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
BIBLE VERSIONS - INDEX
King James? New Bible Versions??
In this series, we intend to determine which, if any, of the books claiming to be God’s Word are actually God’s Word.
We are commanded to study, to search, and to continue in his word: (II Tim 2:15; Acts 17:11; John 8:31).
Therefore, as we examine various modern versions, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient to these commandments of God, specifically, and to be faithful to his scriptures, in general.
List of Articles:
FOUNDATIONAL ARTICLES
The Nature of War
What About the Septuagint?
Antioch and Alexandria
NIV Says to Reject Jesus
AN Excellent Reference for King James Bible Believers - By James L. Melton
NIV Quiz - by Rex L. Cobb
Bible Memorization Test - by Pastor James Knox
Personal Pronouns - Thee, Thou, Ye, Thy, Thine, etc
Believing God’s Word
Errors in the King James Bible
An Open Letter to Cheryl
DEFENDING GOD'S WORD ONLINE
How We Know the King James Bible is God's ONLY Word in English
LOST In the Confused Mind of A Pentecostal Bible College Student (A Series)
00 - LOST - Intro
01 - LOST - First Email Exchange
02 - LOST
03 - LOST
04 - LOST
05 - LOST - SUMMARY CHART
06 - LOST
Is The King James Bible Wrong About Easter at Acts 12:4?
Is Eugene Peterson's book "The Message" a true copy of God's Word, the Bible?
CONTRADICTIONS IN THE KING JAMES BIBLE
01 - I Sam 17:50; II Sam 21:19: WHO KILLED GOLIATH?
02 - Gen 1:27; Gen 2:7, 20-30: The Timing of Adam and Eve's Creation
03 - Judges 4:21; Judges 5:25-27: How Did Sisera Die?
04 - I Sam 31:4; II Sam 1:10; II Sam 21:12: WHO KILLED KING SAUL?
05 - Joshua 15:21-32: HOW MANY CITIES - 29 or 36 or 38?
06 - II Sam 24:9; I Chron 21:5-6: David Numbers How Many Men of War in Israel?
07 - Acts 20:35: Did Jesus Really Say This?
08 - Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; John 2:1-11: Was Jesus in the Wilderness or at the Wedding?
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?
Damascus Will Be Destroyed
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
"Brother" Bill and "Pastor"
Small items are often important (such as a key in a car, or a clamp on an elevator cable). As negative examples of small - but important - items, dust in a marksman's eye, a pebble in an athlete's shoe, or an overlooked "not" preceding "guilty" in a court plea can all lead to undesirable consequences.
Small things are often important in church fellowships too. So, although the questionable practice of calling men "Brother (Bill)" and calling pastors "Pastor" (as a name; not as a title) - and referring to them in the third person as "Pastor" (as a name; not as a title) may be a ‘small' issue to some, we would like to remind the reader why it is not. We need to search the scriptures daily whether these things are so, we need to uphold God's word as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and we need to believe that he has good reason for every word he wrote.
In some fellowships, the word "Brother" is attached as a title to proper nouns (such as "Bill", as in "Brother Bill"). Does scripture instruct us to do this? Does it matter one way or the other?
In God's word, fellow believers are referred to by their first names numerous times, in the third person. In all cases, the titles "Brother" or "Sister" do not precede the name, except for three cases which we will examine, as follows:
1. In several instances, (such as in I Cor 16:12 - "our brother Apollos") a possessive personal pronoun ("my" brother; "thy" brother, "their" brother) precedes the noun (which is used in these cases as an adjective) 'brother' which disqualifies this example as scriptural proof for using this term as a title. Also, in this example, "brother" is not capitalized - which also disqualifies it.
2. In only two instances, (both referring to the same event), the pronominal adjective is used as if to validate this practice, which leads us to wonder why "Brother Saul" is used here at all when hundreds of other opportunities fail to indicate the validity of this practice.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
a. This example demonstrates use of the term - only once, and - in the second person; not in the third person.
b. There are several reasons why Ananias may have used the title "Brother Saul", including the fact that he was somewhat afraid of Saul and perhaps wished him to know that he received him as family.
c. This example stands alone in possible support of the practice, and even then only under narrow conditions (including direct commissioning by God to bestow sight to the blind.)
3. The only other instance, wherein "Brother" is used as a name or title, occurs in Luke chapter nine. In this case, the pronominal adjective is used without a proper noun (person's name in this case) following it - or more correctly - the word is used itself as a proper noun, in lieu of a person's name.
Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
a. Interestingly, this example also pertains to the receiving of someone's sight; but it is spoken by a hypocrite who presumes to judge himself to be superior to his brother. (Jesus hates the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.)
b. If there is not a condescending air of superiority, there often seems to be an air of (feigned) spirituality associated with the use of such religious terminology - "Brother Bill", "Sister Betty". Could this be the same attitude that motivated the Pharisees to enlarge the borders of their garments and to make long prayers in public?
In summary, if a person wants to ignore 99.9% of the examples where "Brother" is not used in God's word, then let him at least practice the 0.1% scripturally.
If the person is not a condescending hypocrite in violation of Luke chapter six, and if God directly commissions him to enable the receiving of sight, as in Acts chapter nine, then let him address that person as "Brother...(Bill)".
Perhaps this issue really doesn't matter much. But let's strive to be scriptural in everything that we do, and in everything that we say, and in everything that we think.
Concurrently, let all those who use the term "Pastor" as a proper name, cease from doing so. The bible provides no justification for this practice. Let us cease from all man-made traditions/practices that add to God's word in matters that pertain to spiritual faith and practice.