By E. L. Bynum
We are often told that people cannot understand the King James Version of the Bible. Certainly we would agree that some people cannot understand it and in the following paragraphs we will attempt to show why. It is our contention that the fault does not fall upon the version, but rather rests upon the reader.
The “Natural Man” Cannot Understand the KJV
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. The “natural man” is the unsaved, unregenerated man. To him the Word of God will have little meaning. He may be cultured, learned and very intelligent, but until he is saved, the Bible will remain a mystery to a large extent. The unsaved man may be highly educated and even trained in philosophy and theology, but in his natural state, he will not understand God’s Word.
The reason for this is clearly revealed in the Bible. Divine truths must be revealed by a divine person that is the Holy Spirit. “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God . . . the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. Only the saved have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. Unfortunately there are many religious people who have never been saved, yet they are trying to interpret the Bible and teach others. They will always have trouble in understanding the Bible, so these will often find refuge in blaming the KJV for their problem.
When you hear the propaganda that usually accompanies the introduction of a new version, you had better exercise some spiritual discernment. Often we are told of a new version that at long last we have a Bible “that everyone can understand.” We have two things to say about such a statement. (1) It is an utterly false statement, and any fair test will prove it to be so. (2) If all or nearly all can understand it, it is proof positive that it is not the Word of God. There is big money in publishing new versions of the Bible, and many will do and say almost anything to promote their sales.
The “Carnal” Man Cannot Understand the KJV
Paul describes the “carnal” man as one that is saved, but still unable to understand much of God’s message to man. “And I brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” 1 Corinthians 3:1,2. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2. Babes in Christ are to be given the milk of the Word that they may grow. One purpose of spiritual growth, is that the Christian may grow up to the place that he may partake of the meat of the Word. The same problem is discussed in Hebrews 5:11-14. Many of the Hebrew Christians ought to have been teachers, but they were still babes and had to be taught once again “the first principles of the oracles of God.” (Read this entire passage.)
The Carnal Christian is one who is still a babe spiritually. The carnal ones live a life of envy, strife etc. Unsaved members and carnal Christians are the source of most Church strife. The carnal man does not live a separated life. He finds it easy to live in the sins of the world. He may be very active religiously, but he does not and cannot understand the deep things of God. He may very well occupy the theological chair at a Bible College or a Theological Seminary. Since he does not understand the Bible, he may very well blame this on the KJV.
Among professing Christians there is a large but unknown percentage who are unsaved and therefore cannot understand the Bible. Among those that are truly saved, the majority will be found to be carnal Christians, who can understand very little of the Word; because they are babes. Much of the blame for these conditions can be placed at the doorstep of the Pastor and Church. An ear tickling message will not convict sinners, nor will babes be converted to maturity by it. The present emphasis on gimmicks and psychology in modern churches can only worsen the condition. By gimmicks and contests, unsaved people are lured into church membership without the new birth. By psychology unsaved and carnal members are taught how to be good. God’s program has largely been set aside, in favor of the modern methods.
Poor Readers Find It Hard To Understand the KJV
It is absolutely appalling that in 20th century America, vast multitudes of the population are functionally illiterate. Many of these have passed through grade school, high school and even college and they still cannot read. According to late studies, 20% or 23 million people in America are functionally illiterate. These cannot even read newspaper help-wanted ads and understand them. How could they be expected to read and understand the Bible?
In the view of this writer, there are two principle reasons for the sad lack of reading ability among 20th century Americans. The first reason is our degenerate educational system in this country. For years educators have followed some variation of the Dewey progressive education plan. Until this ungodly system of education is scrapped, we cannot expect much improvement. There is very little discipline in our school system today. Very few students are ever failed, but are simply passed on to a higher grade. Everyone has the right to a diploma, whether they earn it or not. Why not deliver a high school diploma and a college degree to every baby that is born. Give it to them at birth. Then they could get an extra 20 years of use out of them. Ridiculous and absurd as it may seem, it is only a few degrees worse than some of the educational concepts today.
Television is the second reason why multitudes cannot read. The vast majority of adults and children spend very little time reading anything worthwhile. This writer has known quite a number of people who had very little formal education, but yet were excellent readers; because they had spent much time in reading. According to recent surveys the average American spends 6 1/2 hours per day watching TV. You may be sure that the average person will have little or no time for reading after spending 6 1/2 hours with the boob tube. No one can learn to read while watching TV, and in fact no one can learn much of anything worthwhile on TV. People learn to lust, rape, kill, rob and as assault from TV, but little else. TV might be described as a modern device for pickling the brain without chemicals. No invention of the 20th century has proven as valuable to Satan as TV.
Spiritual People Can Understand the KJV
In between Paul’s description of the “natural man” and the “carnal” man, he gives us a description of the “spiritual” man. The spiritual man is one who is saved, separated and growing in spiritual maturity while he walks with God. “...He that is spiritual judgeth all things . . . ” and he has “the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:15,16. The spiritual man doesn’t need the counterfeit Bibles, such as: “The Living Bible,” “Good News Bible,” “The New English Bible,” “Revised Standard Version,” “New International Version” and “The New American Standard Version.”
The spiritual man can understand the King James Version. In fact he learns more than he is able to absorb. He doesn’t expect the Bible to read like a newspaper or a comic book. He understands that it is a divine book and therefore has many things that are hard to be understood. It has to be studied diligently. It has to be rightly divided. The careful student can spend a life time studying and never cease learning. We don’t need a new Bible, God’s people need to read and heed the Bible God has given us.
For more than 25 years (now 50 years), we have witnessed the parade of “easy to be understood Bibles.” These include the RSV of 1952 and the Good News Bible of 1976. Yet, we notice those who carry, promote and read these modern versions, seem to know little about the Word of God. We don’t expect that to change!
(Reprinted from the Plains Baptist Challenger, March 1977.)
John Ploughman’s Sermon
By C. H. Spurgeon
If this were a regular sermon preached from a pulpit of course I should make it long and dismal, for fear people should call me eccentric. As it is only meant to be read at home I will make it short, though it will not be sweet, for I have not a sweet subject. The text is taken from the Epistle to the Philippians, the third chapter and the second verse. “BEWARE of Dogs.” You know what dogs are, and you know how you beware of them when a bull-dog flies at you to the full length of his chain, so the words don’t want any clearing up.
It is very odd that the Bible never says a good word for dogs: I suppose the breed must have been bad in those eastern parts, or else, as our minister tells me, they were nearly wild, had no master in particular, and were left to prowl about half starved. No doubt a dog is very like a man, and becomes a sad dog when he has himself for a master. We are all the better for having somebody to look up to; and those who say they care for nobody and nobody cares for them are dogs of the worst breed, and, for a certain reason, are never likely to be drowned.
Dear friends, I shall have heads and tails like other parsons, and I am sure I have a right to them, for they are found in the subjects before us.
Firstly, then, let us beware of dirty dogs — or as Paul calls them, “evil workers” — those who love filth and roll in it. Dirty dogs will spoil your clothes, and make you as foul as they are themselves. A man is known by his company; if you go with loose fellows your character will be tarred with the same brush as theirs. People can’t be very nice in their distinctions; if they see a bird always flying with the crows, and feeding and nesting with them they call it a crow, and ninety-nine times out of a hundred they are right. If you are fond of the kennel, and like to run with the hounds, you will never make the world believe that you are a pet lamb. Besides, bad company does a man real harm, for, as the old proverb has it, if you lie down with dogs you will get up with fleas.
You cannot keep too far off a man with the fever, and a man of wicked life. If a lady in a fine dress sees a big dog come out of a horse-pond, and run about shaking himself dry, she is very particular to keep out of his way, and from this we may learn a lesson, — when we see a man half gone in liquor, sprinkling his dirty talk all around him, our best place is half-a-mile off at the least.
Secondly, beware of snarling dogs. There are plenty of these about; they are generally very small creatures, but they more than make up for their size by their noise. They yap and snap without end. Dr. Watts said —
“Let dogs delight to bark and bite, For God has made them so.”
But I cannot make such an excuse for the two-legged dogs I am writing about, for their own vile tempers, and the devil together, have made them what they are. They find fault with anything and everything. When they dare they howl, and when they cannot do that they lie down and growl inwardly. Beware of these creatures. Make no friends with an angry man: as well make a bed of stinging nettles or wear a viper for a necklace. Perhaps the fellow is just now very fond of you, but beware of him, for he who barks at others today without a cause will one day howl at you for nothing. Don’t offer him a kennel down your yard unless he will let you chain him up. When you see that a man has a bitter spirit, and gives nobody a good word, quietly walk away and keep out of his track if you can. Loaded guns and quick tempered people are dangerous pieces of furniture; they don’t mean any hurt, but they are very apt to go off and do mischief before you dream of it. Better go a mile round than get into a fight; better sit down on a dozen tacks with the points up than get into a dispute with an angry neighbour.
Thirdly, beware of fawning dogs. They jump up upon you and leave the marks of their dirty paws. How they will lick your hand and fondle you as long as there are bones to be got: like the lover who said to the cook. “Leave you, dear girl, never, while you have a shilling.” Too much sugar in the talk should lead us to suspect that there is very little in the heart. The moment a man praises you to your face mark him, for he is the very gentleman to rail at you behind your back. If a fellow takes the trouble to flatter he expects to be paid for it, and he calculates that he will get his wages out of the soft brains of those he tickles. When people stoop down it generally is to pick something up, and men don’t stoop to flatter you unless they reckon upon getting something out of you. When you see too much politeness you may generally smell a rat if you give a good sniff. Young people need to be on the watch against flatterers, especially young women with pretty faces and a little money. To these we would say beware of puppies!
Fourthly, beware of greedy dogs, such as can never have enough. Grumbling is catching; one discontented man sets others complaining, and this is a bad state of mind to fall into. Folks who are greedy are not always honest, and if they see a chance they will put their spoon into their neighbour’s porridge; why not into yours? See how cleverly they skin a flint; before long you will find them skinning you, and as you are not quite so used to it as the eels are, you had better give Mr. Skinner a wide berth. When a man boasts that he never gives any away, you may read it as a caution — beware of dogs. A liberal, kind-hearted friend helps you to keep down your selfishness, but a greedy grasper tempts you to put an extra button on your pocket. Hungry dogs will wolf down any quantity of meat, and then look out for more, and so will greedy men swallow farms and houses, and then smell around for something else. I am sick of the animals: I mean both the dogs and the men. Talking of nothing but gold, and how to make money, and how to save it — why one had better live with the hounds at once, and howl over your share of dead horse. The mischief a miserly wretch may do to a man’s heart no tongue can tell; one might as well be bitten by a mad dog, for greediness is as bad a madness as a mortal can be tormented with. Keep out of the company of screw, tight-fists, hold-fasts, and bloodsuckers; beware of dogs.
Fifthly, beware of yelping dogs. Those who talk much tell a great many lies, and if you love truth you had better not love them. Those who talk much are likely enough to speak ill of their neighbours, and of yourself among the rest; and therefore if you do not want to be town talk, you will be wise to find other friends. Prate-a-pace will weary you out one day, and you will be wise to break off his acquaintance before it is made. Do not lodge in Clack-street, nor next door to the Gossip’s Head. A lion’s jaw is nothing compared to a talebearer’s. If you have a dog which is always barking, and should chance to lose him, don’t spent a penny in advertising for him.
Few are the blessings which are poured upon dogs which howl all night and wake up honest householders, but even these can be better put up with than those inchatterers who never let a man’s character rest either day or night.
Sixthly, beware of dogs that worry the sheep. Such get into our churches, and cause a world of misery. Some have new doctrines as rotten as they are new; others have new plans, whims, and crochets, and nothing will go right till these are tried; and there is a third sort, which are out of love with everybody and everything, and only come into the churches to see if they can make a row. Mark these, and keep clear of them. There are plenty of humble Christians who only want leave to be quiet and mind their own business, and these troublers are their plague. To hear the gospel, and to be helped to do good, is all that the most of our members want, but these worries come in with their “ologies” and puzzlements, and hard speeches, and cause sorrow upon sorrow. A good shepherd will soon fetch these dogs a good crack of the head; but they will be at their work again if they see half a chance. What pleasure can they find in it? Surely they must have a touch of the wolf in their nature. At any rate, beware of dogs.
Seventhly, beware of dogs who have returned to their vomit. An apostate is like a leper. As a rule none are more bitter enemies of the cross than those who once professed to be followers of Jesus. He who can turn away from Christ is not a fit companion for any honest man. There are many abroad now-a-days who have thrown off religion as easily as a ploughman puts off his jacket. It will be a terrible day for them when the heavens are on fire above them, and the world is ablaze under feet. If a man calls himself my friend, and leaves the ways of God, then his way and mine are different; he who is no friend to the good cause, is no friend of mine.
Lastly, finally, and to finish up, beware of dogs that have no master. If a fellow makes free with the Bible, and the laws of his country, and common decency, it is time to make free to tell him we had rather have his room than his company. A certain set of wonderfully wise men are talking very big things, and putting their smutty fingers upon every thing which their fathers thought to be good and holy. Poor fools, they are not half as clever as they think they are. Like hogs in a flower-garden, they are for rooting up everything, and some people are so frightened that they stand as if they were stuck, and hold up their hands in horror at the creatures. When the hogs have been in my Master’s garden, and I have had the big whip handy, I warrant you I have made a clearance, and I only wish I was a scholar, for I would lay about me among these free-thinking gentry, and make them squeal to a long metre tune. As John Ploughman has other fish to fry, and other tails to butter, he must leave these mischievous creatures, and finish his rough ramshackle sermon.
Beware of dogs. Beware of all who will do you harm. Good company is to be had, why want bad? It is said of heaven, “without are dogs.” Let us make friends of those who can go inside of heaven, for there we hope to go ourselves. We shall go to our company when we die; let it be such that we shall be glad to go to it.
— From The Sword and the Trowel, 1876
Different Kinds of Church Members As I Have Observed Them Through the Years
By B. H. Hillard
Through these years as pastor and layman, I have carefully taken note of church members and have observed differences as follows:
1. The all-round church member: members you can count on for anything at any time, under any circumstances, in season and out of season. They are few indeed. They are like the proverbial “chicken’s teeth,” few and far between. These are the salt of the earth, the pastor’s joy, the church’s strength, and the glory of the Lord.
2. The fickle church member: members who are the “off-again, gone-again, Flanagan” type. They can not be depended upon for anything in particular, but little in general, and are as spasmodic as the wagging of a dog’s tail. These are “moody,” and impulsive. They are either on the mountain of ecstasy or in the valley of humiliation, they are extremists, either crying or laughing. They are either under the drippings of the altar or like the prodigal in a pig’s sty. One can never know when to look for them in the services of the church.
3. The critical church member: members who have a nose for every foul odor, and who make it a point to keep an eye on every one else, and are quick to detect any misstep, and indiscreet word or act. They are usually known by their habitual long face, and, when once they discover an erring brother, they are quick to piously point him out. They usually have the “holier-than-thou” expressions. They find fault with all from the pulpit down to the janitor, although they never lend a helping hand. They know how others should do their work, notwithstanding the fact they have never engaged in the performance of such tasks.
4. The do-nothing church member: members who are truly good, but good for nothing. To be sure they attend the services of the church, certainly the morning service, but go no further. This, of course, is to be appreciated, but it is lacking in aggressive principles. They never respond to any call to service, though they are well able to do the work suggested.
5. The materialistic church member: members who are interested alone on the erection of buildings, and the maintenance of those already in use. I have known trustees to be of this type. They never see the spiritual side of the church’s activities; they are among those who take little interest in singing and praying, who are restless in the services, and who find every possible excuse for being absent. The mid-week service belongs to others, not to them. Seldom do these engage in soul-winning, and just as seldom visit or try to get others to attend.
6. The stingy church member: members who give little of anything. They are usually the ones who are critical of the use made of the money given by others. Recently a pastor told me that the treasurer of his church had an absolute aversion to writing checks for the money accumulated in the bank, and opposed every movement of his church forward, afraid he would have to draw on the funds. These complain if the pastor mentions money.
7. The lop-sided church member: members who are enthusiastic about some particular phase of the work, but lethargic to other phases. There are those who teach, and take no interest beyond their little, narrow sphere of service. Often leaders in departments narrow their interests to their own group, be they departmental heads or teachers of classes. Often those designated as custodians of the church’s finances are content to let others lead, give in special offerings, while they are content to spend that which others give.
All of these are in contrast with the spiritual minded, those who love to visit and win souls; those who give with the same joy as they receive material blessings from the Lord; those who take an active interest in every phase of the work, and are to busy with many tasks to stop and ponder over the mistakes of others. They pray for their pastor, and are made to rejoice when the work of the church prospers and souls are saved.
Dear Pastor Bynum, I just happened upon what I was looking for when I typed in on search: CATHOLIC PRIESTS SUICIDES, and then Item 3. on the web page, “The Scandal of The Priesthood” By John MacArthur and it was delivered at Grace Community Church, Panorama City, CA. In the Catholic Church, we never read the Bible, since we always had our Sunday Missals. I now realize that by keeping us away from THE TRUE WORD, the RCC was able to keep reinventing itself over and over again throughout history. When they did toss us some Scripture, it was re-written to suit the needs of the Hierarchy, not to mention that it gave them the ability to keep, “us” all in line. In one of my own recent, “humble” writings, I brought up the names of Mussolini and Hitler; monstrous dictators both & both born and raised Roman Catholics. Now I understand where they learned their wicked and brutal ways. (I’ve known nuns who were just as mean.) Thank you, GOD Bless, Victoria Martin
Just read your article on PROFANITY and thank your for it. My Mother was in the hospital and it is sad about the nurses using little dirty words. I’m still looking over your literature and thank you for it. God bless your website and church. Zel
Pastor E. L. Bynum, SIR: My name is Pastor Rexton F. Chakas of the Highland Baptist Church at Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines. This is to ask permission to download your lessons on the Confession of Faith. The lessons will be reproduced and given to the pastors of our church and missions to serve as our Sunday School Lessons starting September to December. Rest assured that we are not doing this for commercial purposes. Rexton Chakas
Dear Pastor Bynum, What a great source of challenge, encouragement, and Biblical teaching your site is. Every blessing in your work for the Lord. Geordie, UK
Dear Pastor Bynum: My name is Joel Nadel and I teach a Youth Sunday School class at Victory Baptist Church in Stuttgart, Germany. I have been using your course outlines posted on the Internet as the basis for my teaching. I spent ten weeks on the “Truth for Youth” curriculum with the boys and it was truly outstanding. I learned a great deal from it myself and my only regret is that I did not have the benefit of the Lord’s teaching on these issues earlier in my life, when my son was still at home. We are now dealing with the subject of emotions, which the boys chose on their own after reviewing the subjects you have taught on. As it is Bible, it is of course also highly relevant to the issues they are dealing with in a 21st Century world that is lost and falling into even greater depravity. So, for the incredible time and effort you have put in to create these timeless gems, my “Young Disciples” and I are profoundly grateful. Yours in the precious name of Christ Jesus: Joel H. Nadel
Dear Pastor Bynum, I came across your website and it is rare to find a pastor nowadays who defends the truth of the scriptures so faithfully. I am heartened by it. Here in Australia there are so many wishy-washy churches, easily led and deceived by the latest fads and trends. God is with you, no matter what persecution you may face. In Christ — Rod Smith.
Dear Brother E. L., I am praying for you folks and I have been giving out tracts from you folks I got and the one on the Passion of Christ is great. I even hate to know they made such a movie. I love your tract on Harry Potter its great I giving them out to. I have put out 26,000-600 gospel tracts so far this year, to god be the glory! Also I have put out 1,000-400-60 tracts last month. I sent tracts to theses places last month. 100-82 to Mexico + 10 bibles, 100-60 to Cambodia 500 to Haiti, 80 to India 43 to Africa do pray for me please I have the money to send out tracts.
Dear Brother Bynum, Greetings in our LORDS Wonderful name, My name is Pastor Mata Taputu, Grace and Truth Independent BAPTIST Church, Tokoroa New Zealand. Your Church web site is a blessing to me as a young BAPTIST Preacher of 2 years, there are not many sites that teach “BAPTIST DOCTRINE” your Sunday school materials are very good, Praise GOD! God in Heaven only recognizes one kind of CHURCH, local, visible, separated, Independent, soul winning, Standing on the King James Bible as its final Authority, BAPTIST CHURCH, as your material teaches, praise GOD brother! Thank you again Brother, Ain’t GOD good!! In Christ Pastor Mata Taputu. Eph 3:21.
Thank you so much for your article about scams. I work with Tennessee State Services for the Blind as a Rehabilitation Teacher Assistant. I work with people who are 55 years old and above. It makes me very angry to hear about elderly people being taken advantage of. I’m 55 myself, so I guess that’s my crowd. I graduated from UTC in 1971, but Jesus got me Jan. 3, 1960. I’m a 100% Independent Baptist, and I think your website is fantastic. Thank you, and please keep up the good work. David
Bro. Bynum, Another GARBC school eschews the name BAPTIST. Read about Western Baptist College out in the Northwest changing their name.... soon to be called “Corban College....... ! They say because the word corban means dedicated to God. (However, they are not taking into account that the Saviour pointed out the Pharisee’s misuse of this particular O.T. law observance in a pejorative sense.) Go to their website and you can understand immediately where they stand...and read the convoluted reasoning. McArthur is probably buddies with Hoff, the pres. of Western. I looked up their faculty in Bible Dept., and it is primarily psycho-oriented if you judge by the degrees of the profs. Dropping the name BAPTIST like a hot ‘demographic’ potato seems to be the first step in declaring their EXISTING NEW EVANGELICALISM........ They print out ALL their reasons on the front page of their website. Bro Ben Cable, one who is sorry to see the decline.
Dear Brother Bynum: Thanks very much for your helpful article “Beware of Scammers “! Not only do you warn God’s people of “spiritual scammers” but of Material Scammers. We had a family member scammed of $3000 recently with one of the described frauds in your article. Fortunately, we were able to get it back! Keep shootin, Captain Joe Henderson
Dear Pastor Bynum, It just infuriates me how evangelical leaders lack discernment. I have questioned 2 organizations on their doctrinal statement and what they think of Mother Theresa. They tell me that she did great works and was a believer. I then send them the information below. They then back track quickly. In the end, they pull all of their information on Mother Theresa off their website and realize their mistake. So there are victories being won. We just have to take the spiritual battle to Satan and not wait for it to come to us. It seems the response I send to them makes them think and convicts them. In Christ, Kevin Spengler
It is not known exactly what disease Arafat has, as leukemia and cancer have been ruled out. Hospital spokesmen have given practically no information, leaving the field open for speculation. At least two prominent political figures imply that Arafat has AIDS — and Arab affairs expert Dr. Mordechai Keidar says that it is a popular theory in the Palestinian Authority as well.
Former White House speech writer David Frum wrote recently in National Review Online that Arafat’s illness is well-known, but has been kept under wraps by the mainstream media. “We know he has a blood disease that is depressing his immune system,” writes Frum. “We know that he has suddenly dropped considerable weight — possibly as much as one-third of all his body weight. We know that he is suffering intermittent mental dysfunction. What does this sound like?” On October 26, former US federal prosecutor John Loftus told ABC radio that Arafat is dying of AIDS, and that the CIA has known about this for a while.
Arutz-7 recently quoted former Romanian deputy foreign intelligence chief Ion Pacepa, the highest ranking intelligence officer ever to have defected from the former Soviet bloc, regarding Arafat’s murderous tendencies. Pacepa’s memoirs also have much to say about Arafat’s homosexuality, noting that the Romanian government bugged Arafat and recorded his debauchery with his bodyguards. Pacepa quotes Constantin Munteaunu, a general assigned to tutor Arafat about the West on behalf of the Romanian government, as saying, “I’ve never before seen so much cleverness, blood and filth all together in one man.” After reading Munteaunu’s report, Pacepa wrote, “I felt a compulsion to take a shower whenever I had been kissed by Arafat, or even just shaken his hand.” (Arutz-Sheva, 11/8/04)
— The Upward Look
(Editor’s Note: Arafat has died since the above was written but it is very curious that we have never been informed of the cause of death.)
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Responding to the Southern Baptist Convention’s June decision to quit the Baptist World Alliance, the Baptist General Association of Virginia decided with minimal dissent to seek its own membership in the international body.
It’s unclear whether the Virginia group will apply for full membership or a new category of associate membership in the alliance, Baptist Press reported. A Virginia association meeting also increased annual support for the alliance from about $90,000 to $150,000, largely by cutting donations to the Southern Baptists’ International Mission Board.
On a related matter, a report said only two congregations quit the Virginia association this year to join the rival Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, an organization that supports the national denomination’s policies and represents about 430 congregations. At the Kentucky Baptist Convention meeting, a proposal to study establishing a tie with the world alliance was rejected in a 510-444 vote.
The national Southern Baptist Convention left the world alliance because of a perceived liberal shift in the group, including support of women pastors and “gayfriendly congregations.”
One of the most criticized characteristics of the King James translation of the Bible is the use of old English pronouns. Some unlearned scholars go to great lengths to make fun of thee’s, thou’s, and ye’s. “Why not just use ‘you’?” they say. Yet, this is one of the strongest points of the Authorized Version.
In the language of the Greek New Testament and Hebrew Old Testament there is a very distinct difference between the second person singular and the second person plural pronouns. We make no difference in modern English — both singular and plural are translated “you.” However, in old English there exists a difference just as there is in Greek and Hebrew. As a result the old English used in the King James Version gives far more precise translation than would modern English.
In our King James Bible, “thee,” “thou,” “thy,” and “thine” are always singular. “You,” “ye” and “your” are always plural. If the second person pronoun starts with a “t” (in the English translation) then it is singular. If it starts with a “y” it is plural. This information helps us to better interpret God’s Word.
It is interesting to note that, contrary to popular opinion, the word “you” is used in the King James Version of the Bible about 2,000 times in fact. The “thee’s” and the “ye’s” are used also for accuracy and directness of translation, perhaps the so-called “old” English could better be described as good old “Bible” English.
Praise ye the Lord for it.
— Dr. Bruce Cummons
Edited by E. L. Bynum
(Editor’s Note: In our News & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote.)
Unitarian View of Morality — All persons have the right and the responsibility to lead sexual lives that express love, justice, mutuality, commitment, consent, and pleasure. Grounded in respect for the body and for the vulnerability that intimacy brings, this ethic fosters physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It accepts no double standards and applies to all persons, without regard to sex, gender, color, age, bodily condition, marital status, or sexual orientation. ( Unitarian Universalist Assoc.) Hedonism is the primary doctrine of such a notion as this. Mutuality in no way guarantees morality of any act. Personal rights and responsibilities cannot rely on the heart of man. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked and the Unitarians obviously know nothing about morality. (Jer. 17:9) — (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)
Anglican Church Modernizing — “The Rev Martin Reynolds, a licensed priest in Wales and the official spokesman for the LGCM, has waited for his partnership of 25 years to become ‘legal’ before having it blessed. He said that retired bishops are ‘queuing up’ to perform the ceremony . . . the Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard Chartres, the third most senior bishop in the Church of England, has even gone so far as to endorse a new book of prayers, The Naked Year, published this month, which includes a positive reflection on the annual Gay Pride march in London and a prayer for the blessing service of a lesbian couple. (Ekklesia, 11/22/04) As has been noted, the African Episcopal Church disapproves of this move. While this heretical church ponders its problem, not one word about what the Word of God says. That is no surprise since only the Lord’s true church uses His Word as the ultimate guideline. (John 8:32; Prov. 23:23) —WWM
‘Extremist’ Covers All Islam? — “ . . .the hadith contains many references to apostasy from Islam which all agree that apostates should be put to death and specify various other penalties including the annulment of marriage, and the loss of their children and property. Because there are many sayings in the hadith specifying these harsh penalties for converts from Islam, death for apostasy and the other punishments are a very well attested part of orthodox Islamic Shari’ah, not a distortion or later addition by extremists. — (Barnabas Fund) Hadith is an Arabic word and is a narration about the life of the Muhammad. “. . . it stands for ‘what was transmitted on the authority of the Prophet,’ . . .” The things he approved or disapproved of. Another Arabic word, sunnah, denotes the way the prophet lived his life. No one can practice Islam without consulting both. The Islam religion is full of something but it is not peace-full. (John 14:27) —WWM
Newborns Face Euthanasia — AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) Nov. 30, 2004 — “A hospital in the Netherlands — the first nation to permit euthanasia — recently proposed guidelines for mercy killings of terminally ill newborns, and then made a startling revelation: It has already begun carrying out such procedures, which include administering a lethal dose of sedatives. The announcement by the Groningen Academic Hospital came amid a growing discussion in Holland on whether to legalize euthanasia on people incapable of deciding for themselves whether they want to end their lives — a prospect viewed with horror by euthanasia opponents and as a natural evolution by advocates.” Murder is still murder whether before or after birth, or in declining years. Whether it is call ‘abortion’ before birth, or ‘euthanasia’ after birth it is still murder. America is running slightly behind in accepting this. In the U.S., Oregon is the only state that allows physician-assisted suicide. Who and what will be next? —WWM
God Under Attack — A California school district ordered a social studies teacher in a public school to stop using the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents in his classes because they contain the word “God” in them. (Talon News, 12/2/04) A school district in Pasadena, CA has instructed one of its teachers to cease using historical documents because they include God’s name. This is not an attack directly upon the Declaration of Independence. It is an attack on the Godhead. The Godhead that bodily dwelt in Jesus while upon this earth. (Col. 2:9) “God bless America” can hardly be the motto of Godless nation. That is exactly what America will become if its students are deprived of learning that this nation was established upon the foundation that no nation would long survive apart from God’s divine guidance. —WWM
Standing Firm — A California teacher is suing public school officials for barring him from using the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents in class because they contain references to God and Christianity. Steven Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Stevens Creek School in the San Francisco Bay area suburb of Cupertino, filed the federal lawsuit last week, arguing a First Amendment right to teach U.S. history, which includes religious, and specifically Christian, references. (World News, 12/2/04) Be sure no Muslim teacher would be chastised for teaching the origin of Islam. In fact it may soon be a requirement. This is nothing less than discrimination against Christianity. This would not be allowed against any other religion, even Wicca, or the ACLU would get involved. Where are they in this situation? (John 15:18,25) —WWM
Macy’s Outlaws ‘Merry Christmas’ — A Talon News (12/1/04) article reported: “A new religious conservative activist group called the Committee To Save Merry Christmas announced a national boycott against Macy’s and Federated Department Stores on Tuesday because they refuse to post signs that declare ‘Merry Christmas’ in their stores.” Anything related to Christ seems to raise the wrath of a godless society. In a New Jersey school district in South Orange/Maplewood, any mention of Christ has been verbally removed from any holiday program. Then there is the ACLU always ready to assist the protectors of those who are offended by the mention of any One of the Holy Trinity. What a staggering blow it will be when these together will bow and confess of His majesty and greatness to the Creator of all things. (Isa. 45:23; Rom. 14:11) —WWM
Pray For Those In Authority — Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has stepped forward to protect the Boy Scouts from what has become an annual rite of persecution by the ACLU. The ACLU has a problem with the Boy Scouts’ having belief in God as a membership requirement. “To this legislator, the ACLU’s continued attacks on the Boy Scouts is starting to become its own form of persecution,” said Senator Frist. (RFC, 12/3/04) Here is a lawmaker that sounds like the patriots of the 18th century. Senator Frist is also a medical doctor. The Senator’s attempt at introducing legislation to stop the ACLU was blocked by other legislators who hate God as much as the ACLU. (1 Tim. 2:1-4) —WWM
Biblical Statistics Carry More Weight — New statistics showing that homosexual men make up 44 percent of all new HIV and AIDS cases underscore the fact that homosexuality itself is unnatural, a prominent leader in the ex-homosexual community says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data Dec. 2 showing that the number of newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS cases has increased 11 percent among homosexual men. The data spanned a four-year period ending in 2003. (BP, 12/2/04) The expense of gathering statistics could have been eliminated by reading Rom. 1. It is clearly stated there that homosexuality is unnatural (v. 26,27). AIDS is positively a judgement of God on such sin (v. 32). —WWM
New Ecumenical Alliance — The Christian Churches Together in the USA is the name of the newest ecumenical alliance. “Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, describes the group as ‘a new forum for leaders of the nation’s churches to discuss topics of common interest and grow in their relationships with one another.’” (Religion Today, 12/2/04) The report also said this alliance would include mainline Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and the Roman Catholic Church. The leadership of the SBC say they have no plans to join the CCT. Two still cannot walk together unless they agree. (Amos 3:3) The CCT is envisioned to be “the most inclusive Christian organization ever” in the U.S. To be ‘inclusive’ requires compromise. Compromising with a python is sure to result in suffocation. —WWM
Falwell’s New Offspring — “I am today launching a campaign to enlist the first one million charter members of The Moral Majority Coalition (TMMC), a 21st Century Moral Majority. I am asking you to be one of those historic charter members without financial charge . . .” (Crosswalk, 11/30/04) Jerry Falwell who calls the TMMC the “21st Century Moral Majority” has the help of this group of spiritual heavyweights. “Pat Robertson, James Dobson, D. James Kennedy, Tim and Bev LaHaye, Franklin Graham, Gary Bauer, Ralph Reed, Mathew Staver, Jay Sekulow, Don Wildmon, Janet Parshall, John Hagee, Charles Stanley, Adrian Rogers, Rick Scarborough, Rod Parsley, David Cerullo and others.” Baptist, charismatic, Methodist, lawyers, etc. are the mixed multitude that makes up this group of helpers. Falwell claims to be independent, is listed with the BBFI, and supports the SBC. The list of “and others” may appear later. Ecumenicalism requires big property, procedures, and prominence. —WWM
Warren’s Warmth to Wimber — “I will remember John Wimber as a man who truly loved Jesus more than anything else. I always enjoyed our conversations because that love for Christ produced an uncommon passion in his life that was contagious. I will miss that. A hundred years from today, people will still be singing ‘Spirit Song’ because it verbalizes that deep love for Jesus.” (Rick Warren’s tribute to John Wimber: From The Association of Vineyard Church’s Website.) John Wimber began the Vineyard movement which has grown to some 500 churches in the US. They are charismatic and use the Alpha Course for much of their guidance, along with charismatic, some Catholic and Anglican churches. Warren’s purpose driven material is widely used in SBC churches. Be careful with what duck you swim. Someone will think you are a duck. —WWM
Methodist Lesbian Minister Defrocked — The United Methodist Church defrocked a lesbian minister who lives with her partner Thursday for violating the denomination’s ban on actively gay clergy — the first such decision by the church in 17 years. (Altus Times, [AP]12/3/04) Ms. Stroud, who lost her robe, said this was a “painful moment in the life of the UMC.” ‘Painful’ can hardly describe the action of God on Sodom because of such goings on. God has not changed His mind on how He feels toward sodomy. It is as much an abomination before Him today as it has ever been. ‘Uncleanness’ is one of the works of the flesh listed in Gal. 5. This is the same uncleanness that God gave the ungodly over to in Romans 1. —WWM
Alarming Statistic — A report recently was revealed that inside the church there is a 60% divorce rate among members. This is higher than in secular society. Of course ‘church’ here is universal and some denominations may be lower or higher. This is, nevertheless, confusing since the Lord’s true church holds dearly to the sanctity of marriage. We can easily sing ‘There Is Power In The Blood’ yet show little display of its reality in our lives. God is still able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Eph. 3:20) —WWM
Mouw’s Apology Is Not A ‘Fit All’ — Taking the pulpit to speak of the event’s historic nature (at Salt Lake Tabernacle), Fuller Theological Seminary President Richard Mouw addressed a capacity crowd of several thousand, offering a stunningly candid apology to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and noting that “friendship has not come easily between our communities.” He dubbed the evening “historic” and apologized that Evangelicals “have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints.” “Let me state it clearly. We evangelicals have sinned against you,” he said, adding both camps have tended to marginalize and simplify the others’ beliefs. (Deseret Morning News, 11/15/04) Let me state this clearly!! This FTS pres. does not speak for true believers. ‘Marginalizing’ the doctrine of Mormonism is a border that must be pointed out. Joseph Smith was a false prophet and those who follow his teachings are just as heretical. Mouw said, concerning planned events to celebrate Smith’s birthday in December, “I hope many in the evangelical community will take part in those events.” Paul warned Timothy to “neither be partaker of other men’s sins:” (1 Tim. 5:22) —WWM
Militant or Mundane? — In Zamboanga City, a 24-year-old Christian man, whose name is being withheld for his protection, is recovering from serious injuries after being shot by Muslim activists on November 17th. The victim, a member of the first tribe in the Philippines to accept Islam, saw several members of his family come to Christ after he became a Christian and started reaching out to others through public evangelism. The threat to Christians is growing as more young people are being converted to militant Islam and are eager to prove themselves worthy of their new faith.” (Voice of Martyrs, 12/7/04) The militant demeanor of Islam is becoming more commonplace. To think that Islam falls short of hatred for other religions, especially Christianity, will become a wake up call to all those who think all religions are the same. Beware of the false prophets who call “evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20) —WWM
Gay Gluttony For Sin — A New Jersey appeals court heard a same-sex “marriage” case Dec. 7. Washington state’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a same-sex “marriage” case in March. In Massachusetts — the only state with legalized “gay marriage” — the legislature is expected to consider a marriage amendment sometime in 2005. All total, nine states are defending their marriage laws in state courts. In addition, seven lawsuits are pending against the federal Defense of Marriage Act — the law that gives states such as California the option of not recognizing another state’s same-sex “marriage.” (BP, 12/7/04) It seems Calif. is more determined as laws are introduced to protect the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman. One day the promoters of homosexual rights, along with the homosexuals, will confess their sin as against our Holy God. (Gal. 6:7) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” —WWM
God Excluded — False Gods Endorsed? — New York City allows Menorahs to be displayed during Hanukkah and the Islamic star and crescent during Ramadan, but no displays relating to the birth of Jesus are allowed during Christmas. (BP, 12/10/04) Already in the works of the ungodly monsters who want to dismiss God from our national history, is an attack against Christmas. Anything that remotely refers to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is paraded by God-haters as unconstitutional. Beware! Even the highest courts on earth cannot repeal (Exo. 20:3) “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Those nations back through history who have tried this are lying in the scrapheap of the forgotten. — WWM
Another Parade Will Follow — In Denver, a church was not allowed to have a float in the “Parade of Lights” because “direct religious themes” were not allowed. However, the Two Spirit Society, a support group for American Indians who are homosexual, bisexual or “transgender,” was allowed to participate. The group honors homosexuals as “holy people.” (BP, 12/10/24) Another parade will be held in the future that no blatant sinner against God will miss. (Rev. 20:12) “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Awards will also follow. (Rev. 20:14) “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” This is not intended as a mockery, but a sincere warning of the impending danger ahead for lost sinners. —WWM
Monitoring Children Against The Law? — SEATTLE — In a victory for rebellious teenagers, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a mother violated Washington’s privacy law by eavesdropping on her daughter’s phone conversation. Privacy advocates hailed the ruling, but the mother was unrepentant. “It’s ridiculous! Kids have more rights than parents these days,” said mom Carmen Dixon, 47. “My daughter was out of control, and that was the only way I could get information and keep track of her. I did it all the time.” (AP, 12/9/04) This Seattle, WA mom is typical of parents who face prosecution if they administer proper discipline on rebellious children. “Time out,” simply will not satisfy the demands of biblical chastisement. Nor will it be of any lasting consequence of quelling a ruckus. However, a willow switch induces wisdom into the most stubborn head when applied to the other end. (Prov. 29:15) “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” —WWM
Abstinence Education Works — Despite recent attacks on abstinence education, its proponents are celebrating the release of a new evaluation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that offers evidence that such abstinence-based programs are working. (AgapePress, 12/16/04) The article that this is lifted from reveals that abstinence education if far more effective than preventative education. Even those proponents of other preventative methods must agree that these do not always work. However, total abstinence will never spread STDs or cause unwanted pregnancies. Far more important is abstinence is a biblical principle. Preventative education is nothing less that a deterrent invented to hide sin. —WWM
MLK’s Widow & Daughter Takes Opposite Stand — Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., helped lead a march Dec. 11 supporting a marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The push for same-sex “marriage” has seen prominent black leaders come down on opposite sides of the issue. Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, supports “gay marriage,” as does Rep. John Lewis, D. — Ga., a prominent civil rights leader from the 1960s. (BP, 12/17/04)
ACLU: Unhappy For Gays — The Oregon Supreme Court heard a case Dec. 15 that will decide the validity of 3,000 marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples by Multnomah County in early 2004. On Election Day a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex “marriage” passed by a margin of 57-43 percent. The American Civil Liberties Union told the justices that the amendment is not retroactive and that the licenses should be recognized. The ACLU also wants to see the court legalize civil unions — unions that would provide the legal benefits of marriage without using the term “marriage.” (BP, 12/17/04) The validity of these marriage(?) licenses were already voided before they were issued. The ACLU’s claim that the amendment banning gay marriage is not retroactive are ignoring God’s law against the gay life-style. Since God has never changed, and has always inhabited eternity, retroactivity could not apply to His law. The ACLU lawyers would be masters at cleaning cesspools since they dig up so much filth. — WWM
Undeniable Evidence — “On January 22nd, like all of his predecessors, George W. Bush will take the oath of office on a Bible that tells the story of the Nativity. The brave men who fought and died for America in every war from the Revolution to Iraq, overwhelmingly were Christians. Count the number of crosses in Arlington National Cemetery (on federal property, no less). Add the Stars of David. Now compare them to the number of crescents. Yet in a nation founded by Christians on Christian values, defended by Christians from Bunker Hill to Falluja, primarily populated by Christians, and whose public institutions are financed by Christians, most references to the holiday that celebrates the birth of the founder of Christianity have been expunged. This isn’t just a war over Jingle Bells and holly wreaths, but a war on Christianity, which in turn is a war on the Judeo-Christian ethic.” (The Federalist, 12/20/04)
Gays Fly Cheaper — “...America West Airlines is among the latest commercial entities to offer special privileges to the homosexual community in an attempt to tap into that group’s high level of disposable income. As an NBC affiliate in the San Francisco Bay area points out, national statistics indicate members of the homosexual community spent well over half a billion dollars last year to travel. And Phoenix-based America West Airlines wants a share of that business, as evidenced by its offer of discounted airfares based on sexual orientation.” (AgapePress, 12/21/04) This airline is offering up to 10% discounts to “gay pride” events anywhere in the U.S. The gay community may be flying high cheaper, but their sinking low life-style is going to be at great expense. (Matt. 16:26) “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” A gay group says this is no different than discount rates for senior citizens. —WWM
Is This America’s Future? — A Canadian pro-family activist says the majority of immigrants to his country come from areas of the world that don’t believe in Christian values — and that there is now a push by Muslim immigrants to replace Canadian law with Islamic law. Brian Rushfeldt, president of the Canada Family Action Coalition, says the push for same-sex “marriage” is not the only troubling event occurring in his country. Rushfeldt says immigration is changing the face of Canada. (AgapePress, 12/21/04)
Kinsey Film Draws Protest — Concerned Women for America has tapped Dr. Judith Reisman, who wrote a 1991 book called “Kinsey, Sex and Fraud,” as a prominent voice against Alfred Kinsey’s legacy. Now, according to Kinsey, anything goes: promiscuity, pornography, prostitution, adultery, sodomy, group sex, sadomasochism, even incest. (11/14 New American) CWA, the nation’s largest women’s group, has encouraged members to hand out leaflets (at theaters) that discredit the new film and accuse Kinsey of committing child sexual abuse and scientific fraud. (BP) —via CC