Absolute & Final Authority #3 (AM)

The Bible is the final court of appeals. Our generation faces more fake news, lies, and religious heresies than any before it. But we have perfect protection in the Bible, if it is learned, loved, obeyed, and enforced. God has counted us worthy of this situation, so let us show our faith and zeal for His word.

The Final Court of Appeals

The Bible is not a book of moral, religious suggestions, but a binding, supreme legal charter.
God made His word the celestial constitution. Every human opinion, supreme court decision, and cultural trend is a lower-court ruling to be overturned if it contradicts the Bible (Is 8:20).
God’s word is the only judge. When Christians argue over marriage or church order, they act like an ignorant jury. Bible believers stop the debate, demand scripture, and close the case.
God’s word is final. Scripture is not to be wrested. Preachers and Christians cannot rewrite or softly interpret the text to fit modern culture. The divine law is upheld exactly as written.

Man Increasingly Presumes Ability and Right to His Ideas and Choices

We arrive surrounded by lies, with a heart loving lies, and with a diabolical enemy of truth, but God gave His absolute and final word of truth that can save us from all of it.
Lies began in Eden and the sin changed our nature to love lies (Jer 17:9; Rom 3:9-18).
1. He is the god of this world that blinds against truth for lies (II Cor 4:4; Eph 2:1-3).
2. Jesus taught Satan was the father of lies and had His generation of Jews (Jn 8:44).
3. Paul saw the diabolical danger at Corinth that is here today (II Cor 11:1-4,13-15).
4. Men reject truth – the RCC – so God sends strong delusion (II Thes 2:9-12) … here.
5. Our ancestors in the faith won, even if some gave their lies to do so (Rev 12:9-17).
The printing press invented in 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg resulted in many books.
1. Constantinople fell in 1453 flooding Europe with Greek manuscripts for the Bible.
2. Solomon’s fear about books became a general issue only recently (Eccl 12:11-12).
3. It has never been easier to print books, but ink on pages with a cover tricks many.
4. For 500 years the poor remnant could not afford to print or had their books burned.
5. Compare books today to the KJV, New England Primer, Pilgrim’s Progress, Foxe.
An information explosion, like the Industrial Revolution, used new media to inform.
1. Think: periodicals, phones, paperback books, radio, television, tapes, cassettes, etc.
2. For much more about uninvited preachers by way of information devices … here.
3. Control of inputs became much harder with many heresies and lies easily available.
4. An onslaught of noise and lies in our lifetimes is far different from our ancestors.
5. Isolated, statistically-insignificant events from anywhere on earth are used for lies.
The Internet freely connected earth to hear or see anyone, anywhere about anything.
1. Anyone could publish anything for nothing on websites, blogs, videos, Twitter, etc.
2. Without earlier restraints like cost, peers, time, reviews, laws e.g. porn exploded.
3. Every literate false prophet anywhere could make their lies attractive to the world.
4. Questions answered by the Internet will produce a Legion of lies like never before.
5. The change from the previous 6000 years of human history is hard to fully grasp.
Now we face artificial intelligence, like most inventions, can be useful or dangerous.
1. The power of AI, increasing daily, can be a useful research tool, even in the Bible.
2. It presents lies persuasively by an interactive tool more and more think infallible.
3. It can easily replace prayer and wisdom with its endless suggestions and dialogue.
4. AI will get more common; Elon Musk and others would like chips in your brain.
5. Even if AI is limited to the KJV, it does not have the Spirit or our hermeneutics, and unless restricted to our website, it will offer worldly false interpretations. It does not want to use the KJV if possible; it cannot figure out Hebrews 4:12, etc.
At the same time human pride at all levels is allowed and flattered to make little gods.
1. Education is now asking infants their opinion; polls and surveys flatter all kinds.
2. Self-love is the greatest love, self-esteem the greatest need … fueling self-opinions.
3. Medicine and politics encouraged god complexes, but now most persons have one.
4. The benefit of general ignorance in some ways humbled man and allowed for God.
5. Social media, phones, constant communication flatter for opinions. God forbid!
The simple point is human thought is exalted; reasons and details could be multiplied.
1. Christians know Satan, the father of lies, directs human ideas (Jn 8:44; Eph 2:1-3).
2. Christians do not face physical persecution but rather a Legion of very popular lies.
3. They need what Paul did, ripping down human ideas against God (II Cor 10:4-5).
4. They need to do what Paul taught, proving all ideas by the scriptures (Acts 17:11).
5. God’s directive: heretics must be rejected (I Tim 6:3-5; Rom 16:17-18; Tit 1:9-11).
The Bible warns about dangers in the apostolic time and worse coming after us today.
1. The Spirit expressly foretold the Legion of lies from Rome’s brothel (I Tim 4:1-6).
2. Perilous times reject sound doctrine to learn without truth (II Tim 3:7,13; 4:3-4).
3. False information corrupts doctrine, and there has never been more (I Cor 15:33).
4. Christian books, blogs, websites, seminars, streaming church services are all over.
5. Pastors must oppose human opinions and worldly ideas (Jer 8:9; I Cor 3:19-20; II Cor 10:4-5; I Tim 4:7; 6:20-21; II Tim 2:16-18,23; 3:16-17; 4:2; Titus 1:14; 3:9).
Where are we today? We are presented with lies and heresies in every form all day.
1. Anything you read or hear, no matter the source, will likely have subtle or not lies.
2. Man’s ignorance and delight in perverse confusion of all things is all around us.
3. Is there absolute truth, or is absolute truth only your opinions against others’ ideas?
4. Is there final truth, which cannot and does not change, and where can it be found?
5. There is one main protection and cure – love, believe, obey, and enforce the Bible.
Our God Jehovah is the Author of Confusion, and we love Him for it in all its aspects.
1. Trusting the sovereign providence of God in general means lies are under His rule. Radical language differences and more are by Him confounding men (Is 29:9-16).
2. He sends strong delusion for men to believe lies and be damned (II Thess 2:9-12).
3. We add Israel’s infanticide and Europe obeying popes (Ezek 20:25-26; Rev 17:17).
4. For much more detail and many proofs of God’s confusion of foolish men … here.
5. We must hold the Bible as the only criterion of truth and prove all ideas by it alone, and we can have the truth confidence of Elihu and the fellowship with God of David.

Man’s Thoughts, Yours or Others, Must Be Rejected

Man’s thoughts are vain and worse; they must be rejected internally and externally (Jer 17:9; Ps 94:11; 139:23-24; Rom 1:21-22; I Cor 1:18-21; 3:18-20; II Cor 10:4-6).
David hated lying vanities of man’s thoughts (Ps 119:104,113,128,163; 31:6; 101:3).
Lady Wisdom and Jonah told painful results of man’s thoughts (Prov 8:36; Jonah 2:8).
Thinking … is not the way to truth; your thoughts are from depraved ignorance at best.
Impossible … is man improving on God’s thoughts (Ps 33:10-11; Prov 19:21; 21:30).
Intellectualism … is for blind Greeks, but not Christians (I Cor 1:22-24; Acts 17:32).
Mushy thinking … knows the Bible only in general terms and thinks love rules all, or chooses one side of the Bible and thinks loves rules all, when there is much more.
Black-or-white thinking … uses Bible sound bites without right division, mercy, or wisdom, and judges by the appearance rather than righteous truth of the matter (Jn 7:24), which reduces confidence in the Bible by the unmerciful and harsh use of it.
Woke thinking … is popular fantasies against authority, roles, judgment, tradition, etc. It is compromise for softness to make all feel warm and fuzzy and put above doctrine.
Feelings … are powerful, but usually sinful lusts; no feeling has improved the Bible or interpreted it. Your feelings must be ruled by faith and right Bible hermeneutics.
Intuition … is feelings by a deceitful and very wicked heart (Prov 12:15; 16:25; 21:2).
Peer pressure … others expect or demand you adjust and bend to think like them rather than God, but the most dangerous are fine Christian people holding heresies … here.
Doubt … this internal fear lacks confidence in beliefs, which must be in the more sure word; boldness in faith and scripture only grows by diligent learning and frequent use.
Testimonials … which are the imaginations and unproven opinions of others, are deceitful many different ways (Jer 44:15-19); Ponzi schemes deceive many by them.
Popularity … is proof of error, for truth is a minority (Luke 6:26; 16:15; Matt 7:14).
Great men … of worldly reputation are not the measure (Job 32:6-10; Ps 119:98-100).
Friends … are tried by God’s word, no matter how dear (Deut 13:6-11; II Sam 13:3).
Family … these dearest relations are a great danger to truth (Luke 14:25-33; I Pet 3:6).
Parents … are first teachers you meet, and are fallible (I Sam 20:30-33; I Kings 15:13).
Fear … can be a snare, so you must not care what others think (Pr 29:25; Jn 12:42-43).
Studying … by a weekend warrior is risky in comparison to a pastor (II Tim 2:15,23); searching scripture to confirm is one thing; searching to resist is another (Is 29:20-21).
Reasoning … is not the way to truth, by yourself or with others, we need revelation; God has His secret things, but He revealed all truth we need in the Bible (Deut 29:29).
Women … can be silly, vulnerable to wrong thinking (II Tim 3:6-7; I Tim 2:11-15).

False Bibles and Ancient Languages Seek to Replace the KJV

Multiplying versions … destroy word confidence and flatter men to pick their favorite
1. One-word arguments used by our Lord and His apostles are hardly considered.
2. When you hear paraphrase or dynamic equivalence, you have left God’s words.
3. With computer programs, they can pick favorite sound bites from many versions.
4. Use the NKJV for presumptive printing and for its many internal problems … here.
5. We trust the KJV as His words in English by spiritual and scriptural factors … here.
Ancient languages … steal Bible authority and confidence, like Rome’s use of Latin.
1. Most Christians do not know any Hebrew or Greek, so are at the mercy of pastors.
2. Very few pastors, even seminary graduates, do not know the languages very well.
3. There are no “originals,” though they are praised, so why “original” languages?
4. The two idols, Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, have a Legion of errors of several kinds.
5. Hebrew or Greek manuscripts have errors in them or in their translation to English.
6. Which version will you pick of the two languages? There are many like in English.
7. Why not trust God’s promise of preservation and providence to find the scripture?
8. Expose Hebrew by Exodus 12:40; II Sam 21:19; II Kings 8:26 cf. II Chron 22:2; I Sam 13:1; Gen 22:17 cf. Gal 3:16; II Sam 15:7; Job 32:15-16; Proverbs Babel.
9. Expose Greek by Mark 1:2; John 1:18; 5:4; Acts 8:37; Heb 2:16; 3:16; I John 5:7.

False Criteria for Truth – Temptations to Compromise by Christians

Results … do not prove truth; they can be judgment (Nu 20:7-11; Pr 1:32; Matt 26:22).
Peace … is no proof of truth, which heretics claim when they reject accountability; Jesus promised His religion would at times have a sword, not peace (Matt 10:34-37).
Tradition … trusting previous generations or habits is folly (Matthew15:1-9; Col 2:8).
Conservative … is not truth; think teetotalers; the Pharisees were strictest (Acts 26:5).
Moderate.. . is truth for human conduct, but it does not apply to God’s truth (Phil 4:5).
Expedient … is political, proper, peaceful, but it does not prove truth (Luke 3:18-20).
Safe … avoids danger, but the truth may bring danger (Dan 3:16-18; Matt 13:20-21).
Laws … may be passed against truth, but we must obey God (Dan 6:1-10; Acts 5:29).
Size … the truth will always be small, so reject big churches (Heb 11:7; Luke 12:32).
Political … is not the rule; you may have to be incorrect (I Kgs 22:13-14; Acts 24:25).
Cost … is not a matter to avoid, for God measures love by it (Matthew 13:22; 22:5).
Comfort … is not a truth test, for truth may not be comfortable (Matt 8:20; II Tim 2:3).
Ease … is not a measure of truth, for afflictions are part of truth (Ps 34:19; II Tim 1:8).
Accountability … is not a thing to avoid, but to embrace (I Thess 5:14; Heb 3:12-13).
Freedom … to do your own thing is not Christ, for He chose churches (Heb 10:23-25).
Signs/Miracles … are for blind Jews, but not Christians (I Cor 1:22-24; Deut 13:1-5).
Hypocrites … exist in every church, including Jesus’ apostles (Jn 6:70; Phil 3:17-21).
Persecution … is not fun, but the truth may bring it (Galatians 6:12; I Thess 2:14-16).
Enemies … are not fun, but the truth may bring them (Rev 12:11,17; Galatians 4:16).
Youth programs … is how many today look for a church, though the Bible has none.
Extra activities … are softball teams and other distractions, though preaching is best.
Love … as a first and crucial default, when holiness and truth define love and hate, and love without hate of its opposite is no Bible love, and love cannot compromise truth.
Balance … is a complaint by rebels that will not accept the Bible’s extreme positions when compared to worldly Christianity, but we will only accept Bible balance that is found by preaching the word dogmatically, which balance exposes modern heresies.
Entertainment … is most preaching today with anecdotes, illustrations, jokes, etc., rather than the crucial mandate for perilous times, Preach the word (II Tim 4:3), to be done intensely and authoritatively to demand repentance, discipleship, and separation.
Alternative worship … is the current trend of 75-minute music shows with Bible chat, which by its popularity causes Christians to doubt the Bible’s call for barking dogs to use the Bible like a fire and hammer and wage war with their hearers like Paul.
Liberty … is freedom God allows for individual consciences in things He does not care about and do not violate scripture. Only in these are opinions allowed (Rom 14:1-6).

The Protection Against Human Heresies Is the Bible

Absolute = Free from all imperfection or deficiency; perfect. Its divine origin gives it God Jehovah’s perfect wisdom as the only One with the right to define things, issue commands, and arbitrate differences. It has ultimate jurisdiction for all spiritual and moral issues, being the only perfect measure and rule for righteousness, truth, wisdom. It is as relevant today as it ever was, when rightly divided. It has no errors or faults.
Final = Nothing to be looked for. Not to be undone, altered, or revoked; conclusive. It is complete and self-sufficient, containing all that is needed for salvation and godliness, without additional revelation. It is immutable and eternal – the standard for righteousness, truth, and wisdom not subject to cultural shifts or human opinion. It is not balanced or blended with man’s ideas or opinions. No man can add anything to it.
Job 32:6-14 … young men with an inspired Bible can know more than very great men.
Psalm 12:6-7 … its words are pure by providential purifying and preservation forever.
Psalm 119:89 … the divine library sent down from heaven is settled, sure, and final.
Psalm 119:98-100 … His words are leverage over enemies, teachers, and the ancients.
Psalm 119:113 … the thoughts of man are vain, and they are hated by Bible believers.
Psalm 119:128 … the rule and standard of truth, and all other opinions are to be hated.
Proverbs 30:5-6 … each word of the Bible is pure; nothing should be added to them.
Isaiah 8:20 … the measure of truth and wisdom, and other opinions are total ignorance.
Isaiah 34:16 … read and learn, for God’s written promises and prophecies cannot fail.
Jeremiah 23:28-32 … faithful pastors use God’s word to destroy lies of false pastors.
Matthew 5:18-19 … even tiny details and least commands are to be kept and taught.
John 10:35 … it cannot be broken, and each word is precisely the word God intended.
Acts 17:11 … noble duties are to readily receive preaching and confirm it by scripture.
Romans 3:1-4 … the oracles of God are true regardless of unbelief, and all men liars.
I Tim 6:3-5 … denying Bible words and doctrine is pride, ignorance, perversity, etc.
II Tim 3:13-17 … His book for pastors to be perfect and profitable for truth and good.
II Tim 4:1-4 … faithful pastors must intensely preach the Bible against popular fables.
I Peter 1:25 … it endures and stands forever; it is final and to be preached confidently.
II Peter 1:19 … more sure and trustworthy than God’s voice and to be exalted as light.
Rev 22:18-19 … adding to or taking from God’s words gets His very severe judgment.
There are other verses defining, exalting, and applying God’s word as the absolute and final authority, but these twenty were chosen as excellent examples of the rest.

The Glory of the Divine Library (Psalm 19)

The natural creation, both day and night, in all languages and dialects, plainly declares the existence and glory of God to the whole world, so that mankind is without excuse (Ps 19:1-6; Rom 1:19-21). But the pages of the Bible are far better and provide man with value and pleasure by perfect truth and wisdom for all aspects of knowledge and life.

Psalm 19:7a — The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:

The Bible is perfect – without error or contradiction and entirely right and wise about every topic it addresses.
The Bible is perfect – unlike the limited perfection of man’s best efforts, for it is exceeding broad (Ps 119:96).
It converts the soul – it teaches men to turn from bad and false thinking and living to pure truth and wisdom.
It converts the soul – it changes men’s lives by redirecting them from selfish sinning to godly and right living.

Psalm 19:7b — The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The Bible is sure – it is unshakeable, reliable, and trustworthy content, and it never fails or changes over time.
The Bible is sure – its historical facts, prophecies, and promises are fully accurate and completely dependable.
It makes wise the simple – it gives spiritual insight and practical understanding to those lacking them before.
It makes wise the simple – it provides the full scope necessary to advance in knowledge beyond all wise men.

Psalm 19:8a — The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:

The Bible is right – its specific rules and guidelines point people down the precise path of truth and fairness.
The Bible is right – it perfectly reveals God’s holy character and standard, making it totally free from errors.
It rejoices the heart – it fills a believer’s soul with gladness, true comfort, deep satisfaction, and lasting peace.
It rejoices the heart – it provides countless thrills by genius laws, incredible miracles, fulfilled prophecies, etc.

Psalm 19:8b — The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The Bible is pure – its words are perfectly clean and unmixed with any human sin, error, lies, or selfishness.
The Bible is pure – it shines with holy light, untainted by the changing moral compromises of human culture.
It enlightens the eyes – it corrects spiritual blindness, allowing people to clearly see truth, duty, and the future.
It enlightens the eyes – it opens whole new vistas of perspective to give the soul new insight unknown before.

Psalm 19:9a — The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever:

The Bible is clean – it promotes pure reverence for God that cleanses a man’s motives and lifestyle from sin.
The Bible is clean – it contains absolutely no moral imperfections, evil corruption, or spiritual filthiness.
It endures forever – its timeless principles and eternal relevance will never grow old, expire, or pass away.
It endures forever – its foundation for life and true wisdom will secure a man in this life and in the next.

Psalm 19:9b — The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

The Bible is true – God’s decisions and verdicts are right, match reality perfectly, and never cheat anyone.
The Bible is righteous altogether – every verse is totally fair and just and entirely unified in its perfection.
It is completely dependable – unlike all human court systems, it has no lapses, loopholes, bias, or errors.
It is perfect in all moral respects – identifying what can and should be done for ultimate fairness and justice.

Psalm 19:10a — More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:

The Bible is very valuable – its spiritual truth is worth more than the best earthly things money can buy.
The Bible is very desirable – all wise souls crave its eternal riches more than any miser craves pure gold.
It offers permanent wealth – material riches easily perish, but the treasure gained from Scripture lasts forever.
It offers riches of a greater and higher order – an heritage far above any earthly estate and thrilling the soul.

Psalm 19:10b — Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

The Bible is pleasant – reading and meditating on God’s words brings delight and pleasure to man’s soul.
The Bible is delightful – it satisfies the soul with fulfillment better than nature’s finest foods satisfy the body.
It brings nourishment – God’s truth has no negative aspects, bringing health and joy to the heart and mind.
It brings pleasure – like apples of gold in pictures of silver, the Bible has the sweetest solution for all matters.

Psalm 19:11a — Moreover by them is thy servant warned:

The Bible gives warning – it identifies hidden dangers, moral traps, and spiritual pitfalls along life’s journey.
The Bible protects God’s servants – it is a hedge to keep believers from ruining their lives by foolish choices.
It gives clear direction – telling hearers what to avoid to escape painful consequences and God’s chastening.
It exposes hidden dangers – for its Author knows the end from the beginning and advises about unseen risks.

Psalm 19:11b — And in keeping of them there is great reward.

The Bible demands action – hearing or knowing God’s words is not enough; blessing comes by obeying them.
The Bible brings reward – obeying Scripture results in a blessed life, a clear conscience, and eternal treasures.
The reward is certain – God liberally pays rich dividends of favor and success to any who submit to His word.
The reward is great – no earthly gain or honor can come close to God’s personal affection and promotion.

A Sample of Errors from Neglect or Careless Use of Scripture

Infant baptism has no Bible basis at all, yet is dearly practiced by 90% of “Christians.”
Pouring or sprinkling has no Bible basis at all, yet is practiced by 85% of “Christians.”
Ruling or teaching elders (not bishops or deacons) lead churches without Bible basis.
Teetotalism is taught and enforced as a sacred rule with the Bible teaching opposite.
Jewish fables of national conversions, taking the land, and a third temple in Jerusalem.
Women are allowed more and more freedom to teach, preach, and pastor churches.
Sodomy, same-sex marriages, and transgender confusion is allowed and defended.
Nearly total ignorance prevails of 70 A.D. and the many prophecies it totally fulfills.
Many churches consider the Great Commission their mandate and reason to exist.
The “word of God” in Hebrews 4:12 is assumed to be the Bible instead of Jesus.
Apostolic gifts are promoted far and wide with gibberish and confusion very popular.
Sacramentalism is practiced to varying degrees by granting grace through ordinances.
Super-church organizations above the local church are promoted and obeyed by some.
Loud music, visible instruments, nightclub-type songs are much of church services.
Youth programs, coffee studies for gals, gymnasiums, and such not found in the Bible.
Devotional chats replace thundering Bible preaching from just a few decades ago.
Soft lines barely exist for versions, holiness, doctrinal truth, separation, discipline, etc.
Church discipline of the Bible kind with appropriate shunning hardly exists anywhere.
Accountability for conduct outside services is basically gone as such is too draconian.
Dogmatism for salvation doctrine, personal sanctification, prophecy, etc. hardly exists.
Authority in all five spheres is compromised far below the level of Bible enforcement.
Holiness and sacrificial discipleship and separation from heretics is hardly mentioned.
The Old Testament is thought an inferior religion, but it was not morally or nationally.
Decisional regeneration or salvation is hyped and praised with gimmicks of the flesh.
Reverence and godly fear for worship and life is considered a false O.T. extreme.
Strict separation from the world in attitude, lifestyle, spirituality, etc. are nearly gone.
Christ’s sonship is very important, but 99% hold eternal generation and begotten god.
Widespread use of the Apostles’ Creed is of a document and heresies they never saw.
Various millennial heresies promote getting into politics or more military aid to Israel.
Baptist history is corrupted to leave the world without Baptists for 1600 years. Wrong.
Two ordinances for Baptists copies the RCC reduction of sacraments by Protestants.
Street preaching is folly, brings reproach on Christians, and was condemned by Jesus.
Any Jesus different from the Bible details about Him is another Jesus to be rejected.
The Holy Spirit is either neglected or distorted; few appreciate His many ministries.
The controversy of Jehovah or Yahweh, casting doubt and confusion on the KJV.
The Johannine Comma is the best example but other verses are altered or missing.
The Israel of God is not understood – not all Israel is of Israel – to promote the Jews.
Reprobation is a real word, a real concept, and a real doctrine, hated by most all.
Instrumental music, a part of the infantile O.T. worship, are exalted in N.T. churches.
Fake healing and tongues and false prophecies, barking revivals, and devilish insanity.
The Man of Sin, little horn of Rome (Daniel 7), and beasts of Revelation are confused.
Foot washing is done by Rome and even Baptists that do not rightly divide the word.
Secret societies are allowed by most, with the SBC a very large portion of the Masons.
God’s love is taught as a necessity of nature and offered frivolously like cheap candy.
Unconditional love, self-love, self-esteem are assumed against scripture and reason.
Baby dedications and quasi-infant baptism are assumed to be right, good, precious.
Marriages with unbelievers, alteration of roles, easy divorces are allowed or taught.
Man’s free will is worshipped and total depravity denied to corrupt God’s grace.
Hell is hardly ever preached or preached against in a rush to consider universalism.
Judging heresies and naming heretics is hardly done except against Bible believers.
Holidays whitewashed by Rome are practiced with great passion against the Bible.
Righteous ethics are lost either by black-or-white rules or follow-your-heart insanity.

Fallacies of Human Presumption Must Be Condemned and Corrected

God gave man intelligent, rational existence, able to analyze things internally, but his heart is deceitful above all and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9; Rom 1:19-27; 3:9-19). Total depravity does not deny human intelligence, but condemns all internal motives.
Much learning the last 200 years did not yield righteousness, truth, and wisdom but the opposite – rebellion, confusion, folly (Rom 1:22-32; I Tim 6:20-21; II Tim 3:6-7). Simple things like capital punishment, opposite-sex marriages, child training are lost.
Advances and inventions simply find what always existed; literacy for most is a blessing of witty inventions; conveying the information explosion to all makes most learning accessible; AI provides the ultimate search engine. But Satan and truth are still at war, and only by trusting the Bible above all can you be saved from his lies.
This is not merely anecdotal or historical, for Paul foretold perilous times with deceit getting worse and worse, and his main fear was Christian compromise (II Tim 3:13).
He owes truth to no one, for we chose a lie in Eden, and our race continues to do so; He has holy right to give us what we chose and choose and to confuse the rebellious.
We may agree to disagree in matters of liberty, not doctrine or practice (Rom 14:1-6), for our rule of truth and worship is higher due to our absolute and final authority for it.
We are Bible Christians, in that order; we learn about Jesus from the Bible (Jn 5:39); we do not believe the Bible because we are Christians, for the Bible truly comes first.
Keeping your heart to keep your life must keep the Bible’s light (Pr 4:23; Ps 119:105), for there is no way to keep your heart right except by loving Bible truth and wisdom.
Best sellers lists must lie, for the Bible has had 10B copies published in 4k languages; the combination of all other books of any or every kind have not influenced as much.
The order of revelation is like this: creation (Ps 19:1-6; Rom 1:18-21), providence (Jer 14:22; Acts 14:17; 17:27-28; I Tim 6:17), conscience (Rom 1:32; 2:11-16), nature (Rom 1:26; I Cor 11:14-15; I Tim 5:8), scripture (II Tim 3:16-17; II Pet 1:19-21), Spirit (Eph 1:17-19; 3:14-19), preachers (Pr 29:18; Jer 3:15; Rom 10:14-15; I Tim 4:13-16). Where is Jesus, the light of the world? In scripture (John 14:26; Matt 28:18-20; Heb 1:1-2)! Where is the Holy Spirit? In scripture (I Cor 2:10-14; II Pet 1:19-21).
Observe that creation, providence, conscience, and nature do not teach much; but also observe that scripture embodies Jesus, Spirit, apostles, and preachers. Love the Bible!
Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, without which there is no truth or wisdom; for fear of God beyond reprobates we need the Bible that details Him and His will.
Sound bites from the KJV or any version are dangerous unless hermeneutically right, for even if used for truth, they allow sloppy Bible interpretation that will lead to error.
The Bible is not enough. The Bible and a preacher is not enough. The preacher must use internal rules to rightly divide the word of truth for understanding and salvation (Neh 8:8-12; Malachi 2:1-9; II Cor 2:17; I Tim 4:13-16; II Tim 2:15; II Pet 3:15-18).
Whether the magisterium of Rome, or textual criticism of Protestants, or novices using Hebrew or Greek, or trust of a study Bible or AI, you expose yourself to danger.
Interpreting and understanding the Bible needs crucial spiritual qualifications, which if overlooked are an equal or worse deficiency than being a weekend warrior … here.
The Bible rightly divided by a preacher is not enough, for he must follow Paul’s rules for preachers to fully benefit hearers (I Cor 2:1-5; 3:10-15; II Cor 10:4-6; Titus 2:15).
The O.T. is foundational for N.T.; only ceremonial and national laws changed; Paul confirmed the moral law (Rom 13:8-10); Moses’ national laws are foolishly ignored.
The N.T. needs the O.T. for much doctrine or details e.g. tithing, spanking, marriage covenants, savings, suretyship, virtuous woman, bestiality, incest, weights and measures, witchcraft and sorcery, transgender folly, cruelty to animals, usury, etc., etc.
Limiting the Bible to religious creeds and public worship is not enough, for it should govern all of life … thought, spirit (passion, risk, presumption, bitterness, grudge, zeal), speech, action, relationships, authority, commission, omission, worship, etc.
Many think the Bible a general religious guide, but miss its demand of details, but the God of the Bible in both testaments is terrible against even minor compromises … here.
If one word is changed, as in modern versions, it alters the Bible’s internal integrity of defining its words and doctrine and reduces confidence in its authority at word level.
Many think any version will do, for any has most truth. But how accurate do you want your GPS for pleasing God? Within inches or feet? or a few miles? If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who can prepare himself for the battle (I Cor 14:6-11)?
Right side up in an upside down world is true, and it is not getting better as basic beliefs and practices are flushed for insanity (Is 29:9-16; Ep 4:17-19) … here, here, here.
No vision, the people perish; this is preaching, not a fund raiser, which the Ethiopian eunuch and the Italian centurion knew or were taught (Pr 29:18; Acts 8:31; 10:6,33).
He is the author of confusion to sinners, rebels, scorners, and He is just and holy doing so, and this is the rule of Christ’s kingdom as well (Luke 8:18; 19:24-26). … here, here.

Helps and Suggestions to be a Strong Bible Christian

Personal qualifications … are more crucial than technical rules of hermeneutics … here.
1. Men must be regenerated with spiritual life and a new man to understand the Bible.
2. A regenerate man must be illuminated and empowered by the Spirit to understand.
3. A man must fear God to even begin understanding truth and wisdom in the Bible.
4. A man must delight in the Lord to obtain understanding of the Bible from God.
5. A man must obey and apply what he learns in the Bible so he can learn more truth.
6. A man must ask in prayer for God to grant wisdom to increase his knowledge.
7. A man must seek understanding and knowledge like hid treasure to actually find it.
8. A man must be able to take correction, reproof, and instruction to change his life.
9. A man must have godly, noble, and spiritual motives for seeking to learn Scripture.
10. A man should use His God-given teacher as much as possible by His providence.
Obey … the Bible truth you know to learn more (John 7:17; Luke 8:18; Jas 1:22-25).
Celebrate … the Bible by praising God for neat things you find or review and verbally rejoice with others about things in the Bible. Nehemiah ordered a huge mirth feast.
Intermeddling … with the Bible is sacrificial use of your 1,440 minutes daily … here.
Learn Elihu … the little-known truth preacher of the book of Job … here, here, here, here.
You … Do you read it daily? With much love and zeal? Do you talk about it often? Do you bring everything back to it? Do you press its philosophy and rules on all matters?
Read intentionally … with prayer and focus and meditative consideration to meet with God and learn all He will show you by doing so in the Spirit (Ps 119:18) … here, here.
Ignorance is a choice … for all answers are in the Bible, which a pastor should know, and which all the tools today can help you find with wise study methods or prompts.
Parents … do you control inputs to your children, an evil threat unlike any before, for never before did children have lies packaged for them to access with or without you?
Simple truth tests … (1) 90% of Christians flunk baptism, but you know it easily; (2) 95% flunk the great commission, but you know its fulfillment; (3) 95% have no clue about Matthew 24 or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., but you know both; (4) 95% think Hebrews 4:12 is about the Bible rather than Jesus the Word of God … here.
Jots and tittles … thee and thou … Bible details are shown to be important … here, here.
One-word arguments build Bible confidence like Jesus and apostles had … here, here.
Counseling questions … Is there a God? Did He write a book? Is that book the Bible? Is the Bible perfect truth for life? Will you obey the Bible? I have perfect answers.
Bible covers everything … housewifery … politics … real money … relationships … cause of death … music in churches … marriage roles … world history … seven-day week … welfare gleaning … subject/mode of baptism … weights/measures … female accessories … parental honor … source of sodomy … two Adams … attributes of God … fulfilled prophecies … cosigning loans … treating bad bosses … divorce … alcohol … child training … wealth of nations … ultimate sex … sex perversions … gossip … etc.
Exercise yourself … apply the Bible to everything you hear or see daily, especially if you are a father; do anything to learn and retain Bible content, from memory programs to playing Bible trivia to a commentary or sermon a day (Hebrews 5:12; I Tim 4:7-8).
Reality check … is to consciously think about every positive event and lesson of the Bible as very real and how it would affect how things are done if implemented today; embrace what the Bible teaches; hate what God in the Bible hates; love what He loves.
Guard inputs … and this is much closer to home than avoiding Madonna, MTV, or Mad Magazine; it identifies and rejects the compromise of Christians about the Bible.
Jesus and the Bible … do not think you are more spiritual by minimizing the Bible to exalt Jesus (the thought is good, but wrong and dangerous). You cannot know Jesus or grow in Jesus without the Bible. And you will fall for another Jesus without the Bible.
Jesus in the Bible … is opposite the previous point; since Jesus is the main object of the Bible, it is where you must go for preaching and reading to learn more about Him.
Authority spheres … greatly affect your life from beginning to end, but the Bible both defines and applies them in detail, answering many perplexing dilemmas … here, here. How important are they? John the Baptist came to ready people for Jesus by fathers!
Are the certain words of truth in your lips to answer questions, for you should advance from infancy to manhood by exercise in the Bible (Heb 5:12-14; Pr 22:17-21) … here.
Offensive … sword of Spirit is only offensive weapon; Jesus simply said, It is written, and you can and should say something similar by proving all things by the Bible.
Why I Believe the Bible … is a sermon series proving the Bible is supernatural … here.
Proving the King James … is a PPT sermon using the four Fs for spiritual proof … here.
Knowing the Scriptures … is detailed hermeneutics for true Bible interpretation … here.
Bible Study Tools … provides introductory descriptions for most tools but AI … here.

Conclusion:

Consider that the primary emphasis of Psalm 119 is in the obeying and keeping of God’s scriptures.
Paul warned the Jews that boasting in scripture without obeying was profane folly (Rom 2:17-25).
Do not treat the Bible as a good luck charm like the Jews foolishly did the temple (Jeremiah 7:1-15).
It is not enough to read the Bible, or even comprehend the Bible, but rather apply the Bible to life.
It is not enough to hear the Bible, or even love its preaching; you must be a doer of it (Jas 1:21-25).
It is not enough to say you know or love God without obeying His commandments (I John 2:3-6).
You must read the Bible every day and absorb its history, doctrine, commandments, and judgments.
You must meditate on it and/or memorize it to be hid in your heart for obedience and for testifying.
Every father and grandfather should always address every issue with this: What does the Bible say?
It is a terrible shame when men do not grow and become the teachers they should be (Heb 5:12-14).

Below are two documents. A sermon outline from 2006. A website document from 2001.

This sermon was preached in 2006 with similar content to that above.

Bring It Back to the Bible!

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.”

Psalm 119:128

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Isaiah 8:20

“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.”

Acts 17:11

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

I Thessalonians 5:21

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

II Timothy 3:16-17

Introduction:

The only source of truth and wisdom in the world is found in the Bible and nowhere else. Glory!
We are Bible Christians, and the Bible precedes and makes possible the Christianity. Do you know it?
All questions and problems are answered in the Bible, but you must know it and do it, respectively!
Every question and every problem must be approached and solved by bringing all back to the Bible.
The Bible has the answers. Instead of fretting, worrying, or talking about dilemmas. Go to the Bible!
Every father in every home should face every issue with these words: “What does the Bible say?”
The flesh, the world, and the devil want you to look elsewhere, but you must go back to the Bible.
There are no purpose-driven substitutes that can come close to giving you the wisdom of God’s word.
No matter who … no matter what … or when … or where … bring everything back to the Bible!
Do not get distracted with opinions, history, results, numbers, science, “facts,” or anything else at all.
Do you know your Bible enough to answer certain words of truth to anyone (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15)?
When Jesus was tempted by the devil himself, Jesus answered each time, “It is written” (Matt 4:1-11).
This statement, declaring powerful dependence on God’s holy words, occurs 80 times in the Bible.
The similar words, “Thus saith the Lord,” occur 413 times in the Bible. What does the Bible say?
David spoke over and over about his great burden and desire and need to keep God’s words (Ps 119:2,4,5,8,17,33,34,44,57,60,63,69,83,100,101,106,115,129,134,136,145,146). What about you?
I address the men primarily, because God has chosen them to be the leaders and teachers of marriages and families (Psalm 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3; I John 2:14; Eph 6:4; I Cor 14:35; I Tim 4:7; II Tim 3:6).
However, great mothers and wives are duty bound to help men follow the Bible (Judges 13:22-23; I Sam 25:32-35; Prov 1:8; 6:20; Eccl 4:9-11; Acts 5:1-11; 18:24-28; II Tim 3:15).
Women! The greatest leverage you have with husband or children is God’s word (I Sam 25:32-35)!
There was in Israel and there is today a famine for the word of God (Amos 8:11-13; II Tim 4:3-4).
If you are a child in our church, you should get involved in Bible quizzing to learn using the Bible.

By nature we are ignorant and foolish rebels that continue to hurt ourselves.

Zophar humbled us by reminding men they are born the same as a wild ass’s colt (Job 11:12).
The Lord knows all the thoughts of men – they are vain – empty and worthless (Ps 94:11).
The world is not improving – violence, drugs, divorce, and dysfunction are widely increased.
Abortion, same-sex marriages, huge fiscal debts, and rap music are not signs of progress.

Our world exalts compromise, political correctness, and vague confusion.

Everyone has a right to his own opinion – there is no truth. Consider talk shows, panel discussions, chat rooms, open forums, free debates, sharing, committees, classrooms, etc.
Just because you have read something, especially on the Internet, does not make it the truth.
Why clutter a mind with suppositions, theories, or opinions that do not lead to God and truth!
Consider Promise Keepers, State of the Union address, newspaper editorials, etc., etc., etc.
Let us agree to disagree and honor differences are the answers when disagreements arise.
Politics and religion are two subjects not to be discussed, because it might lead to arguments.
Euphemisms are used instead of plain, definitive, and bold words that defend absolutes.
The worthless pagan insanity of the American Indians and others are protected as valuable.

The Bible is the written record of what God has declared on all subjects.

God reserves His secret will of what He will do to Himself, but He has revealed what we are to do, and we are to transfer that revealed will of God to our children forever (Deut 29:29).
The existence and identity of the Bible as God’s letter to men is incredible to thinking men.
But that we have it, can read it, can understand it, and have a heart to obey it is even more.
We esteem every precept about every subject to be absolutely correct and right (Ps 119:128).
Scripture is inspired by God to make the man of God perfect in all ways (II Tim 3:14-17).
The prophets and apostles who wrote were moved by God’s Spirit (II Peter 1:16-21).
Without the Bible as our Creator and Saviour’s revealed will, we are hopelessly lost forever.

The Bible is absolutely and dogmatically the only source of truth in the world.

Statements or opinions contradicting Scripture prove darkness (Is 8:20; I Tim 6:3-5,20-21).
A godly man, even the sweet psalmist, hated every contrary idea (Psalm 119:98-100,128).
Paul’s spiritual opinion of men was “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
God mocks all scholars and ridicules their wisdom (Job 5:12-13; I Cor 1:19-20; 3:19-20).
“Thus saith the Lord” (413 times) and “It is written” (80 times) declare this great dogmatism.
It is the job of preachers to make war against all your unscriptural thoughts (II Cor 10:4-6).
Human efforts and opinions for problems are no more than putting a Band-Aid on a volcano.
We want revelation, not rationalization – despise any contrary “discussion” or “evidence.”
Any discussion outside of “thus saith the Lord” can never truly be settled with an opponent.

We must build our lives and thoughts on what God has spoken in the Bible.

You choose daily to build on the rock of scripture or the sand of humanistic devil worship.
Jesus warned authoritatively of the grave danger of disregarding His words (Matt 7:24-27).
Someone has said, “God said it; I believe it; that settles it.” This is the perfect life of faith.
A poor man with a Bible is far superior to a rich man with educated conceit (Prov 28:11).
Consider Elihu’s confidence and boldness in the presence of four wise men (Job 32:1-22).
Can we be as confident as the three Hebrew men before Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:17-18)?
Remember that Jesus used Scripture when confronted by Satan personally (Luk 4:4,8,12).
If we modify our attitudes, as if God is too extreme, we have chosen Eve and apostasy.
You must look into the perfect law of liberty and correct any blemish you see (Jas 1:21-25).
It is not enough to read the Bible, or even comprehend the Bible, but rather apply the Bible!
What are young men to do? They are to obey the Bible (Ps 119:9; Prov 1:6; II Tim 3:15).

The Bible is a great gift we should esteem highly and not be ashamed of at all.

It was the great treasure of Israel and envy of other nations (Deut 4:1-10; Psalm 147:19-20).
It was the sound basis for good and righteousness in the national life of Israel (Deut 6:20-25).
It was their life; it was not a vain thing; it would prolong days in tranquility (Deut 32:45-47).
We should be prepared to give the words of truth to those that ask (Pr 22:17-21; I Pet 3:15).
David considered them a very precious heritage (Ps 19:7-11; 78:1-8; 119:14,111,127,162).
David wanted to learn God’s precepts and teach them unashamedly before kings (Ps 119:46).
God’s secret things we cannot know: His revealed things are a family treasure (Deut 29:29).
If you neglect or reject the Bible, you sin against your own soul and love death (Prov 8:36).

We should oppose any attempt to compromise or dilute Bible authority.

Are you politically correct? Or Scripturally correct? Or socially correct? Or all three? You cannot be all three, because they are mutually exclusive. You should be Scripturally correct!
When Christian scorners tell you that God does not care about details as long as your heart is right, you need to remind them of Nadab and Abihu, Moses, Saul, David, and Uzzah!
Preaching the inspired scriptures corrects the perilous times apostasy (II Tim 3:1-17; 4:1-5).
Are the following issues difficult for you? Do you consider them open to discussion?
1. What aboutcreation? God has spoken in Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Heb 11:3.
2. What about capitalpunishment? God has spoken in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 21:12.
3. What about childtraining? God has spoken in Prov 22:15; 23:13-14; and 29:15.
4. What aboutabortion? God has spoken in Exodus 21:22-25 and Luke 1:41.
5. What aboutwine? God has spoken inDeut 14:26 and Ps 104:14-15.
6. What about childrenworking? God has spoken in Lam 3:27 and I Kings 11:28.
7. What aboutcomedies? God has spoken in Eccl 7:2-6 and Ephesians 5:3-8.
8. What about submissivewives? God has spoken in Ephesians 5:22,33 and Titus 2:5.
9. What about sodomy? God has spoken in Deut 23:17-18 and Rom 1:24-27.
10. What about slavery? God has spoken in Exodus 21:1-11 and 21:20-21.
11. What about animal rights? God has spoken in Genesis 1:26-28 and Ex 12:3-10.
12. What about birth control? God has spoken in Matthew 4:7 and I Cor 7:32.
13. What about speaking evil of rulers? God has spoken in II Peter 2:10-12 and Jude 1:8-10.
14. What about honoring parents? God has spoken in Deut 27:16; Proverbs 30:17.
15. What about paying taxes? God has spoken in Matt 22:15-22; Rom 13:6-7.
16. What about anger? God has spoken in Prov 16:32 and Jas 1:19-20.
17. What about speech? God has spoken in Eccl 10:12 and Colossians 4:6.
18. What about the basis for marriage? God has spoken in Proverbs 31:30 and I Cor 7:39.
19. What about labor unions? God has spoken in Eccl 10:7 and Titus 2:9-10.
20. What about holidays? God has spoken in De 12:29-32 and II Cor 6:14-17.
21. What about musical instruments? God has spoken in Eph 5:19 and Hebrews 9:10.
22. What about baptism? God has spoken in Acts 8:37; John 3:23; I Pet 3:21.
23. What about talkative women? God has spoken in Proverbs 12:4 and I Peter 3:3-4.
24. What about success in life? God has spoken in Psalm 1:1-3 and I Timothy 6:6.
25. What about paying wages? God has spoken in Deut 24:14-15 and Jer 22:13-14.
26. What about personal enemies? God has spoken in Matt 5:38-48 and Rom 12:17-21.
27. What about severe child discipline? God has spoken in Deut 21:18-21 and Prov 30:17.
28. What about the basis of happiness? God has spoken in Ps 4:6-8; 63:1-6; Hab 3:17-19.
29. What about the source of hope? God has spoken in Psalm 27:13-14 and Rom 15:13.
30. What about safety? God has spoken in Psalm 33:17 and Proverbs 21:31.
31. What about talking to fools? God has spoken in Proverbs 26:4-5 and Matt 7:6.
32. What about goals for life? God has spoken in Prov 3:3-4 and Eccl 12:13-14.
33. What is love? God has spoken in I Corinthians 13:4-7.
34. What about limits to efforts? God has spoken in Psalm 127:1-2 and Jas 4:13-15.
35. Who is the greatest in the kingdom? God has spoken in Matthew 19:13-14 and 20:25-28.
36. And there are about a million more that you should learn to fully settle from scripture.
Can you decisively identify a false premise in the opinions of men that contradict the Bible?“This mollusk evolved 100 billion years ago.” But God made it 6000 years ago (Ge 1:1)!
1. “The body was designed to live 120 years.” But God allowed 969 and said 73 (Ps 90:10)!
2. “Global warming trends will eliminate seasons.” But God promised seasons (Gen 8:22)!
3. “Man was created to be a vegetarian.” But God approved meat (Gen 9:3; Deut 14:26).
4. “He was acquitted due to insanity.” God said to put them to death (Ex 21:12; II Pet 2:12).
5. “Jesus wants us to live in peace.” But He said He did not come for peace (Mat 10:34-37).
6. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” But He said to judge in that context and elsewhere!
Can you see through euphemisms to identify the sin that is being covered by society?
1. Is it having an affair or making love? Or is it committing adultery (Pro 7:18; Heb 13:4)?
2. Is it a one-night stand, casual sex, or partying? Or being a whoremonger (Heb 13:4)?
3. Is it homosexuality? Or is it sodomy and vile affections against nature (Rom 1:24-27)?
4. Is it alcoholism? Or is it drunkenness and being a drunkard (I Cor 6:10; Galatians 5:21)?
5. Is it an attention-deficit-disorder? Or is it a spoiled brat needing a beating (Pr 29:15)?
Can you read the published drivel and twaddle of men and see the rebellion against God?
1. Does it anger you when you read the hallucinations and opinions of men against truth?
2. Can you cut through their ignorant rantings and smoke to see the anti-God issue at stake?
3. When they say a telescope revealed the location of the big bang, do you laugh heartily?
4. When they say capital punishment is not a deterrent to murder, do you laugh hilariously?
5. When they call Picasso an artist and rap music, your child-like faith exposes the emperor!
6. When they suggest conspiratorial guesses for every political event, do you see the King?
Can you read a passage and submissively and eagerly grasp its full implications for you?
1. Do you pass over Sarah’s “lord” as a joke, as a formal old English form of address, or as a Neanderthal anachronism? Or do you tremble that you do not reverence your husband?
2. Do the words “form of godliness but denying the power thereof” merely give you a reason to rant against the carnal Christianity of Rick Warren? Or do they convict you?
3. Do you glory in proud rage and lie against truth, or believe James’ words (Jas 3:14-16)?
4. Do you see Israel’s false hope in the temple and keep false hope in the Bible (Jer 7:1-15)?
Can you ignore the squeals and excuses people make for their problems to present the Bible?
1. All men want to imagine (by sinful delusion) that their problems are uniquely different.
2. The simple answers of the Bible are too simplistic; they say, “You just don’t understand.”
3. Learn to hate the word, “but,” for it is an abbreviation for I don’t believe God’s Bible.

The application is two: esteem God’s word as David, and keep them as well.

Consider that the primary emphasis of Psalm 119 is in the keeping of God’s scriptures.
Paul warned Jews that boasting in the law without obeying was profane folly (Rom 2:17-25).
Do not treat the Bible as a good luck charm like the Jews did the temple (Jeremiah 7:1-15).
It is not enough to read the Bible, or even comprehend the Bible, but rather apply the Bible!

Absolute & Final AuthorityPart 3 of 7