BART 0.2.2 Released

There are a few bugs and shortfall features with my Bible Annotation and Research Tool that were really starting to annoy me as I work on howtoenjoythebible.com -- so I have spent some time updating the application and have released the latest version. Enjoy!

Weekly Articles on Haitus

I will be taking a break from posting weekly articles as I work on the howtoenjoythebible.com project. I don't expect to post any new articles until after the first of next year, which Lord Willing, will see the launch of howtoenjoythebible.com.

Thanks for your patience!

One Thing is Needful

Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said,

"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."

And Jesus answered and said unto her,

"Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

-- Luke 10:38-42

---

What is the "one thing" that was needful? Hearing His word! We can't sit at Jesus' feet today, but we still have His Word from which to learn "that good part".

The vast majority of professing Christians are caught up in what A.W. Pink described as the "snare of service". They have "programs", "ministries", and "communions". There is "church service" on Wednesdays and Sundays, vacation Bible school in the summer, and Christmas plays in December. Though these things are foreign to the Bible, they pursue them as if commanded by God from the terrible thunderings of Sinai.

These services cannot be supported by Scripture, but they do require another kind of support: There are fund raisers, sermons on the tithe, and all manner of "money changers" that are ripe to feel the sting of the "scourge of small cords" that Jesus wielded in John 2:15. And with Christ removed as the Head of the Body, the Church, the "leaders" of modern Christianity are free to devour widows' houses and starve the sheep of God.

Many Christians are shackled to these activities as surely as Israel was bound to the Law. In trying to do the right thing, they have failed to do the right thing. The great irony, of course, is that it is the neglect of the Word -- this one needful thing -- that has snared Christians in the law of "service". But listen to what the Bible says:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. -- Colossians 2:8

Wherefore if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? -- Colossians 2:20-22

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: -- Colossians 2:16

And He said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. -- Luke 16:15

For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. -- Romans 8:13-17

[Note that we are NOT servants as was Hagar, but children of promise as was Isaac; Galatians 4:25 says: For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.]

O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? -- Galatians 3:1-3

But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? -- Galatians 4:9

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. -- 1 Corinthians 16:19

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -- Matthew 18:20

The word "cumbered" in Luke 10:40 is perispao (per-ee-spah'-o) (G4049) and means "to drag all around", "cumber" or "distract". If you are a distracted Martha, hear what Jesus says: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away". (Matthew 24:35) We need not be distracted by things that will "perish with the using", but one thing is needful.

Biblical Prophecy is Not Prediction

There is an ever increasing fascination in both the secular and religious worlds with "the future". From the vague and malleable predictions of Nostradamus to the wild interpretations of Scripture by sensational televangelists and writers -- there is universal appeal in knowing the future.

I believe there are many reasons for the morbid fascination with apocalyptic visions of the future. In the secular world, this is based purely on ignorance -- the Bible is used only as a prop for adding the supposed weight of its authority to a particular argument. There are movies, books, television shows -- all garbage, even if they make reference to the Bible.

Then there are the various interpretations -- read, mutilations -- of Scripture among Christians that have long represented ignorance, division, and the faithlessness of professing Christians. It doesn't take an extended visit to a "Christian" bookstore for one to realize something must be wrong. C.H. Spurgeon once said the bookshelves bow under the weight of all that had been written on the book of Revelation.

I believe the Bible was written for our learning:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. -- Romans 15:4

We ought to receive Biblical prophecy on faith, accepting those things as literal events that are not otherwise announced as "signs" (though even signs may be both literal and yet represent something as well). Hardly a Christian could be found to deny that the plagues of Egypt were literal plagues, and so we should accept the judgements of Revelation as literal judgements -- even if we don't understand them completely.

However, it is not my aim to expound upon the principals of eschatology. I will now come straight to the point and say: Biblical prophecy is NOT prediction.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. -- 2 Peter 1:21

The first occurrence of the word "prophet" is nabiy' (H5030, naw-bee'), meaning "a prophet or (generally) inspired man:--prophecy, that prophesy, prophet".

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for you, and you shall live: and if you restore [her] not, know you that you shall surely die, you, and all that [are] your. -- Genesis 20:7

There is no connection whatever to prediction, but rather to prayer and the work of an advocate or spokesman. When Moses said he was of a "slow tongue" (Exodus 4:10) and therefore could not go back to Egypt, Jehovah said that Aaron would be the "spokesman".

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he comes forth to meet you: and when he seeth you, he will be glad in his heart. And you shall speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. And he shall be your spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to you instead of a mouth, and you shall be to him instead of God. -- Exodus 4:14-16

Compare this with:

And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet (H5030, nabiy'). -- Exodus 7:1

The work of a prophet was to declare "says the Lord". Here's an example:

Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus says the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall you know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], says the LORD. -- Ezekiel 37:12-14

Prophecy is not prediction because it is the declaration of God, and when He says it, He will perform it. "Thus says the Lord, there will be light" is the same as "And God said, Let there be light". The result is ultimately the same: "and there was light".

Prophecy is not prediction because God is infinite. He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is outside of time.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. -- 2 Peter 3:8

Prophecy is not prediction because God does not change. He is the same "yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8) and therefore His plan does not change.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. -- James 1:17

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do [it]? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good? -- Numbers 23:19

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent. -- 1 Samuel 15:29

These are blessed truths. If God changes, our hope is built upon an unstable foundation, but instead He is our Rock. Through faith our sins are broken upon this rock, but the unrepentant is destroyed in unbelief:

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. -- Matthew 21:44

Let Go, Let God

It goes without saying that this phrase is not in the Bible, but we'll look at the first half of the statement before criticizing the meaning of the second. We should most certainly "let go", not in the sense of "letting God" do anything, but rather in the sense of consciously relying on His power and providence.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? -- Matthew 6:25,26

For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counsellor? Or who has first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? -- Romans 11:34, 35

If we believe not, [yet] he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. -- 2 Timothy 2:13

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. -- 1 Peter 4:19

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: -- 1 Peter 5:6

"Letting go" in every day life is resting on God's power knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose." (Romans 8:28) "Letting go" for salvation is believing that Christ died for your sins.

But the notion that we should "let go and let God" implies that we are somehow a hinderance to the infinite Creator of the Universe. This defies logic and undermines the very meaning of the word almighty. We may attempt to be a hinderance, but we are no match for Jehovah even at our wisest:

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. -- 1 Corinthians 3:19

To the contrary, Paul wrote that he took pleasure in his own infirmities:

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- 2 Corinthians 12:10

The word infirmities is the Greek word atheneia (G769) meaning "feebleness of mind or body".

Now consider a few examples, where God Almighty is clearly "almighty".

Consider Jonah. He literally fled from God's purpose, but the "great fish" of God's providence swallowed up Jonah (1:17) and brought him to the very place he did not wish to go, and this not only for the purpose of preaching to Nineveh, but for the "sign of the prophet Jonah" in Matthew 12:39. Jonah tried to subvert the will of God.

Consider Pharaoh.

For the scripture says unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. -- Romans 9:17

Pharaoh, as the representative of The Enemy, refused the command of "let my People go", yet it was God that hardened his heart Exodus 9:12,35; 10:1,20,27; etc.). Though he was King of mighty Egypt, he was as "rivers of water" in the hand of God.

The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turns it whithersoever He will. -- Proverbs 21:1

Consider Paul's conversion. At one moment he was "consenting" unto Stephen's death (Acts 8:1), the next he was faced with The Light on the road to Damascus:

And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecutest: [it is] hard for you to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will you have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do. -- Acts 9:5,6

His response was immediate: "what will you have me to do". What does Paul later say of this experience?

But when it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by His grace, -- Galatians 1:15

The simple fact is that we are "without strength" and powerless against the Almighty God.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. -- Romans 5:6

God "works all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11) and we are as stumble before His wind. Some will contend and resist these words, but the answer is:

Nay but, O man, who are you that reply against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why have you made me thus? -- Romans 9:20

Update: "The Missionary" is Done

Finished "The Missionary" last night, a screenplay about the experiences of a man returning from a mission trip.

Since it doesn't do much good to sit on a project like this, I've submitted the work to the Kairos Prize screenplay competition. Winners are announced in January 2010.

We'll see!

Their Sorrows Shall Be Multiplied

Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. -- Psalms 16:4

Sorrows were multiplied for the children of Israel during the time of Judges:

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: ...And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. -- Judges 2:11,14

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. -- Judges 3:7,8

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. -- Judges 3:12

And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host [was] Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. -- Judges 4:1,2

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. -- Judges 6:1

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. -- Judges 10:6,7

In ancient times, "gods" were idols -- physical trinkets in various shapes.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 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. -- Romans 1:22,23

Today, our "gods" are more subtle, but no less godlike in our lives. They may take the form of wealth or material things. They may be an ideal, cause or political party. They may be a religious doctrine or dogma. They may be another person. They are not literal idols, but they are still "before" Him (Exodus 20:3), taking precedence and taking the place of God.

And what is the result of this? Are our sorrows not multiplied? People everywhere, including Christians, struggle with the presence of evil in the world. They cannot account for the trouble and pain they see because they fail to recognize the source of sin as ourselves.

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -- Romans 6:23

Where is sorrow? Look for "another god" there. Where is misery? Look for "another god" there as well. Where is pain and suffering? Look for "another god". Put away your "gods":

That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you unto his kingdom and glory. -- 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Pride Before a Fall

Another expression that is supposed to be Biblical is "pride before a fall". The Scripture actually says:

Pride [goes] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. -- Proverbs 16:18

Why is this important? I answer with a question: Why would we think that precision is not important when reading the Word of God? The word pride (H01347) is different than the word haughty (H01363). The Hebrew word for haughty can also mean height or high -- a suitable state from which a fall can occur. The word destruction (H07667) is different from the word fall (H03783). The Hebrew word means "breaking" while fall in the original language can mean "tottering" or "fall". Destruction is final while falling is painful, but temporary.

For a just [man] falls seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. -- Proverbs 24:16

Surely God selects His words for a reason. Contrast this with the numerous references in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes regarding the "mouth" of fools. For example, Proverbs 14:3 says that a "rod of pride" is in the mouth of a fool -- showing that punitive destruction comes upon "the fool" because of his pride:

In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. -- Proverbs 14:3

In Leviticus 26, God declares that he will break the "pride of your power" if the Israelites failed in their duty to His Law. If they:

1. will not hearken unto Me (v14)
2. will not do all these commands (v14)
   
3. despise My statutes (v15)
4. abhor My judgements (v15)
5. will not do My commandments (v15)
6. break My covenant (v15)

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: -- Leviticus 26:19

This reveals that the reason for their failure is pride and what follows is destruction.

The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: -- Isaiah 28:3

Thus says the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, says the Lord GOD. -- Ezekiel 30:6

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: -- Daniel 5:20

Consider also:

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. -- Proverbs 29:23

The anti-christ will be the epitome of pride:

Who opposeth and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. -- 2 Thessalonians 2:4

See the book of Revelation 20:10 for his destruction.
Pride also goes before shame and contention:

[When] pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom. -- Proverbs 11:2

Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom. -- Proverbs 13:10

Lowilness, rather than cleanliness, is next to godliness:

Though the LORD [be] high, yet has He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knows afar off. -- Psalms 138:6

The "fear of the LORD" is to hate pride (among other things):

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. -- Proverbs 8:13

In the case of Hezekiah, humbleness prevented destruction:

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. -- 2 Chronicles 32:26

In the New Testament, humbleness is itself exalted and rewarded:

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. -- Matthew 23:12

But He gives more grace. Wherefore He says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. -- James 4:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: -- 1 Peter 5:6

Finished First Draft of The Appendixes to the Companion Bible

Update: I've finished the first draft of the compiled Appendixes to the Companion Bible. Now begins the long process of proofing.

All, Without Distinction

Christians today, if they read the Bible at all, fail to rightly divide its truth, filtering it through their traditions rather than studying what it actually says.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -- John 3:16

Their common understanding of this passage is that whoever believes -- as in makes the choice to believe -- is saved. From this and other sundry passages is born the notion that Christ has simply made it possible for people to be saved but the choice is still up to the individual. "Christ has done his part, now you do yours".

Never mind the passages that clearly contradict the doctrine of "free will". Since the passages that show God is sovereign in all things are so numerous, and it is not my purpose in this article to defend what the Bible so clearly teaches, I will move on to the notion of "whosoever" and "all".

The word "world" is kosmos (02889): "probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world. see GREEK for 2865". It need not mean everyone because the word may be taken in a "wide or narrow sense". This is clearly the use when the Pharisees said the "world is gone after him".

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. -- John 12:19

The word "whosoever" in these passages is pas (G3956): "all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever." So we must also note that "whosoever" need not mean everyone.

Who are these believers? They are established at the very beginning of the New Testament:

And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. -- Matthew 1:21

Throughout Christ's ministry and through most of the Acts period, His "people" were only Jews. But starting with Cornelius in Acts 10, the "mystery" or secret "which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God" (Ephesians 3:9) started to unfold, that the Gentiles would also be included and that all believers would form the Body of Christ:

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which is the church: -- Colossians 1:24 (See also Ephesians 1:23 and 5:30).

Notice the similar sentiment of John 3:16 to Romans 10:11:

For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. -- Romans 10:11 (quoted from Isa. 28:16)

The following verse is:

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. -- Romans 10:12

And in Colossians:

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. -- Colossians 3:11

It should be clear enough from these passages that "all" and "whosever" means "all, without distinction" as to race, status, etc. To apply this to the whole world of believers and unbelievers alike is a gross error and casts shame on the work of Christ. Because if Christ died for everyone, He has failed in His work because some people die unsaved.

But you may say they are unsaved because they did not believe. But isn't unbelief a sin?

And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because [he eats] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. -- Romans 14:23

And Christ did not die for sin? He did indeed die for the sins of His people and He keeps all those given to Him.

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. -- John 10:28, 29

Money is Not the Root of All Evil

As shocking as it may sound even to non-Christians, money is not the root of all evil. The actual passage says the love of money is the root of all evil. The full context is:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. -- 1 Timothy 6:7-10.

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare" brings to mind a passage from Proverbs:

Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom. -- Proverbs 23:4

In bad economic times, capitalism is often denigrated as the source of the problem. The age-old adage that money is the root of all evil is no doubt brought to bear, bringing apparently Biblical force to the condemnation of a free market. It should be noted however that

1. Free markets are rarely free.
2. Credit is not capital.
3. Money is not the root of all evil.

The Bible has many things to say about wealth and the wealthy; here are just a few passages:

He that oppresses the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that gives to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want. -- Proverbs 22:16

Will you set your eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. -- Proverbs 23:5

For riches [are] not for ever: and does the crown [endure] to every generation? -- Proverbs 27:24

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. -- Matthew 13:22 (See also, Mark 4:19)

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; -- 1 Timothy 6:17

But the Bible never says that money is the root of all evil. It says the love of money, that is greed, is the root of all evil. The words translated as love and money are actually the same word in the Greek: It is philarguria (fil-ar-goo-ree'-ah) which means "avarice" (G5365). Additionally, "all evil" should be translated "all the evils", i.e., all the evils discussed in 1 Timothy 6:3-5.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. -- 1 Timothy 6:3-5

We sometimes act as though wealth or poverty is a source of shame, but that which God gives us is for our enjoyment.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. -- James 1:17

It is our portion "under the sun":

Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this [is] the gift of God. -- Ecclesiastes 5:19

First Occurrence of Hallelujah

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless you the Lord, O my soul. Praise you THE LORD. -- Psalm 104:35

People both Christian and otherwise have long used the word "Hallelujah" as a casual exclamation of relief, happiness or triumph. However, the first occurrence of this word is in Psalm 104:35 ("praise you THE LORD") and is clearly connected with judgement.

The first occurrence of it's Greek counterpart in the New Testament is in Revelation and is also connected with judgement:

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, "Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:  For true and righteous [are] His judgments: for He has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand." (Revelation 19:1,2).

The Hebrew word is derived from "halal" (H1984) and "Yahh" (H3050).

• halal means "to be clear" or "to shine" and is translated "boast", "celebrate", "commend", "glories", "praise".
• Yahh is a contraction of Yhovah (Jehovah) and means "the Lord, most vehement. (The dictionary defines vehement as "showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, intense".)

Hallelujah is therefore a solemn word and one that should not be used lightly.

Introducing "The Missionary"

I'm starting a screenplay this month called The Missionary. A divorcee returns to the U.S. from a long mission trip in Africa and tries to put his life back together but is astonished at the changes that have occurred in his home town and society in general.

After having written two other screenplays in the not-so-distant past, I've missed this type of creativity. This is an idea I've had for a while, and since it could be made as a low-budget, independent film, I thought I would give it a shot.

Wayne Counts

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Friend of Tradition, Enemy of God

"Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread." But he answered and said unto them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and mother: and, He that curses father or mother, let him die the death. But you say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [It is] a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me; And honor not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have you made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. -- Matthew 15:2-6

The Greek word translated "tradition" is paradosis (G3682) and occurs 13 times in the New Testament. According to Strong's, it means "transmission" a "precept", and especially "Jewish traditionary law". The word patroparadotos (G3970) is derived from the same root and means "handing over or down" as in "received by tradition from fathers".

Here is a quick survey of the passages where this word occurs:

"Tradition" From the Gospels

Matthew (15:2) Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew (15:3) But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Matthew (15:6) And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Mark (7:3) For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

Mark (7:5) Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

Mark (7:8) For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Mark (7:9) And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mark (7:13) Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

"Tradition" From the Letters

Galatians (1:14) And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Colossians (2:8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

2 Thessalonians (2:15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians (3:6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

1 Peter (1:18) Forasmuch as ye know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Tradition is Error

From these references it will be seen that "tradition" is referred to negatively 11 of 13 times. In the Gospels, Christ was a persistent enemy of tradition, reserving His strictest condemnation for the Scribes and Pharisees -- the "religious leaders" of the day. For example, see Matthew 23.

There are obvious Christian traditions today: The order or procedure of "church services". Christmas, Easter, Sunday, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School. Pews, pulpits, stained glass, altars, robes, art, music. Bishops, arch-bishops, conventions, creeds. Prayers, words and phrases. Where are these in Scripture? They are foreign to the Bible.

From whence did they come, then? From man. Tradition permeates all of the professing Christian religions.

The verses that follow Matthew 15:6 continue with:

[You] hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draws nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:7-9)

What May We Learn?

Though it was prophesied of Israel, Isaiah 29:13 might well apply to Christians today. Freed from the complicated entanglements of the Law by the work of Christ, we are quick to adopt the teachings of men -- as if these can hold more authority than the Law!

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

There are also traditions that are not so obvious. The traditional errors in doctrine tend to be much more subtle. Some are ancient, some are fresh perversions of the truth. Tradition in doctrine is often a trite and simple statement. It is a "sum up" that allows those with itching ears to live by conveniently packaged rules rather than by faith in Christ Jesus.

Israel had the Scriptures, but overlaid them with their traditions, and made the Scriptures of "none effect". Christian Pharisees do the same using a long history of tradition to support their doctrines, yet they are still the doctrines of men.

But tradition, however long it's history, cannot supplant the Word of God. Israel had the Scriptures but missed the coming of the Messiah.

What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Romans (11:7)

How many will miss the Savior because their traditions have blinded them to what His Word actually says? How many will stand in Judgement, with the flames of Hell licking at their creeds and confessions!

A little leaven ferments the whole lump (Galatians 5:9): May the Lord give us grace to purge the traditions of men from our lives and strive to live by His Holy Word.

Where Your Treasure Is

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

In today's world, people commonly speak of leaving a legacy. Those that are rich give away piles of money while those with less means contribute to society through art, writing, mentorship, or whatever.

There are so many causes for today's Christians and time, money, and prayer are squandered on most of them. But The Enemy operates in the spiritual realm, in the realm of man's religions, and not in those areas that most Christians take up as righteous issues. This is evidence from his first appearance in Scripture:

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die: For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis (3:5)

Notice the perversion of the Word by Eve and the lie introduced by Satan? The actual words were:

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shalt not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die. Genesis (2:17)

This ancient lie is the foundation upon which modern apostasy is based and tells us that our fight is in the spiritual realm and not in merely the moral or political realm.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Ephesians (6:12)

Abortion, homosexual marriage, and the myriad of other issues are only symptoms of a world that has long been under the influence of sin. At the end of the Apostolic age, there was nothing left to do but "preach the word":

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy (4:2)

Professing Christians are among those that wish to leave a legacy, but I submit that "leaving" a legacy is far from what a Christian ought to desire. When the saints are called to meet the Lord "in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) there will be nothing left of true Christianity that will be a benefit to those that remain.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. James (1:27)

Instead of leaving a legacy, we should be investing in those things that will allow us to take our "legacy" with us, for where our treasures are, there will our hearts be also.

Christ in Genesis

I've been re-reading How to Enjoy the Bible by E.W. Bullinger and found this section of particular interest today. The chapter is the "One Great Subject of the Word" and the section is "Christ in the Separate Books of the Word".

Specifically, I was interested in Christ in the book of Genesis, which is the seed-plot of the Bible. So many things are declared or foreshadowed in Genesis. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke (24:27)

I will attempt to paraphrase this section here to capture the highlights:

The record of creation in Genesis 1 may remind us of our new creation in Christ:

2 Corinthians (5:17) Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The light which shined out of darkness (Genesis 1:2,3) has also shined in our hears:

2 Corinthians (4:6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

On this point, Bullinger notes:

"No wonder that those how know nothing of this spiritual light of the New Creation know nothing o the light that was created on the first day as revealed in the record of the old creation. The natural man sees only a myth and an old wive's fable in the Creation record ..."

In the Creator we see Christ:

John (1:3) All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians (1:16) For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:

In the first Adam we see the last Adam:

1 Corinthians (15:45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

Romans (5:14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

In the first man, the coming of the second man:

1 Corinthians (15:47) The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven.

The "seed of the woman" in Genesis 3:15 we see the coming of the son of Abraham, the son of David, the Son of man, and the Son of God.

Bullinger further notes that through a corruption in the Latin Vulgate of 3:15 that Roman Catholics have elevated the "Virgin Mary" and thus

"see either a helpless Infant, or a dead man, and a living woman -- the Virgin Mary."

Now consider:

Genesis (15:1) After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

See Abraham's "shield" revealing Himself.

John (8:56) Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

In Isaac we see Christ the true seed of Abraham:

Romans (9:7) Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Galatians (3:16) Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

The miraculous conception pronounced in Luke 1:30-33 is seen in the promise to Abraham:

Genesis (18:10) And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

The Crucifixion is seen in the selection of Mount Moriah for Abraham's offering of Isaac, as Bullinger says, "not by chance, or for convenience (for it was three days' journey), but appointed in the Divine counsels as the site of the future alter of burnt offering."

Genesis (22:2) And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

2 Chronicles (3:1) Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Compare the statement of Joseph's brothers with that of the "citizens" of Luke:

Genesis (37:8) And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Luke (19:14) But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

Obviously this is an incomplete list (as Bullinger himself says), but it is adequate to demonstrate that a profitable study maybe made on this topic.

New FreeKJV Site is Done

The latest version of freekjv.org has been rolled in to production. There are virtually no visible changes to the front end, but the backend -- almost all the improvements were directed at helping us better manage inventory and orders.

I have added a new book to the list -- the First Years of Christianity, but it has already sold out. It is an excellent treatise on the first century Church and is well worth the read. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive book we've offered to date, so I'm not sure how often it will be in stock.

Letter to Those Wanting Bible's in Bulk

Since we started freekjv.org, I have received numerous requests for Bible's in bulk, even though the FAQ and home page indicates one Bible per order (or household). Occasionally, I break the rule of of one Bible per household, but I have always refused requests for Bible's in bulk.

These requests have always come from someone at a church (as in a building and not an ekklesia). Below is my response to a recent inquiry. The writer wanted to give away a Bible to each visitor of their church as well as in the community.

Thanks for your question. From time to time I receive a request such as yours and my answer has always been "no". Let me explain why.

1. The budget for our bibles is established by a percentage of the revenue generated by our family business. It is therefore limited by the providence of God in supplying us with both work and profit.

2. When my wife and I came up with the idea of free bibles, we felt it was necessary to set some rules. Bibles would be "one per household", only given in the United States, and the amount spent is based upon a fixed percentage. Barring that, we would ask no questions.

3. I do not accept donations but instead rely solely on God's grace to provide the funds needed to purchase the bibles. To date, the requests for bibles have risen rapidly, but the funds have always been available to fill the need. This is Abraham's "Jehovah-Jireh" -- the Lord will provide. But Isaac's ram was not immediately apparent -- it was provided at the last possible moment, and that has been our experience in funding the give away's at freekjv.org

4. It is important to note that the people that receive our bibles have *asked* for them. They are seeking and finding, asking and receiving.

5. I am particularly opposed to providing this service to churches for a couple of reasons.

- First, it would rapidly consume my budget. If I limit one per household, I spread the money that God gives me over a wider number of people.

- Second, a local body of believers ought to have the resources to procure their own bibles for give away. If not, then they should consider returning to the first century model of fellowship -- meeting in the homes of believers (Rom 16:5, 1 Cor 16:19, Col 4:15, Philemon 1:2), which can free much needed resources to help the poor.

The harvest is indeed plenteous and the laborers are few. So many people today that call themselves Christians are faithless and narrow-minded. They have things backwards in terms of charity. They think that prosperity is an indication of God's approval, and "growth" is their aim. Proverbs says labor not to be rich and cease from your own understanding. Yet today's Christian "ministries" beg for money at every turn to support their activities. The church down the road from us sends out regular requests for money to a poor widow-woman next door when in fact they should be helping to supply her needs and not the other way around.

I would encourage you to be faithful. The Creator of the Universe and Author of Salvation is not limited in His power or resources. The cattle upon a thousand hills are His. If He were hungry, He would not ask us for food. He does all things after the counsel of His own will. He knows what we need before we ask. If the Lord intends for me to give away a thousand bibles next month, I trust that He has already set in motion the project(s) that will help me pay for such an expense.

If God wants you to give away bibles He will supply you with the resources to do so, regardless of famine, pestilence, or a bad economy. "A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh you." (Psalm 91:7)

If you are looking for something economical, I would suggest purchasing bibles by the case. Here is the one we give away:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=60198CS&event=CF

(Please note that I am in no way endorsing christianbook.com, nor am I affiliated with that company.)

With shipping, purchasing the bibles above will come out to between $2 and $3 per bible. Total cost for a case of 36 is about $75. I can also put you in touch with the publisher, which can offer the bibles 15 to 20 cents (or more) cheaper depending upon the quantity ordered. But it takes a lot of quantity to get the deeper discounts.

I am sorry this is not the answer you were hoping for, but perhaps it will be helpful, anyway.

Version 3 of freekjv.org is Underway

I've started working on the third version of freekjv.org and am hoping to finish by the end of August.

• The look of the site will not change.
• I'm hoping to add one or two more categories of additional materials.
• Maybe a new book or two.
• Lots of changes on the back-end to help us better manage inventory and orders.

The main reason for the project is to improve inventory and order management.

Appendixes to the Companion Bible, More Work

Well, I am on Appendix 111 for this project, and boy is this more work than I thought it was going to be! If I can obtain permission from the original owners of the HTML, I am considering printing this book and selling it on Amazon. Not only has it been a lot of work, but it really is a valuable tool for Bible Study.

The One Great Subject of the Word

This is an old article by E.W. Bullinger.

---

The one great subject which runs through the whole Word of God is Christ: the promised seed of the woman in Gen. 3:15:

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

This verse marks the depth of the ruin into which man had descended in the Fall; and it becomes the foundation of the rest of the Bible.

All hope of restoration for man and for creation is centered in Christ; who in due time should be born into the world, should suffer and die; and, in resurrection, should become the Head of a new creation, and should finally crush the head of the Old Serpent, who had brought in all the ruin.

Christ, therefore, the King, and the Kingdom which He should eventually set up, become the one great subject which occupies the whole of the Word of God.

Hence, He is the key to the Divine revelation in the Word; and apart from Him it cannot be understood.

The contents of the Bible must therefore be seen and arranged with reference to Him. The counsels and purposes of God are all centered in Christ.

Christ Seen Throughout Scripture

1. In the Old Testament we have the King and the Kingdom in Promise and Prophecy, Illustration and Type.

2.In the Four Gospels we have the King and the Kingdom presented and proclaimed by John the Baptizer, and by Christ Himself. And we see the Kingdom rejected, and the King crucified.

3. In the Acts of the Apostles we have the Transition from the Kingdom to the Church. The Kingdom is once again offered to Israel by Peter; again it is rejected, Stephen is stoned, and Peter imprisoned (ch. 12.).

Then Paul, who had been already chosen and called (ch. 9.), is commissioned for His Ministry (ch. 13.), and on the final rejection of his testimony concerning the Kingdom, he pronounces for the third and last time the sentence of judicial blindness in Isaiah 6, and declares that "the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles" (Acts 28:25-28).

In his final communication to Hebrew believers it is written that while in God's counsels all things had been put under Christ's feet, "we see NOT YET all things put under Him " (Heb. 2:7-9).

The Kingdom thenceforth is in abeyance.

4. In the Epistles we have the King exalted, and (while the Kingdom is in abeyance) made the Head over all things to the Church, during this present Interval; the Dispensation of the grace of God.

5. In the Apocalypse we have the Revelation of the King in judgment; and we see the Kingdom set up, the King enthroned in power and glory, the promise fulfilled, and prophecy ended.

The One Subject of the Word as a Whole

We may exhibit the above to the eye in the following Structure:

A. The King and the Kingdom in Promise and Prophecy. (The Old Testament.)

B. The King presented, proclaimed, and rejected. The Mysteries (or Secrets) of the Kingdom revealed. Matt. 13:11, 34, 35. (The Four Gospels.)

C. Transitional (The Acts). The Kingdom again offered and rejected. The Mystery of the Church made known. The Kingdom in abeyance (Heb. 2:8).

B. The King exalted and made Head over all things to the Church, "which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all " (Eph. 1:22, 23). The Great Mystery completed (The Epistles).

A. The King and the Kingdom unveiled. The King enthroned, and the Kingdom set up with Divine judgment, power, and glory (Rev. 19, 20). Promise and prophecy fulfilled (The Apocalypse).

Here the correspondence is seen between these five members.

In A and A we have the King and the Kingdom.

In B and B we have the King and the mysteries (or secrets) of the Kingdom (Matt. 13).

In C, the central member, we have the present Interval, while the King is absent, the Holy Spirit present, and the Kingdom in abeyance, and the mystery of the Church revealed (Eph. 3).

From the Structure it will be seen that the great subject of the whole Book is one. From Gen. 3:15 to Rev. 22., "THE COMING ONE" fills our vision.

This teaches us that the Coming of Christ is no newly invented subject of some modern faddists or fanatics, or cranks; but that Christ's coming has always been the Hope of His people.

In "the fullness of time" He came: but having been rejected and slain He rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven. There He is "seated" and "henceforth expecting until His enemies shall be placed as a footstool for His feet " (Heb. 10:13).

Hence, Christ, "the Coming One," is the one all-pervading subject of the Word of God as a whole.

He is the pneuma or life-giving spirit of the written Word, without which the latter is dead. "As the body without the pneuma is dead" (Jas. 2:26), so the written Word without the pneuma is dead also. Christ is that pneuma or spirit. This is the whole argument of 2 Cor. 3.

The Master Key of Scripture

This is why the Lord Jesus could say of the Scriptures:

"They testify of ME" (John 1:45; 5:39; Luke 24:44, 45).

Their one great design is to tell of the Coming One. All else is subordinated to this. This is why we see the ordinary events in a household combining with the grandest visions of a prophet to testify of Him who fills all Scripture. It may be said of the written Word, as it is of the New Jerusalem,

"The Lamb is the light thereof " (Rev. 21:23)

Apart from Him, the natural eye of man sees only outward historical details and circumstances; some in themselves appearing to him trifling, others offensive, and pursued at a length which seems disproportionate to the whole; while things which "angels desire to look into" are passed over in a few words, or in silence.

But once let "the spiritual mind" see Christ testified of "in Moses and all the prophets," then all assumes a new aspect: trifles that seem hardly worth recording fill the whole vision and light up the written Word and make it to shine with the glory of the Divine presence.

Then we see why the Inspired writer dwells on a matter which to the outward eye seems trivial compared with other things which we may deem to be of world-wide importance.

Then we observe in an event, seemingly casual and unimportant, something which tells forth the plans and counsels of God, by which He is shaping everything to His own ends. Nothing appears to us then either great or small. All is seen to be Divine when the Coming One is recognized as the one subject of the Word of God.

This is the master-key of the Scriptures of truth.

"These are they that testify of ME."

Bearing this key in our hand we can unlock the precious treasures of the Word; and understand words, and hints; apparently casual expressions, circumstances, and events, which in themselves, and apart from Him, are meaningless.

It is the use of this master-key and this first great foundation principle which is to be observed in the study of the "Word" and "words" of God. It is when we, in every part, have found "HIM of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" (John 1:45), that we can understand those parts of Scripture which are "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to many; that we can explain much that is otherwise difficult; see clearly much that before was obscure; answer objections that are brought against the Word; and "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men."

The moment this master-key is used types will be seen foreshadowing the Coming King, and showing forth His sufferings and His Glory. Events and circumstances will show forth His wondrous deeds and tell of the coming glory of His kingdom.

---

About E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913)

Born in Canterbury, England and Educated at King's College, London, Bullinger’s specialty was language and notable works include: A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament (1877); Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1898); and (the primary editor) of The Companion Bible (published in 6 parts, beginning in 1909). The Archbishop of Canterbury granted him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1881 in recognition of his biblical scholarship.

Hello BART

I'm happy to announce the release of BART 0.2.1-d. You can get the code at

http://code.google.com/p/bartkjv/

BART is not (and may never be) ready for "consumer" use because it requires the ability to set up a Python environment. However, if you are are a Scripture researcher and would like assistance with setting up BART, please contact me and i will see what I can do to help.

Be Frutiful and Multiply?

A Reproof of the Quiverfull Movement

If you are unfamiliar with Quiverfull and it's doctrine in opposition to birth control, you can check it out at Wikipedia (and quiverfull.com is their "official" web site). The movement was effectively started in 1985 by Nancy Cambell and Mary Pride. As with most errors in Christianity, Quiverfull supporters wrongly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and like most cults, they select only a few key passages from the Bible to support and defend their claims or doctrines.

If you're like most people, you probably haven't noticed the groundswell of quiet support for Eugenics resulting from misplaced concern over protecting the environment and the future of our planet. I am in no way advocating population control -- I believe marriage and children are a fundamental human right.

This is also not a defense of birth control or abortion where these endanger the health of the woman or mother.

Rather, it is an objection to the use of Holy Scriptures to engender error and enslave people to a "law" or "work" under the pretense that in so doing they are somehow more obedient or pleasing to God.

Be Fruitful and Multiply

The command to "be fruitful and multiply" was issued three times (to humans) in the Old Testament.

The command of Genesis 1:28 was given to Adam and Eve at the dawn of Creation. The command of Genesis 9:1 was given to "Noah and his sons" after the Great Flood. In Genesis 35:11, Jacob is told " be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of you". Jacob is renamed to Israel in this same passage.

None of these events can (or should) be compared to the circumstances of our modern age, but rather are clearly contrasted with our time. Unlike the commands given to the nation of Israel (viz. the 10 commandments), these commands were given to specific people. Yet, Quiverfull believes the command to be fruitful and multiply is for all believers and the command has never been rescinded. Charles D. Provan says it is disobedience to use birth control because it "attempts to prevent being fruitful and multiplying".

By this same argument it would be disobedient for us to refuse building an Ark or sacrificing our first-born son -- commands specifically given to Noah and Abraham respectively, neither of which have ever been rescinded.

"Children are a Blessing from the Lord"

The principal passage that Quiverfull believers use is Psalms 127:3-5. The King James version has it as:

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man; so [are] children of the youth. Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

However, other versions (such as the NIV) of the Bible change "Happy [is] the man" to "blessed is the man". Although you find many such references in external writings, there is no such passage in the Bible as "children are a blessing from the Lord". There is also no such passage as "children are a gift from God". All such references in support of Quiverfull (and similar notions) appear to return to Psalms 127:3-5.

That children are sometimes a blessing is the common experience of all faiths and cultures. That children are sometimes a shame to their parents is also proved empirically and finds much support in the Bible through example and direct reference (especially in Proverbs). Here are just two examples from Proverbs:

Proverbs (28:7) Whoso keeps the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shames his father.

Proverbs (29:3) Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance.

Consider this passage for a moment:

Proverbs (15:22) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Now this one:

Proverbs (29:12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

Clearly the implication of Proverbs 15:22 is that without good counsel, purposes are "disappointed". That is, not all counsel is good and that bad counsel is still bad even if you have a lot of it!

Likewise, parents, relatives and friends may rightly celebrate the safe arrival of a new born, but if experience and Scripture show us that children are not always a "blessing" (or "angels", for that matter) then either the Bible contradicts itself by showing that children sometimes bring shame OR the Quiverfull believers contradict the Bible by wrongly dividing its passages to support their beliefs.

So Is Having No Children a Curse from God?

We could also examine the reverse -- that is, if you can't have children are you being cursed by God? Have you done something wrong? Are you being punished because you can't have children?

And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Jesus answered, "Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:1-3

There is no more a curse upon you for being childless than a blessing upon those that do not exercise any form of birth control and have lots of children. Our consolation in all of life's troubles is God's strength, wisdom, and love. See Romans 8:28. He is our strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) and His grace is "sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Christians Should Just "Trust God"

Quiverfull believers cite passages in the Bible where God opens or closes the womb (Genesis 20:18, 29:31, 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:5-6; Isaiah 66:9) as evidence that we should "let" God choose the timing and quantity of children. They believe that Christians should trust God "to provide them with the perfect number of children for their situation" (A Full Quiver: Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ, by Rick and Jan Hess).

I believe in the Sovereignty and Providence of God. I believe He works through means. I believe that He works all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11) and according to His good pleasure (Philipians 2:13). I believe we should trust God because He is faithful and true. I also believe that "trusting God" does mean turning off your brain.

For example, I trust God to pay my bills. But that doesn't allow me to sit at home unemployed like the sluggard of Proverbs. It means that He knows my needs before I ask (Matthew 6:8) and that I work at a job so I can eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). I need my experience, intelligence, and reason to get a job and I need to actually and physically make the effort to go to interviews, show up for work, and so on. Like the young lions of Psalms, I seek my "meat" from God (104:21).

I could turn off my brain and wait for my "entitlements" or I can understand that the world that God has made is one of sense and means. As John Piper has said regarding the Quiverfull movement:

"...just because something is a gift from the Lord does not mean that it is wrong to be a steward of when or whether you will come into possession of it. It is wrong to reason that since A is good and a gift from the Lord, then we must pursue as much of A as possible. God has made this a world in which tradeoffs have to be made and we cannot do everything to the fullest extent." (emphasis added)

An example of pursuing a gift to the detriment of other "gifts" is the apparent fixation of the Corinthians on speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-19). The Apostle Paul concludes with:

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

Does trusting God mean that Christians are to be mindless and nonsensical in their decisions? God forbid. Consider this related passage on the decision to give a daughter in marriage:

1 Corinthians (7:37) Nevertheless he that stands stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. (emphasis added)

The name of Christ is shamed by those who call themselves Christians and yet act like children who are unable to bear the meat of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:2). We should make decisions based on information and the power of the intellects that God has given us.

The Bible tells us to be careful ("anxious") for nothing, "but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philipians 4:6).

Sex is for More than Reproduction

In her book, The Way Back: Beyond Feminism, Back to Reality, Mary Pride says that:

"God commanded that sex be at least potentially fruitful (that is, not deliberately unfruitful).... All forms of sex that shy away from marital fruitfulness are perverted."

I find no place in the Bible where God commanded that sex be "potentially fruitful". Even a casual read through the Song of Solomon shows us that one purpose for sex is pleasure. The idea that sex is only for reproduction is unscriptural and a hold-over from the prudish and puritanical days of Christianity. That sex is somehow immoral even in marriage is a false doctrine.

Hebrews (13:4) Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

When the Apostle Paul discusses his own times (and perhaps our times as well, see 1 Corinthians 7:27-29), he says it's good if a man or woman can remain unmarried. Being unmarried means being without children. Is being unmarried therefore a sin because you aren't reproducing? But Paul recognizes the power of hormones and the necessity for sex in marriage with no acknowledgement or mention of pregnancy as a consideration:

1 Corinthians (7:5) Defraud you not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

1 Corinthians (7:9) But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

It should be clear that "to burn" has nothing to do with a desire for reproduction. It would have been a simple thing for the Creator to make humans with some unceremonious way for accomplishing reproduction, but He did not.

That Birth Control is Unnatural

Without some form of birth control married couples are reduced to abstinence for the sake of family planning. Yet the marriage bed is undefiled and it is "better to marry than to burn". Natural forms of birth control have existed for thousands of years. The idea (and skill) of family planning and child spacing exists in so-called "primitive" cultures to this day.

Physiology (that God created) and common experience (which His providence provides) teaches us that exercising judgement and planning in pregnancy is prudent and wise not only for the mother's health, but for the well-being of the children.

Women Usurping Authority

In 1 Timothy 2:12, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy that he would not allow ("suffer") a woman to teach, nor to "usurp authority over the man". As my focus is purely on the Scriptural basis for Quiverfull, I must be careful not to attack the character of Cambell or Pride, but what I see from the very inception of the Quiverfull movement are women -- who no doubt have good intentions -- establishing doctrine and men accepting the result without question.

There are many things upon which we might agree; using the Bible to justify the prohibition of birth control is not one of those things.

Back Under the Law

In spite of claims of trust and faithfulness by Quiverfull supporters, I believe that refusing birth control is ultimately based upon the doctrine of "works" rather than our standing in Christ under grace. We are not under the Law of ordinances by which no man can be justified before God (Galatians 2:16). Christ has fulfilled the law of ordinances, nailing them to His cross (Colossians 2:14).

By ignoring both Scripture and vilifying common sense, the Quiverfull doctrine implies that there is a commandment that Christ did not bear on His cross and that something more is needed for us to be justified with God.

Appendixes to the Companion Bible

There was apparently a time when the the Appendixes to Bullinger's Companion Bible were available as a separate book. I liked this idea and almost purchased the only used copy available, but I thought it would be nice to have my own book that I had copied out myself.

Now, I was not interested in scanning and text conversion, but using various Web sites I've found with HTML copies of the Appendixes, I will be creating a book that's just the Appendixes. I may also look at adding some of the pre-chapter notes to this book.

Update - The Beginning of Knowledge

The first draft of The Beginning of Knowledge is done and off to my proof-readers. If nothing more happens with the book, it was still a profitable study and exercise.

• 130 pages.
• Two parts; one is a series of studies, the other the reference text.

Here is the Table of Contents for the curious.

The Beginning of Knowledge

I'm starting started a new book which will be a mix of study guide and commentary on the book of Proverbs. If life be spared and money be given, I hope to publish the book some time this year.

I've always been a fan of high-level summaries of things in order to gain a better understanding of the details, so you can expect lots of tables.

My other goal is to create a reading of Proverbs that contains

1. Categories for verses.
2. Examples of the saying in the context of Scripture (mostly thanks to The Companion Bible).
3. Notes.

Proverbs is probably my favorite book of the Bible for it's practical teaching in daily ethics and behavior as well as the more mystical references to Christ as Wisdom personified. And since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, this seems like a foundational book from which to start a series.

Now Offering Pilgrim's Progress

We are now offering John Bunyan's classic work of fiction. Availability is limited. Enjoy!

Now Offering Pilgrims's Progress

We are now offering John Bunyan's class work of fiction at freekjv.org Availability is limited. Enjoy!