo spoo-dad\'-zo from 4710; TDNT-7:559,1069;...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Many stars are billions of light years away from the earth. Evolutionists and Old Earthers claim that means that it would take billions of years for the light from those stars to get to the earth. Is there any truth to this claim? Actually, distant starlight is a problem for Evolutionists--not for creationists. While we...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Evolutionists claim that the Founder Principle to justifies Evolutionary stories. Is there any truth to this claim? The Founder Principle gives no method for adding information or complexity. It takes away information. Gecko study, used by Evolutionists using loopy logic, actually supports a biblical creation model and completely destroys evolutionary theory The reason we believe is not...


Evolutionists and Old-Earthers claim that the days of Genesis 1 were not literal. Those who want to commit various sins and don\'t want to obey God will try to discredit parts of the Bible. Many hate those things that God says concerning marriage and those things that are part of marriage and are not be used outside of marriage. They want to use what God created for marriage in a...


God's Way is not a smorgasbord from which the Christian may pick and choose.  For each person, God pulls back the veil of the flesh so the person can see some element of the Kingdom of God.  The person either receives the revelation or not.  We are all on the road somewhere.  Many are stuck in a rut because they continually reject what God has revealed to them.   Many rejected...


Question: The Old Covenant royal law of love is that upon which Christ said all the Law and Prophets hang. What do you think is the essential difference to how that was kept or fulfilled under the Old Covenant of Law and how it is kept or fulfilled under the New Covenant of Grace? Answer: Paul, speaking of those who tried to fulfill the law under the Old Covenant, said: \"For they being...


This is one of the most common questions that we get at SeekFind.net. It seems that many people are unsure about their salvation. Question: \"I believe I have been saved. I was so worried about my death and what would happen if I died, and I knew I had no place in heaven. I found my wife\'s Bible and read for hours, and I broke down in my heart and I knew...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Anti-Bible, Anti-God Comment: \"...and Isaiah 13:16 which extends to bashing babies against rocks in Hosea 13:16 & Psalm 137:9.\" (Read the...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Comment: \"... read about god supported child abuse in Judges 11:29-40...\" Answer: (Read the article that prompted this comment HERE) (See the entire...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. And don\'t forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. Comment: \"... I would recommend you read Exodus 21:1-11 where the God of the Bible allows slavery, including selling your...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. The Magic Trick An anonymous commenter writes: \"It is interesting that you say that research done by others is \"lies, creative stories, loopy logic, and insanity\' however you do not support any of your statements with evidence. Debate is essential to maintain a high quality of research in society however you must support your claims. As...


Question: As a Christen being married, I committed many sins--lie\'s on top of lies.  I was in sexual sin.  I scammed insurance companies and other companies out of huge amounts of money.  Then, I asked God to forgive me and change me,  The Word, Jesus, has changed me.  These sins are not with me any more.  I\'m stronger in the Lord now.  I hate the person that I was.  I would...


Question: Can a Christian lose salvation? Answer: If you are asking whether a Christian who is born again can become un-born again, that would be difficult to answer. If God wanted us to try to find the lowest place, then perhaps He would have invested some of the Scripture to explaining this, but He is always calling us higher and closer to Himself both before and after we have been born again. If...


Comment: I have to say that you are making inaccurate comments on Islam. In the first few pages of the Quaran it says \"If you do not believe in Jesus Christ and his teachings you can never be a Muslim\". So what does that tell you about our belief in Jesus Christ? We also believe in the Second Coming of Christ. SeekFind.net Answer: Thank you for your letter.   I appreciate it.   It...


Comment: You use your website (very carefully) to advocate religious propaganda. There is so much inaccurate information on there. Seekfind.net Answer: You say that SeekFind.net uses its website to (very carefully) advocate religious propaganda. I\'m not sure what you mean. The purpose is to glorify Christ and to open the door for anyone to come to Him and abide with Him and grow to the measure of the stature of the fullness of...


Comment: In our Quaran it says that \"If you kill a person it\'s as though you\'ve killed the whole of humanity\". Terrorists who commit suicide bombings and other atrocities are only Muslim by name, not by religion. These things are NOT allowed in Islam. If people bring shame to their religion, don\'t blame the religion as being violent, blame the people. When Hitler committed atrocities did they call him a Christian...


Comment:   I hope you all burn in hell you close minded [deleted expletive], and ANOTHER THING thing just because a religion isn't the same as yours don't go bashing it down you [deleted expletive] [deleted expletive] and just because your saying. "Oh blah blah blah it's not meant to blah blah." What the [deleted expletive] ever.     The only difference between christianity and islam...you [deleted expletive] [deleted expletive]...is that muslims...


Comment: [Irrelevant ad hominem attack is deleted] First off you need to do some research on other religions before you can start to talk about them and criticize them. Second, making sweeping generalizations about anything and everything is what leads to the most idiotic of conversations, such as the one above. If you are truly interested in learning, I recommend doing some research instead of blurting out a whole bunch of...


Question: Why is Islam a \"false religion\" because in Islam, they believe that Jesus is a Messenger of God and thus can\'t be God? Isn\'t is so that the Earth in {SIC} unholy, why would god want to enter something that is unholy? Answer: If that statement were true, then the teachings of Jesus that we find in the Bible would be false and all of what is true that God has revealed...


Comment: The Bible isn\'t the exact word of God as if it were passed down from Jesus, unlike the Qur\'an which was written in the time when Muhammad was alive and like so, the Qur\'an has never been changed and is read in it\'s original language, while the Bible has seen different version and different translations which of course words and passages to be incorrect. In this way, the Bible and...


Question: Would you please help me to connect the old testament ministers to the new testament fivefold offices clearly stating the similarities of these offices. Answer: If you look throughout the old testament, there were elders of families and cities. When the Kingdom of God is fully established, there will likely be elders of families and cities. Consider the parable of the talents. The prophets and patriarchs passed spiritual authority by the laying on...


If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this.   Question: \"My Question is about Autralia. Do the very different types of animals found in Australia prove evolution. And/or do they prove that the flood account should not be taken literally. For example it is hard to imagine that animals left off by Noah at Mt. Arrarat would then become isolated on just one continent....


Question: I feel so empty and alone inside. I have been going to church since I was little. I do believe in God, but I don\'t know why I can\'t accept Him fully. I feel embarrassed about giving myself fully to Him. I often feel like letting go and leaving everything to God, but when the time comes I choke. I\'m NOT running around sinning, yet, I feel empty and alone....



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