Let's face it, there are many other issues over which Bible believers are divided; some valid and some invalid. I personally believe that there is no more fundamental nor important issue than where is the Word of God?

I believe to refuse fellowship over it is not only justifiable but right. If we are to break fellowship with a brother because he is "covetous" (1 Cor. 5:11) or with one who "walks disorderly," how much more should we refuse fellowship with one who stands upon a faulty foundation and promotes heresy (which all modern versions do).

This is a MAJOR issue where is the pure Word of God? The truth is, users of the NIV, NASV, NKJV, etc. do not believe God. The primary issue today among Bible believers is not inspiration all agree to that. But there is plenty of disagreement over just what is inspired! I believe God! Concerning His Words He said, "O, Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever." (Ps. 12:7)
"The Word of our God shall stand forever." (Isa 40:8)
"My Words shall not pass away." (Luke 21:33)

The issue is preservation! Did God perform what He promised? I believe He did. Believers in modern versions do not! These people tell us that all of the "good" Bibles contain the Word of God and therefore, there is nothing to argue about. But all modern versions basically agree with each other and disagree with the KJV in thousands of places.

They also agree with the bad versions like the RSV! Either one of the modern versions must be the Word of God or the KJV. You can't have it both ways, though some think you can.

Check this out <196> all modern versions agree with the Roman Catholic Bible in the areas where there is a difference from the KJV. Something that is often ignored (I am afraid deliberately by many modern version promoters) is there are two basic types of manuscripts from which all Bible versions come.

The KJV alone comes from the true ones, those labeled TR, while modern versions come from corrupted ones (see our book). Incidentally, during the Reformation, though every Reformer had been a Roman Catholic priest or monk (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, etc.), not one used the Roman Catholic Bible (which is like modern versions) as the basis for translation into his own language, but used the work of Erasmus which later became known as the TR.

Personally, I have not divided anyone on this issue for I stand where I have stood since I was saved 48 years ago. I was as ignorant as anyone could be of God or the Bible but was saved reading the KJV. When I went to Bible college the faulty Westcott and Hort Greek New Testament was used in Greek class. I did not know the difference. I wasn't told there were two Greek texts.

I was not preaching long before I realized that my Greek New Testament and my KJV Bible were miles apart. At first, I just said I'll stick with the Bible that saved me. Thank God! It must have been the Holy Spirit! Later, about thirty years ago now, I looked into the matter and came to the obvious conclusion (I think it will be if you can put aside your prejudice).

There can only be one Bible! In English, it is the KJV! I believe it! I preach it! You don't have to believe it. God impressed upon me 25 years ago that I should not share the same platform or ministry with someone who does not stand on the true Word of God.

Let me tell you why I do not work with those who preach from another bible. Modern version preachers have adopted a liberal, Roman Catholic bible. Westcott and Hort were liberals, even Romanists; their Greek New Testament is the basis of all modern versions.

Translators of the NASV, NIV, NKJV, are not exactly Fundamentalist. Thomas Nelson will not give the names of the NASV translators, but they've given the denominations: Congregationalist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Methodist, Disciples of Christ (a cult). Modern version promoters believe differently than I do.

Could you build a house with a fellow who used a 30" yardstick? I do not know one preacher who holds to a modern version who does not say only the originals are inspired; all versions have errors in them. If that is so, there is no infallible Word of God today! God didn't keep His Word! I am not going to preach alongside someone who doesn't believe he can hold the Word of God in his hand!

All modern versions have errors; serious omissions. We believe it is wrong and dangerous to confuse our testimony. It sends the wrong signal; others will assume we endorse, or condone, these versions. It's a natural conclusion. The Bible says, "can two walk together except they be agreed?" Especially on the foundation. This is not trivial!

Many say we go by the Book, but do you have the right Book. Martin Luther said, "I do not want to know anything of peace and concord when the Word of God is thereby lost . . . It is not right for me here to draw back and to give way out of love toward you or any other man; before the Word everyone must give way, whether he be friend or enemy . . . Don't talk to me . . . of love and friendship if the Word and faith is to be compromised . . . Worldly things may go as they go; the devil has not yet gained anything by it. But if you err in such a way that he robs you of the Word of God, you have lost everything . . "

Spurgeon paid the price leaving the Baptist Union in 1887 over inspiration of Scripture. He said, "God's Word in this age is a small affair; some do not even believe it to be inspired; those who profess to revere it set up other books in a sort of rivalry with it. I don't understand loyalty to Christ which is accompanied by indifference to His words. Unless we have infallibility somewhere, faith is impossible. Fellowship with known and vital error is participating in sin.?

WHERE ARE ALL THE CHURCH MEMBERS?

10% - You can't find them - they're GONE!

20% - Never attend Church

25% - Never pray!

45% - Never tithe (I think that figure  is low)

60% - Never study their Bibles.

70% - Never attend Sunday night Church.

75% - Never assume any responsibility.

85% - Never invite anyone to attend with them.

95% - Never lead anyone to Christ.

100% - Expect to go to heaven. 

THE BIBLE SAYS, "NOT MANY WISE . . ."

God says, ". . . not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." There is nothing wrong with having a good brain, unless you let it get in the way of being saved or following God. God did not say, "Not any . . ."

There was a well known lady many years ago who was "high born" and wealthy, but she trusted Christ and was saved. She would often say that she was saved by an God did not say "not any", He said, ". . . not many . . ."

The problem with most noble or wealthy people is that they let their brains or wealth keep them from humbling themselves and receiving God's Word. I read a statement by the "Ask Marilyn" woman who reportedly has an extremely high IQ.

She was asked what she thinks about the fact that she will have to die one day. She said she had no answer to that question and said she feels thoughts about dying "are a big waste of time." She may have a lot of brains but she is not too smart.

God says, "It is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgment." Even though you are young, you too had better think about the day you will have to die. When it comes, it will be too late. Trust Christ as your Savior right now!

BASIC CHRISTIANITY

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my faith is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work until He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me my banner will be clear.

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