I am an experienced classroom teacher who is working to launch Neighborhood Christian School with a clearly defined purpose: That is to offer students a strong, time-tested classical Christian education. Neighborhood Christian School believes an approach rooted in the Trivium--grammar, logic, and rhetoric--is vital. In simple terms, that means helping students gain knowledge, learn how to think through and process that knowledge, and learn how to use it well. This is the vision my team and I want to bring to life through Neighborhood Christian School.

Neighborhood Christian School is being launched with a clear purpose: to offer students a strong classical education. While many voices have dismissed classical education as outdated, Neighborhood Christian School believes an approach rooted in the Trivium--grammar, logic, and rhetoric--is timeless. That means helping students gain knowledge, learn how to process that knowledge, and learn how to use it. This is the vision we want to bring to life through Neighborhood Christian School.

God's Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
WAS THE BIBLE COPIED CORRECTLY?

One of the most common objections to Christianity is that the Bible has been copied so many times that we can no longer know what it originally said.

At first, that sounds reasonable.

After all, if a document has been copied by hand for centuries, wouldn't mistakes accumulate until the original message was lost?

The problem is that this objection ignores the evidence.

The New Testament is the most well-attested document from the ancient world. Today, scholars have access to more than 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts, over 10,000 Latin manuscripts, and thousands more in other ancient languages. In total, there are over 24,000 manuscript copies and portions of the New Testament available for comparison.

To appreciate how remarkable that is, consider other famous ancient works. The writings of Julius Caesar survive in about 10 manuscripts. The historian Tacitus is preserved in just a handful of copies. Yet few people question whether we know what those authors originally wrote.

Not only do we have an enormous number of manuscripts, but many of them are very early. Portions of the New Testament can be dated within decades of the original writings. Complete manuscripts appear far closer to the originals than those available for most ancient literature.

Because we possess so many copies from different regions and centuries, copyist mistakes are often easy to identify. If a scribe accidentally omitted a word, misspelled a name, or skipped a line, scholars can compare thousands of manuscripts and detect the error.

Think of it this way. If there were only one surviving manuscript, mistakes would be difficult to identify. But when thousands of manuscripts agree with one another, they function as checks and balances.

Critics often point to the existence of textual variants. However, the overwhelming majority are minor differences involving spelling, word order, or grammar. In Greek, changing the order of words often does not change the meaning of the sentence. Most variants are so insignificant that Bible translators simply note them in the footnotes.

Even skeptical textual scholars acknowledge that no major Christian doctrine depends on a disputed passage.

Then there are the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Discovered beginning in 1947 near the Dead Sea, these manuscripts included portions of every Old Testament book except Esther. Some of them were over 1,000 years older than the oldest Hebrew manuscripts previously available.

Critics expected significant corruption of the text over time.

Instead, they found remarkable consistency. The book of Isaiah, for example, was found to be substantially the same despite being copied over many centuries. The differences that existed were overwhelmingly minor and did not affect the message of the text.

The Bible was not preserved because people copied it perfectly.

It was preserved because so many copies were made that mistakes became detectable.

In fact, the manuscript evidence for the Bible is so extensive that scholars can compare copies from different countries, centuries, and language families to reconstruct the original text with a very high degree of confidence.

Every ancient document was copied.

The question is whether it was copied reliably.

When judged by the same standards historians use for every other ancient work, the Bible stands in a category of its own.

Please be vigilant when accepting friend requests and messages from strangers.

Satan quoted scripture to tempt the Lord in the wilderness. He has many minions who do the same by picking on those who follow Christ now. Please pray for decernment of the spirits over yourself so you don't fall victim to schemes that can cost you dearly. This is the 2nd time in 3 weeks that someone does this to me. But they don't get what they want, I rather expose them.

This person is also refering to themselves as mrs and their 1st name. Which is an english language grammar mistake and can indicate that the one who wrote it is either uneducated (not likely) or is not even a white female or english speaking person; as the profile pic suggested; or used a translator to type. And also, their profile is not accessible any longer due to it being blocked or deleted or fake.

● They are claiming to be dieing - playing on the feelings of the reader.
● Mentioning the name of Jesus and quoting scripture - trying to earn trust from the reader.
● Offering sincerety - to make the reader feel at ease.
● Giving a compliment and thanks - adhering to the sincerity to build a stronger case of acceptance and trust.
● Offering finacial aid, for free, to a stranger - there is a saying "if it sounds to good to be true, it propably is" - this person is trying to make the reader believe in their samaritarian outreach to the needy, and this all in the name of Jesus.
● Inviting the reader - to close the converstion in a non-hostile manner so the reader would feel comfortable to comply with the instructions given.

I am not complying... rather

In Jesus' mighty name, I pray this scheme gets cancelled and cut off any plans it has made to trick any other person.
Amen.

Lifeline Today
Monday July 6
The Need for Diligence
He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV)

You subscribe to poverty if you are idle. There can never be a prosperous lazy man. Every word synonymous with blessing is diligence. Poverty doesn't jump on people; they become poor through slackness. Slack is synonymous to lack. When you are slack concerning your life pursuit, you are inviting lack. If you are slow in action because you regard yourself as careful or cautious, you will end up as low.

Diligence is the price you pay for excellence. Diligence connotes hard, tireless, relentless approach to work. The diligent one always stands out. The hard worker is always the top worker. You can't miss your place at the top if you are diligent. (Proverbs 22:29). People may not like your face or your grammar, let them like your work. (Proverbs 12:24). It is the person behind the product or service that sells not the service or product. This is your day.

Wisdom Fountain: “Work is doing it. Discipline is doing it every day. Diligence is doing it well every day.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts, talents, and opportunities You have placed in my life. I pray for more grace to be diligent and faithful in all that I do.
Remove from my heart every spirit of procrastination, complacency, distraction, and weariness. Grant me the discipline to stay focused on my tasks and the wisdom to prioritize my time effectively. Help me to approach my daily work not as a burden, but to serve and bring glory to You. Let my dedication reflect Your excellence in everything I put my hand to in Jesus' name.

Let's talk about it.
"THE WHITE LIE CLAIMS" , ARE ANSWERED BY THE BIBLE, HISTORY, AND FAIR EVIDENCE.

Different Accusers. Different Claims. One Standard: Test All Things by the Word.

The accusations are loud:

“Ellen White copied.”
“Her health message was borrowed.”
“Her sanctuary teaching collapsed.”
“Her writings were edited.”
“Adventists worship Ellen White.”

But loud accusations are not proof.
A critic is not automatically correct.
A parallel is not automatically plagiarism.
A question is not automatically a refutation.
A shocking claim is not the same as truth.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

“To the law and to the testimony…”
— Isaiah 8:20 KJV

So let every claim be tested—not by emotion, not by prejudice, not by YouTube clips, not by rumors, but by Bible truth, fair history, honest evidence, and righteous judgment.
---

1. THE ACCUSATION: “ADVENTISTS ARE BAPTIZED INTO ELLEN WHITE.”

Some claim Adventists place Ellen White above Christ and secretly make baptism allegiance to her.

THE DEFENSE: BAPTISM IS INTO GOD—NOT INTO A HUMAN MESSENGER.

“Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
— Matthew 28:19 KJV

Let it be clear:

We do not worship Ellen White.
We do not pray to Ellen White.
We do not baptize into Ellen White.
We do not place her above Scripture.
Christ alone is Lord.
The Bible is the final test.

“The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will.”
— The Great Controversy, Introduction

THE MESSENGER IS NOT THE SAVIOUR. THE MESSAGE MUST ALWAYS BOW TO THE WORD.

2. THE ACCUSATION: “THE GREAT CONTROVERSY WAS COPIED FROM PARADISE LOST.”

Some claim the Great Controversy theme came from John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

THE DEFENSE: THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME DID NOT BEGIN WITH MILTON—IT BEGAN IN SCRIPTURE.

Paradise Lost was written by John Milton, first published in 1667.
But the war between Christ and Satan is not Milton’s invention.

Revelation 12:7 — war in heaven
Isaiah 14:12–14 — Lucifer’s fall
Ezekiel 28:12–17 — pride and corruption
Genesis 3:15 — conflict between the serpent and the seed
Romans 16:20 — Satan finally crushed

Milton wrote poetry from Bible themes.
Ellen White wrote prophetic-historical application from Bible themes.

THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BELONGS TO SCRIPTURE—NOT TO MILTON, NOT TO WHITE, BUT TO GOD.

To say Ellen White stole the conflict theme from Milton is like saying every preacher who preaches Calvary stole from another preacher.

THE CROSS BELONGS TO GOD. THE CONFLICT BELONGS TO THE BIBLE. THE VICTORY BELONGS TO CHRIST.

3. WALTER REA’S ACCUSATION: “ELLEN WHITE PLAGIARIZED.”

Walter Rea, in The White Lie, accused Ellen White of extensive literary borrowing and plagiarism.

THE DEFENSE: USING SOURCES IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY STEALING.

Yes, Ellen White used historical and literary sources, especially in historical books such as The Great Controversy.

But using sources does not automatically prove fraud.
Using historical records does not cancel inspiration.
A parallel is not automatically plagiarism.

The Bible itself shows inspired writers using sources:

Luke investigated and arranged existing records.
— Luke 1:1–4

Paul quoted pagan poets while preaching truth.
— Acts 17:28

Chronicles referred to earlier historical records.
— 1 Chronicles 29:29

Jude quoted known material outside the Old Testament.
— Jude 14–15

Were Luke and Paul uninspired because they used sources?
No.

Were Chronicles and Jude false because they used known material?
No.

Copyright attorney Vincent L. Ramik examined the issue and concluded:

“Ellen G. White was not a plagiarist and her works did not constitute copyright infringement/piracy.”

This does not mean she never used sources.
It means the accusation “she stole and deceived the church” is not as simple or fair as critics often present it.

LITERARY BORROWING IS A FACT. FRAUD IS AN ACCUSATION. THE TWO ARE NOT THE SAME.

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
— John 7:24 KJV

4. RONALD NUMBERS’ ACCUSATION: “THE HEALTH MESSAGE WAS BORROWED.”

Ronald L. Numbers argued that Ellen White’s health message reflected 19th-century health reform ideas.

THE DEFENSE: TRUTH IS NOT FALSE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE SAW PART OF IT FIRST.

Yes, health reform was already being discussed.
Names such as Sylvester Graham, James C. Jackson, and other reformers are often mentioned.

But that does not make the message false.

A compass is not fake because others discovered north.
A warning is not false because others smelled smoke.
A cure is not fake because doctors studied disease before.

The Bible already taught health stewardship:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV

Ellen White’s health message was not merely food advice.
It was spiritual discipline:

temperance
self-control
purity
clear minds
stronger bodies
useful service
readiness for God’s work

And when some critics claim she copied from John Harvey Kellogg, the timeline itself weakens the charge.

Kellogg was born in 1852.
Ellen White’s major health reform vision came in 1863.
Kellogg was about 11 years old.

THE TIMELINE ITSELF REBUKES THAT ACCUSATION.

The question is not whether others had fragments.
The question is whether God used the message to reform lives.

5. DESMOND FORD’S ACCUSATION: “DANIEL 8:14 AND THE SANCTUARY DOCTRINE ARE WRONG.”

Desmond Ford challenged the Adventist understanding of Daniel 8:14, the sanctuary, and the investigative judgment, especially around the 1980 Glacier View controversy.

THE DEFENSE: A SCHOLAR’S CHALLENGE IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY BIBLE TRUTH.

This issue is not plagiarism.
It is a separate theological debate.

Do not throw every accusation into one emotional basket.

Plagiarism claims are one issue.
Health reform claims are another issue.
Paradise Lost claims are another issue.
Baptismal vow claims are another issue.
Daniel 8:14 and the sanctuary doctrine are another issue.

Each must be tested separately.

“Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
— Daniel 8:14 KJV

A question is not the same as a refutation.
A debate is not automatically defeat.
A critic’s confidence is not the same as biblical proof.

The sanctuary truth must be studied from Scripture:

Daniel
Hebrews
Revelation
the Day of Atonement
Christ’s priestly ministry
judgment
cleansing of the sanctuary

DO NOT DISMISS A BIBLE DOCTRINE BECAUSE ONE SCHOLAR CHALLENGED IT. STUDY IT. TEST IT. PROVE IT BY THE WORD.

6. THE ACCUSATION: “HER WRITINGS WERE EDITED, SO THEY CANNOT BE INSPIRED.”

Some say editing proves Ellen White’s writings were not inspired.

THE DEFENSE: EDITING DOES NOT DESTROY INSPIRATION.

If editing proved a message was uninspired, then parts of Scripture itself would be questioned.

The Bible shows inspired writings being written, copied, arranged, preserved, and even rewritten.

“Then took Jeremiah another roll… who wrote therein… all the words of the book…”
— Jeremiah 36:32 KJV

Jeremiah’s scroll was rewritten after being destroyed.
Luke arranged testimony.
Chronicles used records.
Psalms were collected.
Proverbs were gathered.

Yet we still recognize Scripture as inspired.

Editing grammar, improving clarity, arranging material, preparing manuscripts, or correcting expression does not automatically prove fraud.

A SWORD MAY BE POLISHED WITHOUT CHANGING THE METAL.

A MESSAGE MAY BE EDITED FOR CLARITY WITHOUT LOSING DIVINE PURPOSE.

The real issue is not whether human hands helped prepare the writings.

The real issue is:

Did the message remain faithful to Scripture?
Did it exalt Christ?
Did it rebuke sin?
Did it lead to holiness, obedience, and preparation for Jesus?

If yes, then editing is not proof against inspiration.
It only proves that God uses human instruments.

7. THE ACCUSATION: “IF GOD INSPIRED HER, WHY USE WORDS FROM OTHER CHRISTIANS?”

Some think inspiration means every word must be mechanically dictated from heaven.

THE DEFENSE: INSPIRATION IS NOT MECHANICAL DICTATION.

God does not need to erase a messenger’s reading, vocabulary, memory, or research to inspire a message.

The pen is human.
The burden is divine.
The language may be gathered.
The message must be tested.

The Bible test is not whether every word is mechanically dictated.

The Bible test is:

Does it agree with Scripture?
Does it exalt Christ?
Does it rebuke sin?
Does it produce holy fruit?
Does it lead souls to God?

Ellen White called her writings a “lesser light” to lead people to the “greater light.”

That is not replacing Scripture.
That is pointing people back to Scripture.

THE GREATER LIGHT IS THE BIBLE.

THE LESSER LIGHT MUST NEVER ECLIPSE IT. BUT IF GOD SENDS LIGHT, WE MUST NOT DESPISE IT.

8. THE ACCUSATION: “HER WRITINGS ADD TO THE BIBLE.”

Some say accepting the prophetic gift means adding another Bible.

THE DEFENSE: THE PROPHETIC GIFT DOES NOT REPLACE SCRIPTURE—IT MUST BE TESTED BY SCRIPTURE.

The Bible never teaches that the Holy Spirit would stop guiding through the gift of prophecy after the apostles.

“Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 KJV

“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…”
— Acts 2:17 KJV

“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
— Revelation 19:10 KJV

The Bible position is balanced:

Do not worship claims.
Do not despise prophecy.
Prove all things.
Hold fast what is good.

False prophets exist.
But false prophets do not cancel the true gift.

COUNTERFEIT MONEY DOES NOT PROVE REAL MONEY DOES NOT EXIST.

IT PROVES THE REAL IS VALUABLE ENOUGH TO COUNTERFEIT.

9. THE ACCUSATION: “HER FRUIT WAS BAD.”

Jesus gave a test:

“By their fruits ye shall know them.”
— Matthew 7:20 KJV

THE DEFENSE: LOOK HONESTLY AT THE FRUIT.

What fruit came through Ellen White’s ministry?

Christ exalted
Scripture upheld
prayer encouraged
repentance urged
holiness taught
commandments of God defended
faith of Jesus lifted
health reform advanced
temperance promoted
education strengthened
publishing expanded
medical mission encouraged
global evangelism propelled
preparation for Christ’s coming emphasized

Have Adventists always lived up to this light? No.

But the failure of people to live the message does not disprove the message.

DO NOT JUDGE THE SUN BY THE BLINDNESS OF THOSE WHO REFUSE TO WALK IN THE LIGHT.

Beloved, do not be afraid to investigate.

But investigate with a humble heart.

Do not accept Ellen White blindly.
But do not reject her carelessly.

Do not worship the messenger.
But do not despise the message.

Do not build faith on human beings.
But do not build unbelief on accusations.

Yes, Ellen White used sources.
No, that does not automatically make her a thief.

Yes, critics found parallels.
No, that does not automatically overthrow inspiration.

Yes, health reform existed in her time.
No, that does not make the message false.

Yes, her writings were edited.
No, editing does not destroy divine guidance.

Yes, theological debates exist.
No, critics are correct merely because they are loud.

THE BIBLE IS THE STANDARD. CHRIST IS THE CENTER. TRUTH IS THE TEST. FRUIT MUST BE EXAMINED. ACCUSATIONS MUST BE PROVED.

And if her writings bring people back to Jesus, Scripture, repentance, prayer, obedience, health, mission, the sanctuary, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus—

then let us tremble before calling darkness what may be heaven-sent light.

DO NOT WORSHIP ELLEN WHITE.
DO NOT FEAR INVESTIGATION.
DO NOT LIVE ON ACCUSATIONS.
DO NOT DESPISE PROPHECY.

TEST EVERYTHING BY THE BIBLE—AND FOLLOW TRUTH WHEREVER GOD REVEALS IT.

Do you know you can start TikTok, Reels & Shorts Editing for Pastors and Ministers as a side Business??

Let me show you how

My name is Samson Ishaya, and I help believers start profitable businesses without compromising their faith.

Stop sleeping, my friend; this business idea can earn you 100k -150k monthly.

Every Sunday, Pastors preach fire.
Someone records it And then nothing.
The footage sits on a phone or a hard drive, collecting dust.

Meanwhile, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook Reels are hungry for that content.

And the ministers? They don't have time.
They don't know how.
They don't even know where to start.

That is your business opportunity.

No certificate required.
No office needed. No capital.
Just your phone, CapCut, and a decision to move.

At the end, I will share with you a powerful tool that will automate everything.

Here is what I am talking about.

Big-name pastors. Small-name ones too.
They have hundreds of hours of unposted sermons.
Prophecies.
Prayer points.
Testimonies.
Powerful moments.
All buried.

You can help them dig it up and put it out.

How?
You edit 30-second clips from their full sermons. Add captions & B-rolls.
Swap in trending sounds.
Then hand it back to them ready to post or post it on their behalf.

They get content.
The gospel spreads.
And you get paid.

The best part?
You can start with zero naira.
CapCut is free.
Your phone is already in your hand.
Your time is what you already have.

Now let me give you the step-by-step playbook.


Step one.
Download CapCut. It is free.
Then master only three templates.
Animated captions.
Zoom-cut.
Bible verse overlay.
That is it.
You do not need to learn everything.
Just three.

Step two.
Pick three ministers with about ten thousand to eighty thousand followers.
Not the big, big ones yet.
The mid-size ones.
Edit two free clips from their last sermon.
Post them on your own page first.
Let the clips prove your skill before you say a word.

Step three.
Now DM the minister.
Say this exactly: "Sir, I made two clips from your last sermon.
See the engagement they are getting.
I can do twenty of these for you every month.
Let me know if you are interested."

That is it. No begging. No long grammar.
Just value delivered before you ask for anything.

Step four.
Charge -hundred thousand naira monthly for twenty clips.
Or one hundred and fifty thousand naira for 40 clips.

Use OPay or PalmPay or Wise to collect. No delays.

Step five.
Once you have three clients, you are making three hundred thousand naira a month minimum.
At that point, hire one editor for forty thousand naira a month.

You only review and approve their work.
Now you are a business owner, not a freelancer.
You have built a system.

Now let me give you the biblical permission you might be waiting for.

Some of you are thinking: "But I am not a video person.
I don't know how to edit.
I have no certificate."

Neither was Moses. God asked him: "What is that in your hand?" A rod.
That rod parted the Red Sea.

What is in your hand? A phone.
That phone can fund your future.
That phone can pay your bills.
That phone can send your children to school.

And here is the Kingdom part you cannot ignore.

You are not helping only yourself.
You are helping ministers reach the world with the gospel.

Souls that would never sit in a church service can watch a thirty-second - One minute clip on their phone while they wait for a bus.

That is not just business.
That is ministry.
That is seed-with-system.
That is using your skill to build the Kingdom and your account at the same time.

So here is what I want you to do today.

Download CapCut.
Watch one tutorial on YouTube.
Edit one clip from any pastor you follow.
Just one.
Then post it. Tag me. Let me see it. I will tell you if you are ready.

My earliest promise for those who have small money to start with a minimum of 40k for a monthly subscription on Opus Clip. (www.opus.pro)

This app helps you take one long video by just asking you for the link then it clip it into over 30 more short clips automatically, add captions and ready to post all you do is add your social handles on the app and you can post over 15 short everyday and watch your bank account grow while you help spread the gospel via social media at the same time the pastor get massive visibility.

Stop scrolling only today.
Stop watching others build.
Your phone is not for TikTok entertainment only.
Your phone is your studio.
Your phone is your business.
Your phone is your seed.

Start today, I mean immediately

My name is Samson Ishaya,
on a mission to raise Kingdom business leaders for global impact.
#KingdomBuilt #samsonishaya #kingsbusiness

Is the Jehovah’s Witnesses New World Translation rendering of John 1:1 correct?

The rendering of John 1:1 in the *New World Translation* (NWT)—"and the Word was a god"—is a translation choice based on specific grammatical analysis, but it is **not supported by the majority of biblical scholars** and remains a significant point of controversy. The decision ultimately depends on whether the Greek grammar here is understood as identifying the Word's **person** or describing His **nature**.


Here is a breakdown of the grammatical arguments and why mainstream scholarship rejects the NWT reading.
if you are interested then please click here
https://cutt.ly/ktC7jyuf


### The Grammatical Debate

The key clause in the original Greek is *καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος* (kai the·osʹ en ho loʹgos). It has no indefinite article ("a") because classical Greek did not have one. The debate centers on how to translate the word *the·osʹ* (god) when it appears without the definite article (*ho*).

if you are interested then please click here
https://cutt.ly/ktC7jyuf

| The Issue | NWT Argument for "a god" | Mainstream Scholarly Argument for "God" |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Word Order** | The predicate noun (*the·osʹ*) precedes the verb (*en*). Some scholars (like E.C. Colwell) argued this makes it indefinite, allowing for "a god" . | Colwell's Rule states that a definite predicate noun **lacks the article** when it precedes the verb, so the absence of the article suggests the noun is **definite** ("God"), not indefinite ("a god") . |
| **"Qualitative" Nature** | Philip B. Harner argued the phrase is primarily "qualitative"—it describes the *nature* of the Word as "godlike" or "divine" . | Even Harner concluded the Word has the *same nature* as God. Most translations (NIV, ESV, NRSV) render this as "the Word was God" to show full deity without confusing the person of the Word with the person of the Father . |
| **Contextual Consistency** | It parallels other verses where anarthrous predicate nouns are translated with an "a" (e.g., John 4:19, "a prophet") . | Critics argue the NWT is inconsistent. It translates *the·osʹ* with an "a" in John 1:1 but as "God" in verses 1:6, 12, and 13 where it also lacks the article . |

### What the Scholars Say

The overwhelming consensus of Greek scholars and mainstream Christian translations is that John 1:1 identifies Jesus as God in essence, not "a god."

* **A. T. Robertson**: A renowned Greek scholar, stated that the construction means "the Logos was God," not "God was the Logos" .
* **C. K. Barrett**: Explained that the lack of the article indicates the Word is God by nature but is not the same person as the Father .
* **Bruce Metzger**: A highly respected textual scholar, called the NWT rendering "a frightful mistranslation" .
* **Murray Harris**: Noted that translating it as "the Word was God" is misleading in English because "God" is a proper noun. He suggests "what God was the Word was" is more accurate, pointing to a unity of essence .
* **Philip B. Harner**: While cited by JWs, Harner did **not** support the "a god" translation. He stated the Word has the *same nature* as God. His qualitative theory is used by Trinitarians to argue that the verse describes Jesus as fully divine in nature, not as a separate "god" .

### Summary: "God" vs. "a god"

The core difference is this:
* **Mainstream Translation ("the Word was God")**: Means the Word (Jesus) shares the **same divine nature or essence** as God the Father. The Father and the Son are distinct persons, but both are fully God. The translation focuses on the *quality* or *nature* of the Word .
* **NWT Translation ("the Word was a god")**: Suggests the Word is **a separate, divine being** who is distinct from and inferior to "the God" (Jehovah). This supports the JW belief that Jesus was the first creation of God, not co-equal and co-eternal with the Father .

In summary, while the NWT rendering of John 1:1 is a grammatically *possible* reading of the Greek text, it is rejected by the vast majority of biblical scholars and translators because they conclude the context and syntax demand that the verse affirms the full deity of Jesus Christ, not that He is a separate, created "god." The decision of which translation is "correct" depends heavily on which theological framework one brings to the text.

I hope this detailed grammatical breakdown helps clarify the nature of the debate. Are there any other key Bible verses you would like to examine in light of these translation principles?

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY APRIL 13TH 2026

TOPIC: REVERSING OPPORTUNITIES

MEMORISE:
That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. - (Deuteronomy 30:3)

BIBLE READING: JOHN 21:15-19 (KJV)

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

MESSAGE:
It is popularly said that an opportunity lost can never be regained. However, this can only be true when God decides to be silent about such opportunities. The moment God gets involved, lost opportunities can be regained.

In the 1960s, I was a games master at a school called Okeigbo/lfetedo Grammar School. The school received an invitation to participate in a competition in Akure, one of the state capitals in Western Nigeria, and I got talking with the host school's games master during the competition. Sometime later, I was admitted into the University of Lagos for my Master's degree, and I applied to the Federal Government for a scholarship. When a year passed without a response from the Federal Government, I assumed that I didn't get the scholarship, and I continued paying the fees myself. One day, while walking on the university campus, I saw the games master I had met in Akure over a year earlier. We got talking again, and he told me that he was now working with the Federal Ministry of Education. Then I said to him, "I applied for a scholarship with your ministry, and I did not get any response." He then told me that he remembered my application because I was the only one who applied for a postgraduate scholarship in mathematics. He said it was a unanimous decision to grant me the scholarship, and that the interview would have been a formality. To cut the story short, he said that he would see what he could do about it, and we parted ways. Two weeks later, I got a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education granting me a full scholarship that was backdated to the day I started my Master's programme. I decree that any good opportunity that you thought had been lost forever will be restored by the Almighty God, in Jesus' name.

In Matthew 26:69-75, Peter had the opportunity to stand for Christ; however, he lost it when he denied the Lord thrice. He was so heartbroken that he decided to return to fishing (John 21:3). However, Jesus stepped in and gave him another opportunity, as we see in today's Bible reading. After the Lord's intervention, the same man, who denied Jesus three times, boldly faced the rulers who killed the Lord and told them that he would not stop speaking about Him (Acts 4:8-13).

Beloved, have you lost valuable opportunities in the past? Ask God for mercy, and He will restore you and help you regain such opportunities.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please give me a second chance and restore every good opportunity I have lost, in Jesus' name.

AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 10-12

HYMNAL: 2 AMAZING GRACE

1 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

3 Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

5 Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

6 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.



PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2026
*REVERSING OPPORTUNITIES*
‎
‎✓Father, You are the Almighty, unlimited by time and space. Nothing is absolutely lost with You because You are in control of time and season.
‎
‎✓Father, turn again my captivity and have compassion on me, please restore to me the joy of my salvation, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please do not be silent over my case, step into my boat today and lead me to the place of fulfillment of my destiny; silent every storm in my life and give me Your peace, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please get involved in the affairs of my life and family, and let every lost opportunities be regained. Let every good dream become a mighty testimony, in Jesus' name
‎
‎✓Father, please put an end to every form of struggle I am in, as a result of lost opportunities; let there be no abandoned dream or project again in my life. Make my crooked path straight again, and let lines begin to fall in pleasant places for me, in Jesus name
‎
‎✓Father, please reverse the time and season for me, and let every great opportunity for my advancement in life and ministry be restored in full, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, for the rest of my life, please connect me with the right people that will help me to the place of my destiny fulfillment. Wherever my case is been mentioned, let there be a turn of events that will reverse lost opportunities for my lifting, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, every valuable opportunity I had lost in the past, have mercy on me and restore me. Help me to regain such opportunities that will cause me to dance for joy, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please reverse every opportunity I had lost to stand for Christ, step into my life Jesus and increase my faith, and give me boldness of the spirit to witness for You without fear or shame, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please visit all Your ministers and let lost opportunities for the propagation of the gospel to the unreached nations of the world be reversed and restored, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, please give me a second chance and restore every good opportunity I have lost, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
‎Please, reverse opportunities for him and let there be no more losses again, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points beyond measure, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name.
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‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎✓Your Personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎✓..In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.