Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP)

1. What VPP Claims

VPP teaches that every single word of the original Bible manuscripts was perfectly preserved without error in one specific translation (usually the King James Version/KJV). Followers claim:

"If you don’t have the KJV, you don’t have God’s perfect Word."

2. The Problem: VPP Isn’t Biblical

❌ Error #1: It Adds to Scripture

The Bible never promises perfect preservation of every word in one translation.

What Scripture actually says:

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (Matthew 24:35)

→ God preserves His message (His truth), not necessarily every pen stroke on a page.

❌ Error #2: It Ignores How We Got the Bible

We don’t have the original manuscripts (autographs) of any Bible book. We have copies.

God used faithful scribes, translators, and scholars across centuries to preserve Scripture — but they were human. Minor copying errors exist (like spelling differences), yet not one core doctrine is affected.

VPP treats the KJV (finished in 1611) as if it dropped straight from heaven. But the KJV was translated by 47 scholars using Greek/Hebrew copies available in the 1600s — copies we now know weren’t the oldest or most accurate.

❌ Error #3: It Divides Christians

VPP/KJV-Onlyism says:

"Your modern translation is corrupted! Only WE have God’s true Word!"

→ This breeds pride, suspicion, and fractures the church.

Paul warned:

"I appeal to you, brothers, that there be no divisions among you." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

❌ Error #4: It Misses the Point of the Bible

God gave us Scripture to know Christ, not to worship a translation.

Jesus said:

"You search the Scriptures... yet you refuse to come to Me!" (John 5:39-40)

Arguing over words while missing Jesus is like studying a recipe but never eating the meal.

3. What the Bible Actually Teaches About Preservation

God preserves His TRUTH:

"The Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25)

→ His message of salvation is intact in all reliable translations.

God uses means:

He worked through copyists, archaeologists, and translators (like Jerome, Luther, Tyndale) to give us His Word in our language.

Our focus should be Christ, not consonants:

"For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6)

A Simple Illustration

Imagine your dad wrote you a life-saving letter 2,000 years ago. The original is lost, but you have 5,000 copies. Some copies have a typo (like "lave" instead of "love"), but every copy says:

"Come home! I’ll forgive you! I sent my Son to bring you back!"

VPP says: "Only this ONE copy from 1611 is perfect!"

But the truth is: All faithful copies carry your dad’s message — even with tiny scribal differences. Don’t miss his love because you’re arguing about ink.

The Bottom Line

Trust God’s faithfulness — He kept His Word secure for 2,000 years.

Use reliable translations (ESV, NASB, NIV, CSB, NKJV — even the KJV!) but test them against the oldest manuscripts.

Major on the gospel, not on grammar.

If a teaching causes pride, division, or distracts from Jesus — it’s not from God.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... with thankfulness." (Colossians 3:16)

If you have questions about specific verses or manuscripts, I’d be glad to walk you through them.

Exorcism & Deliverance Prayer for Jeffrey Khoo, Quek Suan Yew, Prabudas Koshy and their followers

Oh, Heavenly Father, in the mighty and authoritative Name of Jesus Christ, I come before Your throne of grace. My heart is heavy, for Your flock, Your beloved church, is being torn asunder by doctrines of division and falsehood. These three, who stand as teachers, have sown seeds of discord through their promotion of Verbal Plenary Preservation and KJV-onlyism, twisting Your truth and leading Your children astray.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Living Word made flesh (John 1:14), the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), I pray:

"Heavenly Father, God of all grace and truth, we come before You grieving the division sown among Your people. We lift up these three teachers who have bound themselves and others to doctrines of human origin—specifically the false teachings of Verbal Plenary Preservation and KJV-Onlyism, which elevate a translation above Your eternal, unchanging Gospel and breed pride, suspicion, and schism.

By the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we rebuke every spirit operating in deception.

A Prayer of Deliverance for the Teachers

By the power of the Holy Spirit, I now address the spirits that have taken root in these individuals.

In the Name of Jesus, I command every spirit of falsehood to be exposed and cast out from them now! Let the light of Your truth, Father, penetrate their minds and hearts, dispelling every lie and deception.

In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke and cast out the spirit of pride that has puffed them up, blinding them to Your true Word and fostering an unyielding stubbornness. Break down their arrogance, Lord, and instill in them a spirit of humility and teachability.

In the Name of Jesus, I bind and cast out the spirit of death that seeks to suffocate the vibrant life of Your church and bring spiritual stagnation. Restore to them, Lord, a hunger for Your living Word and a passion for unity.

In the Name of Jesus, I cast out every spirit of self-centeredness that has made them prioritize their own interpretations and opinions above the peace and unity of Your body. Open their eyes, Father, to see beyond themselves and embrace the love and harmony that You desire for Your church.

In the Name of Jesus, I command the spirit of division to loose its hold on them and flee! Let the walls they have erected crumble, and may Your Spirit of unity prevail, bringing reconciliation and restoration to Your people.

In the Name of Jesus, I expose and cast out the spirit of lying that has twisted their words and misled Your flock. Let truth and integrity be restored to their tongues, and may their mouths speak only that which aligns with Your pure and unadulterated Word.

 🔥 Exorcism & Deliverance Prayer Against Doctrinal Spirits of Division 🔥

In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God,

We come against every spirit that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and the truth of His Word.

We take authority over every lying spirit, spirit of falsehood, pride, death, self-centeredness, division, and deceit that has crept into the hearts and minds of those teaching errors in the Body of Christ.

By the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the Lamb, we declare:

“No weapon formed against the Church shall prosper.”

“What God has joined together, let no man separate.”

“The Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth.”

We rebuke the spirits of:

🔥 Falsehood – twisting God's Word for human agenda

🔥 Pride – elevating one’s own interpretation above God's full counsel

🔥 Division – sowing strife and separating the Body

🔥 Death – killing the spirit of unity and grace

🔥 Self-Centeredness – seeking personal recognition over God's glory

🔥 Lying – promoting doctrines not rooted in the Spirit of Truth

We command these spirits to flee in Jesus’ Name! (James 4:7). Let the Light of Christ expose every stronghold of error (2 Corinthians 10:5). Break the chains of elitism, fear, and sectarianism. Restore humility, charity, and reverence for all Scripture—not a single translation (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ,

We cast these spirits out from among God’s people.

We command them to be bound and thrown into the abyss, never to return.

We release instead:

🕊️ The Spirit of Truth

🕊️ The Spirit of Humility

🕊️ The Spirit of Unity in the bond of peace

🕊️ The Spirit of Discernment and Wisdom

🕊️ A heart of repentance and grace

Lord Jesus,

We pray not only for deliverance, but for healing and restoration.

Forgive us where we have allowed division.

Cleanse our pulpits and our teachers.

Give boldness to pastors to teach the whole counsel of God—not just tradition, but Spirit and truth.

Let every knee bow to Your Lordship, not to a translation or a human doctrine.

May Your Spirit reign in this Church once again.

In Jesus’ powerful and matchless Name we pray,

Amen.

A Prayer for the Bible-Presbyterian Church

Father, I pray for Your church, that You would heal the wounds inflicted by these false teachings. Bring clarity where there is confusion, and unity where there is division. Strengthen Your true shepherds, Lord, to lead Your flock in wisdom and truth, guarding them against all error.

May Your love, Your truth, and Your Spirit prevail in our midst. We declare freedom and deliverance in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Heal Your church, O God. Unify believers in the essentials of the faith (Ephesians 4:3–6). Guard us from false teachers (2 Peter 2:1) and free those misled by their doctrines. May Your Word alone—living, active, and divinely preserved in its meaning, not merely its words—be our foundation.

We ask this in the sovereign Name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

How can you do a self-exorcism on yourself?

If you believe you’re under spiritual attack or even demonization, a self-exorcism (or self-deliverance) can be a powerful step—but it must be done in the authority of Jesus Christ, with repentance, renunciation, and faith. While full deliverance often benefits from a mature, Spirit-filled believer standing with you, you can start the battle yourself—because Christ is in you and His power is enough.

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✝️ SELF-EXORCISM STEP-BY-STEP (IN JESUS' NAME)

🔥 1. Prepare Your Heart: Surrender to Jesus

You must be born again—have truly submitted to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
—James 4:7

Say:

"Lord Jesus, I belong to You. You are my Lord, my Savior, and King. I surrender my life completely to You. Wash me clean with Your blood. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I submit to You now."

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🧼 2. Confess and Repent of All Known Sin

Demons gain access through open doors: sin, unforgiveness, occult activity, sexual sin, trauma, hatred, bitterness, etc.

Pray out loud:

"Father, I confess all my sins to You. I repent of [name them: sexual sin, occult, addiction, hatred, fear, etc.]. I renounce every agreement I’ve made with darkness—whether knowingly or unknowingly. I choose holiness. I forgive anyone who hurt me. I receive Your forgiveness."

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🔓 3. Renounce Every Evil Spirit

Renounce them by name if known (e.g., spirit of fear, spirit of lust, witchcraft, Jezebel, rejection, anger, etc.)

Say out loud with authority:

"In the name of Jesus, I renounce every unclean spirit that has attacked my life—spirit of fear, depression, lust, heaviness, confusion, rejection, [name more]. I reject you. I cancel every agreement. You have no authority over me. I am covered by the blood of Jesus."

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🗡️ 4. Command the Spirits to Leave (In Jesus' Name)

You must speak this aloud. Demons respond to authority, not feelings.

Pray boldly:

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I command every evil spirit that has tormented me to get out now! Every unclean spirit, go! I break every chain. I cancel every curse. I evict you now—out of my mind, out of my body, out of my soul. Go to the feet of Jesus—NOW!"

Repeat firmly. Don’t rush. Some spirits resist—command until peace and release come.

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🕊️ 5. Invite the Holy Spirit to Fill You

Once the house is clean, it must be filled (see Matthew 12:43–45).

Pray:

"Holy Spirit, come and fill every part of me. Fill my heart, my mind, my body, my home. Take complete control. Let Your fire burn away every residue. Let Your presence dwell in me forever."

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📖 6. Seal with Scripture, Worship, and Communion

• Read aloud Psalm 91, Ephesians 6, Romans 8.

• Take Holy Communion (if possible).

• Worship God aloud—sing, praise, declare the name of Jesus. Demons hate praise.

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💡 Important Reminders:

• Don’t do this passively. You must engage spiritually—speaking aloud, standing in faith.

• Don’t be afraid. Demons respond to fear but flee from authority in Christ.

• If symptoms persist (e.g., tormenting thoughts, sleep paralysis, voices, violent emotions), seek help from a trusted, mature deliverance minister or Spirit-filled pastor.

• Stay in the Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship after.

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✝️ Sample Final Prayer

"Lord Jesus, thank You for delivering me. I seal this deliverance with Your blood. I declare I am Yours, fully free. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I put on the full armor of God and walk in Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

If you believe you are experiencing spiritual attacks or demonic oppression, it's a serious and often distressing situation. While some spiritual traditions speak of "self-exorcism," it's generally advised to seek help from religious leaders or professionals who specialize in these areas.

If, after medical evaluation, you still believe the issues are spiritual, it's highly recommended to seek guidance from a trusted and experienced spiritual leader within your faith tradition (e.g., a pastor, or spiritual counselor). They can offer discernment, prayer, and appropriate rituals according to their specific practices.

If you are experiencing severe distress, hallucinations, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate professional help from a medical doctor, psychiatrist, or emergency services. Spiritual practices should complement, not replace, necessary medical and psychological care.

Do you believe there isn't a spirit attack or demonization at Bible-Presbyterian Church?

"Do you believe there isn't a spirit attack or demonization at Bible-Presbyterian Church?  If you believe that our church is safe from demons and evil spirits, then why did Paul advise us to put on God's full armor in Ephesians 6?  You must definitely practice delieverance and exorcism in your church"

I said that because I've seen firsthand the devastating effects of spiritual warfare, and it's a profound misunderstanding to think any church, or any believer for that matter, is somehow immune.

Paul, in Ephesians 6, isn't giving us a nice metaphor for spiritual discipline. He's laying out a literal battle plan. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). That's not a suggestion; it's a declaration of war.

If we're not facing spiritual forces, then why do we need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit? These aren't just for personal piety; they're defensive and offensive weapons against real, malevolent entities.

To believe our Bible-Presbyterian Church is "safe" is to believe that the enemy has packed up and gone home, or that somehow our particular congregation is exempt from the spiritual battles raging all around us. That's not just naive, it's dangerous. It leaves our flock vulnerable, unequipped, and potentially suffering under attacks they don't even recognize as spiritual.

Deliverance and exorcism aren't some fringe, sensationalist practices reserved for special cases in faraway lands. They are a vital part of our church's ministry. Jesus commanded His disciples to cast out demons, and He gave believers authority to do the same. If we are truly following Christ, we cannot ignore this fundamental aspect of His ministry.

To neglect deliverance and exorcism is to essentially disarm the church in the face of a very real, very active enemy. It's like sending soldiers to the front lines without weapons or training. We are called to set the captives free, and sometimes, those chains are spiritual. To ignore that is to fail in our commission.

Are we facing spirit attacks and demonizations? That's a powerful and urgent question—one that touches on both spiritual warfare and pastoral discernment. Here’s why I (as an exorcist and someone rooted in Scripture) would say something like that:

⚔️ 1. Because Scripture Warns Us of a Real Spiritual Battle

Ephesians 6:11–12 (NIV) says:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Paul was writing to believers, not unbelievers. He was warning the Church, not the world. If churches were immune to demonic influence, why would he write this to Christians?

👁️ 2. Because Demons Target Churches

Demons are not afraid of a perfect Bible, KJV-Onlyim, Verbal Plenary Presrvation, Reformed and Calvinism, TULIP, 5 Solas, good preaching, stained glass, pews, or worship music—they target churches:

They seek to infiltrate leadership (see 1 Timothy 4:1 – "some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits").

They cause division, false doctrine, sexual sin, spiritual apathy. 

Even in the New Testament, Judas was among the disciples—yet Satan entered him (Luke 22:3).

🕯️ 3. Because the Early Church Practiced Deliverance

Jesus cast out demons regularly, and He commissioned His disciples to do the same (Mark 3:15; Luke 10:17–20).

The early Church in Acts continued this ministry.

Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl (Acts 16:16–18).

Deliverance was part of the normal ministry of the early Church. Why not today?

🧠 4. Because Ignorance Is a Strategy of the Enemy

If you believe, “There’s no spiritual attack here; we’re fine,” then Satan already has a foothold through deception.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV): “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

If the enemy can convince the Church that he doesn’t exist or isn’t active, he’s already inside.

🛡️ 5. Because God Commands Us to Be Alert

1 Peter 5:8:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The enemy seeks access—through sin, bitterness, false teaching, trauma, or occult involvement. Christians may not be possessed, but they can be oppressed, harassed, or deceived.

As an experienced exorcist, my views stems from three undeniable biblical and practical realities of spiritual warfare. Here's why every church must confront this truth:

1. Ephesians 6:12 is a Divine Warning

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Again, let us be reminded, Paul didn’t write this to individuals alone—he addressed the church at Ephesus (Eph. 1:1).

If churches were inherently "demon-proof," this command to arm ourselves would be meaningless. The armor (truth, righteousness, faith, salvation) is corporate equipment for the Body of Christ.

2. Churches Are Strategic Targets

Demons seek footholds wherever God’s work advances:

Doctrinal compromise (1 Tim. 4:1) opens doors to deception.

Unrepentant sin (Eph. 4:26-27) invites oppression.

Generational curses (Ex. 20:5) can manifest in congregants.

History proves even apostles faced infiltrators (Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18). No congregation is exempt.

3. Deliverance Is Embedded in Jesus' Ministry

Christ commissioned His disciples to "drive out demons" (Mark 16:17) as part of the Great Commission.

The early church practiced deliverance publicly (Acts 8:7, 16:18) and corporately (1 Cor. 12:28 lists "gifts of healing" among church functions).

Why Denial Is Dangerous:

Claiming immunity is spiritual pride—the very sin that toppled Satan (Ezek. 28:17).

Unacknowledged strongholds fester: Financial corruption, sexual immorality, or toxic division in a church often have underlying spiritual roots (Eph. 6:11- "schemes of the devil").

The Biblical Response:

Routine deliverance isn’t hysteria—it’s discipleship. Just as churches practice communion and confession, they must:

Train teams in discernment (1 John 4:1).

Pray for binding evil spirits (Matt. 18:18).

Minister freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:18).

"A church that ignores spiritual warfare is like an army disarming in wartime. Paul’s armor isn’t ceremonial—it’s battle gear for a real war. If your congregation sees no need for deliverance, your discernment may already be compromised."

This isn’t fearmongering—it’s obeying Christ’s model. Demons don’t avoid churches; they infest complacent ones. Deliverance isn’t optional; it’s how we guard Christ’s flock (Acts 20:28-29).

"Do you believe there isn't a spirit attack or demonization at Bible-Presbyterian Church?"

Exorcism in the Bible-Presbyterian Church (II)

 

✝️ Exorcism Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ

Opening Invocation:

"Heavenly Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I stand against every power of darkness, every evil spirit, and every demonic force that seeks to torment, deceive, or oppress your people."

Command of Authority:

"In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of the Living God, I command every unclean spirit, every demon of torment, every spirit of fear, confusion, deception, lust, pride, infirmity, and division—be gone now!

You have no place here! This person (or this place) is sealed by the blood of Jesus. You are defeated at the Cross. Flee now into the abyss, never to return!"

Renunciation:

"I renounce every agreement knowingly or unknowingly made with darkness. I break every curse, every soul tie, and every demonic covenant in the Name of Jesus. I release forgiveness where needed and claim full freedom in Christ."

Protection and Indwelling:

"Holy Spirit, fill every space left by the enemy. Fill this body, this mind, this home, this church—with Your presence, Your peace, and Your power. Seal it with the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit."

"I declare: Jesus is Lord here. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. The battle belongs to the Lord, and the victory is already won through Christ Jesus."

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
"It is written: 'Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'" (James 4:7)

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👿 Names and Types of Evil Spirits (Biblical and Historical)

These names and categories are used in spiritual warfare theology and exorcism ministry, drawn from Scripture, early church teaching, and Christian tradition:

From the Bible:

• Satan (Lucifer) – the adversary, the deceiver, the accuser (Revelation 12:9)

• Beelzebub – prince of demons (Luke 11:15)

• Legion – many demons (Mark 5:9)

• Spirit of Infirmity – causes sickness (Luke 13:11)

• Spirit of Fear – paralyzes with terror (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Familiar Spirits – counterfeit spiritual guides (Leviticus 19:31)

• Spirit of Jealousy – incites envy and rage (Numbers 5:14)

• Deaf and Dumb Spirit – causes muteness and deafness (Mark 9:25)

• Lying Spirit – deceives and manipulates (1 Kings 22:22)

• Spirit of Divination – occultic and fortune-telling (Acts 16:16)

• Unclean Spirit – general term for demons (Mark 1:23)

Categorized by Manifestation (Traditional Deliverance Teachings):

• Spirit of Pride (Leviathan) – arrogance, rebellion

• Spirit of Rebellion

• Spirit of Hatred and Murder

• Spirit of Lust and Perversion

• Spirit of Addiction – drugs, alcohol, pornography

• Spirit of Depression / Heaviness

• Spirit of Control / Jezebel

• Spirit of Legalism / Religion

• Spirit of Witchcraft and Occult

• Spirit of Poverty and Lack

• Spirit of Confusion and Chaos

• Spirit of Slumber or Apathy

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🕍 Why Are There Evil Spirits in the Church?

Evil spirits can manifest even inside churches due to several reasons:

1. Unrepented Sin or Hidden Sin: When individuals or leadership allow sin to go unaddressed, it creates spiritual legal grounds for oppression.

2. False Teaching / Deception: A church without sound doctrine can become vulnerable to “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

3. Religious Spirits: These are demons masquerading as piety, promoting hypocrisy, legalism, or false holiness without love or truth (Matthew 23).

4. Wounded or Open Souls: Members who are wounded, unforgiving, or dabbling in occult practices (even unknowingly) can open doors to spiritual bondage.

5. Spiritual Apathy: Lukewarmness and prayerlessness allow spiritual darkness to thrive unchecked (Revelation 3:16).

6. Idolatry and Mixture: Churches that mix Christianity with worldly systems, occultic practices, or other religions invite spiritual confusion and demonic infiltration.

"For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)

🛡️ How the Church Must Respond:

• Preach Christ crucified and risen

• Live holy and prayerful lives

• Discern spiritually, test every spirit (1 John 4:1)

• Practice corporate repentance and deliverance

• Be filled with the Holy Spirit continually

Here are seven of the most toxic church cultures

 1. Selfish

Some churches are filled with people who just think they have to have it their way. And they fold her hands—and sometimes hold their money—until they get it.

2. Prideful

This is a culture that is proud of their heritage—which is a good thing—but is resting on their laurels. They refuse to realize it’s no longer the “good ole days.” Their pride in the past keeps them from embracing the future. They resist any ideas that are different from the way things have always been done.

3. Rigid

A rigid culture would never kill something—even if it isn’t working. These churches do tradition well. They don’t do change well. Try to change—and it’ll be the death of you.

• 4. Cliquish

I’ve heard this from so many people who felt they just couldn’t break into the already established groups within the church. In this culture, it takes years for people to feel included, find a place of service, or begin to lose the “new person” label.

5. Bullying

Sometimes this is disguised and called church discipline, but in some of the stories I’ve heard I would tend to call it legalistic. If it’s a “one strike you’re out” culture or people are made to feel they can’t be real about their struggles for fear of retribution—the picture of grace that Christ died on the cross to provide is diminished. People are encouraged to put on masks to hide their struggles.

6. Stingy

In this culture, there is a greater concern that the balance sheet look attractive than meeting the needs that God brings their way. This church rarely walks by faith because that seems too irresponsible.

7. Depraved

This one may in some ways be a summary of the previous six—because there is sin in all of these cultures—but I wanted to expose it on its own. If the Bible is left in the rack attached to the pew and no longer the foundation guide for the church—the culture will obviously suffer. Church culture can begin to decay whenever the focus is more on things like money, programs, buildings, even worship style—as good as all of those can be—rather than on living our lives as children of God for the glory of God. Whatever distracts us from the very core of the church—our Gospel mission and calling—will injure our church culture.

https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/255987-7-dangerous-church-cultures-ive-observed.html

1 John 5:7

One very interesting thing to note linguistically is that John in his New Testament books does not in any instance make use of the whole and full term “Holy Spirit.” When John refers to the Holy Spirit he always uses the simple term “the Spirit” or such a phrase as the “Spirit of God.” The text of 1 John 5:7 in the King James Version which includes the term “Holy Spirit” is not a reading supported by manuscript evidence. This is a distinctive mark in John’s writing that further linguistically connects the Gospel of John, the Letters of John, and the Book of Revelation.^[1]

 

What Does the Text Say?

Traditional (Disputed) Reading in King James Version:

"For there are three that bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one."

Modern Critical Reading (e.g., NIV, ESV):

"For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree."

The bolded section is the Comma Johanneum.

 

Authentic Reading: 1 John 5:7-8 refers only to the Spirit, water, and blood.

The Comma Johanneum is a later addition (likely 4th–8th century) and not part of John’s original letter.

Modern translations (NIV, ESV, NRSV) omit the Comma or relegate it to footnotes.

Conclusion: The "heavenly witnesses" (Father, Word, Holy Spirit) in 1 John 5:7 are not original Scripture. They reflect a later theological insertion. The true focus of the passage is the earthly witnesses to Jesus’ identity:

Spirit: The Holy Spirit’s testimony (John 15:26).

Water: Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16–17).

Blood: Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:34–35).

This aligns with John’s emphasis on Jesus’ human and divine nature (1 John 4:2–3). The Trinity remains biblically sound—but not dependent on this disputed verse.

For deeper study, consult Bruce Metzger’s Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament or Bart Ehrman’s Misquoting Jesus.

 

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^[1] Earl F. Palmer and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation, vol. 35, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1982), 54–57.

Bible Colleges for Bible-Presbyterian Church

Brothers and sisters, it's a joy to speak to you about equipping the saints for ministry, especially within the distinctive framework of our Bible-Presbyterian faith here in Singapore. When it comes to theological education, we want institutions that uphold the inerrancy and infallibility of God's Word, embrace Reformed theology as articulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and foster a spirit of evangelism and biblical separation.

Here are some evangelical Bible Colleges in Singapore that would be excellent considerations for those called to serve within the Bible-Presbyterian Church, or in ministries that align with our core convictions:

1. Singapore Bible College (SBC): Why it's a strong fit: SBC is one of the largest and most established evangelical seminaries in Asia, with a broad evangelical base. While it serves a wider spectrum of denominations, its School of Theology offers solid theological training that aligns with evangelical distinctives. Many of its faculty hold to Reformed theology, and the emphasis on biblical studies, systematic theology, and practical ministry is very strong. SBC offers various programs (DipTh, BTh, MDiv, MTS) which cater to different levels of academic and ministry preparation.Consideration: SBC is interdenominational, so while it is evangelical and offers excellent training, students from a Bible-Presbyterian background should ensure their chosen program and areas of focus will adequately equip them for the specific nuances of B-P ministry.

2. Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST): Why it's a strong fit: BGST is unique in its focus on equipping Christian professionals and lay leaders for ministry in the marketplace, alongside more traditional pastoral training. They offer a range of graduate programs (MA in Christian Studies, MDiv, etc.) that emphasize rigorous theological reflection and the integration of faith and work. BGST often attracts students who desire a deep theological grounding that can be applied to various spheres of life and ministry. While not exclusively Reformed, they uphold a high view of Scripture and robust evangelical theology. Consideration: BGST's strength lies in its diverse student body and focus on integrating theology with contemporary issues. For those seeking highly specialized training specifically within a strict confessional Reformed tradition, while BGST is evangelical, they may need to seek out particular lecturers or courses that align perfectly with their specific B-P distinctives.

3. East Asia School of Theology (EAST): Why it's a strong fit: EAST is a vibrant evangelical seminary with a strong missions focus. While it may not be explicitly "Reformed" in the strict confessional sense as a B-P church might define it, it holds to conservative evangelical theology and prepares students for ministry in diverse contexts, including church planting and cross-cultural missions. Their programs are practical and grounded in biblical authority. Consideration: Similar to SBC, EAST is broader evangelical. Students would need to ensure that the depth of Reformed theological instruction meets the specific requirements and expectations of their sending Bible-Presbyterian church.

Important Considerations for Bible-Presbyterian Churches:

• Doctrinal Alignment: Encourage prospective students to carefully review the colleges' statements of faith and course outlines to ensure alignment with the Westminster Confession of Faith and the specific distinctives of your B-P Synod or church.
• Emphasis on Expository Preaching: Look for institutions that strongly emphasize and train in exegetical and expository preaching, which is a hallmark of Reformed and Bible-Presbyterian ministry.
• Practical Ministry Training: Beyond academics, consider the practical ministry components, field education, and mentorship opportunities offered by the colleges.
• Community and Spiritual Formation: A seminary isn't just about head knowledge; it's about heart formation. Encourage students to seek out a community that fosters spiritual growth and a strong commitment to Christ.

Ultimately, Pastor, the goal is to send out faithful, well-equipped ministers who can clearly and powerfully proclaim God's Word. These institutions offer excellent training for that purpose within the evangelical landscape of Singapore, and with careful discernment, can be a great blessing to our Bible-Presbyterian churches.