The KJV Only movement refers to a theological position that the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is the only accurate, reliable English translation available. This movement originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continues today among some Protestant fundamentalist Christians. Adherents of the KJV Only position believe that the KJV is the greatest English translation ever produced and that all other English translations are corrupt and unreliable. They argue that the KJV alone represents the preserved, inspired words of God in English and should be the sole translation used by Christians. Some of the key…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
The issue of whether it is biblically permissible or wise for a husband and wife to maintain separate bank accounts is one where there are differing views among Christians. Those who believe separate accounts are acceptable point to verses about personal responsibility and freedom in Christ, while those who oppose the practice emphasize the unity of marriage and the potential for selfishness and disunity. There are good-faith arguments on both sides, and Scripture does not directly address the modern practice of separate accounts. Wise couples will seek God’s wisdom, study relevant biblical principles, communicate openly, and make a spiritually-guided decision…
Throughout the Old Testament, God gave laws and commandments to the nation of Israel to set them apart from the pagan nations surrounding them. Many of these laws were direct responses to the idolatrous and immoral practices of Israel’s pagan neighbors. Here are some examples of laws God gave Israel in response to pagan practices: Laws Against Idolatry The pagan nations surrounding Israel worshipped a pantheon of false gods and idols. In response, God gave Israel the 10 Commandments, which begin by declaring “You shall have no other gods before me” and “You shall not make for yourself a carved…
In the prophecy of the virgin birth recorded in Isaiah 7:14, it states “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This verse clearly prophesies that the Messiah would be called Immanuel. However, when Jesus was born, described in Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2, he was named Jesus instead of Immanuel. Why is there this apparent discrepancy between the prophecy and its fulfillment? There are a few key factors that explain why Jesus was named Jesus rather than Immanuel: 1. Immanuel describes Jesus’s nature…
A federated church is a Protestant Christian church that is formed by the merging or federating of two or more autonomous denominations. The term “federated” refers to the union of multiple denominations into a single, unified church congregation. Some key characteristics of a federated church include: It brings together two or more Protestant denominations, such as Methodists and Presbyterians, under one roof and leadership. Each denominational group maintains its own distinctive beliefs and practices. There is shared governance and cooperation between the denominations. The congregation worships together, with services reflecting the different traditions. Church policy and administration are handled jointly…
The Bible as we know it today is composed of 66 books – 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. However, the development of the biblical canon was a long and complex process that took place over many centuries. Here is an overview of how and when the canon of the Bible was put together: The Old Testament Canon The Old Testament canon refers to the 39 books that are considered authoritative and divinely inspired Scripture by Judaism and Christianity. These books were written over a span of roughly 1,000 years, from around 1400…
The exact location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist is not specified in the Bible. However, based on geographical clues provided in the Gospels, scholars have proposed some possible sites along the Jordan River where this significant event may have taken place. The Gospel Accounts of Jesus’ Baptism All four Gospels record the baptism of Jesus by John as the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The Gospel of Matthew provides this account: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized…
The Bible is the most translated book in the world, with full translations available in over 600 languages. But even in English alone, there are dozens of different Bible translations. So why are there so many versions, and how do you know which is the best translation to use? There are a few key reasons why we have so many English Bible translations: 1. Language Changes Over Time One major reason is that language continually changes and evolves over time. The Bible was originally written thousands of years ago in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. But English has changed dramatically over…
The question of whether God tempts us to sin is an important theological issue. The Bible provides insight into this question, though interpretations vary. Here is an overview of 9000 words on what the Bible says about whether God tempts us to sin. God’s Holy Nature The Bible clearly teaches that God is holy and without sin. 1 John 1:5 states, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” James 1:13 says, “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” God’s nature is perfect, righteous and incapable of sinning or tempting others to…
How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? The verse in question comes from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, where he provides instructions and qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church. Specifically, 1 Timothy 3:6 states: “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6) This verse warns that a newly converted elder may become prideful and arrogant like the devil, and thus come under the same condemnation. To understand this better, we must examine the context…