Category: Bible study

Be Not Pierced By the Sword of the Spirit #4

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

“And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17 KJV).

Again, take heed—it does matter what Bible version you read!

Utilizing Greek philosophy, Satan distracted the Corinthians from the sound doctrine Paul preached to them. Hence, the Apostle cautioned them regarding this worthless human wisdom (pagan philosophy).

As Christians, “we are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9a). In Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, God has furnished us with building materials, sound doctrine. When we “study” Pauline doctrine, we understand what God is doing today in the Dispensation of Grace, and by faith, we become “workmen” (2 Timothy 2:15) who cooperate with God and do what He is doing (teaching lost mankind about salvation, educating Christians about God’s will for them, et cetera).

Paul laid the foundation, Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (1 Corinthians 3:10,11). We can build on that foundation by applying sound Pauline Bible doctrine by faith, symbolized by “gold, silver, precious stones,” or we can use worthless building materials such as philosophy and religious tradition—“wood, hay, stubble” (verses 11,12).

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (verses 13-15).

After the rapture, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, Jesus Christ will determine the quality of the doctrine we Christians believed and applied to life. That which is worthless—religious tradition, human wisdom, and so on—will burn up. Only sound Pauline Bible doctrine will withstand that fiery test, and only that will remain!

Most, if not all, modern English “bibles” are unsound. Their denominational translators obscure Pauline dispensationalism by omitting, adding, and changing words. Friend, take heed!! Using these perverted books will hinder your spiritual growth and cause you to lose—not salvation—but reward!

Be Not Pierced By the Sword of the Spirit #1

Saturday, August 11, 2012

“And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17 KJV).

God gave us “the sword of the Spirit,” His written Word, the Holy Bible, to defend ourselves against Satan’s attacks (false doctrine). Let us be mindful to not allow Satan to stab us with the very weapon God furnished to protect us.

Recently, while browsing an “inspirational” book aisle, one particular book caught my attention. The cover read, “The Spiritual Warfare Bible.” Upon closer examination, I concluded that this volume was indeed the embodiment of spiritual warfare! Its corrupt text (NKJV) was coupled with footnotes adapted from deceptive charismatic “bestsellers,” forging a two-edged sword that would literally stab the heart, mind, and soul of the unsuspecting Bible consumer as well as the sincerely misled, but true, Christian.

The devil has studied mankind for 6,000 years, so he knows our habits and our weaknesses. Satan attacked God’s Word back in Adam and Eve’s day (Genesis 3:1-5; cf. Genesis 2:16,17). If Satan successfully deceived Eve by perverting God’s Word way back then, are we so naïve as to believe that he is not still doing that today? Bible corruption is nothing new, although there has been a drastic increase in Bible perversion in the English-speaking world during the past 130 years.

Our ministry takes an unapologetic stand on the King James Bible. For over 400 years, it has been a beacon in this dark and dying world, leading millions to Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. It demonstrates itself to be majestic, perfect, reliable, and completely authoritative. This is expected of God’s Word.

What have the modern English “bibles” accomplished? They have changed the Bible terminology that Christians have used for centuries, further confusing the already befuddled Christendom. Their translation teams consisted of ecumenical members, who, although from pagan and cultic backgrounds, compromised none of their heretical doctrines while translating. Considering, I wonder what those resultant translations teach?!

Beware, saints and dear friends, “Many… corrupt the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17) was a fact nearly 20 centuries ago, and it is truer than ever….

God Has Already Spoken to Us

Sunday, August 5, 2012

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto 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” (2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV).

Does God communicate with us through hunches, feelings, emotions, visions, dreams, and “soft, still” voices in our heads? These are subjective: they are tentative because they vary amongst individuals. We need an objective standard, something trustworthy and unchanging—God’s written Word, the Holy Bible.

God did communicate with man via theophanies (God appeared in a physical body and spoke to people; Genesis 3:8,9; Genesis 18:1; et al.). Through angels, visions/dreams, supernatural spiritual gifts, and prophets, He relayed His messages to people (Daniel 9:22,23; Matthew 1:20-24; Acts 10:3; 2 Corinthians 12:1; et al.). But, according to 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, these temporary things—partial wisdom and partial knowledge—were done away when complete wisdom and complete knowledge were brought in.

When was complete wisdom and complete knowledge brought in? As soon as God’s written Word was completed (nearly 2000 years ago), God’s will was fully revealed to man. In the King James Bible’s 66 books we know everything that God wants us to know. Visions, apparitions, “prophetic words” from a preacher’s lips, and angelic appearances are not God’s methods of communication with us.

In the context of today’s Scripture (verses 16-18) the Apostle Peter recounts the time on the Mount of Transfiguration when he, James, and John saw Jesus Christ in His glorified form (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). But Peter says we have “a more sure word of prophecy.” The Bible is more reliable than experiences we can see with our physical eyes.

We have God’s revealed and written Word preserved in English in the King James Bible. The Bible is the Final Authority, not religious tradition or a preacher’s hunches.

Sound, But No Sound Doctrine

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

“And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me” (Acts 22:9 KJV).

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul is giving his testimony to Israel, yet according to Bible critics, this verse “contradicts” another verse. Rather than “correcting” the Bible, as some modern translators have done, we let the Bible correct us… and it will teach us a valuable doctrine!

Today’s Scripture explains that those traveling to Damascus with Paul (at that time Saul) did not hear the voice of Jesus Christ, who appeared to Saul in Acts chapter 9. Yet, when we read Acts 9:7, the Bible seems to say the opposite: “And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.” Well, which is it? Did they hear (Acts 9:7), or did they not hear (Acts 22:9)? A lost person once tried to use this very argument against me in a desperate (and unsuccessful) attempt to discredit the Bible because it challenged his denomination!

Certainly, God’s Word has no mistakes (otherwise, He would be a liar!). If we consider John 12:28,29, resolving this apparent discrepancy actually teaches us something: “Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.” Here, Jesus, standing on earth, is speaking to His Father in heaven. Notice that His Father gave an intelligent response: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Yet, some of the audience heard thunder, a mere noise: they did not hear anything intelligent.

So, those traveling with Saul did hear the sound of Jesus’ voice, but they did not hear the actual words (that is, understand what was spoken). Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9 really complement one another, teaching us that people can hear God’s Word being read or spoken, but they are willingly too blinded by sin to hear His actual words with understanding (Isaiah 6:9,10; Matthew 13:13-15; Acts 28:24-27).

No More Sacrifice for Sins?

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,…” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (verse 25) is often quoted as applicable today, but many stumble over the next verse (today’s Scripture). Exactly what does today’s Scripture mean?

We are eternally secure in Jesus Christ if we have trusted Him alone as our personal Saviour (Ephesians 4:30; 2 Timothy 1:12). Yet, critics of our “once saved, always saved” position usually quote today’s Scripture to contend that we can lose our salvation. Is this a “Bible contradiction?”

Failing to approach the Bible dispensationally only causes doctrinal chaos. This is especially true of the book of Hebrews. The title—Hebrews—indicates the nation Israel is the audience, not us Gentiles in the Dispensation of Grace. Also, Hebrews addresses the time period after our dispensation (that is, the seven-year Tribulation and Second Coming of Christ).

The verses following today’s Scripture explain: “But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:27-29).

Previous verses (1-24) discuss how Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on Calvary’s cross has abolished Israel’s Old Testament animal sacrifices commanded in “Moses’ law.” If a Jew living in the seven-year Tribulation will “sin wilfully”—that is, will return to offering those animal sacrifices (which ceremonies the antichrist will re-establish and then abolish during that time [Daniel 9:27])—this Jew cannot be saved because he has blasphemously rejected Jesus Christ’s blood and he will literally be participating in Satan worship (the antichrist’s religion). Only God’s “judgment,” “fiery indignation” (fire at the Second Coming of Christ, and eternal hellfire), awaits those wicked Jews, God’s “adversaries” (Hebrews 10:27,30,31; cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Today’s Scripture does not involve us.

The Mind That Ought Not Be Wasted

Monday, July 23, 2012

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV).

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially if it is the mind of the Lord!

Mankind is inherently spiritually dead, unable to communicate with God and completely oblivious to God’s Word. Our world wallows in deep ignorance regarding the things of God, and all too often this (unfortunately) applies even to Christians. What makes this most pitiful? It does not have to be that way!! God has already intervened in human history and He has revealed Himself and His plan for the heaven and earth by means of a Book, His Book, the Holy Bible, a Book that He preserved down through the ages. Today, we can hold in our hands and study for ourselves the preserved Word of God, the Authorized King James Bible.

In the context of today’s Scripture, the poor Corinthian believers had ignored the doctrine God gave them through the Apostle Paul, preferring rather to piddle about in spiritual ignorance with vain human philosophy (as documented in 1 Corinthians chapters 1-3). Oh, what a pity!! What a pity indeed, but again, this happens all too often in Christendom today! Most discard God’s mind—God’s wisdom, the Holy Bible—and substitute it with religious tradition, their own beliefs, and everything else but sound Bible doctrine. They too literally waste the mind of God.

How does God “instruct [us]?” Today’s Scripture declares that if we want to know God’s instructions regarding life and how to handle its issues, we MUST consult God’s Word (especially Paul’s epistles Romans through Philemon, which God wrote specifically to us Gentiles in the Dispensation of Grace). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Beloved, let us not waste the mind of God. Study and believe it rightly divided, and it will work mightily in you for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Meek Pauline Dispensationalist

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

“Put them in mind… to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:1,2 KJV).

An individual recently shared a concern with me, so we offer a humble, friendly reminder to you, our grace brethren in Jesus Christ….

We understand and are saved by God’s grace to us in Christ. Nevertheless, most individuals are lost (dead in their sins). Also, we recognize and believe that Jesus Christ committed to the Apostle Paul the special ministry and doctrine for this the Dispensation of Grace. Sadly, church tradition hides these truths, and most professing Christians are deceived doctrinally.

God’s will is to have “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Our goal in teaching God’s Word rightly divided is so everyone can also have a chance to be liberated from the bondage of sin and the burden of religion. We Pauline dispensationalists are privileged to proclaim these precious Bible truths to both lost people and Christians, thereby bringing our Saviour Jesus Christ glory and honor.

However, grace brethren, please exercise great caution. Do not allow Satan to utilize your flesh (sin nature) to get the advantage. Today’s Scripture instructs us to be “meek”—humble, not prideful—in the ministry. Why? Read the next verse: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). It is easy to grow angry with lost people, non-Pauline Christians, and non-King James users, but remember, we were once where they are. May we, without compromising sound (dispensational) Bible doctrine, gently, lovingly reach out to them on God’s behalf. 🙂

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Why Do We Go to Church?

Friday, July 6, 2012

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7 KJV).

As grace believers who understand what God is doing today in this the Dispensation of Grace, we go to church….

  • To fellowship with God’s people (1 Corinthians 11:33).
  • To study the Holy Bible (King James Bible) (1 Timothy 4:13,15,16).
  • Not to gain God’s blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
  • Not to be entertained (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
  • Not to keep the Sabbath (Colossians 2:16).
  • Not to obtain salvation (Titus 3:5).
  • Not to “be in God’s presence/house” (2 Corinthians 6:16; cf. Acts 17:24).

According to Paul’s epistles, “going to church” is not assembling in some million-dollar auditorium, where wheelbarrows are pushed around as “collection plates.” Neither is “church” a place where we go to feel “emotional highs” and to enjoy “ear-tickling motivational sermons.” Nor is “church” a time where we crank up loud music in order to appeal to the world. Yes, that is today’s average (so-called) “‘Bible-believing’” (!) church, but God’s definition is otherwise.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the local assembly of the Body of Christ: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:15,16).

As people who have trusted in Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, we are one body, the Body of Christ. We are united forever because of the eternal life we all now have in Christ. We gather in local assemblies to study God’s Word rightly divided (dispensationally), so we can then scatter throughout the region and share with others sound Bible doctrine (the Gospel of Grace to the lost, and Pauline dispensationalism to the saved).

333’s 400th: Liberty to Publish God’s Word

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

Today we commemorate the United States’ 236th anniversary and our 400th devotional.

Just as we Americans celebrate our nation’s birthday and independence today on this Fourth of July, we Christians worldwide reflect on the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free [from sin, death, hell, and the condemnation of the Mosaic Law]” (Galatians 5:1).

Moreover, God our Father has entrusted us with the ministry of sharing with the lost world the spiritual freedom we have found exclusively in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our role in the Christian ambassadorship is to publish God’s pure (unadulterated) Word, the Holy Bible. Whether preaching and teaching it rightly divided, or translating and literally printing it, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11).

God, through His Son’s finished crosswork on Calvary, has freed us from the bondage of the Law and sin. Christ’s blood has “redeemed” us, and it is our responsibility to tell others of that “redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). The lost and dying souls of the world need to hear the words of Jesus Christ, the words that “are spirit and… [that] are life” (John 6:63b). They need to hear about the eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. They need to hear it from us, God’s people!

God’s grace has saved us, not so we could live any way we want (we were doing that before God’s grace saved us!). We should use our liberty in Christ to “by love serve one another” (today’s Scripture). God’s love motivates us to teach Holy Spirit-indwelt (but denominational) Christians Pauline dispensational Bible study, and to preach to the lost world God’s saving grace in Christ (Paul’s Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Saints, as we reach another milestone, we thank you for your continued prayer for this ministry. And, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us liberty to publish God’s Word….

Lord willing, on to #500. 🙂

You can also see our 2011 Fourth of July study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.

Jesus Christ: A Minister of the Circumcision #1

Friday, June 29, 2012

“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:” (Romans 15:8 KJV).

Today’s Scripture clearly explains to whom Jesus ministered during His earthly ministry, but most of Christendom absolutely refuses to believe it.

Someone rightly stated that “Christianity” is merely “bastardized Judaism.” Today, what is called “Christianity” is actually Old Testament Judaism with “New Testament” verses tacked on. The root cause of the abounding doctrinal error and chaos in Christendom is a failure to believe today’s Scripture, and to practice dispensational Bible study, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). All of the Bible is for us, but not all of the Bible is to us or about us.

The doctrine that God gave us through the Apostle Paul for this the Dispensation of Grace is almost totally ignored today. It was to Paul alone that God revealed our mystery program, the Church the Body of Christ and God’s purpose and plan for heaven (Ephesians 3:1-9). What has Christendom done? It has mostly ignored Paul’s epistles, preferring to steal the Bible verses—especially the Four Gospels—that God gave strictly to Israel. Israel’s doctrine does not belong in our dispensation, yet denominations continue to attempt to obey God’s will for Israel.

For the past 2,000 years, religious tradition has instructed us to obey what Jesus taught in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Entire denominations and churches are built and sustained by “naming and claiming” (actually “taking and faking”) the ceremonies, prayers, doctrines, and promises found in the Four Gospels.

In religion, “Follow Jesus” is a phrase mindlessly and faithlessly uttered. Repeating the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” is greatly emphasized, as is “following Jesus in ‘believer’s baptism’” and “claiming the Beatitudes.” No wonder people are so confused about the Bible! They are claiming verses that belong to a program God is not operating today, and when the verses do not work, the Bible is ridiculed.

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, ministered only to Israel (the “circumcision”): He was not speaking to us Gentiles (today’s Scripture)!