Category: seminary

The Case for Right Division #7

Friday, May 26, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Undeniably, the most confused Bible Book is Acts. Though not complicated in and of itself, Acts has been confused courtesy of denominational nonsense. Acts is a transitional Book, God’s dealings with man switching from Peter to Paul, prophecy to mystery, law to grace, Israel to the Body of Christ, and so on. More times than not, however, these differences are smoothed over. Since the cliché “God never changes” has been mindlessly repeated in church circles for so long, no one really thinks there are any distinctions in Scripture at all. What alarming Bible ignorance!

“Whatever God did then, He must surely be doing now.” This is the wrong and ever so costly assumption that has led untold millions upon millions upon millions to a lost eternity in a perpetual Devil’s Hell, quoting verses that have nothing to do with them—though they believed these passages gave them a right standing before God. It is also the incorrect and ever so pricey assumption that has imprisoned countless millions upon millions upon millions of genuine (!) Christians (!) in spiritual kindergarten, their minds and hearts so filled and contaminated with useless, profitless, worthless teaching—and God the Holy Spirit has just as much influence over them as He does people who have no Bible at all.

Since the dispensational boundaries of Scripture are usually not appreciated in the average church or Bible study (it has been this way for almost 20 centuries!), the non-dispensational verses are hopelessly in conflict, so various and sundry clever excuses or gimmicks have been invented to sidestep “inconvenient” verses that cannot be adequately resolved. “This verse was not in the original manuscripts, it is a ‘poor translation,’ this does not mean what it says,” and on and on with the justifications as to why we must make everything in the Bible the same. Our King James Bible verses do not need to be reworded or retranslated—only re-read and re-examined within (!) their (!) dispensational (!) contexts (!)….

The Case for Right Division #6

Thursday, May 25, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Re-read Ephesians 2:11,12. In “time past,” God dealt with mankind on the basis of physical circumcision (Jews, Israel) and physical uncircumcision (Gentiles, nations). While this “middle wall of partition” was in place (see verse 14), God’s blessings and salvation were on the circumcision side (cf. Romans 9:4,5). Christ’s earthly ministry belongs in “time past” (see Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Romans 15:8).

Beginning with the Apostle Paul—the “but now,” Christ’s heavenly ministry—the Lord eliminated “the middle wall of partition” (see Ephesians 2:13-18). Now, the nations of the world approach God, but not through the nation Israel, for Israel is now fallen. Read Romans 11:11-14. We come to God via Paul’s ministry (Bible Books of Romans through Philemon), faith in Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins (see 1 Corinthians 15:3,4). In “the ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7), God will use us the Church the Body of Christ to glorify Jesus in the heavenly places as He will utilize the nation Israel to exalt Jesus in the earth (Ephesians 1:8-12,19-23; Ephesians 2:6,7; Colossians 1:16-20). “Time past,” “but now,” and “the ages to come” is how to “rightly divide the word of truth.” Remember, note it well (!): principles in effect during time past may not be true today, so be careful, lest you misapply to yourself non-Pauline (outside of Paul’s epistles) Bible truths that are no longer true!

Also, we can view Jesus Christ from two perspectives. Firstly, Peter preached Him according to prophecy: “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Secondly, Paul preached Him according to mystery: “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, But now is made manifest,…” (Romans 16:25,26). “Prophecy” versus “mystery” is another way God “rightly divides the word of truth.” Let us elaborate….

The Case for Right Division #5

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Two chief misunderstandings must be addressed and corrected if Christendom ever hopes to fix its innumerable blunders. Firstly, it needs to do much more than simply “rightly divide” truth from error. When the Holy Spirit through Paul penned today’s Scripture, the instruction was to “rightly divide the word of truth.” There is no error in truth! Yet, we can distort the Bible into a Book of errors by failing to recognize the distinctions God has already made in it. Trying to do something God is not doing anymore and/or expecting Him to do something He is no longer doing, this is where the professing church has failed (!!) ever (!!) so (!!) miserably (!!). We must have the most current, most up-to-date, most recent revelation from God—not just any revelation from God, any verse we choose, anything and everything we want to believe or do.

Secondly, Christendom needs to do much more than just “rightly divide” the Old Testament from the New Testament. It is usually assumed everything in Matthew through Revelation is applicable to us—that we can claim anything found in those 27 Books. On the contrary, we repeat our prior comments. If we are to do God’s will, we must know the most recent, most current, most up-to-date revelation from Him.

The Bible is to be “rightly divided” as follows. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:11-13: “[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” This shift from “time past” to “but now” is the key to discerning God’s present-day dealings with us….

The Case for Right Division #4

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Recall our introductory remarks about the preacher who fasted for 51 days—and finally died by starvation! He was looking for answers from God as to “why the signs do not follow [his] ministry as Jesus said they would.” Obviously, this man was “naming and claiming” Mark 16:17,18: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Why did these verses not work for the pastor? He could not understand what the problem was. This is just one of countless examples demonstrating even Bible users and church leaders can become disoriented, disappointed, and discouraged. Let us reflect on another distressing passage.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13,14). Dear friend, are you one of the millions who have begged God for all sorts of positive outcomes—with physical healing and “miracle money” being the top requests—but constant prayers were never answered? Instead, financial difficulties worsened and ill people grew sicker and died. How many poor souls concluded Jesus lied and God did not care about them? In fact, who among them abandoned the Bible and Christianity altogether because of these headaches and heartbreaks?

Of course, we can “name and claim” all the favorite Bible passages we want—even fasting and praying earnestly when the promises fail to come to pass, demanding God give us His reasons for those unanswered prayers. We can go so far as to literally starve ourselves to death, engaged in an endless pursuit of solutions to such vexing puzzles. Or, we could apply today’s Scripture and have amazing clarity, stability, and tranquility….

The Case for Right Division #3

Monday, May 22, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

In Christendom, the usual criterion for determining truth and error is whether or not the teaching is “Scriptural” (or “Biblical”). However, this is not enough, since false cults, denominations, and sects are all Scriptural or Biblical to some degree. Believe it or not, even Satan does not mind being Biblical if it might accomplish his will (see Matthew 4:5,6; Luke 4:9-11; cf. Psalm 91:11,12)! We must be Biblical and dispensational!!!

Consider this simple example from Genesis chapter 6: “[13] And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. [14] Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch…. [17] And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.”

Is it “Scriptural,” is it “Biblical,” to construct a boat so as to survive an impending global flood? Why, of course, it is Scriptural or Biblical—Noah did it and we read of it in the Scriptures, in the Bible. Still, it is foolish to try to obey verses that have nothing to do with us. If the average church member had any spiritual sense, he or she would laugh if we began constructing an ark to prepare for the flood of Genesis chapter 6. Yet, they seldom stop and contemplate a sad fact: their denominational system has directed them to be just as sloppy and silly with the Scriptures. What they need to do is start being Biblical and dispensational so they can recover themselves out of the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:24-26)….

The Case for Right Division #2

Sunday, May 21, 2023

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Can today’s Scripture deliver someone from absolute stupidity before he or she literally perishes in it? (Yes!)

Indeed, children are easily deceived, believing whatever they read or hear. They have practically no life experience to use as a basis for gauging whether something is right (true) or wrong (false), plausible (possible) or implausible (doubtful). On the other hand, it requires much more effort to convince adults because they, over the course of several years, have acquired a large body of information to which they appeal when evaluating anything new. Adults are certainly not immune to being led astray—many have been and still are deceived—but it is more challenging to influence them than children.

Similarly, a novice in the Bible is most susceptible to error, but rarely is this risk fully appreciated because every Bible user assumes they are exempt from trickery. For example, all church members attend services in their respective groups because they believe their organization is correct. Their denominational hierarchy, boasting “scholarly” graduates from prestigious seminaries and famous Bible colleges, has caused them to believe their education guards them from all mistakes. However, what has been overlooked is the fact the Bible is usually never given preeminence in most “ministry” training. They will quote and read Bible verses occasionally, but their instruction also involves studying world religions, philosophy, church history, statements of faith (belief systems), writings of ecclesiastical leaders (such as the “church fathers”), and so on. Everything is studied with equal attention, since the Bible is seen as “just one of many guides to spirituality.”

If the Scriptures are used at all, they are interpreted in light of everything else already reviewed—foreign definitions are thus carried into the Bible, controversial verses are reworded, vexing passages are dismissed as figurative instead of literal, and so on. That is, the Scriptures are forced to conform to non-Biblical views. Eventually, possession of any Bible at all becomes a curse instead of a blessing. Yet, if we consistently apply today’s Scripture, we become spiritual adults and thus shielded from the blunders that continually incapacitate the professing church….

Worthless Papers #3

Friday, March 3, 2023

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1,2 KJV).

Behold, Saul possesses worthless papers!

Saul is definitely relieved to learn the Lord is working with Ananias to confirm the fact he really is a saved man now. Read verses 10-19. With Ananias restoring Saul’s physical sight, Saul’s conversion thus made apparent, the saints in Damascus receive him. They recognize him as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and no longer feel threatened.

Decades later, as the Apostle Paul, Saul writes Philippians chapter 3: “[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more [and here is his worthless résumé, all his accomplishments]: [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Saul learned a valuable lesson on the road to Damascus, for here comes the contrast….

“[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. [8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung [manure!!], that I may win Christ, [9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; [11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

If you think about, dear friend, there is much for us to learn from these verses too!

Worthless Papers #2

Thursday, March 2, 2023

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1,2 KJV).

Behold, Saul possesses worthless papers!

It is not uncommon in this world to see people parading their “degrees,” whose specialty in one field (or, a few fields) of study has caused them to now be under the impression they can comment authoritatively on any and every topic. To be sure, Saul of Tarsus had rabbinical training, having sat under the most eminent teacher of Judaism of the day (see Acts 22:3 and Acts 5:34)—Gamaliel known to orthodox Jews even now. Saul assumed he knew all there was to know about religion. He was a master at it. He would have had the equivalent of a doctorate in theology, being proficient not only in Hebrew, but Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and perhaps other languages. Knowing the Hebrew Bible, he had also been familiarized with Greek philosophy.

Furthermore, Saul had received from the highest-ranking religious leaders of Israel the legal power to round up any believing Jews who had found refuge in Damascus. Carrying those warrants and leading a party of troops, he is just outside of the city when he meets the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ! Whatever credentials Saul had, he realized they were useless at this point. Such worldly wisdom, such secular power, such religiosity, was worthless. “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?… I am Jesus whom thou persecutest…” (Acts 9:4,5). The God he thought he was worshipping was the very God he was upsetting!

“And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink” (verses 8,9). Once physically sighted but spiritually blind, he is now spiritually sighted but physically blind. His religious training is of no use to him now. Those warrants are unusable. There he is, vulnerable in Damascus, among the very people he had come to destroy….

Only What is Done By Christ

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11 KJV).

“One day this life will soon be passed, only what is done by Christ will last.”

A Christian preacher’s obituary publicized how he had attended three seminaries and earned a doctorate in theology. In his lifetime, he taught at several seminaries and colleges, and pastored numerous local churches. He enjoyed training men and women for the ministry, with his hundreds of students becoming missionaries, preachers, and seminary teachers. Moreover, he led 30 tours to “the Holy Land.” His four sons were pastors, and his daughter married a pastor. Certainly, much was achieved—but was it Christ in him?

Our human viewpoint has its limitations. Indeed, we can evaluate their performance by comparing it to a denomination’s checklist. They were water baptized, confessed their sins, founded or joined local churches, studied theology books, traveled to foreign lands as “missionaries,” memorized prayers, taught religion classes, visited homes to distribute “inspirational literature,” and so on. According to the denomination, they are in a right standing before God. However, the Lord looks beyond outward performance; He stares right down into the person’s very heart. What He wants to see is faith in His words, Holy Scripture, and, unless it is trust in an intelligent understanding of His Word to us, it is but sinful flesh striving to copy the life of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, while the aforementioned preacher had a testimony of forgiveness of sins and eternal security in Christ, he was nevertheless a vehement Bible corrector. As always, we will let the Lord judge his malicious comments concerning Scripture. However, we do know that being indoctrinated with naturalistic textual criticism and manmade traditions is no substitute for the renewed mind and its resultant victorious Christian living. One can be saved and on his or her way to Heaven, but still think and behave ridiculously—even outright teaching false doctrine.

Never forget, dear friends, “One day this life will soon be passed, only what is done by Christ will last.” Our “hustle and bustle” in religion will amount to nothing. Only (!) what (!) Jesus (!) Christ (!) does (!) in (!) us (!) has (!) eternal (!) value (!).

A Book That Will Teach

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

“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” (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone we can trust to teach us God’s truth!

Once, I heard a minister give his self-proclaimed “prophetic” message about top headlines that would appear in the coming year. While he reassured his audience that he received this information directly from “the Lord” (?), he gave a disclaimer: “I do not know, but at the end of this year, we will see if what I say came to pass.” Unlike the inner impressions and hunches of this “Christian” preacher, the Holy Bible is infallible, and we can trust its information completely.

Long, long ago, God Almighty wrote a Book, and He preserved it through history through a multiplicity of manuscript copies, so that it could eventually be translated into English, so we could read it even today! (Of course, Satan, the master counterfeiter that he is, most certainly had his own manuscripts—they still circulate today as corrupt Bible translations.) God promised to preserve His words forever (Psalm 12:6,7; Isaiah 30:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). Consequently, every person will stand before Him one day to give account as to what he or she did with that Bible. Did we reject it in favor of counterfeits? Did we re-translate it to fit our denominational beliefs? Did we apply it to life by faith? Did we even read it at all?

As English-speaking people, we understand—or, at least, we should understand—that we can trust the 400-year-old King James Bible. Sadly, even in many church circles, we are often cautioned not to trust God’s preserved Word. Unfortunately, footnotes, study notes, and seminarians usually attempt to claim that authority by offering “better” readings or “better” manuscripts. Beloved, we can do without unbelieving textual critics and their “scholarship.” God does not need lost people to explain His Word to His children; He never did and He never will (1 Corinthians 2:14). Never forget that!

The Holy Spirit will teach us the King James Bible if we “read” (Ephesians 3:4), “study” (2 Timothy 2:15), and “consider” it (2 Timothy 2:7)!