RightDivision

The lesson on December 27, 2020 was part 7 of the "Hermeneutics" study and the last lesson in the series. Wayne took us through a quick review of what we previously covered before he transitioned to this lesson which was on rightly dividing the Apostle Paul's ministries. It is so important for proper interpretation of scripture to identify Paul's ministry during the Acts period with that of PAul after Acts 28 with his prison ministry. There were seven epistles written during Acts by Paul (Hebrews, Galatians, Romans, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians) and those books contain the perspective of the revealed plan that Paul was referring to in when he said " witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come". Even at the end of Acts Paul says in 28:23 "...And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." Now after Acts, PAul received a new ministry (called The Mystery) while he was in prison and this ministry is covered in his last seven books (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon, 1 & 2 Timothy). By identifying these separate ministries, you will be able to clearly identify the differences in callings, hopes and doctrine so you may rightly divide the scriptures and correctly handle topics like baptism, the Lord’s super, signed gifts, prayer promises, hopes and related adoptions, covenants and associated promises. The scripture reading was from Acts 26:22-23 KJV "22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles."

The lesson on January 17, 2021 was part 1 of the "Acts When and Why?" study and Wayne focused on proving who wrote the book, We learned in the introduction that Luke was the author. In this lesson we follow the scriptures to show the evidence. The parallels between Luke and Acts show that the comments in the first chapter of Acts matches Luke 24:36-53 to Acts 1:1-14. Between these two sections, you learn of many infallible proofs, Christ’s words to His apostles, the commission, the enduement, the ascension and the return of the apostles. Often when you study the parallels, you have little information in one book, and the other provides more detail and vice versa. Some examples of how Acts confirms the epistles and adds details are seen in the resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 9:1; 15:3-8 syncs with Acts 9:1-20; 22:1-21; 26:1-23) The Seed of David (Romans 1:3; 2 Tim. 2:8 syncs with Acts 1:14; 2:30; 13:22,23) The twelve (1 Cor. 15:8 syncs with Acts 1:13, 17). More evidence of Lukan authorship comes from the "we" sections of Acts. Those are (1) Acts 16:10-40 regarding Troas and Philippi. (2) Acts 21:1-8. Tyre and Jerusalem. and (3) Acts 27:1 to 28:16. Caesarea to Rome. If the sections are read and compared to other parts, it will be seen that they are characterized by exact data, lengths of halts, small details, and the usual features of the narrative of an eye-witness. Further, there are words in Acts related to medicine. Luke was the beloved physician. Wayne finished the lesson with an example of why it is important to establish what was taught in other epistle like Romans when compared to what we being taught in Acts. The scripture reading was from Luke 1:1-4 KJV "1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

The message on January 3, 2021 was a New Years 2021 lesson on "Looking Back Then Forward" and was a one-off message prior to starting a new study next week. Wayne took time to recount the blessings America has in its foundation. Our Founding Fathers were ordinary men who were sinners but some they were inspired Christians to produce the founding documents that establish the blessing we have in America. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are brilliant because in them they establish the ideals Americans hold so dear. One of which is the ownership of property. Free speech and the right to bear arms to defend our rights. Rights and Freedom come from God, not government! "“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The Constitution was written and can only be changed through an amendment process. There are those that say the Bible promotes communism! The use the phrase "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" is a slogan popularised by Karl Marx and is commonly used by socialist. Some scholars trace the phrase to the New Testament. In Acts of the Apostles the lifestyle of the community of believers in Jerusalem is described as communal (without individual possession), and uses the phrase "distribution was made unto every man according as he had need" (διεδίδετο δὲ ἑκάστῳ καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν). They come to this conclusion from Acts 2:44 "And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" and Acts 4:32 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." Through Right Division of scripture, this was only true during the Acts period. After Acts, it all changed. This will be covered in the next study on Acts! The scripture reading was from Acts 4:31-37 KJV "31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

The message on December 20, 2020 was on "Christmas 2020". Wayne wanted to remind us of the special hope we have been given by God taking flesh. In this pandemic year we often hear of the sentiment of negativity and the excitement to put this year behind us. However if you consider the special hope we have been given in Christ and that we have our citizenship in the heavenlies. Though our bodies are formed of the dust of the Earth, through the resurrection our bodies will be transformed into a new one specifically composed for our place in the super heavens above all principalities and powers. All this has been made possible by Christ Jesus in his life, death and resurrection. He has paid the price for our sins and the hope we have been given is the best Christmas gift of all. Merry Christmas! The Scripture reading was from Luke 1:46-56 KJV "46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

The lesson on November 22, 2020 was part 4 of the "Hermenuetics" study. The focus this week was on Parables and how it is important to understand why Jesus used them and for what purpose they served. Wayne spent the first ten minutes of this lesson to remind us of the problem we have in America when we have two parties not identifying the real problem, which is a spiritual problem with America. Until we fix that, we will not solve our national problems. We then looked at the word "Parable" and was reminded of the Greek "παραβολή" words that mean "throwing along side". Parables were used when Jesus was teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven and showing Old Testament prophecy being literally fulfilled by Jesus. We looked at Isaiah 35:5 being fulfilled in Matthew 11:4 KJV. Wayne reminded us of when the disciples asked why he was speaking to them in parables in Matthew 13:10-13 KJV. Jesus responded "11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." The scripture reading was from Jeremiah 33:24-26 KJV "24 Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the Lord hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. 25 Thus saith the Lord; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; 26 Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them."

The lesson on June 13, 2021 was part 2 of the introduction in the "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" study. Wayne continued to provide us a tentative outline of what this study will cover. This starts with asking "Is there is an issue?" which we started looking at the results of newer Bibles to see how they have removed some verses because they removed some of the Greek. This is then followed by undertaking "What saith the scripture?" Then we will look into "The manuscripts and history". Next we will take a look at "The identity of the new testament text". Then Wayne intends to wrap up with a "Summary". Today he shared with us other texts that have been written that we may want to collect and use with our own studies. These five parts cover all that will consist of the full study looking into the Bible's Inspiration and Preservation. The scripture reading was from Psalms 12:6-7 KJV "6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

The lesson on July 4, 2021 was part 4 of the "Bible, Inspiration and Preservation" study. This lesson showed a specific example of how an event in history impacted the so-called neutral texts in relation to the passage in 1 John 5:1-8 KJV. This passage is one of the strongest in the testimony of the trinity, yet most Christian scholars do not use it. We take time to look at the external and internal evidence that puts those verses there. This is commonly referred to as "Comma Johanneum". The bold text is the Johannine Comma: 1 John 5:7-8 KJV "7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. In conclusion, we see that the historical attack by Emperor Diocletian from AD 284-312 who wanted to wipe out the Christian faith by destroying the manuscripts. (His wife Prisca and daughter Valeria converted to Christianity). Secondly, when Constantine made himself high priest over the church – which was an unholy union between church and state - he at the Council of Nicea AD 325 wanted to remove the Deity of Christ to promote himself as the head of the church. Finally, Constantine commissioned Eusebius of Caesarea to make 50 copies of the NT. He was a student of Origen and Origen’s theology fueled the Arian controversy (which is the belief that Christ is a god, not God in the Flesh) Jerome used Eusebius’ works to produce Latin Vulgate (which omits the Comma Johanneum). The scripture reading was from 1 John 5:1-8 KJV "1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

The lesson on July 25, 2021, was part 7 of the "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" study. In this lesson, we get a good review of why having the right Bible is important particularly with the Acts perspective when the Jew was first. In this case, there is so much that is unique during the Acts for the Jew. This included doctrine like signs, wonders, various prayer promises and ordinances. That would include water baptism and the Lord's Supper. This ties in with our modern Bible study because the word broken does not exist in the modern Bibles and it is so crucial to understand that the broken body of Jesus is reflected in the broken bread and communion for the Christians during the Acts period. We must use right division to make since of the doctrines that we find in scripture! Without right division, it is all a combination salad. That is why when we receive from PAul the one baptism is a spiritual work by God the Father where you are identified with Christ and are made complete. We learn of that in Colossians 2:8-15 KJV. We reviewed 1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV "13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." We want to do an effectual work! This comes from believing in God's word! The modern Bibles cause unbelief! We reviewed 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV where PAul wrote "16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The preserved word of God that we believe allows us to perform these good works. We reviewed page 3 of The identity of the NT Text by Pickering that said "In very broad and over-simplified terms, one camp generally follows the large majority of the MSS (seldom less than 80 and usually over 95 percent) which are in essential agreement among themselves but which do not date from the before the fifth century A.D., while the other generally follows a small handful (often less than ten) of earlier MSS (from the third, fourth and fifth centuries) which not only disagree with the majority, but also disagree among themselves (which obliges the practitioners to be more or less eclectic). The second camp has been in general control of the scholarly world for the last 130 years, at least." The scripture reading was from Matthew 5:17-18 KJV "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

The lesson on June 27, 2021 was part 3 of the "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" study. Wayne took time to review the previous lessons before he focused on the primary content of this lesson, which was the apparent Lucian recension. Wescott and Hort believed that from the very beginning the traditional (Byzantine) text was an official text with official backing and that this was the reason why it overcame all the rival texts and ultimately reigned supreme in the usage of the Greek church. The regarded the "Traditional Text" as the product of a thorough-going revision between 250 A.D. and 350 A.D. They believed that this text was a deliberate creation of certain scholarly Christians at Antiock and that the presbyter Lucian (d. 312) was probably the original leader in this work. We then looked at an example of a wrong reading in the Greek text of the "best manuscripts" in John 5:2 KJV "2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.". There was a copper scroll found from cave 3 Qumran that contains a Hebrew form of the name Bethesda. This was dated A.D. 35, 65. Yet the uncials don't have this and they disagree among themselves. The oldest manuscripts surviving record the incorrect reading and are therefore themselves a result of a recension. So, the KJV reading correct using Βηθεσδά and the critical text is wrong using the Greek Βηθζαθὰ. This was reflected in a letter by one of the church fathers where they quoted this scripture way before the critical text does. We will look at more examples like this in our next lesson. The scripture reading was from 1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV "13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

The lesson on November 8, 2020 was part 2 of the "Hermeneutics" study. In this lesson we learn about figures of speech used in the Bible. Wayne refers to the book "Figures of Speech Used in the Bible" by E.W. Bullinger. In this book and also in the appendices of the Companion Bible, it explains that figures of speech are used to make speech interesting and they are used true to literary. The Greeks studied figures of speech even before Christianity and used the term "schmema" to describe the form or shape of the words. The Romans also studied it and used the word "figura" to describe the same thing. Finally they are used throughout the bible and if not perceived can result in false notions and be used to bolster incorrect doctrine. Wayne used the rest of the lesson to show us examples of where they are used in scripture. He warned that if they are not interpreted correctly, you will create doctrine that is improper and not rightly divided. The scripture reading was from 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV "15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The lesson on November 15, 2020 was part 3 of the "Hermeneutics" study and focused on using a Lexicon in your studies. A lexicon compares usage of words to help determine it's meanings. A lexicon does not define words for every particular context but gives categorical summaries which are helpful in looking for directions of study and possibilities. Wayne used this lesson to show examples of the synonymous words for "other" and "another". In the Greek, allos = another of the same kind (denoting numerical distinction). Heteros = another of a different kind (usually denoting generic distinction. The example we started with was from Galatians 1:6,7 KJV. "6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Wayne taught us how to handle the proper interpretation in this and every case. The most important factor in deciding what a word means is its context. We learned of several examples where using a Lexicon would suggest it means one interpretation but the context shows it supports the other meaning. The scripture reading was from 2 Samuel 7:8 KJV "8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:"

The lesson on January 10, 2021 was an introduction to the new Acts study, focused on the when and why of books that were written by the Apostle Paul. This lesson explained the objectives of looking at Paul’s letters and finding out when were they written relative to Acts? Also, if possible, we will put a secular date on the epistles and events encountered in the Acts. Is the declaration in Acts 28 in or out of “the Acts of the apostles? What importance can we associate with the timing of the mystery and the destruction of the temple? Does the Acts introduce a new ministry or continue and confirm what was previously given? Wayne provided us some resources to download and read for our preparation of this study. Wayne established our methodology which will be ask, search and see! We will answer the question was Acts a continuation or the beginning of a new dispensation? Wayne finally took us to the first chapter and addressed the former treaty which established the author of Luke and we looked at Luke 24:36-53 which tied into Acts 1:1-14 "Former treatise: A beginning" Then Acts 1:15-28:31 "Present treatise: A continuance" The scripture reading was from Acts 1:1-7 KJV "1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

The lesson on November 1, 2020 was part 1 of the "Hermeneutics" study. In this opening lesson, Wayne provides us some insights into the word and how the Greeks believed some of the myth of Hermes in that he could quickly deliver the message between the gods having winged sandals. We were introduced to where the Greek word shows up in scripture. There were three Greek words used to describe interpret and we convered some of the scriptures where it was used. We also used this with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. With proper interpretation we receive the proper understanding of scripture just like it was shown in Luke 24:45-47 KJV "45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The scripture reading was from Acts 8:27-31 KJV "27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."

The lesson on July 30, 2023 continued looking into the connection between UFO's and Angels. Initially, we took account of the overwhelming evidence of the existence of UFO's because we have collected wreckage and alien bodies. There are whistleblowers that have testified in Congress of their existence. Professionally trained Naval officers have chased and recorded these alien crafts and their unbelievable speed and maneuvers that would not be possible for a human to take. We also discussed the great harvest of animals being operated on where their carcasses are found without blood. When you look into scripture, you find passages like Nehemiah 9:6 where it describes "thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein". Matthew 28:18 says "... All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Philippians 2:10 KJV points out that "... at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth". What? “Subterranean” beings? The Bible does tell us in Revelation 9:14 KJV "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." It is a wild book this Bible... yet we believe all of it, even the creatures from the bottomless pit! The Scripture reading for this lesson was from Revelation 9:1-7 KJV. "1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men."

The lesson on July 7, 2024 was part 1 of “The Book of Matthew” study. After the introduction in the previous lesson, this time we look in depth at the genealogy of Christ, the Son of David. Since Jesus’s father was God, the problem we are presented with is if Jesus had no earthly Father how could he be in the lineage of Judah or David etc. to legally be an heir to David’s Throne? Can a son only inherit from his biological father? Wayne takes us through several ways that a son can do this. One way was a Levirate Marriage. Another way was through adoption. Further, we learned that if a Father die with no sons, then his inheritance passes to his daughter. This was showing in 1 Chronicles 2:34-41 KJV. In that passage, tribal affiliation is listed under Judah. We learned of a curse that was lifted via a signet in Jeremiah 22:24, 28-30. KJV and Haggai 2:23 KJV and in 1 Chronicles 3:16-19 KJV. The genealogy in Luke 3:31 shows the genealogy coming through the seed of the woman. “31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, (Lk. 3:31 KJV)” The scripture reading was in Jeremiah 22:24-30 KJV”24 As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence; 25 And I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life, and into the hand of them whose face thou fearest, even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 And I will cast thee out, and thy mother that bare thee, into another country, where ye were not born; and there shall ye die. 27 But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return. 28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not? 29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. 30 Thus saith the Lord, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.”

The lesson on September 12, 2021, was part 8 of the "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" study. Wayne opened thanking everyone for the prayers he received while he recovered from COVID-19. Wayne still is not back to 100% but is glad to get back to this important study. We looked at the preface to the Revised Standard Version and the New International Version from the book by Pickering "The identity of the New Testament Text" and saw that they supposed relied on "better texts" and the principles of textual criticism to come up with the better translation of the Greek. Wayne refutes this. We also looked at quotes from other scholars like Robert M. Grant and Kenneth W. Clark who believe that "... we may be pursuing the retreating mirage of the "original text"" and "it is generally recognized that the original text of the Bible cannot be recovered". Wayne disagrees with these scholars of the "better texts" because the Bible is not only inspired but preserved! How could we rely on the scriptures if it was not so. He used Colossians 1:24-2:3 as an example of how important this is for our proper walk. Wayne then shared what me must do in the coming lessons in that we must find a way to identify the New Testament text that is consistent with what we understand about God’s ways. The scripture reading was from Colossians 2:1-6 KJV "1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:"

The lesson on April 18, 2021 was part 12 of the "Acts - When and Why?" study. Wayne focused on clarifying on the phrase "Kingdom of God" and why you cannot take what was said in the eighth time this phrase in Colossians 4:11 to what was used by Paul into the previous seven times that were referenced in the Acts period epistles. We then look at the context of the seven times Paul used it in Acts to get the context of what it was encompassing in the Old Testament scriptures. Wayne also majored on the transition of a body of Christ prior to Acts 28 and then after the Mystery was revealed to PAul the prisoner. PAul was reminding Timothy to stir up the gifts that he was given when adjusting the believers who needed to be perfected in adjusting to a new hope that was revealed in the Mystery. When PAul wrote Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV he was explaining why the gifts that were given after Acts 28 included "...some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" There are no apostles and prophets around today. What we have left in this calling is evangelists, pastors and teachers. The Apostles and Prophets had gifts from the Acts period that could be stirred up. That is not the case now because it passed away with that generation. The scripture reading was from Romans 3:29-31 KJV

The lesson on April 11, 2021 was part 11 of the "Acts - When and Why?" study. Wayne jumped into the lesson by providing the context of when Paul wrote Thessalonians during the Acts period showing how it fits with the last days as described in scripture reading. Thessalonians was written during the Paul's second missionary journey in Acts 17. Paul was addressing the Jews first and as his manor was, going into the Synagogue to address and persuade the Jews. Paul would reason with them out of the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. As we see some believed and some believed not (just like in Acts 28). When Paul is teaching in 1 Thess 4:13 he says "13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.". What a wonderful thing it is that our faith is taught without ignorance. We are encouraged to learn and know the scriptures so our faith is built with knowledge instead of ignorance. It also is true that Atheists are angry because they have no hope. As Christians, when we die in Christ, we are asleep and will awake again in the resurrection. Acts period believers had a hope of resurrection that was taught in the Old Testament scriptures. We continue to learn that the Mystery was not revealed to Paul in the two years of his imprisonment at the close of Acts. The evidence continues to show that when Paul was preaching the Kingdom of God all the way to Acts 28:31 that it was the continuation of what his ministry was during Acts. In reviewing the concordance of "Kingdom of God" there are seven places that the phrase is used to continue what Paul's message was during Acts. The eighth occurrence is in Colossians 4:11 when is when PAul updates the message with the Mystery. The scripture reading was from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6 KJV "1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time."

The lesson on January 24, 2021 was part 2 of the "Acts - When and Where?" study. Wayne provided a brief recap from the previous lesson before he taught us of the first date we can pin down from Herod's death in A.D. 44 which ties into Acts 12:1-23. We learned that Acts was written in order. It was written according to eye-witnesses and it was inspired from above (God inspired - Greek word ἄνωθεν (Lk. 1:3 TBT)). Acts is a historically accurate inspired account of what the Lord continued to do after his ascension. In regards to Herod's death, it was somewhat difficult to navigate all the Herod's in the New Testament so Wayne presented a visualization of the Herodian family tree and key events in the New Testament related to members of the Herodian family found from the Biblical Archeology Society. We also learned from Acts that the Pharasees of Israel were collaborating with the Herodians to kill Jesus: 1). (Matt. 22:16 KJV) "And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men." 2). (Mk. 3:6 KJV) "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him." 3). (Mk. 12:13 KJV) "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.". This is strikingly similar to a book he is rereading called "None Dare Call It Conspiracy" It is what we are seeing played out with the politcal unrest with American politicians. The scripture reading was from Acts 12:20-25 KJV "20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark."

The lesson on July 18, 2021, was part 6 of the "Bible Inspiration and Preservation" study. We learned that there has been another attack on the King James translators in that in the original King James translation, in the preface it had some artwork showing key historical biblical characters and the way the hands were drawn suggested that it represented a masonic handshake and reflected the masonic influence of the translators and even of King James. Wayne proceeds to refute these rumors and suggests you research these things before you believe them. Just recently, one of the notebooks of Samuel Ward, a KJV bible translators, was found and there are visuals of his notebook. So even now, evidence is discovered of the translation from the original manuscripts that pre-dates the Wescott & Hort manuscripts that sit in the Pope's library in Rome. We were cautioned of the New King James and how it is not just updating the English. Examples were shown from KJV bible verses comparing it to the NKJV and it was significantly different. We learned that there is an especially important reason for the pronouns and their usage. Specific pronouns in the KJV reflects singular and plural correctly whereas it does not in the NKJV or modern bibles. For example, Exodus 16:28 says "And the LORD said unto Moses, how long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" In the NKJV it says in Exodus 16:28 "And the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?". The Ye is plural indicating Moses and Israel. In NKJV, it is singular just referring to Moses. This lesson concludes with the temptation we receive when the new text gives us the “words” that match our beliefs, but this allows us to first believe something and then apply what God said vs. the other way around. In this example, Ephesians 3:9 the word used is Fellowship vs. Dispensation. Wayne shows us how if we dig into that word Fellowship, it is like our communion. The Lord's Supper was uniquely Jewish, and Israel is asked to keep the communion. We are asked to have the communion of the Mystery which is our unique fellowship. The scripture reading was from John 3:7 KJV "7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

The lesson on November 7. 2021 was part 15 of the “Bible Inspiration and Preservation” study. As Wayne is winding down this study, we reviewed what we learned in our previous lesson regarding the Genealogical theory that Westcott and Hort put forth as the foundation for their critical review of the Textus Receptus or majority Greek manuscripts of the New Testament as one that falls apart when you try to verify against the data. When you have texts that are a mixture of previous texts, it nullifies the theory. “When there is mixture, and Westcott and Hort state that it is common, in fact almost universal in some degree, then the genealogical method as applied to manuscripts is useless.” Further, they didn’t even use this theory in their criticism of the majority text making all the modern bibles based on their work in error and have led to Christians being deceived. Wayne gives high praise to Wilbur Pickering’s book “The Identity of the New Testament Text”. Although Wayne has looked at many other sources, he liked what was said at the end of the book: “Anyone who wishes to be one should absolutely stop representing his presuppositions as being part of the evidence. Since the original was never lost, there is no legitimate textual criticism of the NT, and therefore no science of such. Since NT textual criticism (as practiced by the academic community during the past 130 years) depends on a false presupposition, it cannot be a science. Those who reject the primary evidence can, and probably will, continue to propound a theory of textual criticism. I suppose they have a right to their theory, but I cannot wish them well.” Pickering, Wilbur. The Identity of the New Testament Text IV (pp. 374-375). Kindle Edition. We were challenged to consider those that are so called “experts” to be mindful before you just accept their guidance. We went through a couple more examples by looking at Mark 1:2-3 KJV. We also learned of the martyrdom of Ignatius, a church father, who was killed in 107 A.D at Rome. On the way to Rome to receive his sentence, he wrote 6 epistles to churches, one of which was to the Ephesian church. In this letter he mentions the teaching contained in 1 Timothy 3:16 KJV. The scripture reading was from Mark 1:1-3 KJV “1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

The lesson on February 28, 2021 was part 6 of the "Acts - When and Why?" study. We reviewed a portion of the last lesson and then proceeded to look at three clues looking at another date in Acts 18:1-23 Gallio (12 deputy of Achaia) – which is a significant date in the life of Paul. When and where did Paul write the “ACTS” epistles? Then, specifically, when did Paul write “Galatians”? Wayne took us through the three recorded missionary journeys of Paul. When Paul journeyed from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 22:1-28:22) we get recorded events in history with Claudias Lysias Acts 23:29, Festus: Acts 25:25, King Agrippa (governor and Bernice with him): Acts 26:31 synchronizing with Paul’s own statement: Acts 28:17,18. A key piece of these travels was the the Romans saw in him "nothing worthy of death". In Acts 18, we read specific events in history that were recorded: Acts 18:1-3 KJV "1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers." In Acts 18:11 it's recorded that Paul taught them for three and a half years. Tacitus says the Jews were banished from Rome in AD 52. The Reign of Claudius was from AD 41 - 54. So, pulling it all together, when dating Galatians, there are two major issues: 1 What is Galatia? (at least two visits Gal. 4:13) , Northern view: Late date necessary (after acts 18:23) or Southern view: No need for late date – Acts 16:6 is a revisiting. 2 Was Galatians written before or after Acts 15 and the Jerusalem council? Wayne answers these issues and explains why. The scripture reading was from Acts 18:12-17 KJV "12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. 14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. 16 And he drave them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things."

This lesson was taught on June 6, 2021 with Wayne starting a new study on reviewing the Bible, its Inspiration and Preservation. This study is so important to Christianity today because the Bible is under attack. Each Christian who attends a Bible Study and experiences the issue when you have those in attendance read scripture and they don't have the same Bible. In newer Bibles some verse have been omitted or reworded because they have been created from "a better manuscript", which is the explanation that is given for the omission or change. In this first lesson, Wayne shares examples of how modern bibles have omitted very important verses. We learned that God has magnified His Word above the excellence of His name from Psalm 148:13 "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven." and Psalm 138:2 "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." It seems pretty important that we study what we use as the preserved word of God in our Christian walk. The scripture reading was from Psalms 138:1-2 KJV "1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

The message presented on August 13, 2023 was the fourth and final in a series on Angels and UFOs. Wayne took time to look into the animal mutilation mysteries that have been going on for quite some time. These animal mutilations are not Satan worshipers for these reasons: 1) the way these animals are mutilated, 2) precise incision cuts extracting specific body parts, and 3) there is no blood found or involved. Then, the 4th item is there are no footprints of humans or car tracks. They are usually found out in a field somewhere, usually around some sort of lights. Wayne took time to point out the Hebrew word "kikkar" which one of the definitions means "round". A concourse of verses were listed but we looked at Jeremiah 37:21 where it describes it as a "piece of bread" being round. The physical flying objects in Zechariah were described as being a Roll, or Ephah. This is very similar to testimony of Navy pilots who have recorded these objects. We reviewed 2 Cor. 5:22 KJV and Jude 1:6 KJV where is describe the angels body which they left to cohabitate with men to procreate and produce Nephilim offspring. Fallen and rebellious angels practicing genetic manipulations to produce beings that are described in Revelation 13:12-18 KJV. There are three places in scripture where angelic rebellion led to judgement (Gen. 1:2 KJV, Gen. 6:9 KJV and Gen. 6:4 KJV). Another will play out in Revelation 13. Wayne recommended we review the book and documentary called "An Alien Harvest" by Linda Moulton Howe. This message closes out the look into Angels and UFOs. The scripture reading was from Revelation 13:12-18 KJV "12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

The lesson on March 27, 2022 was part 1 and the introduction to the new series entitled “Running the Race”. It will be based of a book called “Perfection or Perdition” written by C.H. Welch with an introduction by Stuart Allen. In this introduction, we cover the author of Hebrews being the Apostle Paul by the internal evidence in scripture. There are some who claim it was written by another because the beginning of the book doesn’t have the traditional Pauline introduction but it was explained that Paul sent Galatians as a cover letter along with Hebrews, thereby not needing to have the standard introduction. If Paul didn’t write it, it was probably through an Amanuensis (like Rom. 16:22). It may have been Luke, Silvanus (Silas) but it is clearly written from the mind of Paul. We will see that through the comparison of Philippians. It also is showing that by including Hebrews as one of Paul’s books, it completes the factor of seven which is predominant through scripture (e.g. 7 books written during Acts, 7 books written after Acts). The structure of Hebrews was presented as a foundation for this study. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 6:1-6 KJV “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”