[George]

Originally Posted by Paladin54

Is all the Bible prophecy? I think not, even though the whole Bible is the special revelation of Jesus Christ.

So if I take words out of...say Joshua, my name will be taken out of the book of life?

Aloha brother,

{A caveat: This advise is not meant to be a criticism or in any way a put down of you or your desire to know the "Truth". You have a "head start" on me since I wasn't saved until I turned 18 (1958) and didn't really "get into" the Bible until 10 years later - 1968}

I admire your desire to know the "Truth", and the questions that you ask demonstrate that. However, at this point in time, it appears to me that you need to get a "better handle" on: "the manifold wisdom of God" and "all the council of God". [Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,] - [Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.]
For instance: Not all "prophecy" is "foretelling" i.e. the future. Much of it is "forthtelling" i.e. God speaking directly through a Jewish prophet to His people (Israel) and instructing them or warning them or, at times, royally "chewing them out".

There are mainly 3 "KEYS" in the Bible for learning these things:

1. First and foremost - The Holy Spirit.
You can obtain Bible knowledge from men (a school, a church, the family, etc.) and you can even get some discernment from these sources. BUT, true Biblical Understanding and Wisdom comes from God only. Having had 7 children I learned (over time) that I cannot give my children, or anyone else for that matter, the understanding and wisdom that God has given me. I can share it with them (and others), but its up to them to seek out God as to whether the things that I say are true. ["These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11]

2. Secondly you must learn to - Rightly Divide.
The first 10 years of my Christian life I bounced around from "pillar to post" because I had no idea on how to "rightly divide" the word of God (and no one taught me). That simply means you have to be able to discern between the Jew; the Gentile; and the Church. God has divisions in His Holy Scriptures and a Dispensational study is very helpful in understanding these divisions. (A word of caution here: We Christians tend to come on to a "truth" and some times "run off into the sunset" with it, or get on a "Hobby Horse" and "ride it to death". And sometimes we have zeal - BUT, "not according to knowledge".) Be prudent and circumspect in your studies - Remember that the Bible is not like a "text book". God has written It in such a way that you have to search for the "Truth"..

3. Thirdly, you must be especially aware of the JEWS {Hebrews} in God's plan of the ages.
Of the 66 Books in the Bible, at least 64 have been written by Jews (Luke possibly being the only exception) Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Over the years I have learned that:

Almost all False Teaching & Doctrine comes from:

1. Commandments given exclusively to the Jews and expropriated by a church; a cult; or an individual.
2. Or Promises of God given exclusively to the Jews and expropriated by a church; a cult; or an individual.
3. Or Prophecies concerning only the Jews and expropriated by a church; a cult; or an individual.

If you will remember these things in your study and be like the wise old owl and say: WHO said that? or WHO was he speaking to? or WHO should follow & obey? or WHO does this apply to or WHO is this written to? many problems in the understanding of the Scriptures disappear.

Try to remember that all Scripture has three applications:
1. Historical
2. Spiritual
3. Doctrinal

There's a lot more to the study of the Bible, but I don't have the space here to share it with you. Brandon's Swordsearcher Program is an almost indispensable tool and has been a terrific aid in my studies. (I have been using a copy of his program since around 1996).

A word of warning. Whoever you learn from - always check him out. Whatever school you may go to - always check them out. A study of church history reveals that almost all of the false doctrine that has entered the churches throughout history has entered by the "intelligentsia" i.e. the "scholars" (the nerds & pin-heads); and the church leadership i.e. elders & pastors (the "big shots".)

A fact of 1900+ years of church history: Once a church, a school, or a man turns their back on God's word - God eventually turns His back on them and they become reprobate and then apostate!

• Every church established from 33 A.D. up to 1900 has apostatized (without one exception).
• Almost all of those churches have simply disappeared.
• All of the few churches that have remained until today (Roman Catholic; Eastern Orthodox; etc,) - are false and counterfeit
• Apostasy always (without exception) began with the church “leadership”.
• Most of the church “leadership” came from the “intelligentsia” or the “educated” class.
• Most of the ordinary Christians blindly followed the church “leaders”.
• Concerned Christians were powerless to stop a church from going apostate.
∆ NO CHURCH HAS EVER RECOVERED FROM APOSTASY!

[This also holds true for every so-called “Christian” Organization created by men.]

No amount of rules, regulations, ordinances, edicts, restrictions, or laws have ever been able to prevent Apostasy. And no amount of compromise can bring a church back from it.

May God bless you in your study of His Holy word and pursuit of the "Truth".

George