Peter Ruckman

I am listening to a man named Peter Ruckman's latest I suppose "Bible Study."  So far it's not been any Bible teaching and instead it one long promotion of his Bible Baptist Bookstore where you can have the distinction of getting books that "debunk" all those who don't believe the KJV is the one true and perfect Bible.  All of these bookstores will "not dare to sell or carry" these books.  Is it because they are scared as he seems to say?  I say probably not.  More than likely they're untruthful, and in fact are blatantly false.  Written with a total disregard for the truth. Maybe I'm wrong, but this kind of stuff scares me.  It is illogical, irrational, and divisive.  I have never seen such vitriol and hatred being preached by supposed Christians.  He just said "the hidden baloney of the baloney factories!"  That's one to remember.  The angel of the Lord related directly all the people of the world before the OT and before Jesus came on the scene says Ruckman.  I can't waste anymore time on this sad and scary radio show.  

UPDATE:  Upon further reflection, Ruckman is correct.  Book stores are scared.  Very scared, of Peter Ruckman.  He is a very scary person.  I think I had a nightmare about him last night.  I will call it a "Ruckmare."  I hope I have no more.

To KJV or not to KJV

There is a quarrel that looks more like a battlefield among some Christians and even entire regions of Christians against others over what particular translation of the Bible is the correct one. Which one is the inspired one? Which one is most accurate, or according to some completely word for word accurate? Nevermind that I don't have the space to address this issue properly in a blog, is this something to divide over?

The divinity of Jesus? The inspiration, infallibility, innerrent nature of the Bible? The Trinity? The nature of salvation by Jesus alone? All things we must divide over if there is ever debate questioning it. There is a place to take your stand and fight your battles. If you're going to fight a battle, choose it wisely, and stay close to those key doctrinal statements of faith.

The questions surrounding Bible translations are legitimate, important questions that we must ask. They should be tactfully addressed. They are worthy things to study. This is not the battleground to fight over. I've read literature from many camps over the course of years. I will confess that I rarely take seriously any side that comes out and says they have and know the ONLY legitimate translation of God's word, and that all others are corrupt and sometimes they will go as far as to say they are of the devil.

How do you even debate that? If someone thinks your copy of the Scriptures was inspired by the Dark Lord, then you've started out a few points behind in that person's book. I've taken my position over the course of time and much study and prayer. Many translations have much to offer. Many are wholly inadequate. Many are somewhere in between. I can learn from an ESV, NIV, NASB, KJV, just fine. Some are easier to understand than others. None do claim within the Bible itself that their translation is the final say so from God.

In the coming year I will likely preach a series on the Bible where we will address these particular questions. If you are an attender or member at Little Mountain then keep your ears peeled for more soon.

Apologetics and Emptiness

I used to be, and to a certain extent still am, fascinated by reading apologetics materials. Debates and papers, books and magazine articles that attempt to fend off criticism of God, the Bible, the Church, Christianity, etc., all hold an important place in my mind. Years ago when confronted with skeptics it thrilled my heart and opened up new worlds for me when I discovered books like Mere Christianity and The Evidence that Demands a Verdict. These books and those like them helped me to understand that thinking people can reasonably believe in the story of Jesus and everything that goes along with it. But I soon discovered that endless research and vigorously devouring any and all apologetic writings still left me feeling hungry. What I mean is, these things point you to the real thing but can't take the place of it. Apologetics doesn't comfort in times of sadness. Debate can never produce real life change. It's filler but not filling. It has its place. We don't need to be unthinking or shun reason. It's just that God hasn't chosen to reveal Himself through the world's wisdom. Paul said as much if you don't believe me. I'm no anti-intellectual but apologetics can be like Chinese food, you can eat a lot and be hungry a few hours later. It's not "the Bible and nothing else," but if you only have time for one or the other, opt for the Bible. Feast on it and snack on the rest. Not the other way around.