This work represents in no small part, my own return journey to Christianity after many years absence from the church. To my own amazement,
I discovered that many teachings of the typical church are in contradiction with the Bible. It is my hope to share some of the findings
from my own studies, without prejudice or condemnation, but rather out of love for the Word and the brethren.Before you begin looking
through this material I must ask that you agree to the following conditions: (1) The Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, (2) Everything
recorded in the Bible is accurate, faithful and true.
** If you cannot agree to this now, please continue to study and pray. In time,
I am certain that you will conclude the Bible IS The WORD of God. Can you agree to this? Great! The most important thing I did after
picking up the Bible again was to question everything I thought I knew. Now listen very carefully, do not believe what men tell you,do not believe everything the church tells you, do not believe what I tell you, only believe what God has recorded for YOU in the
Bible. This is absolutely essential to gain any understanding from the scriptures. As Jesus saith, "But in vain do they worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). Whenever there is uncertainly over what is correct, you MUST believe
God. Believe what the Bible says and you cannot go wrong. Jesus sacrificed a lot for YOU. Are you going to believe Him or your traditions?
The Bible tells us that not everyone will repent and receive salvation, although God the Father and His Son desire that none should
perish. We have been granted free choice just as Adam and Eve were given the freedom to choose, and choose we must. The churches today
have to a large extent strayed very far from the teachings found in the Bible. Carefully compare all things to what the Bible ACTUALLY says,
and I promise you will be surprised. As an example, how many of each animal did God bring into the ark with Noah? If I were a betting
man (which I am not because gambling is a sin), I would wager your answer is either "two by two", or "I don't know". Fair enough.
Both of these answers however are quite incorrect. If I have raised your interest level, please read Genesis Ch.7 to find the answer. How
much effort are you willing to expend learning the truth? What will you give up to lead the Holy life to which we are called? Reading
five chapters daily (about an hour) will get you through the entire text in 8-9 months. Reading four chapters daily it will take about
one year. This is something that cannot and must not be put off. As the saying goes, "Just do it." The rewards are life-transforming
to say the least. Do it while there is still time. Do it while you are able. Do it now - please. With all my heart I pray that you
will not give up. Pray to God and sincerely ask for His help. Please do not get angry if you disagree with me, for I have done nothing
more than copy (hopefully without error) verses and passages from scripture. I have kept my comments to a minimum for they are not
inspired of God, they are however necessary to convey to you my own understanding. In general, I would not recommend reading Bible
commentaries as they are frequently biased to the author's point of view. Once again, compare everything you hear, read and see with
the Bible -do not assume anything, far too much is at stake.
Did God desire His word to be understood by only those with advanced
theological degrees and training? No. Strictly based upon education level, are we to just assume someone must be correct and know
better because they have an advanced degree (no disrespect if this applies to you)? No, of course not. Do not believe ANYTHING until
you have studied the matter yourself. Place it in the "to be investigated list" until you have done so, but please do not let anyone
convince you that the bible is not inspired of God, as it most certainly is. One of the lessons I learned from the Old Testament is
this: When it comes to doctrine and obeying God, what is majority is doing is always wrong. Nowhere is the entire Bible does scripture
refer to the church as a large organization, rather it is the "little flock" that is scattered amongst all nations. Remember that
God only has one plan, there is no backup or secondary option. The promise and hope of eternal life comes only through Jesus Christ.
The entire bible, both Old and New Testaments, every chapter and verse forms the complete Bible. We must not, and cannot try and interpret
the New Testament without the "Old". They are inseparable. To only study the New Testament (as many do), is to be ignorant of most
of the Bible. Can a car run on only one of four tires? MY DISCLAIMERIn no way do I claim to have any special gift, authority or providence
over knowledge of the scriptures. I am but a sinner who is trying his best to serve the LORD by following His words, instructions
and commands recorded in the Bible. If you feel I am wrong on any matter, please tell me so, for I will gladly take another look at
it so that I may learn. Be forewarned however, that I will insist that you have read the entire bible (Genesis to Revelation), every
chapter, every verse, every word at least three times. Any "proof" that you have must come directly from the Bible itself, and not
the commandments and doctrines of men. Will you do this? Will you commit the time? Understanding the Bible is an ongoing process and
we are never finished while still in this life. Our objective as Christians is to be new creations in Christ, which means constant
learning, growth and transformation. If you disagree with me who am I to judge you? I have enough difficulty keeping my own spiritual
house in order, so we are all in this together. I am nothing but God is everything. We are all being judged and will answer to God
for all things done and not done. What I have written is what I understand from the Bible to be the Truth, and not (God forbid) what
my sinful and prideful flesh desires. May Christ the LORD light our path and bless you always,