Monday, August 28, 2006

“Why I Believe In The Old Sword” - The King James Bible -

In this day in which we are living, there are more and more Bible versions being published and sold than ever before. Why? Why the need for all these versions? We are seeing the result of years and years of controversy. Within the last one hundred years, the Bible has become the most debated issue in Christian circles. Why? Because if the devil can keep us fighting about the words of the Word, he knows we won’t be furthering the work of the Word. I believe the downfall of the church in the past century was started when different versions came out and people began to question the inerrancy of the KJB. Since that time, more time has been spent in debates, arguments, and setting up “camps” among fundamental circles. Man has always wanted a newer version because the “Old Sword” still cuts as we see in Hebrews 4:12. When man comes into contact with the true Word, it will cut and convict of things in one’s life that are contrary to what is found in its pages. That is why I like the “Old Sword” and here are a few reasons why I believe it is God’s Word for Christians today.

One of the most heard phrases in an argument about the Bible is the phrase, “THE ORIGINALS”. Too much value has been placed on the originals in this issue of the Bible. We should put as much value on the originals as God does. In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 6 and in verses one and two, we see that the Lord told Jeremiah to take a roll of a book and write down all of the words that He had spoken to him concerning the judgment of Israel and other nations. If you look down in verse 21, you find Jehudi reading the words of that roll to King Jehoiakim in the palace. After hearing only a few pages, it made the king so angry that he threw the roll into the fire. Oh! What is God going to do now? Let me assure you that this did not worry the Lord one bit. In verse 32 we see Jeremiah preparing to start all over again with this work that God wanted him to do. The first original was destroyed, but God inspired original #2. After that one was finished, we find God’s command for Seraiah to read it publicly in the midst of Babylon, then bind a stone to it and throw it in the middle of the Euphrates River! So now comes the question, “Do you have chapters 45 through 51 of Jeremiah in your Bible?” Of course you do. Even the modern versions have included those chapters. But the only way for us to have those passages today would be that there was a third copy of it! Those chapters in our Bible today obviously came from a copy of original #2! Because of this, there are two major problems for those who overemphasize the “originals”.
1) Every Bible printed with those chapters in it contains a text which is not from the true original. That one was destroyed by King Jehoiakim. It had to come from the third copy!
2) No one can overlook the fact that God was not concerned with preserving the “original” once the message had been delivered. Why would we put more value on the originals than God does?
So, why is it that we have to run back and try to find the originals, when we have God’s inspired copy in our hands? The problem is that the original manuscripts have become IDOLS in the eyes of men. I like the “Old Sword”.

We also hear the phrase, “THE ORIGINS”, (the debate about where the manuscripts came from). Almost all of the manuscripts come from one of two places, Alexandria, Egypt and Antioch, Syria. There are only two bibles: God’s and the devil’s. You must decide which of two views you will take: whether the Bible is perfect or imperfect. We must look at God’s Word to decide to which of two locations God would give His Word. As we look at these places, let us remember “the Law of First Mention.” This means that it is generally true that the context in which someone or something is first mentioned sets the Bible’s attitude for that person or place.

Let us look first of all at the land of Egypt.

The first time Egypt is mentioned is in Genesis 12:10-12. We see by reading the passage, that it is definitely not a positive view of that land. Abraham feared for his life when he went there!

In Exodus 1:11-14, we find God’s people in bondage there.

In Exodus 1:15, 16, we find the Hebrew’s children being murdered there.

Let us look at God’s personal view of Egypt.

In Exodus 20:2, He calls it a “house of bondage”

In Deuteronomy 4:20, He calls it “the iron furnace”
In Deuteronomy 17:16, He tells Israel not to have any trade with Egypt

And finally in Revelation 11:8, He pairs Egypt with the city of Sodom!

Anyone that thinks Egypt would be a good place to get a Bible, definitely does
not know God’s view of that place. But the place does look pretty good for the devil to set up his false versions…

Now let’s look at the city of Alexandria. It is mentioned only 4 times in the Bible, and each mention is… uh… well, you decide…..

In Acts 6:9, we find men of Alexandria disputing with God’s man over (what else?) the Word of God.

In Acts 18:24, we find a young Jew from Alexandria named Apollos who is going about preaching false doctrine. This shows us that Alexandria goes along with bad Bible teaching.

In Acts 27:6, Paul is sent to Rome to be tried (and later put to death), in a ship of Alexandria. The ship later goes down during a bad storm.

In Acts 28:11, we find that after the shipwreck, they board another ship of Alexandria to take them on to Rome.

It’s looking better for the devil every minute…….Wait, there’s more.

Alexandria was known in history as a center of education and philosophy. In Colossians 2:8, we are told to beware of philosophy. In the institutes and centers of that city, the idea came by the great philosopher, Philo, that truth was relative, not absolute. Since that time, the devil has used the belief, “There have to be errors somewhere” to tear down the purity of God’s Word in the minds of believers.

Now, let’s look at one verse on the land of Syria.

In Genesis 25:20, we see that Isaac got his bride, Rebekah, from Syria

In the book of Acts, we see the city of Antioch mentioned several times.

In Acts 6:3-5, we see that one of the first deacons was from Antioch

In Acts 11:19-21, we see many being saved as a result of preaching in Antioch.

In Acts 11:22-24, the first great Gentile church was started in Antioch

In Acts 13:1-3, the first foreign missionaries are sent from Antioch

By reading these verses, we can see that God truly had his hand on the city of Antioch. Many were saved there, and many more were saved as a result of the missionaries sent from the church there. It is plain to see that God had two totally different views of Alexandria and Antioch.

From Antioch we received the Greek text called the “Textus Receptus”, from which the King James Bible was translated. From Alexandria we received the Greek text called the “Alexandrian Text”, from which is the basis for almost every translation since 1881. It is also interesting to note that there are over 5000 manuscripts or portions of scripture that have been found, and the newer versions are supported only by about 5 of these! And two of these manuscripts contain books that are anti-scriptural, and have never been accepted by Christianity as inspired. Only the Roman Catholic Church has claimed inspiration for them. I still like the “Old Sword”.

The devil sure has put up his smokescreens hasn’t he? In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Bible says “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” He has infiltrated the minds of scholars that get so consumed in their quest for knowledge that they seem to think that they know more than God knows. They began to question whether the Bible is inerrant and infallible. Remember in the beginning, when the devil tempted Adam and Eve? What did he tempt them with? Knowledge. Being able to think like God. That is what appealed to Eve as she took the forbidden fruit. If you look at Genesis 3:1, you will see the first four words of Satan are, “Yea, hath God said?”. He is still using that same seed of doubt today. “Did God really mean what He said?” You can be assured He did and He still does.

If that were not enough for me to see God’s hand upon the King James Bible, seeing the work of it through history would. Looking down through the pages of time since 1611, every great move of God has come through the studying and preaching of the King James Bible. God has chosen the “pure Word” to bring revival to our nation in the past, and if it comes again I believe it will come by the preaching of the KJB. Though many have tried to destroy it, it has stood the test of time. I came across this poem a few weeks ago and I think it says it best.

“THE ANVIL OF GOD’S WORD”
Last eve, I paused besides the blacksmith’s door,
And heard the anvil ring, the vesper chime,
And looking in I saw upon the floor
old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
“How many anvils have you had” ? said I,
“To wear and batter all those hammers, so ?”
“ Just one, “ he answered. Then with twinkling eye:
“The anvil wears the hammers out you know.”
And so, I thought, the anvil of God’s word
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon,
But though the noise of falling blows was heard
The anvil’s still the same, and all the hammers gone.

Our copy of the Word of God may get worn out and decay but the Word will last for time and eternity. It never changes. Oh, the other versions may look nicer and more modern, but what good is a gleaming sword that has no edge? It is good for nothing but to talk about and polish, and, oh, nobody ever gets hurt around it because it’s never taken to battle. But I’m glad that the “Old Sword” is still battle worthy, because we as Christians will face battles every day and the Lord knows we will need His Word to help us in our Christian walk. I’m glad it still works. It’s still quick. It’s still powerful. It’s still sharp. It still cuts. Have I told you I like the Old Sword?

13 comments:

Dave said...

Great Post. You are homeschool?

Nicki Baker said...

who wrote that poem? I really like it!

Anonymous said...

Acts 18

22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Anonymous said...

Acts 27

6And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

7And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

8And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

10And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

11Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

12And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

13And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

14But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

15And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

16And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

17Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

18And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

19And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Anonymous said...

Acts 28

9So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

15And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Anonymous said...

11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Anonymous said...

As we look at these places, let us remember “the Law of First Mention.” This means that it is generally true that the context in which someone or something is first mentioned sets the Bible’s attitude for that person or place.


PAUL too?

Anonymous said...

Col 2
1For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.


Laodicea

http://www.ntimages.com/Turkey-i-map.htm

The Good Reporters said...

1611kjv,
Thank you so much for stopping by. Yes, we are homeschooled.

Nicki,
I'm not sure who wrote it. I'll try to find out. Thanks again for stopping by.

Anonymous,
Thanks for stopping by.

Dave said...

WOW, I am too.

James

The Good Reporters said...

James,
That's great. It's always good to meet other homeschoolers. Thanks for linking us on your site.

Bible Discernment said...

The Bible is under attack from all sides. Satan knows it tells the truth about him, the victory that Jesus had at the cross, and what will happen in the future. As such, Satan has and still is making every attempt to destroy the Word of God. What better way to do this, than to change the meaning of the Bible over time with different bible versions; each version as it comes along claiming it is the truth and the most accurate of all the versions up until that point.
The line must be drawn where we say, "If the King James Bible was good enough for 400 years, then it is still good enough for me." For by it men and women have been saved and the knowledge of God imparted unto them. When new bible versions come along, they always take something away that is never replaced, only to be lost forever. If you believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then stand up for it. Take a stand and speak out against these new bible versions. An objection often raised against the "King James Only Crowd" is that people learn something from the other (modern) versions, too, and that some even get saved: but I dare say that this occurs in spite of these errant versions, not because of them!
The Authorized Version of 1611, or, in other words, the King James Bible, stands alone in its uniqueness, integrity, and fidelity to the truthfulness of God’s Word. Among reasons why this writer holds this conviction is because of the great harm done not only to the Word of God, but the detriment wrought in the local church in its public worship, and, of course, because of the confusion created in countless group and individual Bible studies. After all, it could be said: How do you think your professor would think or feel if all of his students used different textbooks in his class?! In our case, God is our Great Professor! He alone is the one true God, who has walked among us upon this earth and left us the living and enduring legacy of His Word and His Spirit. Until He comes, Amen.

Travis Foulks said...

Well how do you feel about the Bible translated into 98% of the worlds dialect? We compose one percent of that dialect with the KJV. Does that mean the rest of world is without the Word?