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  • Joey Terry
    2026-07-01 16:12:19 -
    While the primary reason for Numbers 5:1–4 is theological—God's holiness dwelling among His people—there are also practical medical and public health benefits that can be seen in these instructions.
    In Numbers 5:1–4 (NKJV), the Lord instructed Moses to send outside the camp:
    Those with leprosy (a term that likely included a variety of infectious skin diseases, not only modern Hansen's disease).
    Those with a discharge (which could include contagious bodily infections).
    Those who had become ceremonially unclean through contact with a dead body.
    Medical reasons
    1. Preventing the spread of infectious disease Separating people with contagious skin conditions or bodily discharges would have reduced the transmission of disease among the Israelites, who lived in close quarters during their wilderness journey. This resembles what we now call quarantine or isolation.
    2. Hygiene after contact with death Human bodies can carry harmful bacteria and other pathogens after death, depending on the cause of death. Requiring a period of separation after touching a corpse helped promote cleanliness and may have reduced the spread of disease.
    3. Protecting a large population The camp of Israel likely numbered well over a million people. In such a densely populated community, contagious illness could spread rapidly. God's instructions helped protect the health of the entire camp.
    The greater spiritual purpose
    Although these commands had practical health benefits, the Bible emphasizes a deeper reason:
    "That they may not defile their camps, in the midst of which I dwell." (Numbers 5:3, NKJV)
    God's presence among His people required ceremonial purity. Physical uncleanness illustrated the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness. Throughout the Old Testament, ceremonial uncleanness served as a picture pointing to humanity's need for cleansing through Christ.
    By the time of the New Testament, Jesus Christ demonstrated His authority over both physical disease and spiritual uncleanness. He touched lepers, cleansed them (see Matthew 8:1–4), and through His sacrifice provides the cleansing that all these ceremonial laws foreshadowed (see Hebrews 9:13–14).
    So, while Numbers 5:1–4 was primarily about God's holiness and the purity of His covenant people, it also reflects principles that would have provided genuine health and sanitation benefits centuries before modern medicine understood infectious disease.
    While the primary reason for Numbers 5:1–4 is theological—God's holiness dwelling among His people—there are also practical medical and public health benefits that can be seen in these instructions. In Numbers 5:1–4 (NKJV), the Lord instructed Moses to send outside the camp: Those with leprosy (a term that likely included a variety of infectious skin diseases, not only modern Hansen's disease). Those with a discharge (which could include contagious bodily infections). Those who had become ceremonially unclean through contact with a dead body. Medical reasons 1. Preventing the spread of infectious disease Separating people with contagious skin conditions or bodily discharges would have reduced the transmission of disease among the Israelites, who lived in close quarters during their wilderness journey. This resembles what we now call quarantine or isolation. 2. Hygiene after contact with death Human bodies can carry harmful bacteria and other pathogens after death, depending on the cause of death. Requiring a period of separation after touching a corpse helped promote cleanliness and may have reduced the spread of disease. 3. Protecting a large population The camp of Israel likely numbered well over a million people. In such a densely populated community, contagious illness could spread rapidly. God's instructions helped protect the health of the entire camp. The greater spiritual purpose Although these commands had practical health benefits, the Bible emphasizes a deeper reason: "That they may not defile their camps, in the midst of which I dwell." (Numbers 5:3, NKJV) God's presence among His people required ceremonial purity. Physical uncleanness illustrated the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness. Throughout the Old Testament, ceremonial uncleanness served as a picture pointing to humanity's need for cleansing through Christ. By the time of the New Testament, Jesus Christ demonstrated His authority over both physical disease and spiritual uncleanness. He touched lepers, cleansed them (see Matthew 8:1–4), and through His sacrifice provides the cleansing that all these ceremonial laws foreshadowed (see Hebrews 9:13–14). So, while Numbers 5:1–4 was primarily about God's holiness and the purity of His covenant people, it also reflects principles that would have provided genuine health and sanitation benefits centuries before modern medicine understood infectious disease.
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  • Hope Verify International является Praying URGENT PRAYER REQUEST — Persecuted Christian Girls in Pakistan
    2026-05-08 17:08:13 -
    URGENT PRAYER REQUEST — Persecuted Christian Girls in Pakistan
    Please read, share, and pray. These are REAL cases happening RIGHT NOW in 2026.

    CASE 1 — Maria Shahbaz (Age 13) | Lahore, Punjab
    A 13-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped from her home in July 2025 by a 30-year-old Muslim man named Shehryar Ahmad. She was forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Her parents fought for months in court to bring her home — but on March 25, 2026, Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court ruled the marriage LEGAL and allowed her to remain with her kidnapper. The court rejected her official birth certificate and accepted a statement — which her family says was made under fear and coercion — that she converted willingly. Catholic bishops organized protest rallies. A 37-member national committee has been formed to review the case. Maria has not been returned to her family.

    CASE 2 — Sidra Bibi (Age 15) | Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Punjab
    At 3:00 AM on March 27, 2026, three armed men climbed the wall of the family home and abducted 15-year-old Sidra at gunpoint. Her father, a poor scrap collector, immediately reported the crime — but police falsely recorded Sidra's age as 17 instead of 15 on the official report. Later, fake documents appeared claiming Sidra had "converted to Islam after watching religious content on social media" — a claim her father called impossible since the family cannot afford a smartphone. The marriage certificate presented by the abductor does not even include Sidra's national ID number, which is required by law. Police have refused to take action to recover her.

    CASE 3 — Neha Bibi (Age 16) | Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur, Punjab
    Neha had been attending sewing classes at a center run by the family of a 45-year-old Muslim prayer leader named Sajid Ibrahim. On March 24, 2026, she went to class and never came home. When her father — a brick kiln worker — went to find her, Ibrahim's wives said she had already left. Police delayed registering a case for over a week. When they finally did act, the family was told Neha had appeared before a court in Lahore and "voluntarily" stated she had converted to Islam. Her father believes she was coached or coerced. No one has been arrested. Neha has not been found.

    THE BIGGER PICTURE
    These are not isolated incidents. Human rights organizations documented over 100 forced conversions in 2023 alone. In 2026, the United Nations formally condemned Pakistan, calling this a "relentless practice" fueled by impunity. Police routinely ignore complaints. Courts accept fake documents. Abductors walk free.
    These girls are daughters of brick kiln workers, sanitation workers, and scrap collectors — among Pakistan's most vulnerable and poorest families who have no power, no voice, and no protection.

    PLEASE PRAY FOR:

    Maria, Sidra, and Neha — for their safety, strength, and return to their families
    The grieving parents fighting an unjust system
    Justice and legal reform in Pakistan
    The global Church to raise its voice

    فوری دعا کی درخواست — پاکستان میں مظلوم مسیحی بچیاں براہ کرم پڑھیں، شیئر کریں اور دعا کریں۔ یہ 2026 میں ابھی ہو رہے حقیقی واقعات ہیں۔

    کیس 1 — ماریہ شہباز (عمر 13 سال) | لاہور، پنجاب13 سالہ مسیحی بچی ماریہ شہباز کو جولائی 2025 میں 30 سالہ مسلمان شخص شہریار احمد نے اس کے گھر سے اغوا کیا۔ اسے زبردستی اسلام قبول کروایا گیا اور اس کی مرضی کے خلاف اس سے شادی کر لی گئی۔ اس کے والدین نے مہینوں عدالت میں لڑائی لڑی — لیکن 25 مارچ 2026 کو پاکستان کی وفاقی آئینی عدالت نے یہ شادی قانونی قرار دے دی اور بچی کو اغواکار کے پاس رہنے کی اجازت دے دی۔ عدالت نے اس کا اصل پیدائشی سرٹیفکیٹ مسترد کر دیا اور وہ بیان قبول کر لیا جو خاندان کے مطابق خوف اور دباؤ میں دیا گیا تھا۔ کیتھولک بشپوں نے احتجاجی ریلیاں نکالیں۔ ایک 37 رکنی قومی کمیٹی اس کیس کا جائزہ لے رہی ہے۔ ماریہ ابھی تک اپنے خاندان کو واپس نہیں ملی۔

    کیس 2 — صدرہ بی بی (عمر 15 سال) | جڑانوالہ، فیصل آباد، پنجاب27 مارچ 2026 کو رات 3 بجے تین مسلح افراد نے گھر کی دیوار پھاند کر 15 سالہ صدرہ کو بندوق کی نوک پر اغوا کر لیا۔ اس کے والد، ایک غریب کباڑی، نے فوری طور پر مقدمہ درج کروایا — لیکن پولیس نے سرکاری رپورٹ میں صدرہ کی عمر 15 کی بجائے 17 سال لکھ دی۔ بعد میں جعلی کاغذات سامنے آئے جن میں لکھا تھا کہ صدرہ نے "سوشل میڈیا پر مذہبی مواد دیکھ کر اسلام قبول کیا" — حالانکہ اس کے والد نے اسے ناممکن قرار دیا کیونکہ خاندان کے پاس اسمارٹ فون خریدنے کی بھی سکت نہیں۔ اغواکار کا پیش کردہ نکاح نامہ بھی قانونی طور پر نامکمل ہے۔ پولیس نے صدرہ کو واپس لانے سے انکار کر دیا ہے۔

    کیس 3 — نہا بی بی (عمر 16 سال) | کوٹ رادھا کشن، قصور، پنجابنہا پچھلے چھ مہینوں سے 45 سالہ مسلمان امام سجید ابراہیم کی بیویوں کے چلائے گئے سلائی سینٹر میں کلاسیں لے رہی تھی۔ 24 مارچ 2026 کو وہ کلاس گئی اور واپس نہ آئی۔ اس کے والد، ایک اینٹ بھٹے پر مزدوری کرنے والے، جب تلاش کرنے گئے تو ابراہیم کی بیویوں نے کہا وہ گھر جا چکی ہے۔ پولیس نے ایک ہفتے سے زیادہ دیر بعد مقدمہ درج کیا۔ پھر خاندان کو بتایا گیا کہ نہا لاہور کی ایک عدالت میں پیش ہو کر "اپنی مرضی سے" اسلام قبول کرنے کا بیان دے چکی ہے۔ اس کے والد کو یقین ہے کہ بیان زبردستی یا دھوکے سے دلوایا گیا۔ کوئی گرفتاری نہیں ہوئی۔ نہا ابھی تک نہیں ملی۔ بڑی تصویریہ الگ تھلگ واقعات نہیں ہیں۔ انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں نے صرف 2023 میں 100 سے زیادہ جبری تبدیلیِ مذہب کے واقعات درج کیے۔
    2026 میں اقوامِ متحدہ نے باضابطہ طور پر پاکستان کی مذمت کی اور اسے "بے سزا جاری رہنے والا سلسلہ" قرار دیا۔ پولیس شکایات نظرانداز کرتی ہے۔ عدالتیں جعلی دستاویزات قبول کر لیتی ہیں۔ اغواکار آزاد گھومتے ہیں۔یہ بچیاں اینٹ بھٹوں، صفائی اور کباڑ اٹھانے والے مزدوروں کی بیٹیاں ہیں — پاکستان کے سب سے غریب اور بے بس خاندانوں سے تعلق رکھتی ہیں جن کے پاس نہ طاقت ہے، نہ آواز، اور نہ کوئی تحفظ۔ ان کے لیے دعا کریں:

    ماریہ، صدرہ اور نہا — ان کی حفاظت، حوصلے اور اپنے خاندانوں سے واپسی کے لیے
    وہ غمزدہ والدین جو ایک ناانصاف نظام سے لڑ رہے ہیں
    پاکستان میں انصاف اور قانونی اصلاحات کے لیے
    عالمی کلیسیا کے لیے کہ وہ اپنی آواز بلند کرے
    #prayerrequest #prayer #safegirls #Christian #PakistanChristianGirlsAreNotSafe
    URGENT PRAYER REQUEST — Persecuted Christian Girls in Pakistan Please read, share, and pray. These are REAL cases happening RIGHT NOW in 2026. 📌 CASE 1 — Maria Shahbaz (Age 13) | Lahore, Punjab A 13-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped from her home in July 2025 by a 30-year-old Muslim man named Shehryar Ahmad. She was forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Her parents fought for months in court to bring her home — but on March 25, 2026, Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court ruled the marriage LEGAL and allowed her to remain with her kidnapper. The court rejected her official birth certificate and accepted a statement — which her family says was made under fear and coercion — that she converted willingly. Catholic bishops organized protest rallies. A 37-member national committee has been formed to review the case. Maria has not been returned to her family. 📌 CASE 2 — Sidra Bibi (Age 15) | Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Punjab At 3:00 AM on March 27, 2026, three armed men climbed the wall of the family home and abducted 15-year-old Sidra at gunpoint. Her father, a poor scrap collector, immediately reported the crime — but police falsely recorded Sidra's age as 17 instead of 15 on the official report. Later, fake documents appeared claiming Sidra had "converted to Islam after watching religious content on social media" — a claim her father called impossible since the family cannot afford a smartphone. The marriage certificate presented by the abductor does not even include Sidra's national ID number, which is required by law. Police have refused to take action to recover her. 📌 CASE 3 — Neha Bibi (Age 16) | Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur, Punjab Neha had been attending sewing classes at a center run by the family of a 45-year-old Muslim prayer leader named Sajid Ibrahim. On March 24, 2026, she went to class and never came home. When her father — a brick kiln worker — went to find her, Ibrahim's wives said she had already left. Police delayed registering a case for over a week. When they finally did act, the family was told Neha had appeared before a court in Lahore and "voluntarily" stated she had converted to Islam. Her father believes she was coached or coerced. No one has been arrested. Neha has not been found. ⚠️ THE BIGGER PICTURE These are not isolated incidents. Human rights organizations documented over 100 forced conversions in 2023 alone. In 2026, the United Nations formally condemned Pakistan, calling this a "relentless practice" fueled by impunity. Police routinely ignore complaints. Courts accept fake documents. Abductors walk free. These girls are daughters of brick kiln workers, sanitation workers, and scrap collectors — among Pakistan's most vulnerable and poorest families who have no power, no voice, and no protection. 🙏 PLEASE PRAY FOR: Maria, Sidra, and Neha — for their safety, strength, and return to their families The grieving parents fighting an unjust system Justice and legal reform in Pakistan The global Church to raise its voice 🙏 فوری دعا کی درخواست — پاکستان میں مظلوم مسیحی بچیاں 🇵🇰براہ کرم پڑھیں، شیئر کریں اور دعا کریں۔ یہ 2026 میں ابھی ہو رہے حقیقی واقعات ہیں۔ 📌 کیس 1 — ماریہ شہباز (عمر 13 سال) | لاہور، پنجاب13 سالہ مسیحی بچی ماریہ شہباز کو جولائی 2025 میں 30 سالہ مسلمان شخص شہریار احمد نے اس کے گھر سے اغوا کیا۔ اسے زبردستی اسلام قبول کروایا گیا اور اس کی مرضی کے خلاف اس سے شادی کر لی گئی۔ اس کے والدین نے مہینوں عدالت میں لڑائی لڑی — لیکن 25 مارچ 2026 کو پاکستان کی وفاقی آئینی عدالت نے یہ شادی قانونی قرار دے دی اور بچی کو اغواکار کے پاس رہنے کی اجازت دے دی۔ عدالت نے اس کا اصل پیدائشی سرٹیفکیٹ مسترد کر دیا اور وہ بیان قبول کر لیا جو خاندان کے مطابق خوف اور دباؤ میں دیا گیا تھا۔ کیتھولک بشپوں نے احتجاجی ریلیاں نکالیں۔ ایک 37 رکنی قومی کمیٹی اس کیس کا جائزہ لے رہی ہے۔ ماریہ ابھی تک اپنے خاندان کو واپس نہیں ملی۔ 📌 کیس 2 — صدرہ بی بی (عمر 15 سال) | جڑانوالہ، فیصل آباد، پنجاب27 مارچ 2026 کو رات 3 بجے تین مسلح افراد نے گھر کی دیوار پھاند کر 15 سالہ صدرہ کو بندوق کی نوک پر اغوا کر لیا۔ اس کے والد، ایک غریب کباڑی، نے فوری طور پر مقدمہ درج کروایا — لیکن پولیس نے سرکاری رپورٹ میں صدرہ کی عمر 15 کی بجائے 17 سال لکھ دی۔ بعد میں جعلی کاغذات سامنے آئے جن میں لکھا تھا کہ صدرہ نے "سوشل میڈیا پر مذہبی مواد دیکھ کر اسلام قبول کیا" — حالانکہ اس کے والد نے اسے ناممکن قرار دیا کیونکہ خاندان کے پاس اسمارٹ فون خریدنے کی بھی سکت نہیں۔ اغواکار کا پیش کردہ نکاح نامہ بھی قانونی طور پر نامکمل ہے۔ پولیس نے صدرہ کو واپس لانے سے انکار کر دیا ہے۔ 📌 کیس 3 — نہا بی بی (عمر 16 سال) | کوٹ رادھا کشن، قصور، پنجابنہا پچھلے چھ مہینوں سے 45 سالہ مسلمان امام سجید ابراہیم کی بیویوں کے چلائے گئے سلائی سینٹر میں کلاسیں لے رہی تھی۔ 24 مارچ 2026 کو وہ کلاس گئی اور واپس نہ آئی۔ اس کے والد، ایک اینٹ بھٹے پر مزدوری کرنے والے، جب تلاش کرنے گئے تو ابراہیم کی بیویوں نے کہا وہ گھر جا چکی ہے۔ پولیس نے ایک ہفتے سے زیادہ دیر بعد مقدمہ درج کیا۔ پھر خاندان کو بتایا گیا کہ نہا لاہور کی ایک عدالت میں پیش ہو کر "اپنی مرضی سے" اسلام قبول کرنے کا بیان دے چکی ہے۔ اس کے والد کو یقین ہے کہ بیان زبردستی یا دھوکے سے دلوایا گیا۔ کوئی گرفتاری نہیں ہوئی۔ نہا ابھی تک نہیں ملی۔⚠️ بڑی تصویریہ الگ تھلگ واقعات نہیں ہیں۔ انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں نے صرف 2023 میں 100 سے زیادہ جبری تبدیلیِ مذہب کے واقعات درج کیے۔ 2026 میں اقوامِ متحدہ نے باضابطہ طور پر پاکستان کی مذمت کی اور اسے "بے سزا جاری رہنے والا سلسلہ" قرار دیا۔ پولیس شکایات نظرانداز کرتی ہے۔ عدالتیں جعلی دستاویزات قبول کر لیتی ہیں۔ اغواکار آزاد گھومتے ہیں۔یہ بچیاں اینٹ بھٹوں، صفائی اور کباڑ اٹھانے والے مزدوروں کی بیٹیاں ہیں — پاکستان کے سب سے غریب اور بے بس خاندانوں سے تعلق رکھتی ہیں جن کے پاس نہ طاقت ہے، نہ آواز، اور نہ کوئی تحفظ۔🙏 ان کے لیے دعا کریں: ماریہ، صدرہ اور نہا — ان کی حفاظت، حوصلے اور اپنے خاندانوں سے واپسی کے لیے وہ غمزدہ والدین جو ایک ناانصاف نظام سے لڑ رہے ہیں پاکستان میں انصاف اور قانونی اصلاحات کے لیے عالمی کلیسیا کے لیے کہ وہ اپنی آواز بلند کرے #prayerrequest #prayer #safegirls #Christian #PakistanChristianGirlsAreNotSafe
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  • Ayikirize Osbert поделился ссылкой
    2026-04-09 07:15:48 -
    My name is Ayikirize Osbert, and I am the founder and team leader of Safeville Holistic Awareness Uganda, a small but passionate community initiative working to promote safety, sanitation, and well-being among children and families.

    My motivation for starting this initiative traces back to 2024, when I had the opportunity to work with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics during a national census exercise. During that time, I witnessed something that stayed with me long after the assignment ended. In many households and schools, especially in rural communities, families were struggling with serious sanitation and hygiene challenges. Children were studying in environments without hygiene facilities, without safe sanitation

    In some schools, girls missed classes during their menstrual periods because they lacked the resources and confidence to manage them. In communities, preventable diseases linked to poor hygiene were silently affecting children’s health and education. It was painful to see how such basic challenges could have such a deep impact on young lives. At that moment, I felt a strong desire to do something about it.

    However, at the time I was still in my second year at university. Like many students in Uganda, I was balancing academic responsibilities with financial struggles and the uncertainty that comes with student life. I convinced myself that perhaps it was not yet the right time to start something so demanding. I decided that after completing my studies, I would begin working on an initiative to address these issues.

    But after about a year, the idea simply would not leave my heart. I realized that sometimes waiting for the “perfect time” means waiting forever. So I began with what I had. I mobilized a small group of fellow students who shared the same concern, and together we started visiting primary schools and nearby communities.

    As we continued, we expanded our efforts to include training children about hygiene and safety, and we also began supporting teenage girls with menstrual health education, helping them face their periods with confidence and dignity rather than fear or shame.

    We have been doing this work with very limited resources, but with a great deal of commitment.

    Now I am approaching the end of my university journey—I will be finishing in May—and this marks an important transition for us. For some time, we have been operating with the support and permission of my university while carrying out small community activities. We also obtained a certificate of incorporation through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and received recommendation documents from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Health (Uganda)

    To be honest, we are still very young in this journey. We do not yet have large structures, established sponsors, or strong networks. What we have is vision, passion, and the determination to build something meaningful for our communities.

    This is why I am reaching out. There are two ways you—or someone in your network could partner with us in this journey:

    1. Join as a Co-Founder or Strategic Partner:

    If you are someone who believes in the power of grassroots change, children’s welfare, and community health, you could help guide Safeville’s growth. This could include strategic planning, supporting fundraising efforts, and contributing to long-term decision-making while we implement activities on the ground in Uganda.

    2. Support Our Programs:

    Every contribution, no matter how small or large, makes a tangible difference. Your support helps us provide vital resources, conduct health and hygiene education, and directly impact children’s lives. Currently, we are working on treating jiggers in Bubaare, providing children with medical attention, education, and hope for healthier lives.

    Personally, I am hoping to find people who will walk alongside us, either as strategic partners or as supporters of our programs.

    If you resonate with this mission, or know someone passionate about children’s welfare, community health, and grassroots change, I would be deeply grateful for an introduction.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my long story it means alot to me . You can learn more about our work on our website:

    https://safevilleholisticawareness.org

    https://safevilleholisticawareness.org

    Warm regards,

    Ayikirize Osbert

    Founder & Team Leader

    Safeville Holistic Awareness Uganda
    My name is Ayikirize Osbert, and I am the founder and team leader of Safeville Holistic Awareness Uganda, a small but passionate community initiative working to promote safety, sanitation, and well-being among children and families. My motivation for starting this initiative traces back to 2024, when I had the opportunity to work with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics during a national census exercise. During that time, I witnessed something that stayed with me long after the assignment ended. In many households and schools, especially in rural communities, families were struggling with serious sanitation and hygiene challenges. Children were studying in environments without hygiene facilities, without safe sanitation In some schools, girls missed classes during their menstrual periods because they lacked the resources and confidence to manage them. In communities, preventable diseases linked to poor hygiene were silently affecting children’s health and education. It was painful to see how such basic challenges could have such a deep impact on young lives. At that moment, I felt a strong desire to do something about it. However, at the time I was still in my second year at university. Like many students in Uganda, I was balancing academic responsibilities with financial struggles and the uncertainty that comes with student life. I convinced myself that perhaps it was not yet the right time to start something so demanding. I decided that after completing my studies, I would begin working on an initiative to address these issues. But after about a year, the idea simply would not leave my heart. I realized that sometimes waiting for the “perfect time” means waiting forever. So I began with what I had. I mobilized a small group of fellow students who shared the same concern, and together we started visiting primary schools and nearby communities. As we continued, we expanded our efforts to include training children about hygiene and safety, and we also began supporting teenage girls with menstrual health education, helping them face their periods with confidence and dignity rather than fear or shame. We have been doing this work with very limited resources, but with a great deal of commitment. Now I am approaching the end of my university journey—I will be finishing in May—and this marks an important transition for us. For some time, we have been operating with the support and permission of my university while carrying out small community activities. We also obtained a certificate of incorporation through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and received recommendation documents from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Health (Uganda) To be honest, we are still very young in this journey. We do not yet have large structures, established sponsors, or strong networks. What we have is vision, passion, and the determination to build something meaningful for our communities. This is why I am reaching out. There are two ways you—or someone in your network could partner with us in this journey: 1. Join as a Co-Founder or Strategic Partner: If you are someone who believes in the power of grassroots change, children’s welfare, and community health, you could help guide Safeville’s growth. This could include strategic planning, supporting fundraising efforts, and contributing to long-term decision-making while we implement activities on the ground in Uganda. 2. Support Our Programs: Every contribution, no matter how small or large, makes a tangible difference. Your support helps us provide vital resources, conduct health and hygiene education, and directly impact children’s lives. Currently, we are working on treating jiggers in Bubaare, providing children with medical attention, education, and hope for healthier lives. Personally, I am hoping to find people who will walk alongside us, either as strategic partners or as supporters of our programs. If you resonate with this mission, or know someone passionate about children’s welfare, community health, and grassroots change, I would be deeply grateful for an introduction. Thank you for taking the time to read my long story it means alot to me . You can learn more about our work on our website: https://safevilleholisticawareness.org https://safevilleholisticawareness.org Warm regards, Ayikirize Osbert Founder & Team Leader Safeville Holistic Awareness Uganda
    SAFEVILLEHOLISTICAWARENESS.ORG
    Safeville Holistic Awareness Uganda | WASH, Menstrual Health & Child Safety
    Student-led NGO from Mbarara University empowering Ugandan communities with clean water access, menstrual hygiene education, and child safety programs.
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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-03-11 15:18:44 -
    AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY
    A/F # 11
    Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

    This is Brother Johnny Gass.

    Welcome to Bible study.

    Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

    Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

    Amazing Facts # 11

    Is The Devil In Charge Of Hell? Well? Does God really keep the devil on His payroll - is he the chief superintendent of hell measuring out the punishment of the lost? Nearly the entire world holds a very unbiblical view about hell, and you owe it to yourself to know what the Bible really says about it. Don't be fooled, because what you think about hell certainly affects what you think about God's character! Take a few moments to get the amazing facts you need to know today! 1. How many lost souls are being punished in hell today? "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." 2 Peter 2:9. Answer: There is not one single soul in hellfire today. The Bible says that God reserves, or holds back, the wicked until the day of judgment to be punished. The wicked will not be punished until after the judgment. 2. When will sinners be cast into hellfire? "So shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire." Matthew 13:40-42. "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48. Answer: Sinners will be cast into hellfire at the great judgment day at the end of the world--not when they die. God would not punish a person in fire until his case was tried and decided in court at the end of the world. Nor would God burn a murderer who died 5,000 years ago 5,000 years longer than one who dies and deserves punishment for the same sin today. Sinners will be cast into hellfire at the end of the world -- not when they die. 3. Where are sinners (who have died) now? "The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28, 29. "The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction." "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb." Job 21:30, 32. Answer: The Bible is specific. Both the wicked and the righteous who have died are in their graves "sleeping" until the resurrection day. All who have died, both good and evil, are in their graves awaiting the resurrection. 4. What is the end result of sin? "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:15. "God ... gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Answer: The wages (or punishment) for sin is death, not everlasting life in hellfire. The wicked "perish," or receive "death." The righteous receive "everlasting life." Jesus died to save us from our sins. Those who do not accept His gift of salvation will receive death. 5. What will happen to the wicked in hellfire? "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8. Answer: The wicked die the second death in hellfire. If the wicked lived forever being tortured in hell, they would be immortal. But this is impossible, because the Bible says God "only hath immortality." 1 Timothy 6:16. When Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, an angel was posted to guard the tree of life so that sinners would not eat of the tree and "live for ever." Genesis 3:22-24. The teaching that sinners are immortal in hell originated with Satan and is completely untrue. God prevented this when sin entered this earth by guarding the tree of life. The wicked are not immortal. The Bible says they will "perish", "burn up" and "be destroyed". Bible Clear--Wicked Obliterated The Bible says the wicked suffer "death" (Romans 6:23), will suffer "destruction" (Job 21:30), "shall perish" (Psalms 37:20), will "burn" up (Malachi 4:1), "shall be destroyed together" (Psalms 37:38), will "consume away" (Psalms 37:20), "shall be cut off" (Psalms 37:9), "shall be slain" (Psalms 62:3). God will "destroy" them (Psalms 145:20), and "fire shall devour them" (Psalms 21:9). Note that all of these references make it clear that the wicked die and are destroyed. They do not live forever in misery. 6. When and how will hellfire be kindled? "So shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man ... shall cast them into a furnace of fire." Matthew 13:40-42. "They went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." Revelation 20:9. "The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner." Proverbs 11:31. Answer: At the end of the world, God Himself will kindle hellfire. As the holy city comes down from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2), the wicked attempt to capture it. At that time, God will rain down fire from heaven upon the earth, and it will devour the wicked. This fire is Bible hellfire. At the end of the world, fire will fall from heaven upon the wicked and devour them. 7. How big and how hot will hellfire be? "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. Answer: Hellfire will be just as big as this earth because it will be the earth on fire. This fire will be so hot as to melt the earth and burn up all "the works that are therein." The atmospheric heavens will explode and "pass away with a great noise." Hell will be the entire world on fire. It will be 25,000 miles in circumference--its heat so great that everything on earth will be "burned up". 8. How long will the wicked suffer in the fire? "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12. "And then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matthew 16:27. "That servant, which knew his lord's will, and ... neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Luke 12:47, 48. Answer: The Bible does not tell how long the wicked will be punished before receiving death in the fire. God does specifically state, however, that all will be punished according to their deeds. This means some will receive greater punishment than others, based upon their works. Jesus will insist upon just treatment for the wicked. Their degree of punishment will be fair and according to their works, as He promised. 9. Will the fire eventually go out? "Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." Isaiah 47:14. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth." "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:1, 4. Answer: Yes, indeed, the Bible specifically teaches that hellfire will go out and that there will not be left "a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." The Bible also teaches that in God's new kingdom all "former things" will be passed away. Hell, being one of the former things, is included, so we have God's promise that it will be abolished. God will recreate a new world where no trace of the former evils of this world will be seen. Is God a Torturer? If God tortured His enemies in a fiery horror chamber throughout eternity, He would be more vicious and heartless than men have ever been in the worst of war atrocities. An eternal hell of torment would be hell for God also, who loves even the vilest sinner. 10. What will be left when the fire goes out? "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 4:1, 3. Answer: Notice the verse does not say the wicked will burn like asbestos, as many today believe, but rather like stubble, which will be burned up. The little word "up" denotes completion. Nothing but ashes will be left when the fire goes out. In Psalms 37:10, 20, the Bible says the wicked will go up in smoke and be completely destroyed. The fires will burn until only ashes are left. Even the bones will be completely gone. 11. Will the wicked enter hell in bodily form and be destroyed both soul and body? "It is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." Matthew 5:30. "Rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:20. Answer: Yes. Real, live people enter hell in bodily form and are destroyed both soul and body. The fire from God out of heaven will fall upon real people and blot them out of existence. The fire from heaven will fall upon the wicked and destroy them, both body and soul. 12. Will the devil be in charge of hellfire? "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:10. "I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. ... And never shall thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:18, 19. Answer: Absolutely not! The devil will be cast into the fire, and it will turn him into ashes. The devil will be completely destroyed by fire. 13. Does the word "hell" as used in the Bible always refer to a place of burning or punishment? Answer: No, the word "hell" is used 54 times in the Bible, and in only 12 cases does it refer to "a place of burning." The word "hell" is translated from several different words with various meanings, as indicated below: IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 31 times from "Sheol," which means "the grave." IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 10 times from "Hades," which means "the grave." 12 times from "Gehenna," which means "the place of burning." 1 time from "Tartarus," which means "a place of darkness." 54 TIMES TOTAL Note: The Greek word "Gehenna" (mentioned above) is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Ge-Hinnom," which means the "Valley of Hinnom." This valley, which lies immediately south and west of Jerusalem, was a place where dead animals, garbage, and other refuse were dumped. Fire burned constantly, as it does at modern sanitation dump sites. The Bible uses "Gehenna" or the "Valley of Hinnom" as a symbol of the fire that will destroy the lost at the end of time. The fire of Gehenna was not unending. Otherwise it would be still burning southwest of Jerusalem today. Neither will the fire of hell be unending. Fire smoldered constantly in the "Valley of Hinnom". 14. What is God's real purpose in hellfire? "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15. "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be." "The enemies of the Lord ...shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away." Psalms 37:10, 20 Answer: God's purpose is that hell will destroy the devil and all sin and sinners and make the world safe for eternity. One sinner, if left on this planet, would be a deadly virus forever threatening the universe. It is God's plan to isolate sin and blot it out of existence for all time. Eternal Hell Would Perpetuate Sin An eternal hell of torment would perpetuate sin and make its eradication impossible. An eternal hell of torment is not part of God's great plan at all. Such a horrible theory is slander against the holy name of a loving God. The devil delights to see our loving Creator pictured as such a monstrous tyrant, and he alone can benefit from such teachings. Destroying sin, sinners, and Satan is the only way to make the universe safe for eternity. Eternal Hell a Man-made Theory The "eternal hell of torment" theory originated not from the Bible, but from misguided people who were (perhaps inadvertently) led of the devil. And, incidentally, no one will be in heaven because he feared hell. People are saved because they love and obey Christ. 15. Isn't the work of destroying sinners foreign to God's nature? "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezekiel 33:11. "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56. "For the Lord shall rise up ... that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act." Isaiah 28:21. Answer: Yes, the work of God has always been to save rather than destroy. The work of destroying the wicked in hellfire is so foreign to God's nature that the Bible calls it His "strange act." God's great heart will ache at the destruction of the wicked. Oh, how diligently He works to save every soul! But if one spurns His love and clings to sin, God will have no choice but to destroy the sinner with his sin when He rids the universe of that horrible, malignant growth called "sin" in the fires of the last day. Jesus will be deeply saddened when He must destroy those whom He died to save. 16. What are God's post-hell plans for the earth and His people? "He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9. "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Isaiah 65:17. "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Revelation 21:3, 4. Answer: After hellfire goes out, God will create a new earth and restore it to His people--with all the beauties and glories of Eden before sin entered. The horrors of sin and the past will be forgotten. Pain, death, tragedy, woe, tears, sickness, disappointment, sorrow, and all sin will be banished forever. After sinners are destroyed, God will create a fantastic new earth for His people, where they will live in peace, joy, and love forever. Sin will never rise again. Sin Will Not Rise Again God promises that sin will never rise again. His people will be filled with perfect peace, love, joy, and contentment. Their lives of complete happiness will be far more glorious and thrilling than mere words could ever describe. The real tragedy of hell is in missing heaven. A person who fails to enter this magnificent kingdom has made the saddest choice of a lifetime. Thought Questions 1. Doesn't the Bible speak of "eternal torment"? Jude 1:7 No, the phrase "eternal torment" does not appear in the Bible. 2. Then why does the Bible say that the wicked will be destroyed with unquenchable fire? Jeremiah 17:27 Unquenchable fire is fire that cannot be put out, but which goes out when it has turned everything to ashes. Jeremiah 17:27 says Jerusalem was to be destroyed with unquenchable fire, and in 2 Chronicles 36:19-21 the Bible says this fire burned the city "to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah" and left it desolate. Yet we know this fire went out, because Jerusalem is not burning today. 3. Doesn't Matthew 25:46 say the wicked will receive "everlasting punishment"? Matthew 25:46 Notice the word is punishment, not punishing. Punishing would be continuous, while punishment is one act. The punishment of the wicked is death, and this death is everlasting. 4. Can you explain Matthew 10:28: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul"? Matthew 10:28 The word "soul" has three meanings in the Bible: (1) a living being—Genesis 2:7, (2) the mind—Psalms 139:14, and (3) life—1 Samuel 18:1, which here refers to eternal life that God guarantees all who reach His kingdom. No one can take this away. The last part of Matthew 10:28 says both soul and body will be destroyed in hell. 5. Matthew 25:41 speaks of "everlasting fire" for the wicked. Does it go out? 2 Peter 2:6 Yes, according to the Bible, it does. We must let the Bible explain itself. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with everlasting, or eternal, fire (Jude 7), and that fire turned them "into ashes" as a warning to "those that after should live ungodly." 2 Peter 2:6. These cities are not burning today. The fire went out after everything was burned up. Likewise, everlasting fire will go out after it has turned the wicked to ashes (Malachi 4:3). The effects of the fire are everlasting, but not the burning itself. 6. Doesn't the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 teach an eternal hell of torment? Luke 16:19 No, indeed! It is simply a parable used to emphasize a point. Many facts make it clear that this is a parable. A few are as follows: A. Abraham's bosom is not heaven (Hebrews 11:8-10, 16). B. People in hell can't talk to those in heaven (Isaiah 65:17). C. The dead are in their graves (Job 17:13; John 5:28, 29). The rich man was in bodily form with eyes, a tongue, etc., yet we know that the body does not go to hell at death. It is very obvious that the body remains in the grave, as the Bible says. D. Men are rewarded at Christ's second coming, not at death (Revelation 22:11, 12). E. The lost are punished in hell at the end of the world, not when they die (Matthew 13:40-42). The point of the story is found in verse 31 of Luke 16. Parables cannot be taken literally. If we took parables literally, then we must believe that trees talk! (See this parable in Judges 9:8-15.) 7. But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it? Revelation 14:11 The term "for ever," as used in the Bible, means simply a period of time, limited or unlimited. It is used 56 times in the Bible in connection with things that have already ended. (To check in a concordance, look up the word "ever.") It is like the word "tall," which means something different in describing men, trees, or mountains. In Jonah 2:6, "for ever" means "three days and nights." (See also Jonah 1:17.) In Deuteronomy 23:3, this means "10 generations." In the case of man, this means "as long as he lives" or "until death." (See 1 Samuel 1:22, 28; Exodus 21:6; Psalms 48:14.) So the wicked will burn in the fire as long as they live, or until death. This fiery punishment for sin will vary according to the degree of sins for each individual, but after the punishment, the fire will go out. The teaching of eternal torment has done more to drive people to atheism and insanity than any other invention of the devil. It is slander upon the loving character of a tender, gracious heavenly Father and has done untold harm to the Christian cause.

    To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

    Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

    Pastor; Greg Hudson

    Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
    AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY A/F # 11 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Amazing Facts # 11 Is The Devil In Charge Of Hell? Well? Does God really keep the devil on His payroll - is he the chief superintendent of hell measuring out the punishment of the lost? Nearly the entire world holds a very unbiblical view about hell, and you owe it to yourself to know what the Bible really says about it. Don't be fooled, because what you think about hell certainly affects what you think about God's character! Take a few moments to get the amazing facts you need to know today! 1. How many lost souls are being punished in hell today? "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." 2 Peter 2:9. Answer: There is not one single soul in hellfire today. The Bible says that God reserves, or holds back, the wicked until the day of judgment to be punished. The wicked will not be punished until after the judgment. 2. When will sinners be cast into hellfire? "So shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire." Matthew 13:40-42. "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48. Answer: Sinners will be cast into hellfire at the great judgment day at the end of the world--not when they die. God would not punish a person in fire until his case was tried and decided in court at the end of the world. Nor would God burn a murderer who died 5,000 years ago 5,000 years longer than one who dies and deserves punishment for the same sin today. Sinners will be cast into hellfire at the end of the world -- not when they die. 3. Where are sinners (who have died) now? "The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28, 29. "The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction." "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb." Job 21:30, 32. Answer: The Bible is specific. Both the wicked and the righteous who have died are in their graves "sleeping" until the resurrection day. All who have died, both good and evil, are in their graves awaiting the resurrection. 4. What is the end result of sin? "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:15. "God ... gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Answer: The wages (or punishment) for sin is death, not everlasting life in hellfire. The wicked "perish," or receive "death." The righteous receive "everlasting life." Jesus died to save us from our sins. Those who do not accept His gift of salvation will receive death. 5. What will happen to the wicked in hellfire? "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8. Answer: The wicked die the second death in hellfire. If the wicked lived forever being tortured in hell, they would be immortal. But this is impossible, because the Bible says God "only hath immortality." 1 Timothy 6:16. When Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, an angel was posted to guard the tree of life so that sinners would not eat of the tree and "live for ever." Genesis 3:22-24. The teaching that sinners are immortal in hell originated with Satan and is completely untrue. God prevented this when sin entered this earth by guarding the tree of life. The wicked are not immortal. The Bible says they will "perish", "burn up" and "be destroyed". Bible Clear--Wicked Obliterated The Bible says the wicked suffer "death" (Romans 6:23), will suffer "destruction" (Job 21:30), "shall perish" (Psalms 37:20), will "burn" up (Malachi 4:1), "shall be destroyed together" (Psalms 37:38), will "consume away" (Psalms 37:20), "shall be cut off" (Psalms 37:9), "shall be slain" (Psalms 62:3). God will "destroy" them (Psalms 145:20), and "fire shall devour them" (Psalms 21:9). Note that all of these references make it clear that the wicked die and are destroyed. They do not live forever in misery. 6. When and how will hellfire be kindled? "So shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man ... shall cast them into a furnace of fire." Matthew 13:40-42. "They went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." Revelation 20:9. "The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner." Proverbs 11:31. Answer: At the end of the world, God Himself will kindle hellfire. As the holy city comes down from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2), the wicked attempt to capture it. At that time, God will rain down fire from heaven upon the earth, and it will devour the wicked. This fire is Bible hellfire. At the end of the world, fire will fall from heaven upon the wicked and devour them. 7. How big and how hot will hellfire be? "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. Answer: Hellfire will be just as big as this earth because it will be the earth on fire. This fire will be so hot as to melt the earth and burn up all "the works that are therein." The atmospheric heavens will explode and "pass away with a great noise." Hell will be the entire world on fire. It will be 25,000 miles in circumference--its heat so great that everything on earth will be "burned up". 8. How long will the wicked suffer in the fire? "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12. "And then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matthew 16:27. "That servant, which knew his lord's will, and ... neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." Luke 12:47, 48. Answer: The Bible does not tell how long the wicked will be punished before receiving death in the fire. God does specifically state, however, that all will be punished according to their deeds. This means some will receive greater punishment than others, based upon their works. Jesus will insist upon just treatment for the wicked. Their degree of punishment will be fair and according to their works, as He promised. 9. Will the fire eventually go out? "Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." Isaiah 47:14. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth." "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:1, 4. Answer: Yes, indeed, the Bible specifically teaches that hellfire will go out and that there will not be left "a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." The Bible also teaches that in God's new kingdom all "former things" will be passed away. Hell, being one of the former things, is included, so we have God's promise that it will be abolished. God will recreate a new world where no trace of the former evils of this world will be seen. Is God a Torturer? If God tortured His enemies in a fiery horror chamber throughout eternity, He would be more vicious and heartless than men have ever been in the worst of war atrocities. An eternal hell of torment would be hell for God also, who loves even the vilest sinner. 10. What will be left when the fire goes out? "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 4:1, 3. Answer: Notice the verse does not say the wicked will burn like asbestos, as many today believe, but rather like stubble, which will be burned up. The little word "up" denotes completion. Nothing but ashes will be left when the fire goes out. In Psalms 37:10, 20, the Bible says the wicked will go up in smoke and be completely destroyed. The fires will burn until only ashes are left. Even the bones will be completely gone. 11. Will the wicked enter hell in bodily form and be destroyed both soul and body? "It is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." Matthew 5:30. "Rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:20. Answer: Yes. Real, live people enter hell in bodily form and are destroyed both soul and body. The fire from God out of heaven will fall upon real people and blot them out of existence. The fire from heaven will fall upon the wicked and destroy them, both body and soul. 12. Will the devil be in charge of hellfire? "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:10. "I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. ... And never shall thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:18, 19. Answer: Absolutely not! The devil will be cast into the fire, and it will turn him into ashes. The devil will be completely destroyed by fire. 13. Does the word "hell" as used in the Bible always refer to a place of burning or punishment? Answer: No, the word "hell" is used 54 times in the Bible, and in only 12 cases does it refer to "a place of burning." The word "hell" is translated from several different words with various meanings, as indicated below: IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 31 times from "Sheol," which means "the grave." IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 10 times from "Hades," which means "the grave." 12 times from "Gehenna," which means "the place of burning." 1 time from "Tartarus," which means "a place of darkness." 54 TIMES TOTAL Note: The Greek word "Gehenna" (mentioned above) is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Ge-Hinnom," which means the "Valley of Hinnom." This valley, which lies immediately south and west of Jerusalem, was a place where dead animals, garbage, and other refuse were dumped. Fire burned constantly, as it does at modern sanitation dump sites. The Bible uses "Gehenna" or the "Valley of Hinnom" as a symbol of the fire that will destroy the lost at the end of time. The fire of Gehenna was not unending. Otherwise it would be still burning southwest of Jerusalem today. Neither will the fire of hell be unending. Fire smoldered constantly in the "Valley of Hinnom". 14. What is God's real purpose in hellfire? "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15. "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be." "The enemies of the Lord ...shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away." Psalms 37:10, 20 Answer: God's purpose is that hell will destroy the devil and all sin and sinners and make the world safe for eternity. One sinner, if left on this planet, would be a deadly virus forever threatening the universe. It is God's plan to isolate sin and blot it out of existence for all time. Eternal Hell Would Perpetuate Sin An eternal hell of torment would perpetuate sin and make its eradication impossible. An eternal hell of torment is not part of God's great plan at all. Such a horrible theory is slander against the holy name of a loving God. The devil delights to see our loving Creator pictured as such a monstrous tyrant, and he alone can benefit from such teachings. Destroying sin, sinners, and Satan is the only way to make the universe safe for eternity. Eternal Hell a Man-made Theory The "eternal hell of torment" theory originated not from the Bible, but from misguided people who were (perhaps inadvertently) led of the devil. And, incidentally, no one will be in heaven because he feared hell. People are saved because they love and obey Christ. 15. Isn't the work of destroying sinners foreign to God's nature? "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezekiel 33:11. "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56. "For the Lord shall rise up ... that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act." Isaiah 28:21. Answer: Yes, the work of God has always been to save rather than destroy. The work of destroying the wicked in hellfire is so foreign to God's nature that the Bible calls it His "strange act." God's great heart will ache at the destruction of the wicked. Oh, how diligently He works to save every soul! But if one spurns His love and clings to sin, God will have no choice but to destroy the sinner with his sin when He rids the universe of that horrible, malignant growth called "sin" in the fires of the last day. Jesus will be deeply saddened when He must destroy those whom He died to save. 16. What are God's post-hell plans for the earth and His people? "He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9. "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Isaiah 65:17. "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Revelation 21:3, 4. Answer: After hellfire goes out, God will create a new earth and restore it to His people--with all the beauties and glories of Eden before sin entered. The horrors of sin and the past will be forgotten. Pain, death, tragedy, woe, tears, sickness, disappointment, sorrow, and all sin will be banished forever. After sinners are destroyed, God will create a fantastic new earth for His people, where they will live in peace, joy, and love forever. Sin will never rise again. Sin Will Not Rise Again God promises that sin will never rise again. His people will be filled with perfect peace, love, joy, and contentment. Their lives of complete happiness will be far more glorious and thrilling than mere words could ever describe. The real tragedy of hell is in missing heaven. A person who fails to enter this magnificent kingdom has made the saddest choice of a lifetime. Thought Questions 1. Doesn't the Bible speak of "eternal torment"? Jude 1:7 No, the phrase "eternal torment" does not appear in the Bible. 2. Then why does the Bible say that the wicked will be destroyed with unquenchable fire? Jeremiah 17:27 Unquenchable fire is fire that cannot be put out, but which goes out when it has turned everything to ashes. Jeremiah 17:27 says Jerusalem was to be destroyed with unquenchable fire, and in 2 Chronicles 36:19-21 the Bible says this fire burned the city "to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah" and left it desolate. Yet we know this fire went out, because Jerusalem is not burning today. 3. Doesn't Matthew 25:46 say the wicked will receive "everlasting punishment"? Matthew 25:46 Notice the word is punishment, not punishing. Punishing would be continuous, while punishment is one act. The punishment of the wicked is death, and this death is everlasting. 4. Can you explain Matthew 10:28: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul"? Matthew 10:28 The word "soul" has three meanings in the Bible: (1) a living being—Genesis 2:7, (2) the mind—Psalms 139:14, and (3) life—1 Samuel 18:1, which here refers to eternal life that God guarantees all who reach His kingdom. No one can take this away. The last part of Matthew 10:28 says both soul and body will be destroyed in hell. 5. Matthew 25:41 speaks of "everlasting fire" for the wicked. Does it go out? 2 Peter 2:6 Yes, according to the Bible, it does. We must let the Bible explain itself. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with everlasting, or eternal, fire (Jude 7), and that fire turned them "into ashes" as a warning to "those that after should live ungodly." 2 Peter 2:6. These cities are not burning today. The fire went out after everything was burned up. Likewise, everlasting fire will go out after it has turned the wicked to ashes (Malachi 4:3). The effects of the fire are everlasting, but not the burning itself. 6. Doesn't the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 teach an eternal hell of torment? Luke 16:19 No, indeed! It is simply a parable used to emphasize a point. Many facts make it clear that this is a parable. A few are as follows: A. Abraham's bosom is not heaven (Hebrews 11:8-10, 16). B. People in hell can't talk to those in heaven (Isaiah 65:17). C. The dead are in their graves (Job 17:13; John 5:28, 29). The rich man was in bodily form with eyes, a tongue, etc., yet we know that the body does not go to hell at death. It is very obvious that the body remains in the grave, as the Bible says. D. Men are rewarded at Christ's second coming, not at death (Revelation 22:11, 12). E. The lost are punished in hell at the end of the world, not when they die (Matthew 13:40-42). The point of the story is found in verse 31 of Luke 16. Parables cannot be taken literally. If we took parables literally, then we must believe that trees talk! (See this parable in Judges 9:8-15.) 7. But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it? Revelation 14:11 The term "for ever," as used in the Bible, means simply a period of time, limited or unlimited. It is used 56 times in the Bible in connection with things that have already ended. (To check in a concordance, look up the word "ever.") It is like the word "tall," which means something different in describing men, trees, or mountains. In Jonah 2:6, "for ever" means "three days and nights." (See also Jonah 1:17.) In Deuteronomy 23:3, this means "10 generations." In the case of man, this means "as long as he lives" or "until death." (See 1 Samuel 1:22, 28; Exodus 21:6; Psalms 48:14.) So the wicked will burn in the fire as long as they live, or until death. This fiery punishment for sin will vary according to the degree of sins for each individual, but after the punishment, the fire will go out. The teaching of eternal torment has done more to drive people to atheism and insanity than any other invention of the devil. It is slander upon the loving character of a tender, gracious heavenly Father and has done untold harm to the Christian cause. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-03-01 14:48:18 -
    AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY
    A/F # 1

    Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

    This is Brother Johnny Gass.

    Welcome to Bible study.

    My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors.
    Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

    Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

    Amazing Facts # 1

    Is There Anything Left You Can Trust?

    In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence...
    1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35.

    Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost.

    2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17.

    Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true.

    Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10.

    Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies:

    Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon.

    A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8).

    B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3).

    C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37).

    D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13).

    E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26).

    F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

    4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13.

    Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science:

    A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book.

    B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out.

    C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight.

    D. "By Him Gábor Muzslai all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself.

    5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind?

    Answer:

    A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13).

    The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled.

    B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is.

    The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed.

    C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean:

    1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens.

    2. Millions of families reunited.

    3. Millions of broken homes mended.

    4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving.

    5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions.

    6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use.

    Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.)

    Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible.

    Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following:

    A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist.

    B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.

    C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today.

    D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so.

    7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts:

    Answer:

    A. The 66 books of the Bible were written:

    1. On three continents.

    2. In three languages.

    3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician).

    4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.

    5. On the most controversial subjects.

    6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.

    7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.

    B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,

    1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.

    2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.

    C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other.

    8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact.

    Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess.

    An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration.

    9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He Gábor Muzslai expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he Jack WHITE vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.*

    Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them:

    Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T.

    1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1)

    2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23)

    3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16)

    4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18)

    5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26)

    6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16)

    7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37)

    8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35)

    9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36)

    10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60)

    11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50)

    12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40)

    Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

    Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen!

    10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days.

    Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches:

    A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9).

    B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8).

    C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).

    The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for.
    God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise.

    11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people.

    Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs.

    True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only:

    1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.)

    2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity.

    3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions.

    12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3.

    Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions:

    A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost.

    B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29).

    C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4).

    Thought Questions

    1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)!

    2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems.

    3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read.

    4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10).

    5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible:

    1. Will always tell you the truth.

    2. Will never mislead you.

    3. Can be fully trusted.

    4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science.

    Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines.

    To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

    Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

    Pastor; Greg Hudson

    Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
    AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY A/F # 1 Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amazing Facts # 1 Is There Anything Left You Can Trust? In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence... 1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost. 2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true. Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10. Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies: Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon. A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8). B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3). C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37). D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13). E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26). F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science: A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out. C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight. D. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. 5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind? Answer: A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled. B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is. The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed. C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean: 1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. 2. Millions of families reunited. 3. Millions of broken homes mended. 4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. 5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. 6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use. Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.) Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible. Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist. B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist. C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today. D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. 7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts: Answer: A. The 66 books of the Bible were written: 1. On three continents. 2. In three languages. 3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician). 4. Over a period of about 1,500 years. 5. On the most controversial subjects. 6. By people who, in most cases, had never met. 7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable, 1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. 2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject. C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other. 8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact. Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess. An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration. 9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.* Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them: Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T. 1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1) 2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23) 3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16) 4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18) 5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26) 6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16) 7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37) 8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35) 9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36) 10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60) 11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50) 12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40) Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen! 10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days. Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches: A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9). B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8). C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for. God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise. 11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people. Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs. True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only: 1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.) 2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity. 3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions. 12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions: A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost. B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29). C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4). Thought Questions 1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)! 2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems. 3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read. 4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). 5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible: 1. Will always tell you the truth. 2. Will never mislead you. 3. Can be fully trusted. 4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science. Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
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  • Johnny Gass
    2026-02-02 14:47:30 -
    A/F # 1
    Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

    This is Brother Johnny Gass.

    Welcome to Bible study.

    My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors.
    Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

    Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

    Amazing Facts # 1

    Is There Anything Left You Can Trust?

    In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence...
    1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35.

    Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost.

    2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17.

    Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true.

    Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10.

    Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies:

    Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon.

    A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8).

    B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3).

    C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37).

    D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13).

    E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26).

    F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

    4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13.

    Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science:

    A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book.

    B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out.

    C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight.

    D. "By Him Gábor Muzslai all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself.

    5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind?

    Answer:

    A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13).

    The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled.

    B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is.

    The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed.

    C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean:

    1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens.

    2. Millions of families reunited.

    3. Millions of broken homes mended.

    4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving.

    5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions.

    6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use.

    Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.)

    Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible.

    Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following:

    A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist.

    B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.

    C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today.

    D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so.

    7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts:

    Answer:

    A. The 66 books of the Bible were written:

    1. On three continents.

    2. In three languages.

    3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician).

    4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.

    5. On the most controversial subjects.

    6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.

    7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.

    B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,

    1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.

    2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.

    C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other.

    8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact.

    Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess.

    An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration.

    9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He Gábor Muzslai expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he Jack WHITE vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.*

    Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them:

    Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T.

    1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1)

    2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23)

    3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16)

    4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18)

    5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26)

    6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16)

    7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37)

    8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35)

    9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36)

    10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60)

    11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50)

    12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40)

    Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

    Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen!

    10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days.

    Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches:

    A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9).

    B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8).

    C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).

    The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for.
    God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise.

    11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people.

    Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs.

    True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only:

    1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.)

    2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity.

    3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions.

    12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3.

    Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions:

    A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost.

    B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29).

    C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4).

    Thought Questions

    1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)!

    2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems.

    3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read.

    4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10).

    5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible:

    1. Will always tell you the truth.

    2. Will never mislead you.

    3. Can be fully trusted.

    4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science.

    Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines.

    To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

    Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

    Pastor; Greg Hudson

    Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
    A/F # 1 Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amazing Facts # 1 Is There Anything Left You Can Trust? In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence... 1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost. 2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true. Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10. Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies: Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon. A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8). B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3). C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37). D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13). E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26). F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science: A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out. C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight. D. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. 5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind? Answer: A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled. B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is. The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed. C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean: 1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. 2. Millions of families reunited. 3. Millions of broken homes mended. 4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. 5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. 6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use. Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.) Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible. Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist. B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist. C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today. D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. 7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts: Answer: A. The 66 books of the Bible were written: 1. On three continents. 2. In three languages. 3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician). 4. Over a period of about 1,500 years. 5. On the most controversial subjects. 6. By people who, in most cases, had never met. 7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable, 1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. 2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject. C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other. 8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact. Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess. An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration. 9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.* Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them: Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T. 1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1) 2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23) 3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16) 4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18) 5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26) 6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16) 7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37) 8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35) 9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36) 10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60) 11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50) 12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40) Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen! 10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days. Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches: A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9). B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8). C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for. God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise. 11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people. Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs. True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only: 1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.) 2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity. 3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions. 12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions: A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost. B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29). C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4). Thought Questions 1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)! 2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems. 3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read. 4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). 5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible: 1. Will always tell you the truth. 2. Will never mislead you. 3. Can be fully trusted. 4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science. Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.
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  • RCCG His Presence Area Junior Church added 2 фото
    2025-11-10 16:26:44 -
    This day, the anointing and commissioning of Heads of Department across various vital categories took place — leaders empowered to walk and work with the help of the Holy Spirit to take the church forward.

    Under the guidance of the teachers at all levels, we present the newly appointed HODs:

    - President – Igwe Chisom
    - Head of Children’s Affairs – Madukwe Precious
    - Head of Teenagers’ Affairs – Chima-Jupadim O. E.
    - Prayer Lead – Dike Praise
    - Evangelism Lead – Nwachukwu Nancy
    - Asst. Prayer & Evangelism Lead – Madukwe Precious
    - Drama Lead – Chima-Jupadim Chioma
    - Asst. Drama Lead – Dike Goodness
    - Music Lead – Ndubisi Chinaza
    - Media Team – Madukwe Michael & Anayo Divine
    - Welfare Coordinators – Opara Precious & Damian Chinenye
    - Ushering Leads – Madukwe Alicia & Ikeoku Chukwudimegwu
    - Sanitation Leads – Igwe Divine & Sunday Esther
    - Decoration Team – Damian Chinenye & Sunday Favour

    May God bless and help you all to proclaim to the nations that Jesus reigns, through service, leadership, and love.

    #hpajcrccg #raisingchampions #walkinspiritoftheholyspirit #kingdomleaders #TGHODs2025
    This day, the anointing and commissioning of Heads of Department across various vital categories took place — leaders empowered to walk and work with the help of the Holy Spirit to take the church forward. Under the guidance of the teachers at all levels, we present the newly appointed HODs: - President – Igwe Chisom - Head of Children’s Affairs – Madukwe Precious - Head of Teenagers’ Affairs – Chima-Jupadim O. E. - Prayer Lead – Dike Praise - Evangelism Lead – Nwachukwu Nancy - Asst. Prayer & Evangelism Lead – Madukwe Precious - Drama Lead – Chima-Jupadim Chioma - Asst. Drama Lead – Dike Goodness - Music Lead – Ndubisi Chinaza - Media Team – Madukwe Michael & Anayo Divine - Welfare Coordinators – Opara Precious & Damian Chinenye - Ushering Leads – Madukwe Alicia & Ikeoku Chukwudimegwu - Sanitation Leads – Igwe Divine & Sunday Esther - Decoration Team – Damian Chinenye & Sunday Favour May God bless and help you all to proclaim to the nations that Jesus reigns, through service, leadership, and love. #hpajcrccg #raisingchampions #walkinspiritoftheholyspirit #kingdomleaders #TGHODs2025
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  • Robin Stephen Aldrich
    added 4 фото
    2025-11-03 20:14:24 -
    SAMARITANS PURSE..
    Yesterday, our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team finished setting up and began operating the first of four community water filtration systems we've deployed to Jamaica—each capable of providing clean water for up to 10,000 people a day.
    This life-saving resource is a critical lifeline for families recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
    Join us in thanking God for this incredible milestone and for the hope it brings to communities in need—in Jesus’ Name!
    SAMARITANS PURSE.. Yesterday, our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team finished setting up and began operating the first of four community water filtration systems we've deployed to Jamaica—each capable of providing clean water for up to 10,000 people a day. This life-saving resource is a critical lifeline for families recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Join us in thanking God for this incredible milestone and for the hope it brings to communities in need—in Jesus’ Name!
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  • Daniel Igono добавлены фото
    2025-09-16 07:37:43 -
    The Sanitation Ministry of the RCCG. We are Sanctuary Keepers!
    The Sanitation Ministry of the RCCG. We are Sanctuary Keepers!
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