In Perspective

  There is a tendency to become like the people you surround yourself with. As a Christian—a child of God who desires to live and think the way He wants—being around modern-day Pharisees is unhealthy for your spiritual growth. So, what is a Pharisee in today’s context? Let’s break this down so you can identify one and stay away from them. Even better, my hope for this article is that it will help us recognize any Pharisaical attitudes in our own lives and encourage us to stop living and thinking that way. In modern Christianity, “Pharisees” is a metaphor for people or groups who, while appearing devout or religious, often miss the heart of the Gospel. The original Pharisees in the Bible were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the law and traditions, but Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy, pride, and lack of mercy (Matthew 23). Here’s how this concept translates today: Legalism and Lack of Grace Modern-day Pharisees often focus on rigid rules, rituals, or appearances. ...

You never know when you’ll get another chance to speak with someone about Christ, so prayerfully make sure you share the Gospel message rightly, truthfully, and simply. Here are the essentials you need to cover. God’s Love for Everyone The Bible says that God loves the world—He loves everyone. His love is for each one of His creation, and He longs to be in fellowship with us. (John 3:16) Our Sin Problem But we all have a sin problem. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Sin separates us from God’s love and access to Him. Because God is perfect and holy, He cannot fellowship where there is sin. Where there is sin, there will be a life without God and an eternity apart from Him. Since heaven is where God dwells, the Bible calls that eternal separation hell—and it is real. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) We Need Jesus We are helpless, born with a sin nature, and we cannot save o...

For more than four centuries, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has been cherished for its majestic language and deep influence on Christian worship and English literature. Many believers still find comfort in its familiar wording and poetic style. However, the world has changed significantly since 1611.  Advances in archaeology, biblical scholarship, and language studies have given us access to far earlier manuscripts and more precise translations. While the KJV remains a valuable part of the Christian tradition, it is not always the most practical or accurate choice if used alone. Understanding both its strengths and limitations helps readers make the best use of Scripture today. Why the KJV May Not Be the Best Sole Version Today 1. Not Based on the Best Manuscripts The KJV’s New Testament relies on the Textus Receptus, compiled in the 1500s from relatively late manuscripts. Since then, thousands of older and more reliable manuscripts—such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex V...