Category: early mankind

Know the Right Bible

Friday, September 29, 2023

“And when he [Barnabas] had found him [Saul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul], he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know the right Bible?

Human nature rebels at authority. This spirit of autonomy—“I will be my own god!”—has created our fallen, broken world. Concerning Bible manuscripts, there is a preserved text (God’s Word) and there is a counterfeit text (Satan’s word). For thousands of years, “scholars” have used human “wisdom” to adjust the Bible text to say what they feel constitutes the closest approximation to its original wording. The general public knows practically nothing about this, so they assume the plethora of modern English versions are noble attempts to update the Bible. Alas, they have not done research—and people who know the truth generally do not care to admit that God’s Scriptures have been mutilated in the name of “scholarship.” Strangely, there are people who actually believe Hebrew and Greek dictionaries, commentaries, and theology textbooks long before they believe Bible verses!

As English-speaking people, we use the King James Bible. Every verse that should be in the Bible, is in the King James Bible—and these competent men following the text of the Protestant Reformation rendered God’s Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words into our language. We need to be thankful for our English Bible, and not let today’s “scholars” employ their supposed “wisdom” to convince us their worthless textual speculations are superior to the eternal words of the eternal God.

The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch, Syria (see today’s Scripture), which is the origin of our King James Bible’s underlying manuscripts. On the other hand, modern scholars blindly worship the manuscripts from Alexandria, Egypt—advertising the fact they are ignorant of the Bible’s negative view of Alexandria (see Acts 18:24-26). According to Scripture, no local church was ever founded in Alexandria. Egypt is a type of the world, Satan, and sin. God rescued Israel from Egypt (the “house of bondage”) and even told Israel not so much as to buy horses from Egypt (Deuteronomy 17:16). Scholars would have us buy Bibles from Egypt—and it is their right to be wrong.

Know the Lord Jesus Christ

Thursday, September 28, 2023

“For he [Father God] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know the Lord Jesus Christ?

When Adam and Eve sinned and lost the light of God’s righteousness covering their physical bodies, they resorted to sewing together itchy fig leaves to make themselves clothing (Genesis 3:1-7). These leaves were not enough to conceal their nakedness, for they subsequently hid amongst the trees when they heard God approaching. When He questioned them to bring them to accountability, they blame-shifted (see verses 8-13). Genesis is literal—and its basic narrative is played out every day everywhere. People are still not coming to God to be delivered from their sin problem. In their pride, they attempt to rectify themselves. Deceived, they assume they are “not that bad,” and that they can compensate for their sins by doing good deeds (like their/our parents Adam and Eve sewing fig-leaf clothing and then hiding!).

Countless people know of Jesus Christ, but very few know Him (personally, intimately). To most, He is “just another religious figure,” “one of the many ways to God,” a “good man,” and so on. There is intellectual knowledge, but no heart faith. They know He died, but have they trusted in their heart the fact He died and shed His blood for their sins personally, that His finished crosswork can never be enhanced, repeated, or substituted? Sure, like Cain in Genesis 4:1-8, they can offer their own sacrifice (religious works)—but God will reject them just the same because it was their efforts instead of His work. Remember, Genesis 3:21: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skin, and [GOD!] clothed them.”

Until we come by faith alone in sinless Jesus Christ dying for our sins, being buried, being raised again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4); we lack God’s righteousness in Christ (see today’s Scripture; cf. Philippians 3:1-9). We know our righteousness is not perfect—and that is what sin is. Only Calvary can adequately deal with our sin problem. Only the God-Man, the “Anointed Saviour” (“Christ Jesus”), can save! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #1

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

A well-known newspaper columnist/counselor once stated that, out of the roughly 10,000 letters she received each month, the theme of the majority of them was a single word: FEAR. These people writing to her and seeking her advice were terrified of losing their health, their money, and their loved ones. Of course, she was “the blind lead[ing] the blind” (Matthew 15:14), for no unsaved person is qualified to provide any lasting, meaningful answers to such intimate questions. Human opinions are of no worth in light of eternal matters.

Sin complicates life, and a simple example of this is documented in the Book of Genesis. Take this excerpt from chapter 3: “[8] And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. [9] And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? [10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. [11] And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? [12] And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.”

Once Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their marital relationship was never the same, and their relationship with their Creator was never the same either. Adam and Eve hid from the LORD (verse 8), and, when confronted, Adam blamed Eve and God for his sin (verse 12). On that day, sin was introduced, three enemies were produced, and life became complicated and uncertain….

Eight Billion!

Friday, November 18, 2022

“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:11,12 KJV).

Friend, Earth’s human population has just surpassed eight billion!

While the Holy Bible never supplies any figures as to how many people were on Earth in the days of Noah and the Great Flood, we know their lifespan was literally hundreds of years because of unique atmospheric conditions, a purer genetic makeup, and a lack of world wars (read Genesis chapter 5, which means exactly what it says!). There may have been hundreds of millions to perhaps a few billion people alive when Noah and his family boarded the Ark! Whatever the total number of inhabitants, we can only speculate, but here is what we do know: just eight survived the global Flood of Genesis chapters 6–8 (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5).

Concerning modern history, we have the following data. World human population was one billion in 1804, two billion in 1927, three billion in 1960, four billion in 1974, five billion in 1987, six billion in 1999, and seven billion in 2011. Thinking of it another way, whereas it took 200 years to add five billion (1800–2000), it has taken us only the last 20 years to add the final two billion. Yet, it is speculated it will take us about 60 years to reach 10 billion, because the global population growth rate has fallen since 1950. In the mid-20th century, it was five children per woman, but that has been reduced to 2.4. Global life expectancy has increased from 64 years in 1990 to 73 years now, largely because of advances in healthcare and medicine, so people are living longer and that plays a substantial role in maintaining an enormous global population.

What is Earth’s “carrying capacity?” That is, how many humans can its resources sustain? No one really knows because the value depends on several factors, including how greedy we are now and will be in the future. Today’s Scripture, though thousands of years old, is an up-to-date description of our modern world, as God in His marvelous grace now tolerates eight billion sinners!

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #10

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

Bible-haters can methodically prove complex mathematical theorems, wisely dissect and repair human bodies, diligently translate ancient manuscripts, scrupulously draft elaborate blueprints for a megatall building, tirelessly endeavor to be a pioneer researcher in nuclear physics, boldly explore the mysteries of outer space, doggedly acquire a “brilliant” legal mind to obtain a political office, prudently develop budgets for entire nations, creatively sculpt incredible works of art, carefully investigate the ocean depths, and regularly compose technical articles for publication in “scholarly” journals.

As educated, admired, and outstanding as these souls are, until they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thereby receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, true wisdom will forever elude them. The knowledge of eternal worth is a foreign language to them. Certainly, they struggle to fathom even the simplest sentences in a sixth-grade English Bible. While the human brain is remarkable, it has a Creator or mind superior even to it (and never forget that!). There is the Divine mind, what Almighty God possesses, who gave us the ability to think and comprehend these very thoughts. Why does the natural world exist? Only when we read His Book do we understand and appreciate the real meaning and purpose to what we see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. However, if we are content with just the “how,” we will go no further than natural explanations and natural reasoning, thus overlooking what matters most (1 Corinthians 2:9-16).

“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:19-21).

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #9

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

The Lord Jesus Christ through the Apostle Paul advised in 1 Timothy 6:20,21: “O Timothy, keep [guard] that which is committed to thy trust [sound Bible doctrine, grace-oriented teaching], avoiding profane [common, unholy] and vain [empty, worthless] babblings [drivel, silly talk], and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” In Greek, “science” is “gnosis,” translated as “knowledge” 28 times in our King James Bible (for instance, see Luke 1:77, Romans 2:20, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 3:19, 2 Peter 1:6, and 2 Peter 3:18).

Observe how there are “oppositions of science falsely so called.” False teachers fight against sound Bible doctrine by promoting information that is wrongly titled “science” (as in knowledge). In other words, it looks like it profits its hearers and adherents—but it is as advantageous to the Christian (or even lost person) as fools’ gold is to the prospector! What appears to be substance is but shadow, what seems to be treasure is merely trinket, yet the undiscerning mind is none the wiser. Usually, what is advertised as “knowledge” turns out to be nothing more than pointlessness.

Re-read 1 Corinthians 2:9. If we desire to ascertain God’s words and will, we do not appeal to the “eye” (scientific method, empiricism), the “ear” (church tradition, secondhand data), or the “heart” (soul-searching, intuition). Moreover, if we do not have the indwelling Spirit of God to teach us, we have no hope of ever obtaining God’s wisdom. “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (verse 10). We can gain all the “knowledge” we want by attending every world “institution of higher learning,” yet this is but child’s play when we survey the wealth of Divine wisdom contained in the Holy Scriptures rightly divided….

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #8

Monday, November 14, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

Following the scientific method, we hypothesize (form temporary explanations) concerning the operation of natural events, we observe those phenomena through experimentation and we record our findings/data, thereby allowing us to refine or discard our prior description—ever striving to describe “how” it works. Nevertheless, if we do not look at God’s creation through the lens of the Holy Scriptures, the eyes of faith, we will never see “why” it works (and that is true ignorance)! Moreover, without the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us, we have no prospect of ever attaining genuine knowledge.

First Corinthians 2:9-16: “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 unto 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 unto 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.”

Again, Christianity is the opposite of ignorance….

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #7

Sunday, November 13, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

Some 4,200 years ago, Noah’s descendants defied the LORD God by gathering when He had commanded them to scatter (Genesis 9:1; Genesis 11:1-9). By introducing the world’s languages as a form of judgment, the LORD delayed the nations from cooperating to build a “city” (political center) and a “tower” (religious center) in Babylon (near modern Baghdad, Iraq). These “one-world” monuments will ultimately be erected—to man’s glory—in the ages to come, when the Antichrist appears (see Revelation 17–18). Human civilization has been leading up (or downgrading) to that dismal point ever since the Tower of Babel. Romans 1:18-32 explains the origin of our horrific global society (cf. Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:16-31).

Romans chapter 1: “[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [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: [21] 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. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things…. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate [worthless, spurious] mind, to do those things which are not convenient;….”

Like the nations at Babel, those souls today seeking knowledge and wisdom and understanding apart from the one true God are but fools….

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #6

Saturday, November 12, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

As its name suggests, “intellectualism” significantly emphasizes the exercise of our human mental faculties. Eventually, we mere finite (limited) creatures start viewing ourselves as “the pinnacle of all knowledge.” In our minds, we are supreme and independent. Commonly called “rationalism,” reason and knowledge are exalted at the expense of the supernatural. We begin entertaining foolish thoughts, following the footsteps of Father Adam and Mother Eve in the Garden of Eden.

“I do not need some ‘God’ or anything He offers me. I can be good without Him. I will think what I want and I will do what I want. I can solve my own problems apart from the influence of a ‘higher being.’ After all, it is my life and I will make my own decisions because I answer to no one!” These narcissistic attitudes are propagated via millions of “prestigious” classrooms, “mental health” offices, bestselling books, viral internet videos, and denominational “sanctuaries.” Beloved, no wonder our world is overwhelmed with confusion, crime, poverty, war, heartbreak, depression, and various other insurmountable issues!

No one reading and believing the Bible could ever (!) conclude its God promotes ignorance. Actually, carefully consider the existence of the Bible itself. Has it not been given to teach us God’s will? “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction [teaching!!!! training!!!! education!!!!] in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). Moreover, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul wrote about six areas of truth of which we should not be ignorant (Romans 1:13; Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Again, the Scriptures promote wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It is religion (the subtlest form of “intellectualism”) that fosters ignorance….

Is the God of the Bible “Anti-Intellectual?” #5

Thursday, November 10, 2022

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17 KJV).

Is the God of Scripture “anti-intellectual?”

As any sensible parent would discourage his or her child from reading something injurious, seeing something sinful, or doing something harmful, so God erected barriers to guard Adam and Eve against sin for their own good (today’s Scripture). He knew the destruction that sin would cause them, and He sternly warned them of it, but He did not force their reaction. They would have their chance to make the right choice (a positive exercise of volition or free will) or the wrong choice (a negative exercise of volition or free will).

Regarding church order, the Holy Spirit through Paul commented on those tragic events in the Garden of Eden: “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:11-14). According to the Bible, Eve was genuinely deceived, totally unaware of Satan’s trap in Genesis chapter 3 (see 2 Corinthians 11:3,4). However, Adam knew (!) the danger they were in, but he did not stop Eve, and he did not bring her to God either. Instead, he (a terrible spiritual leader/example) copied her and ate the forbidden fruit too! Rather than lose Eve and remain loyal to God, Adam made a conscious choice and joined his wife in following Satan.

Like all sinners, Satan, Adam, and Eve “worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). They all wanted to function outside the role the LORD God had given them. Indeed, they all wished to think and experience something besides what the Creator God intended for them. This deification of the creature goes on even now, in our “civilized,” “sophisticated” 21st-century world….

NOTE: In order to bring a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc, returning the following day with more advanced material on this subject….