Probe Your Soul with Questions

George Whitefield (1714–1770) was “the best-known evangelist of the eighteenth century and one of the greatest itinerant preachers in the history of Protestantism.”1 Before he retired each night, he opened his journal and probed his soul with questions such as these he’d placed in the flyleaf:

Have I,

Been fervent in prayer?

After or before every deliberate conversation or action, considered how it might tend to God’s glory?

After any pleasure, immediately given thanks?

Planned business for the day?

Been simple and recollected in everything?

Been meek, cheerful, affable in everything I said or did?

Been proud, vain, unchaste, or enviable of others?

Recollected in eating and drinking? Thankful? Temperate in sleep?

Thought or spoken unkindly of anyone?

Confessed all sins?

A more famous contemporary of Whitefield’s, Jonathan Edwards, compiled a list of resolutions that is still widely circulated. Posted in his journal for frequent review, they were his lifelong spiritual goals and priorities. What isn’t as well-known about these resolutions is that Edwards regularly evaluated himself against them and recorded the results in his journal.

Due in no small part to these continual, soul-searching inquiries, Whitefield and Edwards became increasingly conformed to Christlikeness in life and character.

While I heartily recommend this practice of Whitefield and Edwards (and of countless others throughout church history), there are other ways to use questions like these. For instance, in addition to your individual spirituality you could also ask yourself specifically about your marriage and family life, work, Internet habits, financial stewardship, or any other area of life where frequent reminders to obedience would help. Several years ago, I used a similar method to remind myself not only of previous commitments, but to cultivate some new habits as well. If you develop a long list of questions, you might review a small number daily rather than the entire list.

The Bible directs each of us to “examine himself” before taking the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28). Similarly, 2 Corinthians 13:5 instructs us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves.” Using an established series of soul-probing questions can simplify the ongoing process of obedience to such commands, and make it easier for us to keep short accounts with God.

https://biblicalspirituality.org/article/probe-your-soul-with-questions/

This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting

In our shared pursuit of understanding the spiritual realities attested within Scripture, we encounter the sobering truth of adversarial spiritual forces (Eph. 6:12). While the authority of Christ and His name is the ultimate power in deliverance ministry (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17), the New Testament provides a specific, divinely ordained protocol for certain manifestations of malevolence: "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29, ESV; cf. Matt. 17:21). This pronouncement by our Lord demands our careful scholarly and pastoral attention.

The setting is instructive. The disciples, previously endowed with authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7, 13), encounter a spirit resistant to their efforts. The boy's affliction is severe – described as rendering him mute, causing convulsions, foaming at the mouth, grinding teeth, and rigidity (Mark 9:17-18, 20). This is no ordinary manifestation; it exhibits a tenacity surpassing previous encounters. The disciples' failure prompts Christ's declaration, linking their inability directly to the absence of prayer coupled with fasting. This establishes a critical theological principle: Certain degrees or types of spiritual opposition require a corresponding depth of spiritual engagement from the agents of deliverance.

Fasting, by quieting bodily demands, can sharpen spiritual perception (Acts 13:2-3). It aids in discerning the specific nature of the spirit, breaking through distractions, and maintaining unwavering focus during the intense spiritual battle of deliverance.

Our Lord Himself inaugurated His ministry with a 40-day fast, directly confronting Satan's temptations (Matt. 4:1-11). His victory established the pattern of fasting as integral to spiritual warfare.

The early church engaged in fasting for guidance and empowerment in spiritual conflict (Acts 13:2-3 – prior to confronting Elymas the sorcerer; Acts 14:23 – appointing elders amidst opposition). Paul references "fastings" as part of his ministry equipment (2 Cor. 6:5, 11:27).

Fasting is always coupled with prayer in Scripture. It fuels and focuses prayer; it is not a substitute. The power resides in God, accessed through dependent prayer. Fasting amplifies that dependence.

Fasting and prayer do not replace or augment Christ's finished work. They position us to fully rely on His supreme authority (Matt. 28:18) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The victory is always His.

Fasting, inextricably linked with fervent prayer, functions as an act of kenosis, intensifying focus, dependence, and spiritual sensitivity. It aligns the minister not merely as a technician wielding a name, but as a consecrated vessel utterly reliant on divine power. As stewards of this sacred trust, let us approach such profound spiritual battles with the depth of devotion Scripture prescribes, ever mindful that our sufficiency is found only in Christ (2 Cor. 3:5-6). May our scholarship inform our practice, and our practice be grounded in unwavering faith and deep communion with the Victorious One.

QA - TR & KJV

 1. Is the TR a Critical Text?

In modern textual scholarship, a critical text refers to a text that has been produced by comparing many ancient manuscripts, using scientific methods to evaluate variants, and seeking to reconstruct the most likely original wording of the biblical text. This is the method used by the Nestle-Aland/UBS editions of the Greek New Testament, which are the basis of most modern Bible translations.

The Textus Receptus (TR) is not a critical text in this sense. It is a printed edition of the Greek New Testament based on a relatively small number of late manuscripts, and it was not compiled using the methods of modern textual criticism. Instead, it was assembled using a more basic method: comparing a handful of available manuscripts, choosing a reading, and sometimes even back-translating from the Latin when Greek support was lacking.

2. From Which Manuscripts Was the TR Compiled?

The TR originated primarily from the work of Desiderius Erasmus, who published the first printed Greek New Testament in 1516. His editions are foundational to the TR tradition. Here's what he used:

Erasmus used:

About six Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.

All of them were late Byzantine manuscripts, dating from the 12th century or later.

None of them contained the full New Testament.

The book of Revelation was only available to him in one manuscript, and it was incomplete at the end.

For the last six verses of Revelation, Erasmus reconstructed the Greek text by translating from the Latin Vulgate, because the Greek was missing.

Some parts were conjecturally reconstructed.

Other editions of the TR (Stephanus 1550, Beza 1598, Elzevir 1633) also used a limited number of Byzantine manuscripts, generally not more than 20, and often followed Erasmus quite closely.

3. How Did We Get the TR That Underlies the KJV?

The King James Version translators in 1604–1611 used multiple printed editions of the Greek New Testament:

Erasmus’ later editions (especially 4th and 5th)

Robert Stephanus’ 1550 edition

Theodore Beza’s 1598 edition

The KJV translators did not stick rigidly to one edition but compared these sources and made translation decisions accordingly. Thus, the TR underlying the KJV is not a single printed edition but a composite derived from comparing several editions in the TR tradition.

4. How Did the Compilers Handle Variants?

Erasmus and other editors chose between readings based on what was available to them, with minimal theological or linguistic criteria. Since they had few manuscripts, they often went with the reading that made most sense to them or that appeared in the majority of their limited sources.

They did not have access to:

Papyrus manuscripts from the 2nd–4th centuries

Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, or other Alexandrian texts

The broad range of manuscripts available today

So their decisions were limited by their resources. They were not engaging in systematic textual criticism as we know it today.

5. Is the TR Perfect and Without Error?

This is a theological claim, not a historical or textual one.

Historically and textually:

The TR contains many readings that are not supported by any known Greek manuscript.

Example: 1 John 5:7 (the "Comma Johanneum") appears only in a handful of very late Greek manuscripts and seems to be a Latin interpolation.

The last six verses of Revelation were partly reconstructed from Latin.

There are also places where the TR disagrees with the vast majority of Greek manuscripts, even Byzantine ones.

Therefore, textually speaking, the TR is not error-free.

6. Is the KJV Perfect?

Again, this is a theological assertion, not a provable textual one.

The KJV is a beautiful and faithful translation in many respects. However:

It is based on an imperfect Greek text (the TR).

Its Old Testament is based largely on the Masoretic Hebrew text, which also has textual uncertainties in some areas.

The KJV has translation choices that could be improved in light of more recent manuscript discoveries and linguistic understanding.

There are internal inconsistencies in how certain Greek or Hebrew words are rendered.

Thus, it is not "perfect" in the sense of being without any translation or textual flaws.

7. What about The Issue of Biblical Preservation?

Those who argue that the TR or KJV is perfect often appeal to a doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation—that God not only inspired the original texts but preserved every word perfectly throughout history, specifically in the TR and/or KJV.

This view:

Lacks biblical evidence for naming a specific text or translation as the preserved, perfect form.

Ignores the real and complex history of manuscript transmission.

Overlooks the fact that no two TR editions are identical, so even TR proponents must choose which TR to follow.

Often rejects better-supported readings found in older manuscripts.

A better view of preservation is this:

God has preserved His Word faithfully but not mechanically. The message and truth of Scripture have been preserved through thousands of manuscripts, translations, and versions—not through one perfect edition or translation.

This allows for careful scholarship, acknowledges human effort in transmission, and respects the providence of God in preserving the essential truth of Scripture across time and language.

Guarding the Flock from False Teaching

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

My heart overflows with love for you, this precious flock entrusted to my care. It is precisely because of this deep love, and my solemn responsibility before God (Hebrews 13:17), that I must address a matter of profound spiritual importance. We live in times where, as the Apostle John warned us long ago, “many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Our call is not to fear, but to faithful discernment rooted in love for Christ and His truth.

John’s exhortation is urgent and clear: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Why this testing? Because the spirit of Antichrist is actively at work, opposing the true Christ and seeking to lead believers astray. “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (1 John 4:2-3).

This testing is crucial for any teaching that arises among us, regardless of how familiar or traditional it may sound. It grieves me to say that teachings like Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and KJV-Onlyism demand this careful, biblical scrutiny. At their core, these doctrines claim that only the King James Version (or its underlying Greek text) is the perfectly preserved, inerrant Word of God for English speakers, often asserting that all other translations are corrupt or unreliable.

Now, beloved, holding a high view of Scripture’s divine inspiration and providential preservation is good and right (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:18). However, when this view morphs into an exclusive dogma about one specific translation or textual tradition, elevating it above all others as the only valid Word of God, it crosses a dangerous line. Here’s why such teachings require us to “test the spirits” and why their teachers may, tragically, fall into the category of false prophets or teachers:

1. They Shift the Foundation: The true foundation of our faith is Jesus Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11). While Scripture is the divinely inspired and authoritative revelation of Him, these teachings subtly (or not so subtly) shift the ultimate object of faith from the living Christ to a physical book or a specific translation. This risks bibliolatry – worshiping the created thing (the text in a specific form) rather than the Creator revealed through it (Romans 1:25).
2. They Deny the Sufficiency and Clarity of God's Preserved Word: By insisting that God’s Word is only perfectly accessible in one 17th-century English translation, these teachings imply that the Holy Spirit has failed to preserve His Word reliably in the vast majority of manuscripts, translations, and for the vast majority of believers throughout history and across the globe. This contradicts God’s promise that His Word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:23-25) and is effective wherever it is faithfully proclaimed (Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12). It suggests God left His church without a truly reliable Bible for centuries until the KJV appeared.
3. They Breed Division and Pride: Instead of uniting the body of Christ around the clear gospel and the person of Christ, these teachings often foster suspicion, elitism, and harsh judgment towards fellow believers who use trustworthy modern translations based on older and more abundant manuscript evidence. They create unnecessary and unscriptural divisions within the body (1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3-6).
4. They Obscure the Central Message: The relentless focus on textual minutiae and translation superiority can tragically divert attention away from the core message of Scripture: the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His atoning death, His glorious resurrection, and His call to repentance and faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-10). When the means of delivery overshadows the message of salvation, something is deeply wrong.
5. The Test of 1 John 4: While proponents of VPP/KJV-Onlyism would affirm Christ's incarnation, the spirit behind such divisive, extra-biblical dogmas often manifests characteristics John associates with the "spirit of the antichrist": causing division (v.6), rejecting the testimony of the wider apostolic church (v.6), and potentially leading people away from a simple trust in Christ alone towards a trust in a specific form of His Word. "We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood" (1 John 4:6). Does the teaching align with the apostolic witness found in the substance of Scripture recognized by the historic church, or does it impose a novel, exclusive standard foreign to that witness?

Therefore, my dear family, I urge you with pastoral love and concern: Be discerning. A teacher who insists that salvation, sanctification, or true biblical understanding depends on adherence to the KJV alone, or who claims other reliable translations are corrupt, is not speaking according to the Spirit of God who inspired all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) and who illuminates believers through His Word. Such a teacher may well be influenced by a spirit contrary to Christ – a spirit that twists God's good gift of Scripture into a tool of division and error. They fit the warning of Peter: "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies... In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories" (2 Peter 2:1, 3). The "fabricated story" here is the claim that God’s Word was lost until 1611 or is only perfect in one English form.

Do not be deceived by appeals to tradition or fear-mongering about modern scholarship. Trust the Holy Spirit who indwells you (1 John 2:27) and the witness of the broader, faithful church throughout history. Compare teachings to the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27), focusing on Christ crucified and risen.

My deepest desire is for us to be united in the truth of the Gospel, anchored in the living Word, Jesus Christ, and faithfully nourished by the written Word of God in its many reliable translations. Let us cling to Christ alone, test all teachings by His Spirit and His revealed Word, and pursue love and unity grounded in truth.

"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21). Let nothing, not even a cherished translation, become an idol that distorts the truth or divides the body. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

With love and prayer for your discernment and faithfulness,

Pastor and Fellow Servant of Christ,

Reverend So So

Testing the Spirits – Guarding Against False Teaching

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace be with you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As a pastor, it is my sacred duty to care for your souls, to teach the truth of God’s Word, and to warn you against any teaching that leads away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. Today, I write to you with a heavy heart, burdened by the rise of certain teachings in the wider church that claim to be from God, but in fact do not align with the truth of the Holy Spirit. Specifically, I want to address dangerous doctrines such as Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and KJV-onlyism, which some claim to be essential for the Christian faith.

While it is important to honor the Word of God and be thankful for faithful translations, we must also be discerning. These teachings often exalt one version of the Bible—such as the King James Version—as the only pure and preserved Word of God, to the exclusion of all others. Some go further to suggest that the KJV itself is perfect and infallible, and that all other versions are corrupt or demonic. This is not biblical truth. This is adding to Scripture what God Himself has not said (Proverbs 30:6).

Let us listen carefully to the words of 1 John 4:1-3:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist..."

A person may appear godly, speak with authority, and quote many Scriptures—yet still be influenced by a spirit that is not from God. A teacher who insists that salvation, sanctification, or fellowship with God depends on accepting only one translation, or who causes division by condemning others who read faithful versions like the ESV, NASB, NIV, or the Chinese Union Version (CUV), is not walking in the Spirit of truth. He may be influenced by the spirit of pride, division, or even the spirit of the antichrist—which denies the freedom of the gospel and replaces Christ’s finished work with man-made doctrines.

The apostle Paul warned of such dangers in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:

“For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, they will gather around them teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Dear church, we are living in such a time. We must not follow every loud voice, nor be swayed by every so-called “defender of truth.” Not every teacher is from God. False prophets are not always easy to recognize—they may come with a Bible in their hand and the name of Jesus on their lips, yet they distort the truth and lead the sheep astray.

Jesus said clearly in Matthew 7:15-16:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”

And what are the fruits of such teachers? Pride, condemnation, division, quarreling over words, and a spirit of elitism. But the true Spirit of God produces humility, unity in the body, and Christ-centered teaching that builds up the church (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Beloved, I urge you, do not be deceived by those who elevate a translation over the truth of Christ. The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. No single translation—whether English, Chinese, or otherwise—is perfect. We thank God for faithful translations, but we worship Christ, not a version of the Bible. When someone teaches otherwise, he has made an idol out of the text, and has lost sight of the living Word—Jesus Christ.

Let us cling to Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Let us test all teaching by the Scriptures, not by traditions or sectarian opinions. Let us walk in love, truth, and humility.

If anyone among us is following these teachings or has been influenced by them, I urge you to repent and return to the true gospel. Let us pray for discernment, for unity, and for the courage to stand firm against error.

In the love and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor So So

---

Key Bible References

• 1 John 4:1-6 – Test the spirits

• Matthew 7:15-20 – False prophets known by their fruits

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – Turning away from sound doctrine

• Proverbs 30:6 – Do not add to God’s Word

• Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is unchanging

• Ephesians 4:11-16 – Unity and maturity in the body of Christ

🕯️ Self-Examination: Is Satan Filling Your Heart?

 🕯️ Self-Examination: Is Satan Filling Your Heart?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:5

Self-examination is a holy practice. Just as a doctor checks for symptoms of disease, we must examine our spiritual health to detect whether sin has given a foothold to Satan.

🔍 1. Do You Lie to the Holy Spirit?

“Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?”

— Acts 5:3

Ananias and Sapphira were church members. They were not outsiders. Yet, Peter said Satan filled their hearts—not with good intention, but with deceit.

Ask yourself:

Do I hide truth in order to appear more spiritual?

Do I manipulate others for personal gain?

Do I pretend before God or man?

Lying is a doorway for the devil. Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44). When we allow lies in our hearts, we allow his presence.

🔍 2. Do You Habitually Walk in Darkness?

“If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

— 1 John 1:6

Satan thrives in secrecy, hidden sins, and double lives. Ask:

Am I living one way in public and another in private?

Is there unconfessed sin that I refuse to surrender?

Do I ignore conviction and grieve the Holy Spirit?

Where there is no light, the serpent dwells.

🔍 3. Is There Bitterness, Hatred, or Unforgiveness in You?

“Be angry and do not sin... and give no opportunity to the devil.”

— Ephesians 4:26–27

The devil takes territory in the human heart when we hold onto grudges and offenses.

Ask:

Is there someone I have not forgiven?

Is my heart poisoned by resentment, jealousy, or hatred?

Do I secretly rejoice when others fall?

Forgiveness casts out the devil. Bitterness invites him in.

🔍 4. Do You Oppose God’s Word or Will?

“Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me...”

— Matthew 16:23

Peter was a disciple of Jesus, yet he unknowingly spoke Satan’s agenda by resisting the will of God.

Ask:

Am I resisting what God has clearly told me to do?

Do I twist Scripture to justify my desires?

Do I speak against the Holy Spirit’s guidance in others?

Even believers can temporarily become instruments of Satan’s voice if their mind is not renewed.

🔍 5. Are You Consumed by Greed, Pride, or Control?

“Your heart was proud because of your beauty... You said, ‘I am a god,’... Yet you are but a man...”

— Ezekiel 28:2,17

(This passage uses the King of Tyre as a symbol of Satan's pride)

Satan was cast down because of pride. When pride grows, Satan enters.

Ask:

Do I crave control, power, or recognition more than humility and service?

Am I driven by money or status?

Do I secretly think I am better than others?

Satan seeks hearts that worship self.

🕊️ Signs of Satan’s Influence in the Heart

Spiritual numbness

Constant rebellion against authority

Addiction to sin with no repentance

Contempt for God’s Word or people

A double life

Unrepentant arrogance

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

— Jeremiah 17:9

🙏 How to Cleanse a Heart Filled by Satan?

Confess the sin clearly before God (1 John 1:9)

Renounce the work of Satan and break agreement with him (James 4:7)

Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh (Ephesians 5:18)

Walk in the light with others — seek accountability (James 5:16)

Stay rooted in the Word and in worship (Psalm 119:11)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

— James 4:7

🛐 Final Prayer of Examination

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

— Psalm 139:23–24

If you sense Satan has taken root in your heart, do not despair. Bring it into the light. Confess. Repent. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and His blood still cleanses.

Self-Examination: Is My Heart Being Filled by Satan?

Self-Examination: Is My Heart Being Filled by Satan?

This examination requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

1. Examine Your Desires and Affections:

Question: What do I truly love and desire above all else? Is it God, His will, and His kingdom, or is it worldly possessions, power, pleasure, or self-glory?

Signs of Satanic Influence: A consuming desire for things contrary to God's Word, a persistent pull towards what you know is sinful, or an aversion to spiritual disciplines and the things of God.

Bible Verse:

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV): "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

2. Examine Your Actions and Habits:

Question: What are the consistent patterns of my behavior? Do my actions reflect the fruit of the Spirit, or the works of the flesh?

Signs of Satanic Influence: A habitual engagement in serious sin without remorse, a persistent pattern of lying, cheating, hatred, malice, or destructive behavior. If you find yourself repeatedly committing sins you know are wrong, without a desire for repentance or change, it's a serious indicator of deep-seated issues.

Bible Verses:

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

3. Examine Your Thoughts and Attitudes:

Question: What occupies my mind? Are my thoughts dominated by bitterness, resentment, greed, lust, envy, or destructive schemes?

Signs of Satanic Influence: A mind perpetually consumed by evil imaginations, an inability to forgive, a constant critical spirit, or thoughts that lead to harmful actions. The enemy often works by planting seeds of doubt, fear, and temptation in the mind.

Bible Verses:

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV): "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

4. Examine Your Relationship with God and His Word:

Question: Do I hunger for God's Word? Do I desire to pray and worship Him? Is there a sense of conviction when I sin?

Signs of Satanic Influence: An aversion to prayer, Bible reading, fellowship with believers, or worship. A hardened heart that feels no conviction for sin, or a cynical attitude towards spiritual things. The enemy seeks to blind us to the truth and harden our hearts against God.

Bible Verses:

Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV): "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

John 8:47 (NIV): "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

5. Examine Your Response to Truth and Correction:

Question: Am I open to correction from God's Word and from godly individuals? Do I respond with humility or defensiveness?

Signs of Satanic Influence: A resistance to conviction, a refusal to repent, a consistent blaming of others, or an inability to admit wrongdoing. The devil is the father of lies and seeks to keep people in deception.

Bible Verse:

Proverbs 15:10 (NIV): "Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; whoever hates correction will die."

6. Examine Your Level of Peace and Joy:

Question: Do I experience the peace and joy that come from walking with Christ, or am I filled with anxiety, despair, anger, or a pervasive sense of emptiness?

Signs of Satanic Influence: While life brings trials, a chronic state of ungodly anger, bitterness, deep despair unrelated to external circumstances, or a profound lack of spiritual peace can be a sign that the enemy is at work trying to steal joy and create chaos.

Bible Verse:

Romans 14:17 (NIV): "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Important Considerations:

Conviction vs. Condemnation: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin to draw us to repentance and restoration (John 16:8). Satan condemns us to drive us to despair and away from God. If this self-examination fills you with hopeless condemnation, that is not from God.

Repentance is Key: If you find areas where you believe ungodly influence is strong, the answer is not despair, but immediate and sincere repentance. Turn away from the sin, confess it to God, and seek His forgiveness and power to change.

Seek Godly Counsel: If you are deeply concerned, or feel overwhelmed by this examination, please seek counsel from a trusted pastor, spiritual mentor, or mature Christian. They can offer prayer, discernment, and guidance.

The Power of Christ: Remember, "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). For those who belong to Christ, Satan can tempt, accuse, and oppress, but he cannot ultimately "fill and live in" a heart that has been surrendered to God and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

This self-examination is a spiritual barometer. It helps you understand if you are truly walking in the light and submitting to God's Spirit, or if you are habitually yielding to the darkness. The ultimate goal is to draw closer to God, seeking His purification and guidance, and living a life that glorifies Him.

Is the NIV Missing Verses?

 

Can the Hearts of Christians Be Filled with Satan? A Biblical Examination

Can the Hearts of Christians Be Filled with Satan? A Biblical Examination

One of the most sobering accounts in the early church is found in Acts 5:1–11, the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This husband and wife were members of the early Christian community. They were part of the church, professing believers who were outwardly united with the body of Christ. Yet, something tragic happened. They conspired together to lie to the apostles about the amount of money they had received from the sale of their land. What makes this incident spiritually significant is Peter’s confrontation:

“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?”

(Acts 5:3, ESV)

Notice Peter’s words: “Satan filled your heart.” This is not an accusation to an unbeliever, but to one who was counted among the believers. This tells us that even a professing Christian’s heart can be influenced, deceived, and filled with Satan’s schemes if they yield themselves to sin. The sin in their hearts—covetousness, hypocrisy, and pride—opened the door for Satan to take hold.

1. Believers Can Be Led into Bold, Flagrant Sin

Some argue that Christians are immune to demonic influence because the Holy Spirit dwells in them. But the story of Ananias and Sapphira tells a different tale. They were not merely tempted; their hearts were filled by Satan. The Greek word used here, plēroō (“to fill”), is the same word used in Ephesians 5:18 when Paul exhorts believers to “be filled with the Spirit.” This shows a direct contrast: a Christian can either be filled with the Spirit—or filled with darkness.

“Do not give the devil a foothold.”

(Ephesians 4:27, NIV)

This warning is not given to unbelievers, but to the church at Ephesus. It implies that even believers can open the door to Satan through unresolved anger, bitterness, and sin. That “foothold” can grow into full-blown control.

2. Testing the Spirit of the Lord

Peter continues with a chilling accusation to Sapphira:

“How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?”

(Acts 5:9)

They didn’t just lie—they tested God by seeing how far they could go with their deception. This act of spiritual rebellion shows the depth of how far their hearts had been corrupted. The consequences were immediate. Both fell dead—not by Peter’s judgment, but by God’s own hand—demonstrating the seriousness of allowing Satan to fill the heart of a believer.

3. Exorcism: A Necessary Ministry Even for Christians

If Satan can fill a believer’s heart, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, then deliverance ministry (exorcism) becomes not just for the unbeliever, but also for the church itself. Christians may not be “possessed” in the sense of total control, but they can certainly be demonized, oppressed, or influenced.

Jesus Himself taught us to pray:

“Deliver us from the evil one.”

(Matthew 6:13, NKJV)

This prayer is not for pagans—it is for disciples, for believers. It reflects the constant need to be kept free from Satan’s grip. The apostle Paul also tells Timothy:

“...that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

(2 Timothy 2:26, ESV)

Clearly, Paul was warning that even those who once walked in truth can be ensnared, deceived, and used by the devil.

4. The Call to Cleanse the Church

The early church was marked by purity and fear of the Lord. After the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, Scripture says:

“Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

(Acts 5:11)

This fear led to repentance and reverence. Today, the church needs to recover the ministry of deliverance within the body of Christ. Many believers struggle with hidden sin, spiritual oppression, and demonic torment—yet are too ashamed or unaware to seek help.

5. Conclusion: Guarding Our Hearts and Casting Out Darkness

We must never assume that because we are Christians, we are automatically free from Satan’s reach. The enemy is subtle and relentless. He works through pride, greed, bitterness, and deception—just as he did with Ananias and Sapphira.

Therefore, pastors, spiritual leaders, and mature believers must be equipped to minister deliverance—even to Christians. We must pray for God to expose every hidden work of darkness and to cast out the influence of Satan wherever it is found.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

(James 4:7, ESV)

Let us not be complacent. Where the devil has filled hearts, let us, in Jesus’ name, cast him out.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, we cast out the spirit of "Verbal Plenary Preservation", the spirit of "VPP", the spirit of "KJV-onlyism", the spirit of the "Greek Perfect Bible", the spirit of pride and deception, the spirit of division, the spirit of lying from the heart of Bible-Prebyterian Church. Amen.

Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying?

The story of Ananias and Sapphira is found in Acts 5, and it is a sad story, indeed. It actually begins at the end of chapter 4 with the description of the early church in Jerusalem, a group of believers so filled with the Holy Spirit that they were of one heart and one mind. Great power and grace were on the apostles, who preached and testified of the risen Savior. So knit together were the hearts of the people that they held all their possessions loosely and willingly shared them with one another, not because they were coerced but because they loved one another. Those who sold land and houses gave of their profits to the apostles, who distributed the gifts to those in need.

Two members of this group were Ananias and his wife, Sapphira; they also had sold a field. Part of the profit from their sale was kept back by the couple, and Ananias only laid a part of the money at the apostles’ feet. However, Ananias made a pretense of having given all the proceeds. This hypocritical show may have fooled some, but not Peter, who was filled with the power of the Spirit. Peter knew instantly that Ananias was lying—not just to him but to God—and exposed his hypocrisy then and there. Ananias fell down and died (Acts 5:4). When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. When her lie had been exposed, she also fell down and died at Peter’s feet.

Some speculate that these two deaths were from natural causes. Perhaps Ananias died from shock or guilt, but Peter pronounced Sapphira’s death before she died, and the coincidental timing and place of their deaths indicate that this was indeed God’s judgment. The question is why. Why would God kill two people for lying?

God’s reasons for bringing about the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira involve His abhorrence of sin, the hypocrisy of the couple, and the lesson for the rest of the church, both then and now. It can be easy today to gloss over the holiness of God, to forget that He is righteous and pure and that He hates sin wholeheartedly. This particular sin of hypocrisy in the church was dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Were Ananias and Sapphira saved? We believe they probably were. Their story is told in the context of the actions of “all the believers” (Acts 4:32). They knew of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3), and Ananias’s lie could have been an earlier promise that he would give the whole amount of the sale to the Lord. But the best evidence that they were children of God may be that they received discipline: “If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8; see also 1 Corinthians 5:12). Ananias and his wife had conspired to garner the accolades of the church; but their conspiracy led to the sin unto death.

The case of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the fact that even believers can be led into bold, flagrant sin. It was Satan that had filled their hearts to lie in this way (Acts 5:3) and “to test the Spirit of the Lord” (verse 9). Covetousness, hypocrisy, and a desire for the praise of men all played a part in their demise.

The sudden, dramatic deaths of Ananias and Sapphira served to purify and warn the church. “Great fear seized the whole church” (Acts 5:11). Right away, in the church’s infancy, God made it plain that hypocrisy and dissimulation were not going to be tolerated, and His judgment of Ananias and Sapphira helped guard the church against future pretense. God laid the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite who would seek to enter the church.

Furthermore, the incident involving Ananias and Sapphira helped to establish the apostles’ authority in the church. The sinners had fallen dead at Peter’s feet. It was Peter who had known of the secret sin and had the authority to pronounce judgment in the church (see Matthew 16:19). If the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira had succeeded in fooling Peter, it would have severely damaged the apostles’ authority.

The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira is not some obscure incident from the Old Testament regarding a violation of Mosaic Law. This occurred in the first-century church to believers in Jesus Christ. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a reminder to us today that God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), that He hates sin, and that He is concerned for the purity of His church (1 Corinthians 11; 1 John 5). As Jesus told the compromising church in Thyatira, “All the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23).

 

https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-and-Sapphira.html

Pastoral Letter to Quek Suan Yew

The Holy Spirit, through the wisdom of Solomon, reminds us in Proverbs 11:5: "The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness." This profound truth speaks to the very core of our walk and ministry. It tells us that a life lived in blameless righteousness, characterized by integrity, humility, and love, naturally leads us on a straight and true path. Conversely, when our actions, even those stemming from what we perceive as conviction, are tainted by wickedness—which includes pride, division, and a lack of charity—they inevitably lead to our own stumbling and, tragically, cause harm to others.

Suan Yew, the reports of a church split and the departure of a Mandarin-speaking pastor who held differing views on matters such as KJV-onlyism, the Perfect Greek Bible, and Verbal Plenary Preservation have caused me much grief. While these are indeed significant theological discussions, the manner in which such disagreements are handled speaks volumes about the righteousness that directs our way. Could it be, Suan Yew, that the zeal for a particular textual position has, in this instance, inadvertently led to actions that are not aligned with the blameless righteousness that directs us aright?

The "wickedness" spoken of in Proverbs 11:5 is not always overt sin, but can manifest as a rigid adherence to secondary doctrines at the expense of primary virtues like love, unity, and forbearance. To cause division within the body of Christ, to chase out a fellow laborer in the vineyard because of differing views on Bible translations or textual theories, is a grave matter. It grieves the Holy Spirit, wounds the flock, and ultimately hinders the advancement of the Gospel. The path of righteousness, Suan Yew, always seeks to build up, to reconcile, and to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I implore you, with all the tenderness of a pastor's heart, to prayerfully consider if your actions, however well-intentioned, have fallen into the trap of "wickedness" in this sense—a wickedness that has caused pain and fragmentation. True repentance involves not only turning from overt sin but also from any error in judgment or spirit that leads to ungodly fruit.

Remember, our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that by our love, all people will know that we are His disciples. This love extends to our fellow pastors and believers, even when we disagree on non-essential matters. Pastors who read the NIV or CUV are not necessarily less committed to God's Word or less spiritual. Many faithful servants of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and deeply devoted to Christ, use these translations to shepherd their flocks effectively. To treat them with anything less than gentleness, respect, and brotherly affection is to walk a path that is not directed aright by blameless righteousness.

Let us be gentle with one another, forbearing in love, and quick to listen rather than to condemn. Our primary calling is to preach Christ crucified, to make disciples, and to love one another as Christ has loved us. The purity of the text is vital, yes, but the purity of our hearts and the unity of the church are equally, if not more, paramount in the eyes of our Lord.

May the Lord grant you a spirit of humility and discernment, that you may see clearly the path of righteousness and walk in it, bringing healing and restoration to the church you serve. My prayers are with you, that you may be a good man who binds up the wounded and gathers the scattered, all for the glory of our great God.

In His grace,

A Pastor

Pastoral Exhortation Using Proverbs 11:5 to Quek Suan Yew

The Word of God pierces our hearts with truth, and it is with that truth, specifically from Proverbs 11:5, that I must appeal to you: "The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."

Suan Yew, this verse lays bare the stark contrast between two paths: the path of righteousness that leads to straightness, integrity, and life, and the path of wickedness that inevitably leads to stumbling and downfall. I urge you, with deep pastoral concern, to examine which path your actions have aligned with.

Your fervent promotion of KJV-Onlyism, the doctrine of a "Perfect Greek Bible," and Verbal Plenary Preservation, while perhaps stemming from a desire for certainty, has tragically borne the bitter fruit of division. The body of Christ has been split. Worse still, the grievous act of chasing out a faithful Mandarin-speaking pastor – a fellow laborer in the vineyard – simply because he held a different understanding on textual matters, stands in stark contradiction to the gentleness, humility, and love demanded of shepherds (1 Peter 5:2-3, Ephesians 4:1-3). This, Suan Yew, is not the "righteousness of the blameless" that makes paths straight; it is the "wickedness" that brings down – bringing down a church, wounding believers, and tarnishing the name of Christ.

Consider the fruit, Suan Yew. Has this rigid insistence on one translation above all others fostered unity? Has it built up the Mandarin-speaking brethren entrusted to your care? Or has it sown discord, driven away a godly pastor, and caused the sheep to scatter? The "straight path" of true biblical righteousness is marked by love, patience, and the pursuit of unity in the essentials of the faith. The path you've walked has been crooked with contention and harshness. The expulsion of a pastor over this secondary issue is an act of spiritual violence unbecoming of a servant of the Prince of Peace.

Furthermore, your posture towards countless faithful pastors and believers who find nourishment and guidance in translations like the NIV or the beloved Chinese Union Version (CUV) has been one of condemnation, not gentleness. Remember the Apostle Paul's charge: "And 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, NIV). Does your treatment of those who use the NIV or CUV reflect this "kindness" and "gentle instruction"? Or does it reflect a quarrelsome spirit that alienates and divides? To imply that these brothers and sisters, many deeply devoted to Christ and His Word, are using deficient or unholy Scriptures is a grave error and fosters unnecessary suspicion and schism within the Body.

Therefore, Suan Yew, I plead with you in the name of Jesus:

Repent of the Wickedness: Acknowledge before God the sinfulness of causing division, of acting harshly and unjustly towards a fellow pastor, and of the pride and unloving spirit that fueled it. The "wickedness" of Proverbs 11:5 is not merely grand evil; it includes unrighteous anger, divisiveness, and the abuse of spiritual authority (Galatians 5:19-21). Seek God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of those you have wronged, especially the Mandarin-speaking pastor and congregation.

Repent of the Error: Re-examine the doctrines you champion with true humility and scholarly integrity. Recognize that godly, orthodox believers throughout history and across the globe have used various faithful translations, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through His Word. The pursuit of textual purity must never eclipse the command for love and unity. Insisting on one translation as the only valid Word of God for all languages and contexts is an untenable position that goes beyond what the Scripture claims for itself.

Embrace the Gentleness of True Righteousness: Pursue the "righteousness of the blameless" that makes paths straight. This means showing gentleness and respect to pastors and believers who use the NIV, CUV, or other reliable translations. Engage in gracious dialogue, not condemnation. Recognize their sincere love for the same Lord and the same essential truths of the Gospel revealed in Scripture. Build bridges, not walls.

The path of righteousness leads to life, peace, and unity. The path you've been on leads to downfall. Choose the straight path, Suan Yew. Choose repentance. Choose gentleness. Choose the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The mercy of Christ is abundant, and His restoring grace is sufficient for you and for the church wounded by this conflict. May you humble yourself before the Lord, seek reconciliation, and once again walk in the blameless righteousness that honors Him and shepherds His flock with love.

Praying for your restoration and the healing of the Body,

A Fellow Pastor in Christ