If you took a survey and asked people what the most famous ship was, you would likely hear the names, the Titanic, Lucitania or Queen Elizabeth. If you asked people to name a famous president prior to the 20th Century you would probably hear a lot of Lincoln and Washington. But what would your answer be if I asked you to name a famous cow? The one that comes to mind is Mrs. O'Leary's cow. Many believe that the great Chicago Fire of 1871 was started when Mrs. O'Leary^'s cow kicked over a lantern. But did you know, there is another account of how the fire got started and many believe it is much more accurate. It seems that Mrs. O'Leary's son and his friends were in the barn, involved in a lively gambling game called craps. In all the excitement one of the shooters knocked over the lantern that started the fire. You could say, it was the hottest game in town. (From "Lady Luck^'s Companion" by Berger & Bruning; p 51).

The Pagan Origin of "GOOD LUCK"

"Good luck!" I suppose I have used this phrase hundreds of times. Many, over the years, have wished me the same. But, the origin of the phrase is associated with one of the oldest vices known to man -- GAMBLING. Here's the history…

The Romans worshipped a false goddess named FORTUNA. She was the goddess of FORTUNE & CHANCE. The Roman poet Juvenal wrote of her saying, "Thou wouldst have no divine power if we were prudent." The Romans thought she was so powerful that even the greater gods feared her whims. The Romans paid her great reverence holding festivals in her honor and even erecting several temples for her. One of those temples was called Felicitas which means "good fortune" or "good luck." Her name or the name of her temple was invoked to wish someone well who was gambling or taking a chance. It is plain to see "may Lady Luck be your companion" or "good luck" is a pagan expression and not a Christian one.

I was interested to read what 19th century historian Andrew Steinmetz said about the false goddess; "Fortuna, a selfish creature who could be placated only by cards, counters, and dice, give birth to a ‘misfigured child’ known as ‘Gaming. Then Gaming herself give birth to hideous twins. They were called Duelling and Suicide, and they became Gaming's constant companions." (The word GAMING is a synonym for gambling). He’s right. Twenty percent of compulsive gamblers attempt suicide and while gun fights are not the problem they were in the 1800’s, at least two-thirds of compulsive gamblers turn to crime to finance their addiction and the crime rate in gambling communities is nearly double the national average, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Gambling has long been recognized as a malignant sore on society. The Roman lawyer and satirist Juvenal (60-140A.D.) characterized it as a domineering vice of the foolish. Historian Steinmetz looked at gambling as a disfiguring, destructive vice, that often involved murder or suicide.

The Glorification of Gambling

Several years back Hollywood came out with a movie called, "THE GAMBLER." It included a song by that same name, sung by country singer Kenny Rogers. The song glorified the gambling. In the song, the "wise" old gambler shares his "wisdom." He says, I’ve "found an ace that I can keep." And what was that Ace? -- "You gotta know when to hold’em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin at the table. There'll be time enough for countin, when the dealin's done." Unfortunately, the movie and song stimulated a lot of interest, especially among teen males, in gambling.

What about today? Gambling is more popular than ever. The get rich quick stories of those who win are headlines in the newspapers and the "top story" on the evening news. That is unfortunate, even tragic. In fact, when a state jumps into the gambling pig pen and starts rooting for the gambling revenues, big problems occur. "The number of compulsive gamblers will increase between 100 and 550 percent when gambling is brought into an area," according to University of Illinois Professor John Kindt. The truth is, "when gambling expands, so does the number of gambling addicts. It is estimated that close to 10 million Americans now have a gambling habit that is out of control—and the number is growing daily."

The Historic Problems With Gambling

Any state that substitutes the "get rich quick" philosophy for industry and thrift is laying a cornerstone for moral and economic disaster. I can almost hear the critics say, "Sounds just like a fanatic preacher, speaking against having a little harmless fun." Well, perhaps you will consider A. R. Spofford, Librarian of Congress who wrote in 1892, "Experiences of the past have crystallized into a general public conviction that LOTTERIES are to be regarded, in direct proportion to their extension, as among the most dangerous and prolific sources of human misery" (Lotteries In American History by A. R. Spofford).

What caused Spofford to make such a statement? State after state who had instituted lotteries began to discover the same things that Pennsylvania discovered even before it was a state. In 1752 Penn-sylvania's Provincial Assembly banned lotteries, denouncing them as a public and common nuisance, stating in it's edict that they were "introductive to vice, idleness and immorality; injurious to trade commerce and industry; and against the common good, welfare and peace of the province." Further, one of the worst fiascoes in history was the 1823 Congressionally mandated Grand National Lottery, which was instituted to finance road and canal improvements in Washington, D.C. Tickets sold well, but the government wound up holding an empty bag when after the agents who conducted the lottery ran off with every dime. The Supreme Court got into the act and demanded that the Government pay the winner the $100,000 sweepstakes prize. By 1860 all states but Louisiana had banned state lotteries. In 1894 Louisiana finally outlawed their lottery after discovering that of the $20 million dollars collected only $40,000 found its way into the state treasury. HOW TRAGIC THAT WE HAVE NOT LEARNED FROM HISTORY! Many states are doomed to learn the hard way all over again. They will find that lotteries are not sound economic projects. They take money out of circulation, reduce purchasing power, divert money from legitimate investment, provide an unstable source of revenue and place an added burden on the low income families. Not only that, there are grave moral implications to boot!

My state has chosen to ignore history and add to the vice problems by promoting gambling (lottery, pari-mutuel betting and Indian casinos) as if it were a virtue. WHY? For the same reason Casanova promoted the lottery in the 1700's. MONEY! But who was Casanova? Have you ever heard someone being referred to as a "Casanova?" The name is used to refer to a ladies man or womanizer. But, there was an historical person by that name. His full name was Giovanni Jacopo (ya-ko-po) Casanova. He was a writer, womanizer, adventurer and gambler. At the height of his career, Casanova convinced the King of France to run a lottery to raise money to build a military academy. Casanova would super-vise the lottery and deduct a percentage for his part. Cash prizes would be offered in a drawing and the king would get the rest for his project. It was very successful. The king was happy, the people were happy, and Casanova lined his pockets.

In fact, the reason my own state is in the gambling PIG PEN ROOTING is because they smell THE REVENUE! But, according to John Kindt’s testimony before a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, "for every $1 the state receives in gambling revenues, it costs the state at least $3 in increased criminal-justice, social-welfare and other expenses. And that’s not all! Legalized gambling is a messy business! It brings addiction (including adolescent addicts), family devastation, crime, poverty, government corruption and economic burdens.

The Definition of Gambling

Just exactly what is gambling? Here is the definition according to my dictionary: gamble, 1. to play at any game of chance for stakes, 2. to stake or risk money or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance: gamble on the result of a race, 3. to lose or squander by betting. The Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary adds, "to bet on an uncertain outcome."

The Three Elements of Gambling

The following three elements must be present for something to be defined as gambling…

1. A PAY-OFF
2. THE ELEMENT OF CHANCE
3. THE STAKE (the money or article of value) RISKED BY THE BETTOR

What Is And What Is Not Gambling

• WHAT IS NOT GAMBLING

Giving of prizes is NOT gambling if you do not have to risk anything to get the prize. Insurance is not gambling. The purpose of insurance is to spread the liability and risk of accident, illness, injury or death around. Insurance does not create the risk. It is a universal risk that all people face. It is probably the most effective way of seeing that needs and expenses incurred, if such should happen, are able to be paid for. Stock market is not gambling. Gambling is generally a win or lose proposition. If you buy a lottery ticket, you either win or lose. In the stock market if you buy $100 dollars worth of stock, generally your stock will go up or down, but you do not usually lose your entire $100. Buying stock certainly is SPECULATING, but there is a difference between speculation and gambling. But, I think that those in the FUTURES MARKET may well be gambling, as they are betting that the prices of things will go up. If they go down, they have to pay the "margin" or difference. What about Sweepstakes and contests such as, the Readers Digest, Publishers Clearing House or supermarket contests? While not strictly gambling, "many people get hooked on such gimmicks and the danger is that a false philosophy of financial gain is developed." (Gambling; Dr. Kober, p 3).

• WHAT IS GAMBLING

Many of us got our first taste of gambling on the school play-ground flipping baseball cards, playing marbles for keeps or pitching pennies. When mom found out I was playing odd or even with my marbles, she put an end to it quickly. That was gambling and that was not allowed in our family. But, that is small change compared to hard line gambling. Let's look at and define some categories of gambling...

Gaming -- playing for money in any game of chance, such as slot machines, Roulette, bingo, craps, pay-off pinball machines, punch boards, dream books, chain letters, pyramid money games, poker, black-jack, etc.

Betting -- staking money on an event which the outcome is doubtful. Examples are, horse or dog racing, cock or dog fights, tennis, hockey, football, basketball, hockey, baseball, pool, etc. You can bet on just about anything.

Lotteries – A lottery is the distribution of prizes by the drawing of lots. Most states run a variety of lotteries. Pick three and power-ball are among the most popular in our area.

Sweepstakes and Raffles – More than 50 countries around the world have sweepstakes, like the Irish Sweepstakes. Technically, a raffel is a lottery where each participant is buying a chance to win. If you buy a ticket or two for a good cause, with the purpose of it being a donation to a worthy organization, I do not see any problem with that.

Pools – A combination of betting and lotteries. The most popular is the check pool at work, though there are football pools, etc.

In summary, all the above are recognized as gambling because each clearly contains the three elements of gambling - 1) A payoff 2) The element of chance 3) The stake that is risked.

The Biblical Reasons To Reject Gambling

Historically, the Bible preaching church has long looked upon gambling as incompatible with the Christian life. Early Church pastor, Tertullian said, "If you say that you are a Christian when you are a dice-player, you say you are what you are not, because you are a partner with the world." (Money, Mania, Morals by L. Starkey Jr. p.35).

5 BIBLICAL REASONS TO REJECT GAMBLING

FIRST, GAMBLING IS IDOLATROUS  
God commands us to live a life of faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 makes that clear. We are under God's providential care. When a person gambles, the focus is all together different. The focus shifts to LUCK, CHANCE & FORTUNE. A careful study of Isaiah 65:11-12a makes it clear that God abhorred that kind of behavior then and he abhors that kind of behavior now.

SECOND, GAMBLING IS STEALING   
"The gains of the winners are paid at the expense of the losers. In winning, one receives the wages that another person has earned without giving anything in exchange." (Gambling, Kober; p.2 & 8). Just because it is robbery by consent does not make it right. Gambling is nothing more than sophisticated stealing. Ephesians 4:28 says "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

The late Dr. M. R. DeHann said, "Gambling is morally wrong, for its expressed purpose is to obtain material gain apart from honest, productive toil, and at the expense of one's neighbor! In fact, it is little more than refined stealing! One cannot truly love his neighbor as himself and still seek to practice such robbery by consent."

THIRD, GAMBLING IS BASED ON COVETOUSNESS  
Gambling is an attempt to get something for nothing twisted by the willingness to take a risk. It is the desire to "get rich quick" without working for it. The desire to gamble is fueled by the love of money and we know "the love of money is the root of all [kinds of] evil" (I Timothy 6:10). Note the rest of the verse, "…which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced them-selves through with many sorrows."

We are warned about the "something for nothing" and the "get rich quick" craving in the Bible. Proverbs 10:4 says "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." Again Proverbs 28:20 & 22 says "A faithful [honest] man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him." Finally, Proverbs 13:11 says "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." One writer paraphrased it this way --Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.

FOURTH, GAMBLING IS POOR STEWARDSHIP OF WHAT GOD HAS ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE
I Corinthians 4: 1-2 says, "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. More-over it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." I believe "to risk money haphazardly in gambling is to completely disregard the Biblical truth that our possessions are a trust for which we must someday give full account to God!" (M. R. DeHaan) Mississippi riverboat gambler, George Devol, used to like to trick ministers into betting against him. They would always lose and then Devol would give them their money back accompanied by this advice: "Go and sin no more." Friends, that is good advice for us today!

FIFTH, GAMBLING IS ADDICTIVE
I Corinthians 6:12 says "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." There is only one thing that is to be in control of the believer’s life and that is THE HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18). There is no doubt that gambling is addictive. It "gets in your blood". Edgar Allan Poe was a compulsive gambler and so was famous gambler, Nick the Greek (Nicholas Andrea Dandolos). He won as much as $50 million in a single night. By his account, he went from rags to riches and back again 73 times in his life. During his life time he won and lost more than $500 million. He died broke, on Christmas day in 1966.

Time will not permit me to go any further, but there are other problems with gambling. Here are just a few -- It increases crime, corrupts government, causes family problems, depresses legitimate business, increases welfare costs, produces human desperation and produces a wrong attitude toward work.

If you want more information, I suggest you write for the following –

One-Armed Bandits on the Rise: Will Wisconsin continue to expand gambling?; Family Research Institute Ÿ 123 E. Doty St, Ste 206 Ÿ Madison, WI 53703-3321 Ÿ (608) 256-3370 (I suggest you send $1.00 with your request. This is a one page report front & back)

What Payoff Can You Expect From Gambling?; Focus On The Family Ÿ Colorado Springs, CO 80995 Ÿ Item # FC067 Ÿ 1-800-A-Family Ÿ 25 brochures for a suggested donation of $5.00

Gambling: A Bad Bet by Norman L. Geisler and Thomas A. Howe; Published by Fleming H. Revell Ÿ Available through Focus On The Family Ÿ Colorado Springs, CO 80995 Ÿ Item # BP002 Ÿ Suggested Donation $8.00

Available From
LOGOS COMMUNICATION CONSORTIUM, Inc.
P.O. Box 173
Oak Creek, WI  53154
Phone (414) 768-9754
E-mail: FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com

A U.S. News & World Report analysis found crime rates in casino communities to be 84% higher than the national average.

Domestic violence and child abuse increase dramatically when gambling comes to an area.

University of Illinois economist Earl Grinols has calculated that 52% of casino revenues come from active problem and pathological gamblers.

Teens are three times as likely as adults to become addicted to gambling once exposed & at least 1 in 10 teens engages in illegal activity (stealing, shoplifting, selling drugs, or prostitution) to finance their gambling.

The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that one in five pathological gamblers attempts suicide – a higher rate than that of any other addictive disorder.

For every $1 the state receives in gambling revenues, it costs the state at least $3 in increased criminal-justice, social-welfare and other expenses.

Gambling
It’s A Bad Bet

Definitions of Faith

• Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, excerpts;

Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Phil. 1:27; 2 Thes. 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which it rests.

Faith is the result of teaching (Romans 10:14-17). Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Yet the two are distinguished in this respect, that faith includes in it assent, which is an act of the will in addition to the act of the understanding. Assent to the truth is of the essence of faith, and the ultimate ground on which our assent to any revealed truth rests is the veracity (truthfulness or accuracy) of God.

Faith in Christ secures for the believer freedom from condemnation, or justification before God; a participation in the life that is in Christ, the divine life (John 14:19; Romans 6:4-10; Ephes. 4:15-16, etc.); "peace with God" (Romans 5:1); and sanctification (Acts 26:18; Galatians 5:6; Acts 15:9).

• Davis Dictionary of the Bible, excerpts;

As far as a difference exists between belief and faith, belief is assent to testimony, and faith is assent to testimony, united with trust. Faith is an active principle; it is an act both of the understanding and the will. The distinction between belief and faith is that between "believe me" and "believe on me." In the Bible faith of belief is confidence in the absolute truthfulness of every statement which comes from God (Mark 11:22 & Rom, 4:3-5).

• Unger’s Bible Dictionary, excerpts;

Viewed more particularly with reference to its intellectual aspect, faith is properly defined as the conviction of the reality of the truths and facts which God has revealed, such conviction resting solely upon the testimony of God.

There is an element that is intellectual; also an element, of even deeper importance, that is moral. Faith is not simply the assent of the intellect to revealed truth; it is the practical submission of the entire man to the guidance and control of such truth, "The devils believe and tremble". Thus in its beginning and completion faith is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

FAITH From Torrey’s Topical Textbook

• Faith…

1. Is the substance of things hoped for. Hebrews 11:1
    
2. Is the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
    
3. Commanded. Matthew 11:22; 1 John 3:23

• In Christ Faith Is…

1. The gift of God. Romans 12:3; Ephes. 2:8; Ephes. 6:23; Phil. 1:29
    
2. The work of God. Acts 11:21; 1 Cor. 2:5
    
3. Precious. 2 Peter 1:1
    
4. Most holy. Jude 1:20
    
5. Fruitful. 1 Thes. 1:3
    
6. Accompanied by repentance. Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47
    
7. Followed by conversion. Acts 11:21

• Through Faith Is…

1. Salvation. Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31; Ephes. 2:8
    
2. Remission of sins. Acts 10:43; Romans 3:25
    
3. Justification. Acts 13:39; Romans 3:21-22, 28, 30; Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16
    
4. Sanctification. Acts 15:9; Acts 26:18
    
5. Spiritual light. John 12:36, 46
    
6. Spiritual life. John 20:31; Galatians 2:20
    
7. Eternal life. John 3:15-16; John 6:40, 47
    
8. Rest in heaven. Hebrews 4:3
    
9. Edification. 1 Tim. 1:4; Jude 1:20
    
10. Preservation. 1 Peter 1:5
     
11. Adoption. John 1:12; Galatians 3:26
     
12. Access to God. Romans 5:2; Ephes. 3:12
     
13. Inheritance of the promises. Galatians 3:22; Hebrews 6:12
     
14. The gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:15-17; Galatians 3:14; Ephes. 1:13
     
15. Hope. Romans 5:2
     
16. Joy. Acts 16:34; 1 Peter 1:8
     
17. Peace. Romans 15:13
     
18. Confidence. Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6
     
19. Boldness in preaching. Psalm 116:10; 2 Cor. 4:13

• By Faith Saints…

1. Live. Galatians 2:20
    
2. Stand. Romans 11:20; 2 Cor. 1:24
    
3. Walk. Romans 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:7
    
4. Obtain a good report. Hebrews 11:2
    
5. Overcome the world. 1 John 5:4-5
    
6. Resist the devil. 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
    
7. Overcome the devil. Ephes. 6:16
    
8. Are supported. Psalm 27:13; 1 Tim. 4:10

• Saints Should…

1. Be sincere in faith. 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5
    
2. Abound in faith. 2 Cor. 8:7
    
3. Continue in faith. Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23
    
4. Be strong in faith. Romans 4:20-24 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
    
5. Stand fast in faith. 1 Cor. 16:13
    
6. Be grounded and settled in faith. Col. 1:23
    
7. Hold, with a good conscience faith. 1 Tim. 1:19
    
8. Pray for the increase of faith. Luke 17:5
    
9. Have full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:22; 2 Tim. 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

•  Implications Of Faith.

1. Impossible to please God without. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
    
2. Justification is by, to be of grace. Romans 4:16
    
3. Christ dwells in the heart by. Ephes. 3:17
    
4. Essential to the profitable reception of the gospel. Hebrews 4:2
    
5. Christ is the Author and Finisher of. Hebrews 12:2
    
6. Is a gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:9
    
7. The Scriptures designed to produce. John 20:31; 2 Tim. 3:15
    
8. Preaching designed to produce. John 17:20; Acts 8:12; Romans 10:14-15; Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
    
9. Necessary in prayer. Matthew 21:22; James 1:6
    
10. Necessary in the Christian warfare. 1 Tim. 1:18-19; 1 Tim. 6:12
     
11. Excludes self-justification. Romans 10:3-4
     
12. Excludes boasting. Romans 3:27
     
13. Works by love. Galatians 5:6; 1 Tim. 1:5; Philemon 1:5
     
14. Christ is precious to those having. 1 Peter 2:7
     
15. The gospel effectual in those who have. 1 Thes. 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
     
16. An evidence of the new birth. 1 John 5:1
     
17. Saints die in. Hebrews 11:13
     
18. True, evidenced by its fruits. James 2:21-25
     
19. Without fruits, is dead. James 2:17, 20, 26
     
20. Examine whether you be in. 2 Cor. 13:5
     
21. All difficulties overcome by. Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21; Mark 9:23
     
22. All things should be done in. Romans 14:22
     
23. Whatever is not of, is sin. Romans 14:23
     
24. Often tried by affliction. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
     
25. Trial of, works patience. James 1:3
     
26. The wicked often profess. Acts 8:13-21
     
27. The wicked destitute of. John 10:25; John 12:37; Acts 19:9; 2 Thes. 3:2
     
28. Protection of, illustrated; A shield. Ephes. 6:16; A breastplate. 1 Thes. 5:8

• Faith Exemplified.

1. Caleb. Numbers 13:30
    
2. Job. Job 19:25
    
3. Shadrach. Daniel 3:17
    
4. Daniel. Daniel 6:10, 23
    
5. Peter. Matthew 16:16
    
6. Woman who was a sinner. Luke 7:50
    
7. Nathanael. John 1:49
    
8. Samaritans. John 4:39
    
9. Martha. John 11:27
    
10. The Disciples. John 16:30
     
11. Thomas. John 20:28
     
12. Stephen. Acts 6:5
     
13. Priests. Acts 6:7
     
14. Ethiopian. Acts 8:37
     
15. Barnabas. Acts 11:24
     
16. Sergius Paulus. Acts 13:12
     
17. Philippian jailor. Acts 16:31, 34
     
18. Romans. Romans 1:8
     
19. Colossians. Col. 1:4
     
20. Thessalonians. 1 Thes. 1:3
     
21. Lois. 2 Tim. 1:5
     
22. Paul. 2 Tim. 4:7
     
23. Abel. Hebrews 11:4
     
24. Enoch. Hebrews 11:5
     
25. Noah. Hebrews 11:7
     
26. Abraham. Hebrews 11:8, 17
     
27. Isaac. Hebrews 11:20
     
28. Jacob. Hebrews 11:21
     
29. Joseph. Hebrews 11:22
     
30. Moses. Hebrews 11:24, 27
     
31. Rahab. Hebrews 11:31
     
32. Gideon. Hebrews 11:32-33, 39

FAITH From Matthew Henry’s Commentary (Concise)

Romans 4:13-22 (Abraham received the promise through the righteousness of faith)

The promise was made to Abraham long before the law.  It points at Christ, and it refers to the promise, Genesis 12:3.  In Thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  The law worketh wrath, by showing that every transgressor is exposed to the Divine displeasure.  As God intended to give men a title to the promised blessings, so he appointed it to be by faith, that it might be wholly of grace, to make it sure to all who were of the like precious faith with Abraham, whether Jews or Gentiles, in all ages.  The justification and salvation of sinners, the taking to himself the Gentiles who had not been a people, were a gracious calling of things which are not, as though they were; and this giving a being to things that were not, proves the almighty power of God.   The nature and power of Abraham’s faith are shown.  He believed God’s testimony, and looked for the performance of his promise, firmly hoping when the case seemed hopeless.  It is weakness of faith, that makes a man lie poring on the difficulties in the way of a promise.  Abraham took it not for a point that would admit of argument or debate.  Unbelief is at the bottom of all our staggerings at God’s promises.  The strength of faith appeared in its victory over fears.   God honours faith; and great faith honours God.  It was imputed to him for righteousness.  Faith is a grace that of all others gives glory to God.   Faith clearly is the instrument by which we receive the righteousness of God, the redemption which is by Christ; and that which is the instrument whereby we take or receive it, cannot be the thing itself, nor can it be the gift thereby taken and received.   Abraham’s faith did not justify him by its own merit or value, but as giving him a part in Christ.

Introduction

The Bible Is Gods revelation to man about himself and his creation which otherwise could never be known. The original Bible scriptures were the Inspired, Inerrant, and Infallible words of God. Therefore to be sure that the Bible we read is the true Word of God, it must be the best translation of the purist preserved scriptures.

Forty-four writers over a period of twenty centuries produced a perfect harmony of doctrine in a progressive unfolding manner, the unanswerable proof of the divine inspiration of the Bible.

Luke 24:25-27 Then he (Christ) said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

After a brief study of what the Bible says about itself, about God, about creation, about sin and its remedy, about believers, and about Christian living, we will examine the subjects of Bible versions, and what the Bible says about end-time conditions.

What the Bible Says About Itself

1. It is inspired by God (God breathed, and for our instruction)
   2 Tim. 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
     
2. It is the very words of God (God spoke through consecrated men)
   2 Samuel 23:2  The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
   Jeremiah 1:9  Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
      
3. It is inerrant (God caused men to write it in His name)
   Deut. 4:2  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
   2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
     
4. It is sure and everlasting (It is the only infallible rule of faith and practice)
   Psalm 111:7-8  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. [8] They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
   Psalm 119:89  For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
     
5. It is the Word of God (To be appropriated and lived out by believers)
   1 Thes. 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
     
6. Its prophecies will all be fulfilled and its words are forever
   Matthew 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
   Matthew 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
   
   
7. Its single unifying theme is that man might have eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (His person and finished work on Calvary)
   John 20:31  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What the Bible Says About God

A. The Godhead of God:

1. His eternal power and Godhead are revealed by his creation
   Romans 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
     
2. He is a triune Godhead (A trinity)
   1 John 5:7  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
   Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
     
3. He is infinite and eternal
   Psalm 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
     
4. He is unchanging
   Malachi 3:6  For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
   James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

B. God the Father, the Only True God:

1. He is a spirit
   John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
     
2. He is omniscient (All knowing)
   Romans 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
   1 Cor. 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
     
3. He is omnipotent (All powerful)
   Rev. 19:6  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
     
4. He is omnipresent (Present everywhere)
   Psalm 139:8  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
   1 Kings 8:27  But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
     
5. He is holy (Without sin)
   Rev. 15:4  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
     
6. He is just and he is truth
   Zeph. 3:5  The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
   Deut. 32:4  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
     
7. He is love and he is good
   1 John 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
   Psalm 119:68  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
     
8. He is the only true God
   John 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
     
9. He is the creator of heaven and earth
   Exodus 20:11  For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

C. God the Son, the Word:

1. His deity
   John 1:1-2  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God.
   John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
     
2. His virgin birth
   Luke 1:34  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? [35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
     
3. His sinless life
   1 Peter 2:21-23  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
     
4. His substitutionary death
   Matthew 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
   1 Peter 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
     
5. His resurrection
   1 Cor. 15:3-7  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
     
6. His work of sustaining all things
   Hebrews 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

D. Christ Our High Priest:

1. Our redeemer (Deliverer)
   Hebrews 9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
   Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
     
2. Our reconciler (Restorer)
   2 Cor. 5:18-20  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
     
3. Our propitiation (Atonement or acceptable sacrifice)
   Romans 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
   1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
     
4. Our intercessor (Go-between)
   Romans 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
   Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

E. God the Holy Spirit, Our Comforter and Teacher:

1. He participated in creation
   Job 33:4  The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
     
2. He produced the scriptures
   2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
     
3. He reproves the world
   John 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment
     
4. He regenerates the sinner
   John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
     
5. He indwells and empowers the believer
   Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
     
6. He is our comforter and teacher
   John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
   1 Cor. 2:14  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.

What the Bible Says About Creation

1. God created heaven and earth and all other things that were made
   Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
   John 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
     
2. God created man in his own image
   Genesis 1:26-27  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
   Genesis 2:7  And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
     
3. God created and sustains all earthly and heavenly systems and powers
   Col. 1:16-17  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: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
     
4. God created all things for his pleasure
   Rev. 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

What the Bible Says About Sin and its Remedy

1. Man sinned of his own free will and choice
   Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
   Isaiah 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
     
2. All have sinned
   Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
   Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
   Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
   James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
     
3. The results of sin
   a)  Loss of communion with God>
   Col. 1:21-22  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
   1 Peter 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
     
   b)  Condemnation of God
   John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
     
   c)  Eternal separation from God (Death)
   Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
   Romans 5:21  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
     
4. The only true way of salvation is declared in the Bible
   2 Tim. 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
   Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
   1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
   Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
   Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
     
5. Jesus Christ is the only acceptable sacrifice for sin
   John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
   1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
   Hebrews 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
     
6. Salvation is by Gods grace through faith
   Ephes. 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
   John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
   Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
     
7. Everyone must make a personal decision to accept Gods gift of salvation
   John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
   Romans 10:9-10  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
   Romans 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
     
8. The way of eternal life is straight and narrow (Gods way)
   Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
     
9. It is the Lords desire that all come to repentance and be saved
   2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
   Acts 20:21  Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
     
10. Justification by faith in Christ brings peace and blessings
    Romans 5:1-2  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

What the Bible Says About Believers, Positionally

1. They are justified by faith in Christ Jesus
   Romans 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
   Romans 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
   Acts 13:39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
     
2. They are adopted by Christ according to his good pleasure
   Ephes. 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
   Romans 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
     
3. They are sanctified in Christ (Called apart)
   1 Cor. 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
   1 Thes. 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
     
4. They are eternally saved by Christ
   Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
   John 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
   John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

What the Bible Says To Believers About Christian Living

1. They are to receive, study, and share the Word of God
   Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
   2 Tim. 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
     
2. The Bible is their source for the beginning of wisdom and understanding
   Proverbs 9:10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
     
3. The Bible is their source for instructions in righteous living
   2 Tim. 3:15-17  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
     
4. They are to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord
   2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
   Psalm 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
     
5. They are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only
   James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
   1 Cor. 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
     
6. They are to live for the Lord and to be fruitful in good works
   Col. 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
   Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
     
7. They are to be totally dedicated to God as their logical service
   Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
   1 Tim. 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
     
8. They are to do the will of God, and to forsake the ways of this world
   Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
     
9. They are to pray continually
   Romans 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
   2 Tim. 1:3  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
   Acts 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
   1 Thes. 5:17  Pray without ceasing.
     
10. They are to fellowship and serve with other believers (Church participation)
    Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
    1 Cor. 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
    1 Cor. 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
      
11. They are to observe the ordinance of baptism
    Acts 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
    Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
      
12. They are to observe the ordinance of the Lords supper (Communion)
    1 Cor. 11:24-26  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
      
13. They are to keep His commandments
    Matthew 22:37-40  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
    John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
      
14. They are to be witnesses for the Lord
    1 Peter 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
    Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
      
15. They are to have a personal relationship with Christ (Worship, prayer, love, honor, obey and serve the Lord)
    Rev. 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
    Hebrews 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
      
16. The Bible is understood only through the Holy Spirit and is its own interpreter, not us
    Luke 24:45  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
    1 Cor. 2:14  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.
    2 Peter 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
      
17. They are to have faith and be strong in the Lord
    Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
    Ephes. 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
    Philip. 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
    James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
      
18. They are to hate evil
    Psalm 97:10  Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
    Romans 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
    Proverbs 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
      
19. They are to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven, not on earth
    Matthew 6:19-20  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
    Philip. 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
      
20. They are to be expectant about heaven
    1 Cor. 2:9-10  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
    1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
    Rev. 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

What About Bible Versions?

1. Requirements for a good Bible version
   a.)  It must do honor to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
   b.)  It must honor the Person and Redemptive Work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
   c.)  It must uphold faithfully every essential article of Christian Faith and Doctrine in all of its parts, wholly and completely.
     
2. Good Bible versions are good English translations
   a.)  Come from a good tree; such as the Received Greek NT Text (Textus Receptus) which was an accurate and preserved copy of the original scriptures, most faithful of all copies of the original manuscripts.
   b.)  Use good translators; only Godly scholars who love the Holy Scriptures and whose one commitment is to translate the text as faithfully as possible.
   c.)  Use a good translation technique; such as the literal classical method called the Verbal Equivalence, or Word for Word technique.
   d.)  Preserve every essential doctrine of our Christian Faith; such as the Virgin Birth of Christ, Deity of Christ, and Redemption by the blood of the Lamb.
   e.)  Produce good fruit; such as the Authorized King James Version (1611) and all earlier protestant printed versions (spanning about 475-years).
     
3. Bad Bible versions are corrupt English translations
   a.)  Come from a corrupt tree; such as the Westcott and Hort Greek NT (1881) which used the corrupt source texts Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, two of the worst corruptions ever discovered.
   b.)  Use corrupt translators; unregenerate translators and revisers, enemies of Gods Word, which have an agenda of their own to pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
   c.)  Use corrupt translation techniques; such as Dynamic Equivalence, subjective, replaces Gods words with mans thoughts, using modern thought godless ideologies of Evolution, Rationalism, Liberalism, Higher Criticism, Romanism, and Ecumenism.
   Isaiah 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
   d.)  Attack vital doctrines of the Christian Faith; The diety of Christ, the only salvation, the virgin birth of Christ, the precious blood, and others.
   e.)  Produce evil fruit; such as Westcott and Horts English Revised Version (1881), and all modern versions perversions printed since then (110-years).
     
4. The major printed English Bible versions
   Tyndale (1525), Coverdale (1535), Matthew (1537), Great Bible (1539), Geneva (1560), Authorized King James (1611), English Revised Version (1881), followed by a hundred modern English versions of today.
   a.)  All printed English versions previous to and including the Authorized King James Version used the best manuscripts, the Masoretic Hebrew OT and the Received Greek NT (Textus Receptus) source texts for their translations except the Douai/Rheims version of 1609 which was translated from the corrupt Latin Vulgate.
   b.)  All versions after the Authorized KJV, starting with the English Revised Version (1881) used the corrupt Westcott and Hort Greek NT source text for their translations and therefore are founded on a corrupt foundation to start with.
     
5. Satans declaration against Gods Word from the beginning was Yea, hath God said?
   Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
     
6. The Authorized Version must be replaced by doctored versions
   The Authorized version of the Bible (the purist and best English translation, the KJV) must be replaced by doctored versions!  That was the sentiment of the Romanist revisers.  By their evil genius of textual criticism Westcott and Hort overthrew the traditional Received Text from its undisputed 1500-year supremacy, and replaced it with their doctored Greek NT of 1881, which quickly became the basis for all modern editions of the Greek New Testament in use today.
     
7. A corrupt tree has brought forth a multitude of evil fruits
   The Westcott and Hort Greek New Testament, like a corrupt tree, spawned a multitude of evil fruits including all modern English versions beginning with the English Revised Version (1881).  As a result of their work, the King James Bible suffered 36,000 changes in the English text, and nearly 6,000 in the Greek.
     
8. Modern versions have produced much confusion (Sowing doubt and fostering unbelief is still Satans subtle tactic)
   Which version?,  Which Bible is the Word of God?,  Every version is good,  Your choice is as good as mine,  Any version is welcome.  Vital issues of eternal value are at stake!
     
9. The master deceiver is using smoke screens regarding modern versions
   Highly readable,  Beautifully clear,  Understandable language,  Most exact,  Most accurate,  Balanced,  Scholarly,  Authentic,  Trustworthy.
     
10. Corrupt Bible versions have paved the way for end-time ecumenical faiths
    The English Revised Version opened the floodgates and one hundred and more years later have seen a hundred versions of all theological shades and persuasions flood the market.  This multitude of corrupted versions paves the way for a multitude of faiths to help form the end-time counterfeit Kingdom of God.  The battle of the Bible versions can be seen as Gods Word versus Satans Word, the King James Bible versus the corrupt modern versions, and the Believing Church versus the Ecumenical Church.  Very serious issues Id say!  How about you?

What the Bible Says About End-Time Conditions

1. False prophets will bring forth evil fruit
   Matthew 7:15-17  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  (The evil fruit of the perverted Westcott and Hort NT is about 100 different corrupt modern English versions of the Bible on store shelves which promises to replace the true Word of God in these last days.)
     
2. Satan will try to substitute another Jesus from another gospel
   Jude 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
   2 Cor. 11:3-4  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (The Jesus of the good Bible of almost 400-years is being replaced by another Jesus from another gospel of 100 different modern English versions of today.)
     
3. A falling away will take place before the Lord returns for his own
   2 Thes. 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
   1 Tim. 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (The falling away is in progress today, setting the stage for antichrist)
     
4. There will be little faith preceding the second coming of the Lord
   Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (All modern English Bible versions come from a corrupt tree and will have their impact in stealing away the faith which comes from the true Word of God, the KJV being the purist.)
     
5. Lawlessness and disregard for Gods ways will precede Jesus return
   Matthew 24:37-39  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Can His coming be afar off or, as it appears to me, very close at hand?)

The following book has been helpful in the preparation of this page:

Beyond Versions
S. H. Tow
King James Productions
Tabernacle Books
ISBN-981-04-0524-3