WELCOME TO OUR HOME
Whether you are a bible-believing scholar, an older Christian, a new Christian, a seeker, or an atheist, we would like to challenge you to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (I Thess 5:21)
The men of Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica because "they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
Jesus warned that deception would be the trademark of the endtime (Matt 24), and he didn’t exclude anyone from his warning: including Baptists, Pentecostals, Catholics, JWs and Adventists.
So, please select a topic from the Articles menu, or Select a Topic Tab above, and join with us in studying to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that "needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Tim 2:15)
STUDY TOOLS FOR YOU!! - Click on the BRI Logo (top-left) to study any chapter of the Bible and to read along with us; and Click on the lighted Bible (top-right) to search for key words in the Bible.
Also, be sure to check our new VIDEO section and our many new articles!
SALVATION - INDEX
There is NOTHING in this life that is more important for you to do than to decide where you will spend eternity.
If you have everything that this world can offer you - an easy life, family, friends, money, and pleasures - but you decide by default to spend eternity in Hell, then your life will have been a complete failure.
On the other hand, if you have practically nothing in this life of esteemed value, but you choose to seek God and to spend eternity with him in Heaven, then your life will have been an enormous success.
The difference isn't so much in what you have or don't have; it's in what you choose and don't choose. Jesus said, "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
List of Articles:
What does it mean to be "Born Again"?
Is Baptism part of Salvation?
Who is God? - Make it Simple (links to our Doctrine Article by this title)
A Personal Message from Our Family to You
SOUND DOCTRINE - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine doctrines with the intent of establishing which are sound and which are false.
Sound doctrine unites believers in Christ, false doctrine divides people from Christ, and conflicting doctrine disrupts unity and fellowship in Christ.
Therefore, each of us ought to purge ourselves of false doctrine and earnestly seek sound doctrine.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(I Thess 5:21)
This is not a matter of personal opinion - nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God. Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
Question: How much false doctrine can one believe and still be saved?
At the Berean Research Institute, we are not willing to be comfortable with any false doctrines - no matter how few they are, nor how little they may be, nor what cost we may face to rid ourselves of them.
For good reason, Jesus warns us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:6)
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:12)
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal 5:9)
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. (I Cor 5:7)
Therefore, as we examine various doctrines, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient to these specific commandments of God and to be faithful to his scriptures, overall.
Let's Be Scriptural, In Determining Sound Doctrine.
List of Articles:
OK…. So, you’re a "CHRISTIAN"...
What’s Wrong With Being a “Christian”??
Who is God? - Make it Simple
OK…. So, you’re a "PENTECOSTAL" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Pentecost and the Modern Pentecostal Movement
Examining the Pentecostal Statement of Faith, “What We Believe”
Pentecostal Feminism
Why I left the Tongues Movement - Alfred H. Pohl (Opens in New Window)
“Slain in the Spirit”
“Speaking in Tongues”
My Pastor, the "Spiritual Hippie"
Fake Healers, Apostles & Prophets
Smith Wigglesworth - A Book Review - by Mike Wright
Benny Hinn - "Man of God"?? - Videos
Benny Hinn - Outrageous Claims
Benny Hinn - Politics with China
United Pentecostal Church International
Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Is the UPCI Gospel True?
OK…. So, you’re a "BAPTIST" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
The Eternal Security of the Believer
The Eternal Security of the Believer
Eternal Security
The “Carnal” Christian
The Local Church
The “Local” Church - A Review of Dr. Kirkland's Book
Bible Verses Refuting the "Local Church" doctrine (Opens in New Window)
Calvinism and Arminianism
Calvinism and Arminianism
The god of the Calvinist
Calvinism and Modern Bible Versions
OK…. So, you’re a "CATHOLIC" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Salvation for Catholics
Can a “Catholic” be a “Christian”?
A Warning to Catholic Christians !!
Catholic Booklet - “Be Careful of Protestant Teachings”: a Review
Catholic Doctrines
The Virgin Mary
The Mass - Transubstantiation
Roman Catholic Responses - Refuted
The Judgment of Rome
The Judgment of Rome - The Mother of Harlots
OK…. So, you’re a "JEHOVAH'S WITNESS" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses - Intro
Question For Jehovah's Witnesses
ENDTIME PROPHECY - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine eschatological (study of endtime) teachings with the intent of determining which are true and which are not.
Perhaps as much as one third of the bible is prophetic, and God said (in reference to those living in the last days), that the wise shall understand (Dan 12:10).
If we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. (Matt 7:7)
It is true that Endtime prophecy has been interpreted in many different ways and by many people, but this is not a matter of personal opinion - the scriptures are not of any private interpretation.
We must earnestly seek to understand God’s interpretation of prophetic scripture. Despite what others say, for some, this may become a matter of salvation - a misunderstanding of this subject may result in the loss of their soul.
At the Berean Research Institute, we believe that God does not waste his words and that he wrote in his Word precisely what he wanted to say to us, even in this matter of prophecy.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)
It is equally important then, in this area of eschatology, that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim 2:15)
Therefore, as we examine various eschatological views, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient and faithful to his Word.
List of Articles:
Bible Prophecy - Relevant Today:
Understanding the Book of Revelation
Where Are We Today in Bible Prophecy?
What Should We Expect Next?
Preterist/Historicist/Amillennial:
Our Letter to an Historicist
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 1
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 2
Refuting Amillennialism
Although we do not agree on some issues (in particular with his soteriology), we appreciate the work and research of Irvin Baxter of Endtime, Inc for assembling many of the pieces of our understanding of the Book of Revelation for us.
OTHER ISSUES - INDEX
In this series we intend to address several controversial subjects. As the men of Berea did, we want to receive the word with all readiness of mind and to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11)
For us, this is not a matter of personal opinion nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God.
Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
We know that we have liberty in Christ Jesus.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor 3:17)
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1 Cor 8:9)
So, (at the least) we must be careful in exercising our liberty.
Further, the bible teaches us that liberty in Christ Jesus makes us free FROM sin. It does not make us free TO sin.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1,2)
Moreover, we are commanded to:
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (John 2:15)
So, our hearts shouldn’t even desire those things in the world from which we have been saved.
Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. We who were dead in trespasses and sins he hath quickened.
Why then would we willingly go back into trespasses and sins?
Why would we wander away and become lost again?
(For those who believe in eternal security - please read the articles on OSAS, but in the meantime - why would we even ’behave’ as if we were lost again?)
The question then would be…...are the things we will discuss matters of sin, or are they legitimately matters of personal conscience?
Let’s find out.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)
List of Articles
Issues Common to Most Fellowships:
“Church” Membership
"Brother" Bill and "Pastor"
Lisa's Thoughts on the Depravation of Literature
Social Drinking/Use of Alcohol
Holidays:
Christmas:
Questions About Christmas
Is Christmas Scriptural?
Every Green Trees to Worship False gods?
Explaining to Friends - What is ‘wrong’ with Christmas
Comparison Between the Lord Jesus Christ and Santa Claus
Easter:
Television and Movies:
Watching Television
Mel Gibson - Our “Christian” Hero?
Mel Gibson - Our "Christian" Hero - The Passion of the Christ - Summary
Creation vs Evolution:
Creation, Evolution and the Gap Theory
Evolution - Fact or Fiction by James L. Melton - (Excellent !)
Robert Howie - Geologist - A Book Review by Mike Wright
A PERSONAL MESSAGE - from US to YOU
We are writing this personal message to you because it is so important.
In our articles, you will find (or may have already found) proof that the word of God has design, reason and consistency unlike that of any other book - despite what anyone else may have told you. (By "other book" we primarily mean new bible versions.) ONLY God's word offers life - his true word.
We have family and many friends who believe that they are spiritual; but who are in fact lost, in main part because someone has lied to them about God's word. Some have been deceived innocently; others, by deliberate design. But all without excuse. God has commanded us to study, to search, and to continue in his word. He has provided the means by which we can learn the truth and grow together in his body. And Satan has provided formidable counterfeits of both.
God doesn't 'bend' the rules for 'nice' people, or 'good' people, or 'kind' people... or church-going people. Fellowship around lies is the social work of the father of lies, and it leads to only one end - death in the lake of fire. (Rev 20:10; 20:15 and 21:8 - for liars and their companions)
As we have been faithful to him and have continued in his word, in obedience to John 8:31, we have truly come to be his disciples, to know the truth and to be made free. Sadly, we have watched many remain behind in darkness - believing they were in good standing with the Lord, but defiantly ignorant of his ways and comfortable in their traditions and religious rituals.
There are many things we would like to say to all who might contact us. We know some of the traps that are keeping people in the bondage of darkness. God commands us to prove all things; hold fast that which is good (I Thess 5:21). If you would only do that, you too would be made free.
Perhaps the biggest hindrance for most is that you don't believe you are in bondage, or darkness. Satan has achieved an incredible victory over you, by this.
For one pastor, the first step out is easy - examine the evidence in our "What About the Septuagint" article, and stop pretending you have done so. The evidence is conclusive and ALL of your related arguments fall apart because they rely on the supposed existence of that PRE-CHRISTIAN Septuagint. Then repent, find those to whom you have lied and show them the truth.
For the rest of you pastors with whom we have corresponded - Pentecostal, Baptist, Calvinistic and others alike - you presume to instruct the body of Christ, but have yet to remove the beam of doctrinal blindness from your eyes. It does no good to PRETEND that you see, simply so that you can attain the prestige of leading others. There is no glory - or salvation - achieved by falling into a ditch together with them.
It all comes down to this: there will only be two types of people on judgment day - those who have believed God’s word and go to heaven; and those who have rejected God’s word and don’t.
If you achieve the fame of Billy Graham and the wealth of Bill Gates, but reject what God has actually written in his word and spend eternity in hell, then your life will have been a complete failure. (And YES, we are speaking to YOU - even though you think you have already attained.)
On the other hand, if you live in abject poverty and social obscurity, but believe God’s word and spend eternity in heaven, then your life will have been a spectacular success.
On judgment day, the only thing that will matter is whether God judges us to be righteous or not. If you have ever told even one lie (whether a ‘coloured’ one or a ‘small’ one makes no difference), you don’t meet God’s standard.
If you have ever taken something that doesn’t belong to you, then you don’t meet God’s standard.
If you have ever looked with lust, then you have committed adultery in your heart and don’t meet God’s standard. (These are just 3 of the 10 commandments, as a test of how well you would measure up.)
And you know this to be true. We all do.
In the courtroom of God’s holiness, you (and we) shall have no hope on our own merits.
We are guilty.
The sentence is eternal death. (The WAGES of sin is death. We EARNED it.) (Rom 6:23)
The location of service is hell (awaiting judgment)... and then the lake of fire (Rev 20:15)
BUT, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Just as the law is satisfied if someone steps forward to pay your speeding fine on your behalf, God’s law is satisfied if someone dies in your place. (Because the wages of sin is death - remember?)
Jesus died in your place.
You can accept his gift and let him pay; or you can reject him and pay for yourself. (And you will never finish paying - you will be paying forever.)
How foolish to pretend that you are right with God. How foolish to refuse true fellowship and obedience to his true word. How foolish to love the traditions and trappings of this world, at the cost of your soul. (I John 2:15-19)
We encourage you to repent (turn away) from your sins, ask Jesus Christ to pay your debt, read his word, BELIEVE it, and do what it says.
For many of you, this sounds almost offensive because you think you are already saved. But Jesus said that his sheep would FOLLOW him (John 10:27). It does you no good to PRETEND that you do so, and to simply THINK that you have eternal life (John 5:39).
Is Christ divided? (I Cor 1:13). No. (That is why Paul took so much time to correct false doctrines and wicked behaviour - so as to prevent people from being separated from the body of Christ).
So, how can you think there is division in his body, and act as if it doesn't matter? How can you think that God will accept you when something in your heart rebels against his true word? You deceive yourself. There is ONE Lord, ONE faith and ONE baptism, because there is ONE body. If you intend to wait until his return to reconcile with him - to join with that ONE body - it will be too late.
How is it that so many "professing Christians" claim to love God and others; yet despise those who truly do love God and others? How is it that so many claim to follow God's word, but refuse to even open his word in discussion with those who truly do follow it?
How can you even claim to be a Christian while fellowshipping with those who say, "Sure we can get together..... as long as we don't talk about God or the bible"? How can you defend divorce as being a scriptural path to 'reconciliation'? How could black and white be any more plain in these and many other examples?
The bible is clear: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. (Prov 17:15)
Is pride so valuable to you that you are willing to forfeit your soul for the fellowship of these godless heathens and spiritual fakes around you? Is it not unmistakably obvious that you must cease promoting beliefs and actions that blatantly transgress the plain text of scripture? Does not your silence condemn you in the wake of so many reasoned objections to your beliefs - those you have heard and those you refuse to hear? Have you lost your minds to where you actually believe your own professions of spirituality?
If so, then something must change. We already have too many friends and family in hell - and there is now no hope for them at all. Please take heed to the words of Jesus, as he so plainly stated: Repent, or ye shall all likewise perish.
We would welcome renewed and continued discussions with any of you - in the unity that only exists in his true body, and that only flows from his true word - and we would be delighted to see you and all of your family in heaven together.
Sincerely,
Mike and family,
