Why I Chose Misunderstood Verses And Oddities Of The Bible
Posted: Friday, November 14, 2008
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
I commend the management of SearchWarp for their great idea to have some authors write a regular themed column. I have said, in several articles, that part of my understanding of the Holy Bible differs from the majority of those who are lacking in knowledge of the book as well as of many bible scholars. Not that I feel more intelligent than anyone else, and anyone can disagree with me without causing hard feelings so long as they do not criticize me personally or act as though they know everything. Expressing differences are of much value in learning so long as they are made with decency and respect.
Anyway, enough criticism. Everyone, even atheists, ought to recognize that a book which has been the world's best seller, since printing first came into production, must contain something worthwhile. I urge everyone to set aside a period of time and study it every day. It is a massive book and formidable to some, however, most of those will sit down to a long novel with no worry. It can be read from cover to cover in seventy-two hours at a moderate reading speed. In other words, if you are determined and will set aside two hours per day, you will be finished in about thirty-six days if you do not falter or become interested in some subject and restudy, etc. I know this to be a truth, because I decided personally to see how long it would take me to do so several years ago. I set aside two hours each evening and read it, re-read it, on until I went through it five times and it took six months and three days. I took no side roads or chased no rabbits, simply read. There was an occasion or two that I stopped short a few minutes before the two hours were up but not enough to cause much variance. Prior to that time I had read through the Bible twice, on no schedule or kept no time of it. The real joy of this is that I learned some new things each time I read it through. It also helped me tremendously to recall some things that it said and where they were located.
Many scholars state, and I agree, that reading through the Bible is not the best method of studying it. But, even though I agree with that, I think it wise that every person should read it through at least once, preferably two or three times. This makes it positive that you have read every word...very possibly did not understand every word (I still do not), but did read them.
A few words to those who may have an interest in studying the Bible and wonder how you will be able to understand it. First of all there are accepted methods and theories of studying the book. These are referred to as "hermeneutics". In order for the Bible to be worth the paper it is printed on, it must be true. It claims to have been written by men inspired of God via the Holy Spirit. If it was not, it is worthless. If it was, then it is truth and is the method of communication from God to His creation. If God is as depicted in the Holy Bible, He has all knowledge, nothing, even the most minute function of a molecule in frigid outer space, is unknown to Him. One of the most important rules that I accept as correct is that concerning the question of, "How do we know if something is intended to be literal, symbolic, figurative or hypothetical?" The rule for this is quite simple to state but a little more difficult to accomplish. The rule states that every statement is to be taken as literal...UNLESS...there is a compelling reason not to. So, where does that take us? Compelling reasons can be one or more of several. One primary reason is, that if the statement depicts something that is contrary to common knowledge, it must be figurative or symbolic. Some are explained as being symbolic, such as the parables of Jesus. Almost all prophecies were made in some type of figurative speech. This matter is far too lengthy to follow through, here. There are many controversies concerning what is literal and what is not. I know of several of which I differ with many. Perhaps I will share some of them with the readers in other columns.
Other things we will discuss are certain things that are expressed in scripture with unnoticed meanings. Some with dual meanings. Not too many people realize that there are two chapters in the Bible which are identical...or with possibly one or two words different. And even more cannot come to a conclusion as to how that came about. Few people understand why Genesis 38, a chapter about Judah, is wedged into the space between 37 and 39 which contain a continuing episode of the story of Joseph. Or why this particular story concerning Judah is even in the Bible.
I promise to keep the column as interesting as I am able and always with the understanding that I can be wrong. The Bible cannot. I have been wrong before (Grin). May God continue to bless America.
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More commentsGreat article, Joel. I am far from being a Bible authority. And some of my own interpretation of certain Bible verses differ from some other people's. But everyone is entitled to their own views and who knows who is right and who is wrong. Thanks for sharing.SandraHi Sandra, thanks for commenting. I do not consider myself an authority on the Bible, but my mother gave me a small Bible (and unusual item back then since most were quite large) whenI was 12 years old. I was so elated at the gift that I promised her I would read and study it diligently. I did, and found it fascinating so I have been an avid student since (65 yrs) although there were some periods when I slacked up on it for several years. Also I have involved myself in many discussions over the years my view differed with others. I agree with you though, that none of us will ever know all there is to know about it. One thing I have concluded is that, to be a faithful Christian, one must study. There are far too many exhortations to do so throughout the Bible
Well, I think that when reading the Bible, one should have a teacher simply because they have greater insights than one might not be able to realize on their own. In other words, if you read it yourself, without being a Christian, then you are bound to misunderstand it or come to incorrect conclusions about what is being said. Furthermore, I think that it is critical that you (we) should study the Bible with someone who we consider to be a true Christian. For example: my uncle is a Christadelphian who engages and leads Bible study groups, but he (they ) do not believe in the divinity of Christ. How anyone who claims to be a Christian ( which he does) can read the Bible and come to that conclusion and say, " It says it right there!" is grossly misinterpreting the Bible. And so that is just one example of how important it is to have a correct teacher. There are amazing, even jaw dropping, revelations in the Bible that it could take years and years of study to understand. This is especially pertinent when someone ( a true Christian ) with more wisdom can take you back to other passages in the Bible that supports the meaning of other passages.Just my thoughts.. :)Hi Jennifer, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes anyone who studies the Bible should have help with it. We are fortunate in this particular time to have writings at our fingertips of outstanding Bible scholars all the way back to contemporaries of the Apostles. Much insight and understanding can be achieved from referencing those writings which give explanations in a lot of instances. But, in studying from these ancient scholars, as well as modern ones, the qualifications of the teacher must be scrutinized closely and their conclusions must be analyzed by what the Bible says. It has the only inflallible writings that we have.I sincerely appreciate your comments.I forgot to add that I completely agree you that one cannot b a Christian if he denies the divinity of Christ. This is what Christianity is all about, Jesus said in John 8:24 "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." Now that is either a fact or a lie and if a lie, the Bible is worthless. There are a number of other statements, verifying this fact.Indeed. All I can say is that his eyes are closed.Best wishes,jennifer
Hi Joel, I'm with you all the way :-)I have one disagreement--I see the Bible as having 3 meanings - Historical, prophetical and applicational---thought I was going to say something bad huh?Smiles.No, that is not a disagreement. You're right. I wasn't speaking of the book itself when I said two, I meant individual scriptures.
hi joel,i have the utmost respect for you, your wisdom, your kindness, and your dedication.however, i have always just tried to do what i thought was God's will for me. i am courteous and thoughtful to others, i don't lie (much) i don't steal, never have, and i am open minded and accepting of all types of people.i don't believe there is a need for a book to tell us all this, i myself, didn't learn it from the Bible, i learned it from my parents, grandparents, and experience, never having read the Bible through. i don't understand the words, don't like the fact that i can't understand the words, just as i can't watch Romeo and Juliet, it's too frustrating.however, have no doubt, God is in my soul, and i try to live my life as a Blessed child of His, trying to do good deeds and make Him proud.thank you for your article, you always write so well.my best regards,sueHi Susan;I highly respect you and I am happy that each person has the right to believe as they desire. However, I sorely disagree with you on just feeling in your heart that God is with you. I hope for your sake that He is, but why did He give his people such a massive book with many admonitions to study and even keep His word in our hearts. If I found I was wrong here, I would beg forgivenss but I simply cannot see such in light of the Bible. I wish you peace.
Joel, a well-written article. Your ending was phenomenal! "I promise to keep the column as interesting as I am able and always with the understanding that I can be wrong. The Bible cannot. I have been wrong before (Grin)." More should take this approach and not argue (anonymously) so much over the Holy Scriptures. I honor you for that statement and pray others will follow your Christian example. I anticipate learning more from your column.
Thank you Avis for your nice comment. Whenever we encounter anyone who professes to know everything and is always right, if he isn't a member of the Godhead, we can always know that he knows less than thinks he does. My views of scripture differ a lot to those of my parents, although I feel they tried hard to understand them. I trust the scriptures for everything that is to be done religiously.2 Peter 1:3 says: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Joel, this a subject many people are afraid to touch. I've read the Bible through at least 4 times and I've never skipped anything, not even the hard-to-pronounce names. :-) But I've come across many things that I still do not understand such as:Why does there appear to be two separate and distinct creation stories in Genesis, with one in which multiple humans are created at once (instead of just Adam and Eve)?Why did God meet Moses at an inn and seek to kill him? How could a man still be alive after God sought to kill him?Did God actually allow Jeptha to sacrifice his daughter?Where did the Egyptians get the horses they used to pursue to the Israelites with after all of their horses were killed off during one of the plagues?Why did God allow the other 11 tribes of Israel to nearly exterminate the tribe of Benjamin?Why does the prophet Baalam get such a bad rap even though he refused to curse Israel and actually blessed them instead? In the narrative about him, he seems like a good guy. But all the accounts that refer to him in retropect make him seem like an evil enemy of Israel. There seems to be some kind of disconnect -- or possibly information that was omitted.Why did Jesus seem to indicate that his second coming was going to occur during the generation of his disciples?Why did Jesus say that one must hate their father, mother, sister, and brother in order to be his disciple?I hope you will address these issues and more in your upcoming articles. I'm looking forward to them. Thanks for sharing.Hi Terry, wowie, you laid them out. I really appreciate you naming these things though. As you enumerated them, I recalled having discussed and studied every one of them before. Some I can definitely answer, probably to your satisfaction. Others I am not too positive of my grasp of them but I promise to really dig in and at least give my findings, whether conclusive or not. Thanks a lot.You know, no one will ever be able to grasp all the truths of the Bible. But when we try very hard and study diligently, His grace takes over where we are weak.Come on Terry, surely you must know the answers by now...sheeshh :-)This is the very reason continual study and cross referencing are important. We will be learning until we breathe our last breath. The important thing is that we always remember as Joel said, the Bible is always right, we are the ones who have finite minds that will never be able to fully grasp an infinite God, but some things, key things he makes abundantly clear leaving no room for misintrepration.As far as Jesus seemingly telling his disciples he would return in their generation, I believe from studying all aspects of his return that he was not speaking of their generation, but the generation that would be in existance at the time all those things come to pass. This is a tid-bit on the subject, but I don't want to cut into Joel's insightful info for you and all of us who are students of the Bible.I am curious what part of Genesis you are refering to--I know that Genesis has a summary statement and then is followed by a detailed account, is that what you are referring to? A lot of people have been confused by this thinking there are two separate creations, but when we understand Hebrew writing traditions, it is evident in Genesis and in fact the entire bible that it was standard practice to summarize an event and then follow it with details. Anway, food for thought. Looking forward to this wonderful place we can learn from one another.God Bless! TeresaTeresa, I do actually have some idea on some of these, based on explanations that I've heard from preachers and other Bible scholars (some I buy, some I don't buy), but I wanted to get Joel's perspective on them. He's obviously studied the Bible more than almost anyone I know. I have a lot of respect for his views. And since he opened up the subject of misunderstandings and oddities of the Bible ...I agree, I think I know of two other people (Pastor's whose teaching I sat under) who have studied as long as Joel.I am looking foward to his insight.I hope you know I wasn't implying you didn't have thoughts on these and I do hope you know I was joking in my first line to you. :-)There are several things, I am not willing to stand firm on just yet. Blessings! TeresaHmm. I'm going to have to ask Teresa about some of these tonite. I knew about the two creation stories, but do not recall there being a mention of a multitude of humans created at once.I wonder why it is that is was OK for Lot to have incestual relations with his daughters.Jennifer, Teresa might be right about one of the stories being a summary. But it does say God created them male and female and told them to be fruitful and multiply. This was even before Adam and Eve were mentioned.I can answer the one about incest. The Bible never said it was okay. It just reports the facts of what happened.Hi Terry,When we read Gen one we get a details of what he created each day, but when we get down to verse 26 were God says let Us make man in our image",, and goes on to say 27 So God created man in His own Image; He created him [Adam] in the image of God; He created them [Adam and Eve] male and female. It went from he to to them because (I believe) he created Adam first, then Eve--we don't get the details. Then Chapter 2 starts and says by reaccounting in summary we we just read in detail regarding the first 5 days of creation.Then we get to verse 7 and it gives details--"Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground (I believe the he from chapter 1) he gives details of what his job would be as summarized in chapter 1. We don't know how much time lapsed between creating Adam and creating Eve, but we get down to verse 21 and now we get the detail of how he created Eve.Thereby completing the "them" in chapter 1.Anyway, this is how I see it and have been taught. Beside all through the rest of Scripture, old and new, when creation is spoken of, it is always spoken of creation, not creations. Just my two-cents. What are your thoughts on this?Again, looking foward to Joel's thought's on this.Teresa, I think there was just one creation as a whole (that is, one six-day period of creation -- and not another one). However, I am open to the possibility that God may have created more adult humans, possibly after the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There are two reasons I think this could be possible and both have to do with Cain. First, remember how Cain asked God to protect him from people as he sojourned through the earth? God put a mark on him to keep people from killing him. Where did these people come from? Also, where did Cain get his wife? And where did his brothers and sisters get wives and husbands? I've always wondered about that. And I still don't think that would nullify the concept of original sin, since sin is a spiritual problem, not a physical defect that is genetically passed along. Now that could be food for multiple articles in and of itself.Hi Terry, good thoughts and one I hadn't considered in relation to God creating many at one time.The way I always read and understood is that we do not have every birth recorded for us in Genesis.We know from Hebrew history, the genealogy of men are all that was recorded, and then in that only men who had influence or made significant historical achievment or difference for the bad.But the thing that keeps me believing that all human beings came from his first creation of Adam and Eve is that we read Adam was alone without a mate. So God gave him Eve and in Verse 20 of chapter 3 we are told she is named Eve because she is the mother of all living, in context I believe in means living humans, not the animals etc.. In Chapter 4 we are told that she bore Cain. We are not told how long it was between Cain and Abel. More than likely she had many other sons and daughters in betwwen. But we know Cain and Abel are very significant.Then there is a verse that I believe is important: 4:3 --"and in the process of time it came to pass." Here we are told time has passed. Remembering how long they lived, it could have been 40 years, a hundred years, giving plenty of time for Adam and Eve to have an abunance of children. *(I think about my mom's family 7 kids in 8 years. brothers and sisters close to the same age. Think how quickly they could multiply)As the story continues, in verse 7 God warns Cain that sin-evil is knocking at his door, but he does have the power to rule over it... In verse 8 we see those important words again...."and it came to pass, when they were in the field"Who knows how long Cain struggled with the bitterness in his heart toward Abel. He could have stewed for years while the anger built up to the point that in an opportune moment his anger let loose and killed his son.So we have onc verse that tells us time passed before they made their offerings to the Lord and then we have another verse that tells us more time passed before he killed him. That means there was plently of time for plently of children to be born and grown, born and grown. So that when the day came, there were hundreds of thousands of families who spread out through the regions. By now you probably have distant cousins and relatives who did not know eachother.. This happens with families today. My grandpa lived to be 97 years old he had 160 members in his family when he did. That's not including those who died or couldn't have children.Another passage that makes it clear we do not have every record of births is chapter 4vs 25 "And then Adam knew his wife again."I can't imagine them not having relations from Cain to Sethl. Especially since it tells us in chapter 5 that Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born. Interestingly when we read the genealogy in Chapter 5, it doesn't mention Cain and Abel, butit does give us confirmation that 130 years of procreating was taking place.For me, considering all of this, and everything else in the detail of Adam and Eve, the evidence is clear that life came through Adam and Eve. Add this to the accounts in 1 Corinthians that in Adam all sinned, very specifically Adam, the first man, not mankind.Anyway, just my way of thinking and what I have studied throughout all Scripture. Doesn't mean I am right, but it does fit.I hope I am making sense here, this is such a huge study.The most amazing thing about the genealogy that is record from Seth down, is that each of the sons' names in Hebrew foretell the coming of Jesus.John Courson has an amazing study on this, I highly recommend it. I learned so much from it and it helped to open my understanding of Genesis.This is fun!! makes me think :-) Have a great dayTerry, I am with Teresa on the remarks covering this, and may not write another article on this specific subject. I believe as she does that Adam and Eve had many children in their long life span and we know for a certainty that many, probably all, to begin with, intermarried with sisters and brothers and uncles, etc.In fact, some of the comments left here question the "incest" of Lot's affairs with his daughters. I am sure that these acts were not pleasing to God but not because of the close kinship. Even Lot's uncle Abraham, was married to his half sister Sarah. In fact, if you read the marriages of Terah's (Abraham's father) children you will find that every one of them is in some way, in the upline of of Jacob. Most amazing. Terah had 4 children in all, Haran, Nahor, Abraham and Sarah. Abraham married Sarah.Haran, had a daughter named Milcah. Haran died early, but Milcah married Nahor. Abraham and Sarah gave birth to Isaac and Nahor and Milcah gave birth to Rebekah who married Issac and of that union, Jacob (Israel was born). You'll find the record of Terah's children in Gen. 8:26-32 and the explanation of Rebekah's parentage in Gen. 24:15.Correction: Rebekah was born of Bethuel who was the son of Nahor and Milcah.Hi Joel, thanks for adding all of this information! Very helpful. It wasn't until the Levitical law that God forbade inter-family relations--this is another story, but in summary we know that by this timem, there was no reason as far as pro-creation, but also sin was much more prevelent--disease was a big factor. And until God "called it off" if you will, there was divine protection from birth-defects. After that, it is disobedience and I believe God'd devine protection was released.I am still trying to catch up with your other articles as well as put my second one up.Lord bless you, thanks so much!!Teresa and Joel, thanks for the explanation. It sounds plausible to me.True. I still have much to learn.. But consider my analogy in my response to Teresa's response to me below. Strange isn't it?Hi Jennifer, Terry is right, it was not okay, in fact as we read on in Genesis we see the consequence of their sin through the Moab nation. Not that Lot is completely off the hook, but it was instigated by his daughters after they left Gomorah. They were worried that they would have no children because they had no husbands, so they got their dad drunk and then slept with him. The starting point for their sin was lack of trusting God to provide a husband in due time, which caused them to sin further by getting their father drunk and then sinning further by having sex with him.One lesson in this story is that unbelief and lack of trust always leads to sin on some level.Oh yes, of course you are right. I forgot about the daughters getting their father drunk. Funny that this should be again, like in Adam and Eve; that women should have tricked the man to engage in sin. Coincidence? What does this say about us women? lolTerry I wrote you another comment, but got confused as to where I was at and left it under Teresa's comment instead. Page on down and you'll find it.
I think this is a very good point. Too many people actually listen to what other people say about the Bible. Every person should be able to have their own opinion and not necessarily agree with their preacher's word. This is how cults are formed. Don't say yes or no to anything until you have the fact, so if you want to know the word of God, read several versions of the Bible yourself.Hi Florence, you are right. Far too many people simply accept what one preacher or anyone else says. I never want anyone to risk their soul on my views. If I am not positive of my stand on something, I will readily admit it. We have a multitude of resources now available to us, most of them free, on the internet. So in depth study in order to learn the truth is what one needs.In the past, I have invested hundreds of dollars in reference books and commentaries, but now we have far more than I could ever have afforded, at our fingertips.
Joel a really great article showing the diversity, especially in the responses scripture belief. Now some take the Word as literal, others as more of a teaching tool which imparts wisdom and knowledge in many forms as perceived by different people. Poetry, allegory, story, parables all adding to the message. Catholics do not take the bible as literal but inspired. Whatever, one takes to form a belief there are specific foundational things that we all believe in. The Word never wavers from this. The fact that amazes me is the bible is for the most part a prophetic book, It told of the coming of our Lord, his death, resurrection and what we are to do as His followers. It also very prophetically tells of his return and when it is even at the door. The fact that so many variations and beliefs abound speaks to me very clearly as a beleiver that the focus is on Jesus Christ. If we do that and listen to His teachings reagrdles of perception of His word we will find our answers.Thank you for reading and for the profound comments, Robert. I agree that there is much in the Bible that is not literal but, still meaningful and has it's purpose. I also agree that a large portion of the Bible is prophetic. A very large portion of the Old Testament is concerning the coming of the Messiah and His church, or kingdom.
Hi Joel,What a wonderful article. I just have one question for you, are we (you, I or anyone else) ever out of God's will? Thanks for your answer and your insight into God's word.RickHi Rick, and thanks for the comment. I'm not sure if I understand what you are asking if one is ever out of God's will. "...God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentence" 2 Peter 3:9. He wishes everyone would accept and obey Him but on the other hand, He forces no one to do so. We can easily be out from under His grace.If that doesn't answer your question, explain it to me.Hi Joel,Yes i should try to explain myself so that I can learn from your perspective on this question. Aside from salvation is the believer really ever out of God's will? In this age of grace is it possible to be out side of God's will? When you take in the entirety of who God is and what He knows, I have to believe that He is in charge. I give you one example from the Old testament to look at. What about Pharoah?ThanksRickHi Rick, if I understand your meaning, i don't believe anyone is ever to the point that, should they repent and follow the terms of God, they could not be aqcceptable to him. Pharaoh was a man of whom God knew his heart and God knew that he would be hardened each time he was tested. But, even he, I believe, could have been forgiven...though God knew that he never would repent.God is definitely in charge, but I do not believe He ever would condemn anyone who would repent and obey Him. That would make him a respecter of persons which we are assured that He is not. Acts 10:34Thank you Joel for your comments. I agree with you that God knew Pharaoh's heart and that he would never repent. Pharaoh was completely out side of God's will so he thought. God was in charge and used Pharaoh to complete His desire for His chosen people. Pharaoh was not an unbeliever in God however he did not honor God and His soverigty. Pharaoh was his own god.Now what about us who believe and honor God? Just like Pharaoh was not able to be outside of the workings of God, I wonder if it is possible for us to be outside of the work that God is doing in the world. I suggest to you Jonah. He was a believer and he honored God until he was asked to do something that would have held off God's wrath upon a people Jonah dispised. Jonah was in clear opposition to God, yet he was still used in a mighty way.Just as the apostle Paul remarked about how longsuffering Christ was with him, I too know that God will not condemn any one who givin a chance would turn and repent and worship Jesus. I wait with anticipation on your response and I will leave you with this comment about reading the Bible from start to finish. I think it is the way God intended for us to approach His word. Really, it is a complete and wonderful story from Genesis to Revelations.Well, Jonah was afraid to go to that land of pagans, there was enmity between almost every one and the Jews. He foolishly thought to disobey God but God, knowing his heart, kindly nudged him back in line. He then went to Nineveh and did a great job of preaching to them, they repented.I don't think anyone, has ever been outside the area of being under God's rule. They can be as disobedient as they please but they are still subject to him and will pay for their disobedience.Thank you Joel for your insight. That is what I have been dealing with for a while now is not complete disobedience but rather not seeking God's will for my life right now. As I study the Bible more and more I learn that others like Jonah have been out right in opposition to God. Yes I do believe Jonah was in full opposition to God. Why else would he get on a boat and try to go in the complete opposite direction to Nineveh but he was bound for Tarshish as about as far away from Nineveh you could get. I also believe Jonah hated the Ninevites and had no desire to see them saved. He even said as much after he saw them repent. I am not even sure he did a great job of preaching, God's desire was to see them repent. It was completely God's work. Well back to me, I am feeling comforted that God's work goes on even when we do not have the heart for it. I gain such confidence that it is truley in His hands and thru Jesus it will be accomplished and has been for it has already been written.As I close this comment I love what you said Joel about all are subject to God. For in the end All will bow and worship Him even those who do not want too.
"I promise to keep the column as interesting as I am able and always with the understanding that I can be wrong. The Bible cannot."Joel,The only problem many have with the Bible is just what you've inadvertently implied here. The Bible reveals the mind of God through prophets and apostles . . . as far as it is accurately rendered.
Scholars have been studying this issue for centuries. Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus, speaks to this point. Until the 16th century with the printing press and the coming to an end of doctrine known only through priests, for the Bible was not read among the people, it was reproduced by hand. And, unfortunately, scribes / monks being human make mistakes--intentional and unintentional, if you know what I mean. Ehrman speaks to the ajenda of the early church and manipulation and control for the sake of power. The "good word" being misused. And as the Bible has gone from language to language and even old to new within the same language (King James to The New American Bible), meaning is watered down.
And even if there is a lot that is missing or mis-quoted, even that which may be accurate is highly up to interpretation, thus the hundreds if not thousands of sects thus the many "interpretations" of the Bible.
It is "The Good Book" but it requires a good connection to the source, a lot of praying to the source and allowing spirit to guide where man may fall short.
I commend your efforts in bringing us this great work to light on a regular basis.
God Bless!
Jeff
Thank you for reading and commenting Jeff, and I agree with much you said. But as far as the scripture being watered down, it isn't really all that bad. We have ancient manuscripts, especially of the Old Testament and many different copies which can be compared and determined where much error might be. Also, there are numerous New Testament writings which have been scrutinized by scholars over the years. Actually we have now, many versions which are commentaries rather than translations, but if we primarily stick with the KJV, ASV, NKJV and NASV, the errors (and there are several) are more like typos and not really change of meaning very much. I believe God has overseen that enough to allow us to still be able to know the truth if we will but dig for it. I appreciate your comment.
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