Category: King James Bible Authority

To Know the Holy Bible

Friday, November 25, 2016

“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 KJV).

Friend, may you come to know the Holy Bible as God wants you to know it!

Visiting a “Christian” bookstore or website, looking for a Bible, is a most daunting task. There are many translations from which to choose—NLT, Amplified, ESV, the Message, HCSB, the Voice, “God’s Word,” NRSV, NASB, NKJV, NIV, the Living Bible. Which to buy? Oh, but these are the more recent versions. Actually, during the last 135 years, 100 to 200 modern English translations have been published and marketed! Sadly, “scholars”—employing heathen, non-Christian viewpoints—have used their perversions of the Holy Bible to harass and divide the Christian public.

Satan is the master deceiver. Literally, the best counterfeiter there has ever been and ever will ever be! The Devil’s first words ever uttered in Scripture are found in Genesis 3:1: “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Satan attacked God’s Word by questioning it. Even today, he uses the flesh of men who say, “A better translation is…. This passage is not found in the ‘oldest and best’ manuscripts… That word is wrong…. This verse is not inspired…. We need to publish another version with better readings….” Yet, these are often the “educated” people leading our seminaries, Bible colleges, and churches! They echo Satan’s damnable question, “Yea, hath God said…?”

Concerning the New Testament, there are over 5,500 Greek manuscripts (excluding other languages). About 90 to 95 percent agree with our King James Bible. Only a handful of manuscripts disagree with this majority, and that handful (which even disagree amongst themselves!) has been used in “scholarly” circles to cast doubt on God’s preserved Word in English. If the King James Bible has been used by Anglophone Christians for over 400 years, we should hold fast to it today… especially in this day of rampant false teaching!

You may click here for more information about Bible versions: https://333wordsofgrace.wordpress.com/bible-timeline-other-study-aids/.

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 24, 2016

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see, “What are our spiritual blessings in Christ?”

To Know Jesus Christ

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV).

Friend, may you come to know Jesus Christ as God wants you to know Him!

It is the most important question—“Who is Jesus Christ?” Many people, even here in the “Christian” United States, sometimes ask it. Amazingly, despite the myriads of websites, millions of books, and hundreds of radio and television broadcasts, all supposedly sharing Him with the world, people still wonder who He is. They had better find out… and quick! Their eternal destiny depends on what they believe about Him! Do they view Him as “just another way to God,” or as “the Way” because He is the one mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5)? Do they consider Him “just another wonderful teacher,” or as “the Truth” because He is the God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2)? Do they see Him as “just another religious leader,” or as “the Life” because he is the “living God” (1 Timothy 3:15)?

Millions of people worldwide refuse to give the Lord Jesus Christ even one second of their time. They assume He will “go away” if they ignore Him. Sure, they do not have to think about Him in this life if they do not want to. He will gladly give them their preference. However, they will have a rude awakening after physical death! They will realize their folly once they meet Him in judgment! But, so be it!

Friend, I hope and pray you will ignore Jesus Christ no more. Someone, in love, needs to be frank with you: without Jesus Christ, a devil’s hell awaits you! God gave up His Son, and all I can do is give you the Gospel of the Grace of God. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: Jesus Christ died for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. You can either trust that, thereby becoming a member of the Church the Body of Christ, or you can remain dead in your trespasses and sins and wind up in hell. Come to Father God by simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, and be saved unto eternal life today!

NOTE: We will resume this special series of devotionals the day after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned!

To Know Your Purpose

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:9,10 KJV).

Friend, may you come to know your purpose as God wants you to know it!

How sad it is that some people literally spend their whole lives looking, looking, looking (!) for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Perhaps they even reach the end of that earthly existence disappointed, having not a stiver of meaningful information more than they started their quest! However, they diligently and frantically explored various avenues—fame, education, money, professionalism, sexuality, entertainment, religion, friendships, science, “inner searching,” marriage, parenthood, and so on. Throughout, their minds and hearts were spun around and rendered senseless with myriads of conflicting ideas and downright fallacies. Having ignored the Holy Bible, they looked in all the wrong places!

Since the living and true God is God, He can withhold information. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God….” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Since we are creatures, not Creator, certain knowledge has been withheld from us. We can search all we want, but we have no such capacity in and of ourselves to grasp it (even if we could find it!). However, the verse continues: “but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Daniel 2:47 is a pagan king admitting the God of the Bible, JEHOVAH God, is “a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets….”

Today’s Scripture says God has made known unto us “the mystery [or secret] of his will.” He purposed in Himself that we might have a purpose. The God of the Bible wants to make His Son, Jesus Christ, the Head of everything in the universe. His secret will for us is that He wants us to glorify that Son in the heavenly places. The Holy Bible is very clear that we do this first and foremost by becoming members of the Church the Body of Christ!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is the Sabbath day—Saturday or Sunday?”

333’s 2000th – Godly Edifying

Sunday, November 20, 2016

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” (1 Timothy 1:3-5 KJV).

Saints, with great delight, we announce we have reached a major milestone—devotional #2000!

It is difficult to fathom we have been doing this for 5½ years. For 2000 days straight now, we have gathered here around God’s Word rightly divided. We have covered much material—thousands of verses—encompassing various and sundry themes. We have all learned so much. Indeed, for all of us, it has been a time of tremendous enlightenment and spiritual growth. Let us always be thankful for Father God’s faithfulness in giving us the grace to undertake “333 Words of Grace.”

The Holy Spirit, in today’s Scripture, instructed Timothy through the Apostle Paul to pay attention to doctrine. He was told to admonish other Christians not to embrace anything other than the grace of God. Grace, not Law, is the standard operating system for Christian living in this the Dispensation of Grace. If the saints are edified (built up) in a godly manner—as God intended—His Son’s life will be manifested for all to see! There will be no confusion, hypocrisy, or disappointment.

When I started this exactly 2000 days ago today, I had no idea what I was getting myself into! What was intended to be a small ministry project of grace-oriented daily Bible devotionals is now a gigantic online archive of such studies. It was not our goal to go this far, but now that we have reached this momentous milestone, we reckon it absurd to stop now. The Bible doctrine we have learned has transformed our Christians lives for the better. There is still more room for all of us to grow. As far as we know, this is the only set-up like this in all the world, and it is truly humbling to serve you all here! Thank you for praying for us, and onward we go in Christ! 🙂

Special-edition Bible Q&A #325: “Can you explain 1 Timothy 3:16?”

Understanding Versus Every False Way

Thursday, November 17, 2016

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104 KJV).

If we let God’s “precepts” (principles) teach us, we will see all the false ways and hate them!

Earlier this week, I spoke on the phone with a brother in Christ whom I and other grace leaders have been teaching via telephone calls, conference DVDs, and television programs. In the last year, he and his wife have really grown in the Holy Scriptures concerning dispensational truths. A Christian for some years, he is now seeing “Christianity” like never before. He told me the denominational settings and teachings that never used to bother him now do. This is a sign of spiritual growth! Every time he sees or hears something wrong, the Holy Spirit brings to his mind and heart a verse that corrects his thinking.

He is now familiar with what the Bible says concerning numerous topics, especially the Apostle Paul’s unique ministry and how we (the Church the Body of Christ) are separate and distinct from the nation Israel and her prophetic program. In accordance with today’s Scripture, careful study of verses has caused him to see how his pastor is not always honest with God’s Word. While the brother has chosen to stay at that denominational church for now—he is still “in transition” (it happened to me years ago, when I too moved from denominationalism to grace)—I reminded him once more they will eventually “evict” him from the assembly. Once they get enough of his “troublemaking,” they will ask him to leave! (He is well aware of that, so he will not be shocked when that day comes.)

In conclusion, I have never told him to leave his church, or to stop listening to denominational preachers and teachers on television and radio. My purpose in this is to let him reach the point of maturity on his own, and let him come to his own conclusion. He says he understands their lack of dispensational teaching, and how to be careful, so we let him stand. As he continues studying his Bible on his own, he will gain a greater awareness, and we trust he will act accordingly.

Our latest Bible study: “Can you summarize the Bible in three verses?”

Dominion

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand” (2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).

What makes religion different from Bible-believing Christianity is such “dominion!”

The Greek word translated “have dominion over” in today’s Scripture is kurieoo, from kurios (“lord”). It occurs first in Scripture in Luke 22:25-26, Jesus’ response to an argument His disciples had over who was the “greatest:” “[25] And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. [26] But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Notice kurieoo, “exercise lordship over.”)

Kurieoo appears again in Scripture, in Romans 6:9 and 14 as “hath dominion over:” “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him…. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Then, Romans 7:1: “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?” Next, Romans 14:9: “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (The next instance is today’s Scripture). Finally, 1 Timothy 6:15: “Which in his own times he shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of king, and Lord of lords;”

In light of the aforementioned surveys, we better Paul’s usage of the term in today’s Scripture. The Apostle never forced himself on anyone (in that case, the unruly Corinthians). He “helped” or “served” them instead (cf. today’s Scripture and Luke 22:26). God’s grace motivates us to do right, friends, but it does not command us or force us as governmental leaders use laws. Christianity is not about religious leaders dictating to or bullying us. (That is religion!) We make conscious choices by faith in Bible verses we read, and we therefore “stand.” Never, ever let any preacher, theologian, denomination, or church sit on a throne in your Christian life! 🙂

Father God

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:3-6 KJV).

Behold, the perfect Father!

Sadly, many parents today are “without natural affection” (2 Timothy 3:3). They think nothing of a medical doctor butchering their unborn child in his or her mother’s womb! To them, it is totally acceptable to leave babies and small children at people’s doorstep! They even abandon them in parking lots, places of business, and trashcans! If they choose to keep them at home, they abuse them physically, spiritually, and/or emotionally. Older people still carrying such massive emotional baggage, deep wounds and horrific scars from their childhood, is ever so disturbing for a saint to hear.

How the God of the Bible grieves that individuals who were appointed to maintain the home and family—parents—are often nothing more than “sex-gamete donors.” They contributed sperm and eggs, but never extended a guiding hand or listening ear. For their children, there was no loving heart or vigilant eye. These offspring wandered the streets, sought acceptance in gangs and associated with other “wrong crowds,” and went on to hurt others by engaging in such lifestyles.

Our world abounds with millions damaged by cruel and uncaring parents. Their parents did not accept them, and perhaps they still reject them. Friends, yes, some of us still struggle with the memories of an awful childhood. Nevertheless, what ultimately matters is not the shortcomings of our sinful parents. We need to understand and rejoice in today’s Scripture. If we have trusted Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, Father God has “accepted” us forever in Christ. He is the perfect Father, more than able (and so willing) to take the place of us who never truly had “parents.” There is unconditional, permanent acceptance with Him! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is ‘peeping’ and ‘muttering?’”

Paper, Pen, and Ink

Monday, November 14, 2016

“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee” (2 John 12,13 KJV).

We use today’s Scripture to glimpse into the culture of “New Testament” times!

The Apostle John wrote in his Third Epistle, verses 13 and 14: “I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.”

In John’s day, A.D. first century, “paper” was quite different from our paper. The cheaper—and thus, more common—form was papyrus. Thin strips were cut from the papyrus plant reed, laid side-by-side and overlapped, with an alternating layer glued on top, all pressed together to form a sheet. More expensive (and rarer) writing media were vellum (calf skins—higher quality) and parchment (bull and goat skins—lesser quality). Text written on skins would obviously last longer than that which was written on papyrus. Scrolls were first, with codices (books) arriving in the third and fourth centuries. What they called “ink” was really a mixture of soot and water, with gum added to make the ink more durable. The “pen” they used for writing was either a small dried reed/stick, cut to a point at one end; or a quill (feather); which was filled with the “ink.”

Friends, it is quite difficult for us to imagine just how laborious writing was in those days. Instruments and materials were crude and sometimes hard to obtain. They did not have computers to which they could dictate, or keyboards on which to type fast. Furthermore, if they wanted to copy a text, there was no photocopying machine. Copying had to be done entirely by hand! Surely, it was very time consuming. However, there were prophets in both “Old and New Testaments,” guided by the Spirit of God, to ensure the Holy Bible was accurately copied and collated. Consider what has been written here. Then, look at your physical Bible today, friend. It has come a long, LONG way! 🙂

Familiar Battle

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; ) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV).

This most intense battle usually involves kinfolk!

A Christian, at home, once received a visit from an unsaved sister. The sister, somewhat intoxicated, told the Christian some very troubling family news. Understandably, the Christian was deeply affected—angered and hurt because a family member had allegedly said some nasty things about her. The Christian later learned from that “slanderous” relative that the inebriated sister had blown the issue “out of proportion.” Alcohol had caused the sister to exaggerate, and actually fabricate, certain details. This erroneous news and thinking, however, had already generated resentment in the Christian’s heart, and further strained her relationships with the “slanderer” and the drunkard. (What a mess!)

Friends, sadly, Satan uses our unsaved family members to cause trouble in our lives. To some extent, we can all testify to this most unfortunate fact. Although we go to great lengths, making every attempt possible to get along with them, peace is not guaranteed. The best action to take is to limit our contact with those known to be contentious. Oftentimes, we cannot permanently cut off communication with our family. Still, we would be prudent not to expose ourselves to foolishness. It is wise for us to decline to associate with drunken relatives until they are sober. We may be Christians, but we are not doormats! Under no circumstances are we obligated to let drunkards into our homes and let them generate strife.

Our unsaved loved ones have flesh (sin nature) that works to Satan’s advantage. We Christians also have flesh that works to Satan’s advantage. However, when we conform our thoughts “to the obedience of Christ”—His finished crosswork—we will behave in a manner becoming to Calvary. We will deal with our loved ones in kindness and grace, but we will certainly not entertain hearsay and nonsense!