What Does 'Ever Learning But Never Able to Come to the Truth' Mean?

In reference to 2 Timothy 3:7, you must look at the context to understand this verse. The chapter begins with a reference to the last times (2 Timothy 3:1). In the last times people will be (2 Timothy 3:2–5): 

(2) …lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
(4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
(5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…

Paul warns Timothy to stay away from those people (men at the time) because they are the kind of people who capture the hearts and minds of silly women (verse 6; typically housewives at the time) who listen to everything no matter how dangerous it could be—women who are easily influenced and deceived. 

Verse 7 is a reference to these women. They are always listening to something from these men, wanting to learn something new, trying to catch something curious, and being led astray by it. As a result, they can never understand the truth of the word of God—i.e. right doctrine. 

These women are deceived by the smooth-talking teachers characterized by verses 2–5. 

These days, we could equate the silly women with silly men and women who may sit and listen to televangelists, tele-pastors, tele-teachers who bring into their homes (through the airwaves) damnable heresies—departures from fundamental doctrines of the faith. 

A quick Google search for ‘false Christian teachers’ will identify some of the false teachers out there that fit the bill. 

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/rudall30

Second image: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/hypnotic-gm168400705-16920848

Why Does 'Morning Star' Refer to Lucifer in the NIV but Jesus in the KJV?

If you are using an NIV, the reason you see that is because the NIV translates it that way. If you look at the KJV, this is not an issue:

Revelation 22:16

(KJV) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

(NIV) I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.

Clearly, Jesus is the bright and Morning Star here in both versions. 

Isaiah 14:12

(KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning. how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations.

(NIV) How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn. You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations.

However, here we have a conflict: Lucifer in the KJV is referred to as the son of the morning; whereas, in the NIV, he is referred to as the morning star. 

The KJV uses a different term for Lucifer, but the NIV uses the same terms for both Jesus and Lucifer—creepy, unsettling, and blasphemous. 

2 Peter 1:19

(KJV) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

(NIV) And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Here, the NIV uses the morning star, but who is it—Jesus or Lucifer—it is unclear because of the previous conflicts. The KJV uses the day star to refer to Jesus and we know who is being referred to. 

There is no excuse for the disparity in the NIV. The NIV translators made the choice to use those words. 

You can check out a similar article here to learn more:

What is the difference between KJV and NIV?

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/skhoward

Is Being a Preacher a Career or a Calling?

If by preacher, you mean pastor… 

Paul wrote Timothy about something similar (1 Timothy 3:1):

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Paul was saying that if a male member of the church wanted to be a pastor, it is a good ministry that he wants.

However, Paul also wrote (Ephesians 4:1):

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

The word vocation here means calling, which indicates that Christians are called into a vocation (a career-ministry) where they can minister to all people from their jobs (this ministry of vocation is for all believers).

The two verses show us that pastors are called, but they will likely have the sincere desire for the role of pastor so they can minister to the sheep (as opposed to simply the position, power, or pay; cf. 1 Peter 5:1–3).

Regarding preachers, any believer can be a preacher (a herald of the Gospel, Romans 10:14):

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image source (preacher at sunrise): https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/juanestey 

Psalm 19 Verse 1

Psalm 19:1 (KJV):

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

David is saying that when you look at the heavens, you can say, wow, God is awesome!

When you see birds flying in the air, the stars at night, the beauty of the sky, the clouds that bring rain, the warmth of the sun, the light of the moon, a sunset, a sunrise, the universe, the variety, and all that may strike a person about creation—David says, these things testify of God’s attributes (e.g. His wisdom, understanding, sovereignty, power, …).

David was once a shepherd boy who spent a lot of time outdoors. Perhaps he would lay down at night looking into the heavens and muse (ponder) over creation. When he was older he may have still done that (Psalm 143:5):

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Psalm 19:1-4 follows suit.

Sadly, however, Romans 1:20-21 reminds us that not everyone will appreciate these things:

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

There may be scoffers, but that will not change the glory of God written in the sky—a testimony to the glory of God.

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image: Wei Pan on Unsplash

What Is the Difference Between a Christian and a Non-Christian?

The fundamental difference between a Christian and a non-Christian, in the purest sense of the words, is the difference between being born again and not:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

That is, believing on Jesus Christ in all the fullness of who He is:

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

It’s pretty much that simple.

Many who call themselves Christians today may not have gotten past this first basic point. 

Those who have, may not be living as the Bible teaches (at times, myself included), so the God of Christianity is shamed (Romans 2:24).

By Jerry Smith

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Image source: Davide Cantelli on Unsplash

Woman Pregnant After Rape Keeps Child and Discovers She Is Not Alone

A young woman in Florida who was raped on a blind date discovered she was pregnant. Despite suggestions from doctors and nurses to abort her child, she decided to keep him. 

That was many years ago. Today, Alisha's son is now in seventh grade, smart, and getting good grades—thankful that his mother did not abort him. 

Each year approximately 25,000 women who are raped become pregnant. Of that number, one-third decide to keep and raise their babies. 

Alisha's parents raised her to be pro-life and it stayed with her; a testimony to Proverbs 22:6. 

She understood that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). She thought to herself, why should she kill an innocent baby; why would God give her a gift so she could turn around and kill it.

She demonstrates unconditional love and has never thought of her son as being born from rape. 

Some people may think—and it is often used in pro-abortion debates—that a child of rape should be terminated. But Alisha is evidence that it is possible to be raped and keep the child. As she said, “people need to be aware that these babies don’t deserve to die for someone else’s crime.” 

What a powerful reminder of what God says in His word, “she was found with child” (Matthew 1:18). 

Every pregnant woman today is “with child”—she carries another human in her womb. No amount of political or scientific sidestepping can change the fact that what God says is true.

Alisha's is one of many stories on savethe1.com. 

Through savethe1.com, she has met other mothers in the same situation. They are not just the exception to the debate but are an unheard group of people that are now working hard to be heard.

Rebecca Kiessling, also the child of rape, began the Save The 1 movement to challenge the loopholes to pro-life. In her YouTube statement she explains: 

"Save The 1 is an organization of persons who were conceived in rape, mothers who became pregnant by rape, and those with a poor in utero diagnosis -- all of the so-called "hard cases" in the abortion debate. We are pro-life speakers, writers, authors, and activists who put faces, voices and stories to this issue. We seek to ensure that all are protected by law and that none are stigmatized, demonized, marginalized, and discriminated."

Share this message the next time pro-abortion comes up in a conversation or debate.

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image source: Save the 1 video screenshot

Image sources: Save the 1 YouTube video screenshot, Save the 1 video screenshots

Sources: Liveaction.org, Rebecca Kiessling YouTube Channel, savethe1.com

What Is the Christian Response to a Border Wall?

Historically, the U.S.A. has been a welcoming country for millions of immigrants. From the early to mid 1900s, Ellis Island was an example of how America reflected its poem on the Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." 

The fact that we have immigration policies is also a testimony to our willingness to accept others. As a sovereign nation, the United States has the right to create immigration standards that are to be followed by those who wish to join us. 

We are a melting pot of people from many nations. So being American is not a matter of skin color but a way of thinking. And what we offer is something that no other nation on the planet can match: the American dream. 

But when our generosity is abused; when our immigration policies are being ignored; when our country is being invaded by an onslaught of people who ignore the process; who climb over our walls and attempt to overwhelm our border agents—we have the right to erect a wall to stop it. 

There is no home without walls. So why is the U.S. any different in requiring that people follow the rules and wait outside until we open the door? 

God's Attitude Toward Foreigners 

God is concerned for the welfare of foreigners (Exodus 22:21). So much so, that in the Old Testament He made provisions for them once they were inside the Jewish nation (cf. Exodus 23:9, Leviticus 19:33, Deuteronomy 10:19). 

The New Testament is a clear demonstration of charity from God by His extending the Gospel from the Jews (who had the right to it) to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16) who had no right to it. 

God Gave Man Borders 

God has also established borders. From the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:9) until now, people have been divided (Genesis 10:25) into nations by Divine providence. 

The Jews were a nation (2 Samuel 7:23) distinguished by God from other nations. Jerusalem had a wall and Nehemiah rebuilt it with God's help. And America has a God-given right to borders (cf. Acts 17:26). 

Authority 

God places (Daniel 2:21) rulers over a country for their benefit. The powers that be are meant to be a terror to evil works (Romans 13:3). 

If the U.S. is being overwhelmed by illegal entries (many of which pose a threat), than the leader, by mandate, is to protect that country—it is biblical. 

God says, whoever resists the authority is resisting God (Romans 13:2). I grieve that too many Christians today are doing that by rejecting the leadership God has appointed our country. 

Those who say the Christian response is to let everyone in and forsake the wall are misled about Christianity. 

Those churches and groups of Christians who break the law to accommodate illegal immigrants forsake God's wisdom and place their own ideologies above God's, putting the lives of American citizens at risk. 

So, what is the Christian 'response' to the border wall? 

There is NO Christian response—there is simply God, His word, borders, nations, God-given authority to leaders, and now, the need for a wall in the U.S. These are all biblically-supported reasons, and Christians are commanded to submit to them (Romans 13:1). 

Since nothing else seems to be working, a border wall is the only other option. 

Christians who say that we should show compassion for suffering people are right—as a nation, we do! We are a very generous nation. 

The Good Samaritan took care of his enemy the suffering Jew; are not we as a nation doing that with our high levels of assistance to other countries—even those that do not adhere to our values? 

Should the U.S. destroy its way of life to show Christian love when some of the people coming across our Southern border are clearly seeking to take advantage of and or harm us? What of reports of terrorists trying to enter the country? Are we to love our enemies to our own demise—that is foolish, not Christian. 

We are commanded to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), not knowingly bring them into our homes so they can hurt us and our families. Just to be Christian, some would jeopardize the safety of our citizens and loved ones to bring someone into the country unvetted? 

Christians who say we should be loving and have open arms are right—but not at the cost of the safety and welfare of our citizens and the people we love. 

During His earthly ministry, even Jesus avoided areas where people wanted to harm Him (John 7:1). He escaped persecutors (John 10:39) who were intent on killing Him (Luke 4:29). Should He have wrapped His arms around them and tell them He loved them? Does your goodness exceed that of Christ? Your wisdom? 

Jesus demonstrated the balance between loving your enemies and not letting your enemies harm you. 

Balance 

Remember, there must be a balance between being overzealous Christians and preserving the welfare of the people you love. 

Yes, Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) and sought forgiveness for those who nailed him to the cross (Luke 23:34). 

However, there is a distinction in the Bible between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. God does not open the flood gates and let everyone in. Is God therefore unjust? 

No. It means there is a proper entryway: Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). No one gets to heaven but through Him. 

Jesus said people must come through the door (John 10:9) and the straight gate (Matthew 7:13). And He warned us about those trying to come into the sheepfold over the wall as not being the real deal (John 10:1). 

In saying that we should accept everyone that crosses our borders illegally, are some Christians intimating that they are more righteous than God? Wiser? 

If God made distinctions between people in His parables, why can we not apply them to this situation? Are emotions and trends getting in the way of our Christianity? 

Revelation tells us that there will be people in heaven, and tells us that others will be on the outside (Revelation 22:14-15). Those who enter the gates can come in (Revelation 22:14). 

How about the U.S.—we are simply asking that people come through the proper way; use the proper door of immigration; stop climbing the walls, and go through legal channels. 

Christians need to find the balance between biblically loving our enemies and showing compassion on foreigners; and biblical borders, authorities, and distinctions between people. 

Conclusion 

Leaders who wish to protect their nations from enemies are not evil. On the contrary, they demonstrate love for the people they have been placed in-charge over. 

Neither are citizens of a nation that wish to protect themselves evil. 

Was Jesus wrong for driving out money changers and vendors from the Temple (John 2:15)? Why then would a leader be wrong for cleaning up the country he has been appointed over? 

In the Bible, there is a wall between people who are born again through obeying God's will to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (John 6:40) and those who do not, which are viewed as enemies (Romans 5:10). The love for the enemies of God is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

If immigrants wish to be, humanly speaking, reborn into the U.S., they must also obey the commands of the God-appointed sovereign nation of the United States of America. 

If they refuse to and continue to flood our borders, a wall may be the only thing that will stop it. 

By Jerry Smith

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Feature image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/SherryVSmith

Border wall image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/SherryVSmith

Resources: Truth or Tradition, Academia.edu

7 Biblical Reasons Fallen Angels Could Not Have Mated with Women and Produce Giants in Genesis 6

Some Christians make a pretty big deal about this topic, and a lot has been written and produced about the Nephilim.

The subject becomes a distraction that takes Christians away from what they ought to be doing—walking with the Lord, edifying one another, and sharing Christ with others. 

So, it is necessary to address the subject in the light of a clear and plain reading of God's word.

Fallen angels did not mate with human women and produce giants in Genesis 6:1-4. They could not have, if you examine the word of God and let it speak for itself. 

1. Sons of God is never a reference to demons (fallen angels). So, how does it somehow mean demons here?

2. Giants are not mentioned in conjunction with supposed demons taking of wives in Genesis 6:2. They are mentioned only as a separate point (just, "there were giants in the earth in those days").

3. “After that” in Genesis 6:4 is a separate point relative to sons of God and daughters of men having children who were mighty men, not giants.

4. Why refer to the "wickedness of man" only, not that of fallen angels in Genesis 6:3?

5. Man is also referred to as sons of God (Exodus 4:22, Matthew 5:9, Romans 8:14, Luke 3:38, Hosea 1:10), and is commanded not to intermarry with ungodly people (Deuteronomy 7:3).

6. Why two lines in Genesis 4:17-24 (line of Cain) and in Genesis 5 (line of Adam)? Was this meant as a distinction between the sons of God (Adam’s line) and the ungodly line of Cain?

7. Why were there giants after the flood (e.g. Deuteronomy 2:10-11)? Did demons and humans intermarry again? If we hold to the demons and human women scenario, wasn’t the Flood meant to eradicate this evil of mating between demons and women? How could it have been repeated if God had put an end to it? Wasn't God able to stop this? 

Conclusion: Without trying to put our own imaginations into the word of God, a clear and plain reading combined with comparing Scripture with Scripture reveals that the sons of God in Genesis 6 is likely a reference to the godly line of Seth marrying the ungodly line of Cain, but certainly not a reference to demons (fallen angels). 

When the word of God is examined for its clear and plain meaning, we see that relationships between demons and women that produced some kind of unholy giant race of people falls apart. 

We see that this discussion and the enormity of it is nothing but a pebble that should be swept aside so Christians can get back to the Kingdom business at hand. 

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Feature image source: Richard Gunther (gunther.net.nz).

Are Christians to Follow a List of Rules?

Are Christians meant to check a list of dos and don'ts, or does God want something better for us? 

Today's Bible lesson may help us get to the bottom of that question. 

1 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats...

Background

Having given Timothy instructions on how to behave himself in the house of God, the local church (3:15), Paul continues with warnings about apostasy in the latter times. There will, for example, be those who forbid marriage and command people to abstain from meats.

Faith Lesson

Paul, rather the Spirit of Christ, says that there will come a time when religious people will reduce Christianity to a system of dos and don'ts.

What was once the Gospel of Jesus Christ, based on faith in who Jesus Christ is and what He did for us (died on a cross for our sins and rose again for our justification), will become a perverted Gospel where one must add to the work of Christ to make themselves deserving before God.

Paul calls this a doctrine of devils (4:1) because Jesus Christ came to do our dos and to pay for our don'ts.

Any teaching that denies the work of Christ in favor of what we can do for ourselves turns true religion into idolatry where the focus is on me and what I can do to earn my own way now and in the afterlife.

Christ brought and bought us freedom from the yoke of works: Matthew 11:28-30...

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

In Practice

What forms of dos and don'ts (e.g. you must be on time or God will be angry, don't wear this clothing, etc.) are prevalent in Christian religious communities?

Since these rules imply one must obey rules to attain or maintain salvation, how can that be addressed from Scripture?

In what way do you see this prophecy being fulfilled in the world around you?

In your local religious community?

In your church?
In yourself?

Sharing

What are the personal implications for you? 
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

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Image Source: stephen-radford-121528-unsplash