Dealing with a KJV-Only Teacher Causing Division in the Church

This is a common issue in some conservative Christian circles—a Bible teacher who believes:

• The Textus Receptus (TR) is perfect, just like the original Bible autographs.
• The King James Version (KJV) is the only acceptable Bible translation.
• Anyone who disagrees is a "compromiser" or "rejecting God’s Word."
• This mindset has led to arguments, division, and strife in the church.

 

Here’s our take on how to handle this biblically and wisely:

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1. The TR and KJV Are Not "Inspired" – Only the Original Autographs Were

• 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is "God-breathed," but this refers to the original writings (autographs), not later copies or translations.
• The TR is a printed Greek text (16th century), compiled from manuscripts available at the time—it’s not miraculously perfect.
• The KJV is a translation (1611), and while excellent for its time, it’s not the only "God-approved" Bible.
• Problem: If someone claims the KJV is "perfect," they’re essentially treating it like new revelation, which is dangerous (Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding to Scripture).

Response:

• Ask: "Did Christians before 1611 have a defective Bible?" (No—they used Latin, Syriac, or earlier Greek texts.)
• Ask: "If the KJV is perfect, why were there revisions (e.g., 1611 vs. 1769)?"

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2. Divisiveness Over Secondary Issues Is Sinful

• Romans 14:1 – Don’t quarrel over "disputable matters."
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Paul rebukes divisions over human leaders (e.g., "I follow Paul, I follow Apollos"). Today, it’s "I follow KJV, you follow ESV."
• Proverbs 13:10 – "Pride leads to conflict." If this scholar is causing fights, pride is likely involved.

Response:

• If he’s accusing others of compromise, ask: "Is this issue worth dividing the church over?"
• Remind him that many godly scholars (even those who love the TR) use other translations (e.g., NKJV, MEV).

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3. The KJV-Only Position Is Historically and Textually Weak

• No early church father (Augustine, Chrysostom, etc.) ever claimed one translation was perfect.
• Erasmus (who compiled the TR) himself admitted he worked with limited manuscripts and even added parts (like 1 John 5:7) based on late Latin copies.
• Modern translations (ESV, NASB, CSB) are based on older, more reliable manuscripts (e.g., Sinaiticus, Vaticanus).

Response:

• Ask: "If God preserved His Word perfectly in the KJV, why do we have older manuscripts today that the KJV translators didn’t have?"

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4. How to Respond Without Escalating Conflict

If You’re a Church Leader:

• Set boundaries: If he’s causing division, Matthew 18:15-17 applies. Warn him privately, then with witnesses, then before the church if needed.
• Focus on the gospel, not textual debates: The core message (Christ’s death & resurrection) is clear in all reliable translations.

If You’re a Church Member:

• Don’t engage in endless arguments (2 Timothy 2:23).
• Show grace but stand firm: "I respect your love for the KJV, but let’s not divide over this."

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Final Thought: Unity in Essentials, Liberty in Non-Essentials

• Essential: Belief in Christ, salvation by faith, inerrancy of Scripture.
• Non-essential: Which translation or Greek text is "best."

If this teacher keeps attacking others and splitting the church, he’s violating 1 Corinthians 13—"love does not insist on its own way."

The best response? Keep preaching Christ, not KJV.

A Gentle Warning About False Teachers and Division in the Church

The apostle Peter warned us long ago about false teachers who would secretly bring destructive heresies into the church, exploiting believers with deceptive words (2 Peter 2:1-3). Sadly, we see this happening today among some who claim to hold the "perfect" truth—particularly those who insist on Perfect TR and the KJV-only doctrine, elevate personal opinions above Christian unity, and some even take fellow believers to court over these disputes.

Peter reminds us that such teachers follow the way of Balaam, who loved gain from wrongdoing (2 Peter 2:15). When people demand rigid adherence to a single Bible translation—rejecting all others as "corrupt"—they create unnecessary division, setting themselves up as the sole arbiters of truth. But the Holy Spirit has preserved God’s Word through many faithful translations, and no single version has a monopoly on truth.

Worse still, when Christians sue one another in civil courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), they betray the love and patience we are called to have. Legal battles between believers dishonor Christ and scatter the flock rather than unite it.

Let us not be led astray by those who twist Scripture for personal pride, control, or financial gain. Instead, let us stand firm in love, seeking unity in the essentials of the faith while extending grace in secondary matters. True faith is marked by humility, love for one another, and devotion to Christ—not by quarrels over translations or lawsuits against fellow believers.

May we heed Peter’s warning and cling to the true Shepherd, who calls us to walk in truth and love. Let us build up the church, not tear it down.

A Rebuke, A Call to Repentance, and Comfort for the Wounded

As a pastor committed to truth and love, I have done everything in my power to correct, rebuke, and plead with these false teachers promoting Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and KJV-Onlyism. They have divided the church, wounded believers, and stubbornly refused to repent, even when shown clear Scripture. Now, after repeated warnings, I must rebuke them sharply (Titus 1:13) so that they—and the church—may know the seriousness of their error.

 

What Must Happen Next?

1.  Publicly Expose Their False Teaching (For the Last Time)

o   False doctrine spreads like gangrene (2 Tim. 2:17). Since private appeals have failed, the church must now publicly mark and avoid them (Rom. 16:17).

o   I will not endlessly debate them, but neither will I stay silent while they deceive others.

2.  Formally Remove Them from Fellowship (If They Remain Unrepentant)

o   Jesus commands us to treat unrepentant false teachers as "a Gentile and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17).

o   Paul handed Hymenaeus and Alexander over to Satan (1 Tim. 1:20)—not out of hatred, but so they might learn not to blaspheme.

3.  Protect the Flock from Further Harm

o   These men have already hurt many—some now doubt Scripture, others are disillusioned with the church.

o   We must warn the congregation clearly (Acts 20:28-31) so no more sheep are led astray.

 

How to Encourage Those Who Have Been Hurt

To those wounded by these lies, I say:

1.  You Were Right to Be Troubled

o   If their teaching disturbed you, it’s because the Holy Spirit in you discerned error (1 John 2:20-27).

o   You were not "overly sensitive"—you were faithful to the true Gospel.

2.  God’s Word Stands Firm

o   Their false view of Scripture does not undermine the real, God-breathed Word (2 Tim. 3:16).

o   The KJV is a fine translation, but elevating it to an idol is heresy. God preserves His Word in the original manuscripts, not in one perfect English translation.

3.  Rest in Christ’s Faithfulness

o   Jesus promised, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27). You followed Him, not a man-made tradition.

o   The church is still Christ’s bride, even when wolves sneak in (Acts 20:29).

4.  Forgive, But Do Not Follow

o   We must not become bitter (Heb. 12:15), but we also must not tolerate their errors.

o   Pray for their repentance, but do not submit to their teaching.

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Final Plea to the Unrepentant

If you are among those spreading this heresy, I urge you one more time:

• Repent before God humbles you (James 4:6).
• Your doctrine is not a secondary issue—it distorts Scripture itself.
• If you continue, you will answer to God (2 Pet. 2:1).
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Moving Forward

The battle for truth is not over, but I will not waste time on endless disputes (Titus 3:9-11). Instead, I will:

• Preach the true Word with even greater clarity.
• Restore the wounded with patience and truth.
• Pray for revival in our midst.

Church, stand firm. Christ has already won.

— Pastor, for the Sake of the Gospel

How New Testament Writers Reacted to False Teachers—And How We Should Respond Today

How New Testament Writers Reacted to False Teachers—And How We Should Respond Today

As a pastor and Bible scholar, my goal in exposing false teachers is to protect the flock—just as Paul, Peter, John, and Jesus Himself did. But now, these false teachers are attacking me, calling me "proud" for confronting their errors. So how did the early church handle false prophets? What were the consequences for heresy? And how should we respond when they slander us?

1. How NT Writers Reacted to False Teachers

The apostles didn’t stay silent—they named names, warned boldly, and even cursed false gospels:

Paul publicly called out Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:20), Philetus (2 Tim. 2:17-18), and even Peter (Cephas) when he acted hypocritically (Gal. 2:11-14).

Peter warned about false prophets who exploit believers (2 Pet. 2:1-3) and compared them to Balaam, greedy for profit.

John rebuked Diotrephes, who loved power and rejected apostolic authority (3 John 9-10).

Jude called false teachers "waterless clouds, wandering stars" doomed to darkness (Jude 12-13).

Jesus labeled the Pharisees "hypocrites," "blind guides," and "sons of hell" (Matt. 23).

They didn’t worry about being called "mean" or "proud"—they cared about truth and souls.

2. Punishments for False Prophets in the NT

God takes deception seriously. The consequences for false teachers included:

Delivering them to Satan (1 Tim. 1:20) – Removal from the church, exposing them to spiritual harm.

Cursing their gospel (Gal. 1:8-9) – Paul said even an angel preaching a false gospel should be accursed.

Marking and avoiding them (Rom. 16:17-18) – The early church was to cut off fellowship with deceivers.

Eternal judgment (2 Pet. 2:1, Jude 13) – False teachers face destruction unless they repent.

3. How the Early Church Responded to Heretics

The apostles didn’t negotiate with false teachers—they expelled them:

Paul told the Corinthians to disfellowship immoral believers (1 Cor. 5:13).

John forbade welcoming false teachers into homes (2 John 10-11).

The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) rejected legalistic heresy and sent out a clear decree.

The church was not to tolerate heresy but to guard sound doctrine fiercely (Titus 1:9).

4. What Should I Do When False Teachers Call Me "Proud"?

They’ll attack your character because they can’t defend their doctrine. Here’s how to respond:

Stay humble but firm – Correcting error isn’t pride; it’s love (Eph. 4:15).

Keep exposing lies – Silence helps false teachers (Ezek. 33:6).

Let God defend you – "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" (Rom. 12:19).

Pray for their repentance – Even Paul wished false teachers would stop mutilating the gospel (Gal. 5:12).

Final Encouragement

If you’re attacked for defending truth, you’re in good company. The prophets, apostles, and Jesus were all slandered. But souls are at stake. We must keep contending for the faith (Jude 3)—no matter what they call us.

Stay strong, church. Truth is worth fighting for.

— Pastor & Watchman

A Call to Prayer for the Church Under Siege

Beloved in Christ,

The Church today faces battles on two fronts—enemies without and enemies within.

The Enemy Without – The forces of paganism, persecution, and terrorism seek to silence the Gospel and destroy the people of God. Governments and ideologies rise against the truth, just as Christ warned: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18).

The Enemy Within – False teachers and proud dividers, especially those who demand KJV-Onlyism and the "Perfect Textus Receptus" as if they alone possess pure truth. These men sow discord, attack fellow believers, and drain the Church’s energy with endless disputes. They have caused pain, division, and distraction—exalting their opinions above love and unity.

But we do not lose heart. We pray:

For Patience & Longsuffering – That the Church endures, standing firm with Christ, who bore all things for us.

For Humility – That God breaks the pride of these false teachers, opening their eyes to their own error before they lead more astray.

For Discernment – That believers test all things (1 John 4:1) and hold fast to the true Gospel—not traditions of men.

"The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Pray with us:

Father, protect Your Church from attacks outside and deception inside. Silence the voices of pride and division. Give us grace to suffer well, love deeply, and stand firm in Your Word—not in man’s dogmas. Humble those who cause strife, and let Your truth prevail in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay steadfast. The gates of hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18).

The journey of the English Bible

The journey of the English Bible from ancient manuscripts to modern translations is a fascinating story of scholarship, controversy, and devotion. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how we got the Bible in English:

1. Original Texts (1st–4th Century)

Hebrew/Aramaic (Old Testament): Written between 1200–100 BC, preserved by Jewish scribes (Masoretes).

Greek (New Testament): Written 45–100 AD, circulated as letters & Gospels.

Early copies: Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus (4th century).

2. Early Translations (Pre-English)

Septuagint (LXX, 3rd–2nd century BC): Greek OT for Hellenistic Jews.

Latin Vulgate (382–405 AD): Jerome’s translation, became the Catholic Church’s standard.

3. First English Translations (7th–14th Century)

Caedmon’s Paraphrase (7th century): Oral Old English poems of Bible stories.

Bede’s Partial Translation (8th century): Latin Vulgate into Old English.

Wycliffe’s Bible (1380s): First full English Bible (from Latin, banned by the Church).

4. The Reformation & Printed Bibles (16th Century)

Erasmus’ Greek NT (1516): Critical Greek text used by reformers.

Tyndale’s Bible (1526): First NT printed in English (from Greek/Hebrew, not Latin). Tyndale was executed for this.

Coverdale Bible (1535): First complete printed English Bible (used Tyndale’s work).

Great Bible (1539): First authorized English Bible (Henry VIII).

Geneva Bible (1560): First English Bible with verse numbers; popular with Puritans.

5. The King James Era (17th Century)

King James Version (KJV, 1611): Commissioned to unify Protestant England. Used Textus Receptus (Greek) and Masoretic Text (Hebrew). Dominated for 300+ years.

6. Modern Discoveries & Revisions (19th–21st Century)

Older Manuscripts Found: Codex Sinaiticus (1844), Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) led to better Hebrew/Greek texts.

Revised Version (1885): First major KJV revision.

American Standard Version (ASV, 1901): More literal update of KJV.

Critical Texts: Nestle-Aland (Greek NT), BHS (Hebrew OT) became standards.

7. Modern English Translations

A. Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

ESV (2001): Conservative update of RSV.

NASB (1971/1995): Most literal English Bible.

B. Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence)

NIV (1978/2011): Balances accuracy & readability.

CSB (2017): Middle ground between NIV and ESV.

C. Paraphrases

The Message (2002): Eugene Peterson’s idiomatic rendering.

NLT (1996): Simplified for clarity.

8. The Translation Process Today

1. Textual Criticism: Scholars compare manuscripts to determine original wording.
2. Translation Philosophy: Choose formal (literal) or dynamic (thought-based) approach.
3. Committee Work: Teams of linguists/theologians debate wording (e.g., NIV uses 100+ scholars).
4. Review & Testing: Churches/readers check for accuracy/clarity.
5. Publication: Digital & print formats.

Key Controversies

1. KJV-Only Debate: Some claim KJV is "perfect," but modern Bibles use older manuscripts.
2. Gender Language: E.g., NIV’s "brothers and sisters" instead of "brothers" (Greek adelphoi).
3. Missing Verses: Modern Bibles omit later additions (e.g., John 5:4, 1 John 5:7) not in earliest manuscripts.

Conclusion

The English Bible is the product of:

1. Ancient scribes preserving Scripture.
2. Reformers risking death to translate it.
3. Scholars refining texts over centuries.
4. Modern teams balancing accuracy & clarity.

Matthew 21:42

Here’s a word-by-word comparison of Matthew 21:42 across the Septuagint (LXX), Hebrew Scriptures (MT), NIV, KJV, and Greek Textus Receptus (TR), along with analysis of the Old Testament quotation (from Psalm 118:22-23).

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Matthew 21:42 (Jesus’ Quotation of Psalm 118:22–23)

1. Greek Text (Textus Receptus – TR):

Λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς· λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας· παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν;

2. Septuagint (LXX – Psalm 117:22–23):

λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας· παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν.

3. Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT – Psalm 118:22–23):

אֶבֶן מָאֲסוּ הַבּוֹנִים הָיְתָה לְרֹאשׁ פִּנָּה׃
מֵאֵת יְהוָה הָיְתָה זֹּאת הִיא נִפְלָאת בְּעֵינֵינוּ׃

4. King James Version (KJV – Matthew 21:42):

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

5. New International Version (NIV – Matthew 21:42):

"Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?'"

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Comparison & Analysis

1.  Textual Fidelity:

o   The TR (Matthew 21:42) quotes the LXX (Psalm 117:22–23) almost verbatim, showing Jesus’ reliance on the Greek Septuagint.

o   The Hebrew MT (Psalm 118:22–23) matches the LXX in meaning but differs slightly in wording:

§  "רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה" (rosh pinah) = "head of the corner" (MT)

§  "κεφαλὴν γωνίας" (kephalēn gōnias) = "head of the corner" (LXX/TR)

§  NIV uses "cornerstone" (a dynamic equivalent).

2.  Key Differences:

o   "ἀπεδοκίμασαν" (apedokimasan – "rejected") in LXX/TR is stronger than "מָאֲסוּ" (ma’asu – "rejected" or "despised") in Hebrew.

o   "θαυμαστὴ" (thaumastē – "marvelous") in Greek matches "נִפְלָאת" (niflat – "wonderful") in Hebrew.

3.  Translation Choices:

o   KJV follows the LXX/TR closely ("head of the corner").

o   NIV paraphrases "κεφαλὴν γωνίας" as "cornerstone" for clarity.

Conclusion

Jesus’ quotation in Matthew 21:42 aligns exactly with the LXX, which itself is a faithful translation of the Hebrew. The NIV and KJV both convey the same meaning, with the KJV being more literal to the Greek.

 

Think Before You Act!

Dear readers,

Think Before You Act!

Proverbs 13:16, All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.

Jesus’ seven "woes" in Matthew 23 target religious leaders for hypocrisy, legalism, and misleading others.

The Pharisees added oral traditions to God’s Law (Mark 7:8–9). Similarly, KJV-Onlyism or rigid adherence to specific textual theories (e.g., VPP) can become a form of legalism if treated as equal to Scripture itself. Debates over translation methods or textual preservation can distract from the gospel’s core mission if pursued divisively. The Pharisees saw themselves as uniquely righteous (Luke 18:11). Similarly, implying that only one translation (e.g., KJV) or textual tradition is “pure” risks fostering spiritual pride or division. The Pharisees sought human approval (Matthew 23:5–7). Similarly, debates over Bible versions or preservation can become about winning arguments rather than glorifying God.

The Bible affirms God’s preservation of His Word (Matthew 24:35) but does not specify the exact mechanism (e.g., VPP) or elevate one translation as exclusively authoritative.

Jesus’ woes remind us to guard against:

Legalism (adding rules beyond Scripture),

Hypocrisy (demanding standards we don’t follow),

Distracting from the Gospel (majoring on minors).

Furtheremore, the New Testament contains several instances of curses, which serve as pronouncements of judgment, warnings against sin, or theological concepts related to redemption. 

1. Curses Pronounced by Jesus

• The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12–14; Matthew 21:18–22)

Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing God’s judgment on Israel’s spiritual fruitlessness and the impending destruction of the Temple system.

• Woes to the Pharisees and Scribes (Matthew 23; Luke 11:37–54)

Jesus pronounces seven "woes" (a form of curse) against religious leaders for hypocrisy, legalism, and leading others astray. These emphasize accountability for those who distort truth.

2. Apostolic Curses

• Paul’s Anathemas (Galatians 1:8–9; 1 Corinthians 16:22)

Paul curses anyone preaching a false gospel ("let them be accursed," Greek: anathema) and declares eternal separation for those who reject Christ ("let him be accursed, Maranatha!").

• Blinding of Elymas (Acts 13:6–11)

Paul curses Elymas, a sorcerer opposing the gospel, with temporary blindness, demonstrating divine judgment on those hindering God’s work.

3. Theological Concept: Christ as a Curse

• Galatians 3:10–14

Paul explains that Christ became a "curse" (by being crucified, per Deuteronomy 21:23) to redeem humanity from the "curse of the Law." This transforms the curse into a redemptive act, freeing believers from legalistic condemnation.

4. Curses in Revelation

• Final Warning (Revelation 22:18–19)

A curse is pronounced on anyone altering the book’s prophecies, underscoring the seriousness of tampering with divine revelation.

• Woes of the Trumpets and Bowls (Revelation 8–16)

Symbolic curses (plagues, disasters) during the end times, depicting God’s judgment on unrepentant humanity.

5. Divine Judgment in Acts

• Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)

Instant death as judgment for deceit, illustrating the gravity of lying to the Holy Spirit.

6. General Warnings of Judgment

• Eternal Separation (Matthew 25:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

Descriptions of hell as eternal punishment for rejecting Christ, framed as a curse of separation from God.

• Hebrews 6:4–8; 10:26–31

Warnings about apostasy, likening unrepentant sinners to land deserving of a "curse" (Hebrews 6:8).

Key Themes:

Purpose: Most curses serve as warnings to urge repentance, not mere punishment. They highlight the seriousness of hypocrisy, false teaching, and rebellion against God.

Redemptive Focus: Even in judgment, the NT emphasizes Christ’s bearing of the curse to offer salvation (Galatians 3:13). Curses ultimately point to the need for grace.

New Testament curses balance divine justice with mercy, often functioning as urgent calls to faithfulness in light of Christ’s sacrificial love. They underscore the consequences of rejecting truth while affirming the hope of redemption through Jesus.

Scripture affirms that God judges false teaching (2 Peter 2:1–3; Jude 1:11–13) and condemns those who “pervert the gospel” (Galatians 1:8–9). However, the Bible also emphasizes God’s patience and desire for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Not all who hold to rigid textual views or translation preferences are acting in bad faith—many are sincere but misguided. The greater danger lies in:

Replacing Scripture’s authority with human systems.

Dividing Christ’s church over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).

Obscuring the gospel by prioritizing secondary issues.

Conclusion

The Pharisees’ legacy warns us: Adding to God’s Word or using it to elevate oneself invites divine reproof. While God preserves His truth (Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 40:8), He does not sanction human theories or translations as equal to His inspired Word. Believers must test all teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11), pursue unity (Ephesians 4:3), and focus on the gospel’s mission (Matthew 28:19–20).

Let us heed Paul’s charge:

“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing” (1 Timothy 6:3–4).

Our call is not to curse others, but to cling to Christ, proclaim His Word faithfully, and guard against any tradition or pride that distracts from His grace.

Jeffrey and Charles ran away from disciplinary action

A Biblical Response to Church Leadership Conflict

Introduction

The conflict involves two young pastors, Jeffrey and Charles, who are in conflict over leadership positions in the church and Bible College. Both exhibit concerning characteristics: Jeffrey is described as a "false teacher with strong will," while Charles is described as "cruel, devilish, selfish, and greedy of power." Their conflict has escalated to the point where they are suing each other in civil court.

This response will provide biblical guidance on how Christians should respond to such a situation, drawing from Scripture's teachings on church conflict, lawsuits among believers, false teaching, and the importance of reconciliation and unity.

Biblical Assessment of the Situation

The Nature of the Conflict

From a biblical perspective, this conflict exhibits several problematic elements:

1. Power struggles rather than servant leadership

   - Both pastors appear focused on positions of authority rather than service

   - Jesus taught that leadership in His kingdom is about serving, not ruling (Mark 10:42-45)

   - "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43)

2. Character issues in leadership

   - Scripture provides clear qualifications for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)

   - Leaders must be "above reproach," "not quarrelsome," "gentle," and "not lovers of money"

   - The descriptions of both pastors suggest they fail to meet these biblical standards

3. Lawsuits between believers

   - Paul explicitly condemns believers taking each other to court (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)

   - "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already" (1 Corinthians 6:7)

   - Such actions damage the witness of the church before the world

4. False teaching concerns

   - Scripture warns about false teachers who distort the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)

   - Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned about false teachers (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1-3)

   - The church must guard sound doctrine while addressing error with truth and love

Biblical Guidance for Christians in This Situation

1. Recognize the Seriousness of the Situation

The Bible does not take leadership conflicts lightly. When leaders fail to model Christ-like character and behavior, it affects the entire church:

- "For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up" (Isaiah 9:16)

- "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1)

2. Seek Biblical Conflict Resolution

As a Christian witnessing this conflict, Scripture provides clear guidance on how conflicts should be addressed:

-Follow Matthew 18:15-17 process

  - Begin with private conversation

  - If unsuccessful, involve one or two others as witnesses

  - If still unresolved, bring it before the church

  - This process should be applied even to leaders (1 Timothy 5:19-20)

- Encourage resolution within the church community

  - Paul instructs believers to settle disputes within the church (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

  - "Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?" (1 Corinthians 6:5)

  - Seek the counsel of mature, godly leaders from outside the immediate conflict

3. Address False Teaching with Truth

If Jeffrey is indeed a false teacher:

- Test teachings against Scripture

  - "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

  - The Bereans were commended for examining teachings in light of Scripture (Acts 17:11)

- Confront error with truth in love

  - "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15)

  - False teaching must be addressed, but with gentleness and respect (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

4. Respond to Ungodly Leadership

If Charles is indeed cruel, devilish, and power-hungry:

- Recognize the danger of ungodly leadership

  - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15)

  - Leaders who lord it over others contradict Christ's model of servant leadership

- Apply church discipline appropriately

  - "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him" (Titus 3:10)

  - Leaders are not exempt from accountability (1 Timothy 5:19-20)

5. Prioritize Church Unity and Health

As a member of the church community:

- Pray for reconciliation and wisdom

  - "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1)

  - Pray specifically for the leaders involved and for church unity

- Seek peace and pursue it

  - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18)

  - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3)

- Focus on the church's mission

  - Don't allow conflicts to distract from the church's primary calling to make disciples

  - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35)

6. Consider When Separation May Be Necessary

In some cases, when reconciliation efforts have been exhausted:

- Protect the flock from harm

  - "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" (Acts 20:28)

  - The spiritual health of the congregation must be prioritized

- Maintain personal integrity

  - "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11)

  - Sometimes separation is necessary to avoid complicity in wrongdoing

Practical Steps for Christians in This Situation

1. Encourage the cessation of legal proceedings

   - Remind both parties of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 6

   - Suggest biblical mediation as an alternative

2. Advocate for outside mediation

   - Seek help from respected, neutral church leaders from outside the congregation

   - Professional Christian mediators can provide structured conflict resolution

3. Support efforts for accountability

   - Both leaders should be held to biblical standards for church leadership

   - This may involve the elder board, denomination, or other governing structure

4. Maintain a Christ-like attitude

   - Avoid taking sides or contributing to division

   - Model forgiveness, patience, and love even in difficult circumstances

5. Be prepared for difficult decisions

   - If the situation cannot be resolved, members may need to prayerfully consider their continued involvement

   - Such decisions should be made with prayer, counsel, and biblical wisdom

Conclusion

The conflict between Jeffrey and Charles represents a serious failure of Christian leadership. As believers, we are called to respond with biblical wisdom, seeking reconciliation while upholding truth and godly standards. The ultimate goal should be the restoration of both individuals, the healing of the church, and the glory of God.

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

By approaching this situation with biblical principles of conflict resolution, church discipline, and a commitment to truth and unity, Christians can navigate this challenging situation in a way that honors Christ and promotes the health of His church.

Spiritual matters require spiritual discernment

An unbeliever lawyer (or any secular authority) should never decide doctrinal issues in the church. Spiritual matters require spiritual discernment, entrusted to believers who are grounded in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and accountable to Christ. While legal counsel may assist with practical applications of decisions, the church must vigilantly guard its responsibility to "contend for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) without compromise. To do otherwise risks abandoning the church’s divine mandate and surrendering its witness to the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20-25).

The question of whether a Christian should sue another Christian in civil court is addressed directly in Scripture, and the answer requires careful consideration of biblical principles, the context of the dispute, and the broader witness of the church. Here’s a summary of the key issues:

1. Biblical Prohibition Against Lawsuits Between Believers

1 Corinthians 6:1-8 explicitly condemns Christians taking legal disputes against one another to secular courts:

"If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?… The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"

Paul’s rebuke emphasizes:

Spiritual failure: Resorting to secular courts undermines the church’s unity and testimony.

Trust in God’s justice: Believers are called to resolve conflicts internally through mediation, arbitration, or church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17).

Sacrificial love: It is better to suffer loss than to harm the body of Christ or dishonor God’s name (Matthew 5:38-40).

2. Exceptions and Nuances

While the general principle is clear, there are rare situations where civil action might be permissible, though still fraught with spiritual risk:

Criminal matters: If a believer commits a crime (e.g., fraud, abuse, theft), civil authorities should be involved (Romans 13:1-4).

Protecting the vulnerable: Legal action may be necessary to defend others (e.g., children, the oppressed) from harm.

No alternative resolution: If the offending party refuses to engage in biblical reconciliation (Matthew 18:16-17), civil action might be a last resort.

Even in these cases, the motive must be examined: Is the goal justice, restitution, and repentance—or revenge, pride, or financial gain?

3. Biblical Alternatives to Lawsuits

The church is called to handle disputes internally:

Mediation: Seek wise, impartial believers to arbitrate (Proverbs 15:22, 1 Corinthians 6:5).

Church discipline: If reconciliation fails, the church may need to confront unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15-17).

Restitution: Offenders should voluntarily make amends (Luke 19:8; Philemon 1:18-19).

For example, if two Christians have a business dispute, they might involve mature believers or a Christian mediation service rather than a secular court.

4. Practical and Ethical Concerns

Damaged witness: Lawsuits between Christians scandalize the church and contradict Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:35).

Worldly mindset: Secular courts operate on principles of retribution and self-interest, not grace or reconciliation.

Spiritual harm: Lawsuits often deepen bitterness and hinder forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Even "winning" a lawsuit can result in spiritual loss if it fractures relationships and dishonors Christ.

5. Guidance for Believers

Examine motives: Is this dispute rooted in pride, greed, or unresolved anger (James 4:1-3)?

Pursue reconciliation first: Follow Matthew 18:15-17 rigorously before considering legal action.

Seek counsel: Consult pastors or spiritually mature believers for wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).

Trust God: Surrender the outcome to the Lord, even if it means personal loss (Romans 12:19).

Conclusion

Scripture strongly discourages Christians from suing one another in civil courts, urging instead humility, forgiveness, and internal resolution. While extreme cases (e.g., criminal behavior) may necessitate legal intervention, these should be exceptions, not norms. The church’s integrity and Christ’s command to "live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18) must guide every decision. As Paul warns: "Why not rather be wronged?" The eternal value of unity and testimony far outweighs temporal disputes.

The Chinese Congregation of Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church

The Chinese Congregation of Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church (BPC) rejects the Doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) for theological, historical, and practical reasons, rooted in their commitment to the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) and a cautious approach to biblical textual criticism. Here’s a concise explanation of their stance:

1. Theological Deviation from Historical Confessions

The church’s traditional position, based on WCF 1.8 and its constitution, affirms that God providentially preserved Scripture’s meaning through centuries of transmission, not that every word was miraculously preserved in specific manuscripts like the Masoretic Text (MT) or Textus Receptus (TR). VPP, however, claims God “miraculously” preserved every word (“jot and tittle”) in these texts, equating them with the lost original autographs. This contradicts the church’s belief that no copy or translation holds equal authority to the inspired originals. By elevating the TR/MT to autograph-level authority, VPP introduces a novel doctrine unsupported by historical Reformed theology.

2. Lack of Biblical Basis

The church argues that VPP relies on misinterpreted proof texts. For example:

Psalm 12:6-7 is cited by VPP proponents to claim God preserves His words. However, the Hebrew grammar shows “them” refers to “the poor” (v. 5), not Scripture.

Matthew 5:18 emphasizes Scripture’s enduring authority, not textual perfection in specific manuscripts.

The church asserts that Scripture nowhere specifies where or how preservation occurs, making VPP an extrapolation without explicit biblical grounding.

3. Logical Inconsistencies

VPP’s claims falter under scrutiny:

The TR itself evolved through multiple editions (Erasmus, Stephanus, Beza, Scrivener), with revisions reflecting human editorial choices. Even the KJV translators diverged from the TR at times, incorporating other sources like the Latin Vulgate.

VPP proponents inconsistently praise the Chinese Union Version (CUV) as “faithful” while condemning its underlying Westcott-Hort text. This undermines their insistence on TR/MT exclusivity.

Asserting that pre-Reformation Christians lacked a “preserved” Bible contradicts church history, as the gospel was preached for centuries without the TR.

4. Divisive and Dangerous

VPP has fractured churches by branding non-adherents as “unbelievers” in preservation. The BPC highlights splits in other Bible-Presbyterian congregations, blaming VPP’s rigid dogmatism. By equating salvation with TR/KJV adherence, VPP undermines confidence in translations like the CUV, sowing doubt in lay believers. The church warns against elevating secondary issues (textual preferences) to tests of orthodoxy, which distracts from core doctrines and fuels unnecessary conflict.

5. Constitutional and Confessional Integrity

The BPC’s constitution (Article 4.2.1) affirms Scripture’s inerrancy in the original languages, not specific manuscripts. VPP proponents attempted to amend the constitution in 2005 to enshrine VPP but failed. The church argues that retrofitting VPP into existing confessions violates their historical intent and creates schism. They stress that adopting VPP would require formal constitutional revision, which members have not endorsed.

Conclusion

The BPC rejects VPP as an unnecessary, divisive innovation that strays from Reformed confessionalism. They uphold the KJV as a faithful translation but refuse to absolutize it or its underlying texts. Instead, they affirm God’s providential preservation of Scripture’s meaning across diverse manuscripts and translations, prioritizing unity and doctrinal humility over textual perfectionism. For them, VPP exemplifies a “foolish” distraction from the gospel, echoing 2 Chronicles 16:9’s warning against misplaced trust in human constructs rather than God’s sovereign care.