An Inescapable Testimony #4

Monday, September 30, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Turning to Christ commissioning His 12 Apostles, we read, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:14,15). “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Mark 6:11).

As for commissioning His 70 Preachers, we learn, “And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city” (Luke 10:8-12).

What a frightening concept! As terrible as the Day of Judgment will be for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah when they are sentenced to the eternal Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15), even their punishment will be light or easy when compared to the dreadful fate awaiting the residents of the cities of Israel whose streets the Son of God and His dozens of preachers trod as they proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom to willingly deaf ears….

An Inescapable Testimony #3

Sunday, September 29, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Matthew chapter 11: “[20] Then began he [the Lord Jesus Christ] to upbraid [scold, reproach, fuss] the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: [21] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon [two wicked Gentile cities], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

Luke chapter 10: “[13] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. [15] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. [16] He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”

As sinful as Sodom and Gomorrah were (Genesis 13:13; Genesis 18:20-33; Genesis 19:1-25; 2 Peter 2:6-9; Jude 7), they were not as evil as the cities of Israel during Christ’s earthly ministry. How so? Sodom and Gomorrah did not have God in human flesh, the Lord Jesus, preaching to them and performing confirming miracles. Sodom and Gomorrah did not have 12 Apostles and 70 other preachers proclaiming the Word of God in them and performing confirming miracles in them….

An Inescapable Testimony #2

Saturday, September 28, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

The Lord Jesus was asked various questions during His three years of earthly ministry. Many were captious or trick interrogations—to trip Him up in His words, or present a difficult issue He could not answer. Other exchanges were not actual inquiries, but seemingly “innocent” statements made to challenge, embarrass, or discredit Him in some way. Pay special attention to Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:12-37, and Luke 20:19-44. These questions were posed to Him in the Jerusalem Temple just a few days before His death. Notice His exceptional insight!

If you are interested, and have much free time, check this plethora of passages. See Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39. Also, Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5. Plus, read Matthew 12:24-45; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:15-26. In addition, Matthew 15:1-11 and Mark 7:1-13. Other references are Matthew 16:1-4, Luke 11:53-54, and Luke 10:25-37. Moreover, read Matthew 19:1-9 and Mark 10:1-9. Try Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23. See also Matthew 21:15,16. Check Matthew 21:23-46; Mark 11:27–12:11; Luke 20:1-18. Go to Matthew 26:63-68; Mark 14:60-62; Luke 22:66-71. Finally, John 6:25-71, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, John 10:1-42, John 11:47-57, and John 18:19-23.

On numerous occasions, Christ responded with God’s wisdom. Whatever was posed to Him, He answered using great skill and insight from the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. As those three years passed, it became more and more obvious how the hostility against Him was escalating. He knew it would culminate with His crucifixion. After all, they had already attempted to kill Him several times (Matthew 2:13-18; Luke 4:28-30; John 5:15; John 8:58,59; John 10:30,31). Eventually, He would let them get their way—but only when He was ready to lay down His life. Still, the Lord Jesus preached, preached, preached. There was more unbelief than faith, willful ignorance than receiving hearts. It was not His job to make them believe, but to tell them what to believe—the very Hebrew Bible they allegedly trusted, read, and heard every Sabbath Day in their synagogues.

We should be likewise faithful in ministry, despite our opponents….

An Inescapable Testimony #1

Friday, September 27, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Many decades ago, two courageous Christians managed to get through a large crowd and give the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) to their unbelieving, cruel prime minister. Instead of trusting it though, he ordered them to be thrown in prison. There, they suffered greatly. Several years later, that prime minister grew quite sick. In dire need, he remembered those words of God those Christians told him long before. He turned to Jesus Christ in faith, dying shortly thereafter!

Dear friends, though they can physically get away from us—even moving to another city or continent—they cannot escape those words of God that we shared with them. You can be sure they will remember the Bible verses at some point. Perhaps it will be when they put their head on their pillow every night, or when they undergo a severe hardship, or when they face physical death. They can never truly get away from God’s words.

Here is another example. An atheist trusted Jesus Christ alone as his personal Saviour and wanted a coworker to believe the Gospel too. This Christian constantly talked to his colleague about the Bible—over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, but the man simply showed no interest. The Christian finally decided to be quiet. After extended silence, one day, his coworker asked him, “Why do you not talk about the Bible anymore?” At this point, the Christian was shocked, but he eagerly seized the opportunity to start speaking again!

One Christian, having conversed with cult members in vain, asked me why we should witness to them if we had the answers but they still did not believe. Well, what of this? If we address their questions, if we supply them with pertinent verses, and they remain in unbelief, then what was the point of our witnessing to them? Let us see if the Scriptures comment on this scenario….

Corn in The King James Bible #3

Thursday, September 26, 2024

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat (Matthew 12:1 KJV).

Is “corn” a “mistranslation” here, as is frequently assumed?

We believers will give account to God, the Lord Jesus, at the Judgment Seat of Christ. “…[F]or we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12). “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9,10).

Christian friend, if at His Judgment Seat the Lord asked you why you believed what you believed and/or why you did what you did, what would be your answer? “My church, my preacher, my professor told me to believe this and do this?” If He inquired why you re-translated your Bible instead of re-reading it, how would you reply? “My church, my preacher, my professor told me the ‘oldest and best manuscripts’ were preferred?” These lame excuses pacify people on Earth today, yet the Lord will not be satisfied to hear them in Heaven.

As the Lord Jesus Christ inspects our soul, doctrine, and work; it will be far better for Him to recognize how we gave it everything we had to learn the truth from His Word rightly divided. We went through so much trouble to give His Bible the benefit of the doubt—despite what skeptics repeatedly told us as they griped about alleged “errors in translation.” The position of faith, trusting God, is always more desirable than trusting fallible men. Far better to believe the Bible than books about the Bible (commentaries, dictionaries, grammars, et cetera). Faith leads us to believe God’s inspired, preserved, infallible Book in English is the King James Bible. It has a lot to teach us about God’s plan for the ages (and our language), but are we too proud to be taught since we are sitting in God’s seat?
















































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Corn in The King James Bible #2

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat (Matthew 12:1 KJV).

Is “corn” a “mistranslation” here, as is frequently assumed?

In addition to the eight times “corn” appears in its New Testament, the Authorized Version has “corn” some 86 times in its Old Testament (for example, Genesis 27:28,37; Genesis 41:5,35,49,57; Genesis 42:1-3,5,19,25,26; Genesis 43:2; Genesis 44:2; Genesis 45:23; Genesis 47:14; Exodus 22:6; Leviticus 2:14,16; Deuteronomy 7:13; Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 33:28; Joshua 5:11,12; Judges 15:5; Ruth 2:2,14; 1 Samuel 17:17; 1 Samuel 25:18; 2 Samuel 17:19,28; 2 Kings 4:42; 2 Kings 18:32; et cetera).

Again, we remind ourselves of one of the plethora of complaints the whiners and disparagers of the King James Bible utter: “How can those translators suggest the Bible characters of northern Africa and the Middle East were familiar with ‘corn,’ a North American crop? Their choice of words is most unfortunate! The term should be rendered ‘grain!’” At this point, the scoffers seemed to have proved our Authorized Version is most inferior, and our translators but country bumpkins who could not distinguish between their continents and foods.

Yet, we must remember that English is a living language—its words and definitions change through time. However, older or classic English is static: it is dead, its terms and meanings fixed, thus far purer than what the Anglophone (English-speaking) world has today. To be sure we keep God’s timeless words intact, far better it would be for us to utilize a so-called “outdated,” “old-fashioned,” “archaic” system. We dare not change our Bible simply because some “scholars,” with limited linguistic capabilities, demand we should.

If we were to take The Oxford English Dictionary, for instance, and look into this authority on the English language, we would find the following entry for “corn:” “the grain of any cereal (edible) crop.” In other words, “corn” is general—though we use it almost exclusively for “maize” (a North American crop also known as “Indian corn”). Technically, wheat, rye, and barley are all types of corn (but they are not maize). See, we do not adjust the Bible to reflect our ignorance; we simply increase our meager understanding of our language….
















































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Corn in The King James Bible #1

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat (Matthew 12:1 KJV).

Is “corn” a “mistranslation” here, as is frequently assumed?

Our King James Bible has come under such heavy criticism for using the word “corn”—literally on more than one occasion. For instance, look at the New Testament cases.

“At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat” (Matthew 12:1). “And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn (Mark 2:23). “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear” (Mark 4:28). “And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands” (Luke 6:1).

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). “But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first” (Acts 7:12). “For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (1 Corinthians 9:9). “For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18).

The “scholar” points out loudly and clearly, “How could the ancient Jews in the Middle East know of corn?! That is a North American crop that was discovered later! What a King James error!” Is this a valid argument, a mark of spirituality on the critic’s part? Or, is it just another petty, false accusation based on limited information? Dear friends, let us weigh the evidence….
















































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Corn in The King James Bible #1 At
that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples
were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat

(Matthew 12:1 KJV). Is “corn” a “mistranslation”
here, as is frequently assumed? Our King James Bible has come under such
heavy criticism for using the word “corn”—literally on more than one
occasion. For instance, look at the New Testament cases. 
“At that time Jesus went on the sabbath
day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and
began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat”

(Matthew 12:1). “And it came to pass, that he went through the corn
fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the
ears of corn
(Mark 2:23). “For the earth bringeth forth
fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn
in the ear”
(Mark 4:28). “And it came to pass on the second sabbath
after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his
disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in
their hands”
(Luke 6:1).
 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except
a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:
but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit”
(John
12:24). “But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he
sent out our fathers first”
(Acts 7:12). “For it is written in the law
of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.
Doth God take care for oxen?”
(1 Corinthians 9:9). “For the scripture
saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.
And, The labourer is worthy of his reward”
(1 Timothy 5:18).
 The “scholar” points out loudly and
clearly, “How could the ancient Jews in the Middle East know of corn?!
That is a North American crop that was discovered later! What a
King James error!” Is this a valid argument, a mark of spirituality on the critic’s
part? Or, is it just another petty, false accusation based on limited
information? Dear friends, let us weigh the evidence….

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #12

Monday, September 23, 2024

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved (Matthew 9:16,17 KJV).

What is our Lord Jesus Christ teaching here?

If the Lord Jesus Christ were literally and physically walking this Earth today, the sanctimonious people in works-religion would still ask, “Why do You and Your disciples not participate in our ceremonies, rites, and rituals?” As during His earthly ministry, so these critics of Christ and detractors of His believers would still smugly cling to their religious traditions. We know this because even when we share the truths of God’s pure Word with them, they stubbornly hold fast to what they have heard all their lives—even if they recognize the plentiful deficiencies in what they do and realize the enormous gaps in what they believe.

To this very day, Christendom tends to lean toward Old Testament practices when they should believe the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to them through the Apostle Paul, Romans through Philemon (Ephesians 3:1,2). They have their sacrifices and prayers, priesthoods and “houses of God,” candles and altars, robes and tithes, holy days and feasts, water ceremonies and confessions, and so on. It is unthinkable to them to admit all of this is erroneous and useless, so they just keep on with it because it ensures their self-righteousness remains intact. Christ Jesus’ finished crosswork as sufficient payment for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) is “too offensive,” for it bears record of the fact God is not impressed with their good works. To “come to the Saviour by faith” insinuates they need to be saved from sin, and that would mean their religious goodness cannot save them. In accordance with today’s Scripture, their righteousness and God’s righteousness are incompatible.

Before it is eternally too late for them, may they, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ… and… be saved” (Acts 16:31)!

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #11

Sunday, September 22, 2024

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved (Matthew 9:16,17 KJV).

What is our Lord Jesus Christ teaching here?

Comparing today’s Scripture, Mark 2:21-22, and Luke 5:36-39, we notice a verse exclusive to Luke: “[36] And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. [37] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. [38] But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. [39] No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Verse 39 is a fact, not an approval. As Jesus Christ Himself knew, a drunkard prefers to stay with his intoxicating beverage instead of moving to a healthier habit. Likewise, apostate Israel is content with keeping their vain religious system (watered-down Old Covenant) as opposed to coming under the New Covenant. This continued even into Acts.

Romans chapters 9 and 10: “[9:31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [9:32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [9:33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [10:1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [10:2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [10:3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

We summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #10

Saturday, September 21, 2024

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved (Matthew 9:16,17 KJV).

What is our Lord Jesus Christ teaching here?

Being a “publican” or tax collector, Matthew/Levi was financially able to host a large banquet at his house in Jesus’ honor (Matthew 9:9,10; Mark 2:14,15; Luke 5:27-29). Apparently, a great many people attending this feast were Matthew’s friends and/or acquaintances, for the Bible says “publicans and sinners” were present. These were the very societal outcasts, the souls, Christ had come to save. They were the same spiritually-sick people the Great Physician purposed to deliver from their satanic blindness and ignorance: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31).

The adjective “righteous” in the above three verses designates those who do not regard themselves as sinners. They are thus the self-righteous, those who saw no need for any personal Saviour. In contradistinction to such smugness, the “sinners” who recognized their pitiful and lost estate were continually attracted to the Lord Jesus Christ in large numbers—which only sparked more moans and grumbles from the Jewish “religious” community. “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:1,2).

It is at this point (Luke chapter 15) that Christ issued three parables—The Parable of the Lost Sheep (verses 3-7), The Parable of the Lost Coin (verses 8-10), and The Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son (verses 11-32). Respectively, these apply to Christ’s earthly ministry, the early Acts period, and Daniel’s 70th Week (yet future). In each case, it is a believing remnant in Israel—never the entire nation. That Little Flock will become the new nation Israel, that which is given the New Covenant and filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit….