War of the Heart and Soul

We are walking battlefields. Daily we fight against good and evil, right, and wrong. Most of the time we don’t think about it in these terms. However, daily we make choices either for the better or the worse. This is the case in the heart of every believer. The Christian life is daily warfare against sin, the devil, and our flesh. This is why God has given us spiritual protection against such attacks. We must be protected by the armour of God. In Ephesians 6:11 the Bible says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Speaking from a personal perspective, I cannot believe in something just for the sake of believing it. There must be a reason or reasons to affirm a moral or idea. In case there be any doubt, there must be sound logical grounds for me to accept something. In the case of trusting God, there are many reasons I trust Him and live for the truth of Christ. Daily, God gives me the ability to draw breath and provides me with new blessings. Every day of my life I see God’s love and grace poured out on all mankind. I see His awesome power in creation and mercy toward the wicked. One of God’s ways of taking care of His people is by the spiritual armour we have just read about in the quote from Ephesians.

In verse 12 God teaches us the fact that our greatest battle is not against mere flesh and blood, but spiritual wickedness and the powers of darkness. The enemy of mankind is sin. Therefore, we as children of God must put on our armour. The breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. Not forgetting the sword of the spirit, that is the Word of God. Faith in God is our shield and our defence against spiritual attacks. Be watchful, the forces of evil are at work in the world today, and the god of this world is more than happy to go after God’s people. The sword of the spirit, that is the Word of God is God’s weapon against attacks from Satan. I cannot stress that more. So, friends, know your Bible. Read your Bible, commit it to memory and above all love your Bible. Make Scripture part of your daily joys. Learn to use your sword correctly and apply it to your heart. As a child of God face your battles in Christ and under his loving protection. We can either die on the battlefield of sin or have victory over the control and demands of sin. Christ, who defeated death at the cross is more than willing to give men and women the victory over sin.

We will indeed lose the battle if we don’t submit to the Prince of Peace, the One and only God that can triumph. The soul that gladly waves the white flag of surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ is happy. What do I mean by this statement. Before we became Christians, we were children of disobedience and proud members of the devil’s army. Until we waved the white flag and enlisted in Christ’s infantry we were on the side of iniquity. The system of the world is our foe. James warns in chapter 4 of his letter that friendship with the world is enmity with God. The soul that flirts with this cruel mistress is playing with fire.

Let us be those who fight for the King of Heaven against the prince of darkness. Notice the fact that the Bible uses the term “King” for Christ and “prince” for the evil one. A King is much higher, more powerful and has ultimate authority. Are you a true patriot of the Heavenly nation? Do you regard it an honour and privilege to be a member of this Holy Kingdom? The Church are heirs of God’s blessings and has a glorious reward in glory above. Our privilege was purchased with Christ’s blood. Sin’s guilt and shame were driven into the guiltless Saviour as he wore the crown of thorns. By Christ’s blood, men and women are made free, the nails sealed our pardon. Just like the nails in a coffin are final, so were the nails that held Christ on the cross. Christ who will clothe the saints of God in robes of righteousness and purity will present us faultless before the throne of God. What a Saviour is he who made sinful men and women his treasure and pleasure. May we never forget what Christ has done for the Church.

For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Psalm 18:39

 

 

The Trinity

The doctrine of the trinity is vitally related to truth. Although the word, "trinity" never appears in Scripture the doctrine of the triune God does. The Godhead is such a doctrine that cannot be fully understood as this is beyond our limited knowledge and understanding as mankind. Our mind cannot comprehend such a mystery of the divine triune Godhead. How can man understand that three persons of the Godhead are distinct, but not separate and all divine in nature.

Here are some examples found in Scripture of the divine nature of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God, the Father - "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."  (Rom 3:3-4). "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:"  (Rom 15:8).

God, the Son - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  (Joh 14:6) "But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:"  (Eph 4:20-21).

God, the Holy Spirit - "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"  (Joh 15:26) "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."  (Joh 16:13).

The Four Essentials of the Trinity

1.              There is only one true God.

2.              One God who eternally exists in three persons.

3.              The three are equal and attribute the same divine nature.

4.              While the three are fully and completely divine, the persons are not identical.

Monotheism

There is no other doctrine that is more important than this. The doctrine that there is One God is the fundamental truth that holds all other doctrines together (Deut. 6.4) Both the Old and New Testaments affirm this truth. See John 17.3, I Tim. 2.5, and Jam. 2.19. As there is only One God the worship of another god is idolatry. All idolatry is evil, foolish, harmful and wrong. Those who worship another without repentance before the final judgment will be punished in hell forever. Idolatry is not always the worship or following of another world religion it can be anything you put before the One true God of Holy Scripture. God deserves full and complete worship.

Practical Implications

There are two clear practical implications of the divine Godhead. Firstly, the revelation of God in Christ. God, the Father is revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ. We can know the Father through the Son. Secondly, the Godhead made salvation possible. The Spirit kept Christ pure from sin and preserved him. The Son, Jesus Christ shed his blood for the forgiveness of sin and God, the Father raised Christ from the dead. Salvation truly was a work of the Trinity.

How can three be one?

The word “trinity” was coined by the early Church writer Tertullian. He was born in 160 A.D. in Carthage, Tunisia. He coined the term in about 200 A.D. He used the words “substance” and “essence” to speak of God’s oneness. God is one substance in three persons. This oneness of God is seen in many Scriptures one of which is Deut 6.4, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” Also, see Joh 2.19 and I Cor. 8.4. The doctrine of the Trinity is a mystery and belongs to God. "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."  (Deu 29:29)

Principles of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

The English Protestant apologist William Chillingworth once said, “The Bible and the Bible alone is the religion of the Protestants.” The faith of all Christian people is based on the Scriptures only. The Bible was penned by holy men of God, meaning that they were set apart by God (2 Peter 1:21). Matthew Henry wrote, “So that the Scriptures are to be accounted the words of the Holy Ghost, and all the plainness and simplicity, all the power and all the propriety of the words and expressions, come from God. Mix faith with what you find in the Scriptures, and esteem and reverence the Bible as a book written by holy men, taught by the Holy Ghost.”

The Bible has been authenticated by prophecies coming to pass and the fact that the Scriptures have been preserved for many years. The most-read book in world history is also the most hated book. Over the course of time, mankind has tried to destroy the Bible's reality and faithful testimony. During the Protestant Reformation translating the Bible into the common language of England was a crime punishable by death. Copies of English Bibles were burnt in London and the preaching of Scripture was censored by the religious elite.

Scripture addresses every area of spiritual life. The 66 books of the Old and New Testament are the complete canon of Holy Writ. There is no need for “church tradition” or so-called extra or new revelations such as the Book of Mormon or any text that claims to be from God. The Word of God is sufficient for us. Revelation 22:18-19 warns us, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”

The Holy Bible teaches us what we need to know about God and what God has said concerning mankind. Scripture also teaches us what God expects from men and women. By nature, we do not know God nor the things of God. We are by nature cut off from the full blessings and benefits of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, says, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.” The Bible is the mirror to the soul and the path that points to the Saviour. The Scriptures are described as a lamp to our feet in this dark world of sin.

Above all books, the Bible is inspired by God, unique in beauty, and our only source of spiritual truth. The Bible is the Christian's joy, comfort, and peace. A life lived in the light of Scripture is not wasted on vain things of this passing world, but a life lived to the full. A good life, a noble life, and the best life. The Bible is worth defending, worth living for, and if necessary, worth dying for. Be of good cheer, O child of God. Remember that our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus came for us to have life, and life more abundant and free. Let's conclude with this thought from Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

 

 

The Importance of the Scofield Reference Bible

The Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909 by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, is one of the most influential study Bibles in modern Christian history. Known for its extensive commentary, cross-references, and dispensational framework, it has shaped evangelical theology for over a century. Its significance lies not only in its theological content but also in the way it revolutionized how people study the Bible.

A Revolutionary Approach to Bible Study

Before the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible, study Bibles typically contained limited commentary and cross-referencing. Scofield’s edition offered readers an unprecedented system for understanding Scripture. It included:

• Verse-by-verse notes explaining historical, cultural, and doctrinal context.
• Comprehensive cross-references that connected related passages across the Old and New Testaments.
• Chronological and thematic charts that helped readers trace major biblical themes.
• Section headings and summaries that provided structure to the text.

This format empowered lay readers to study the Bible in a more systematic way, without relying exclusively on clergy or academic theologians.

Theological Contributions: Dispensationalism

Perhaps the most significant impact of the Scofield Reference Bible is its popularization of dispensational theology. Dispensationalism divides biblical history into distinct periods—or “dispensations”—during which God interacts with humanity in specific ways. Scofield identified seven dispensations: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and Kingdom.

This framework helped millions of Christians see Scripture as a unified narrative with a divine plan unfolding through history. It emphasized the literal interpretation of prophecy, which led to renewed focus on eschatology (end-times studies), the future of Israel, and the second coming of Christ.

Influence on Evangelicalism

The Scofield Reference Bible became the standard study Bible for much of 20th-century evangelicalism. Its influence extended to:

• Bible Institutes and Seminaries – It became a primary text for training pastors and missionaries, especially within fundamentalist circles.
• Preaching and Teaching – Pastors often used Scofield’s notes as a framework for sermons, which helped standardize certain theological perspectives across denominations.
• Missionary Movements – By encouraging a global perspective on prophecy and evangelism, the Scofield Bible inspired many missionary efforts.

Later Revisions and Continued Impact

After the first edition in 1909, Scofield released a revised and expanded edition in 1917, often considered the definitive version. This revision included:

• Additional footnotes and explanations that clarified earlier comments.
• Expanded cross-references to connect even more passages for comparative study.
• Improved summaries and introductions to enhance readers’ understanding of each biblical book.

The 1917 edition cemented the Scofield Bible’s status as the most widely used reference Bible of its era. Later revisions, such as the 1967 New Scofield Reference Bible, updated some language, modernized the notes, and used more contemporary scholarship while preserving Scofield’s dispensational framework. These revisions ensured the Bible remained relevant for new generations of readers and students.

Key Editions of the Scofield Reference Bible

Year	Edition	Key Features / Changes
1909	First Edition	Original notes, seven-dispensation framework, cross-references, charts, and headings.
1917	Revised Edition	Expanded notes, additional cross-references, clearer book introductions, refined dispensational teaching.
1967	New Scofield Reference Bible	Updated language for modern readers, expanded historical and linguistic insights, retained core dispensational framework.

This timeline highlights how Scofield’s work evolved while maintaining its central theological vision.

Comparisons with Other Influential Study Bibles

The Scofield Reference Bible was not the first study Bible, but it introduced a unique combination of features that set a new standard.

• Thompson Chain-Reference Bible (1908): The Thompson Bible, published around the same time as Scofield’s, emphasized a topical chain-reference system that allowed readers to trace themes throughout Scripture. While highly useful for thematic study, it offered minimal commentary. Scofield’s work went further by providing theological interpretation and a comprehensive dispensational framework.
• NIV Study Bible (1985): Decades later, the NIV Study Bible would become the best-selling study Bible of the late 20th century, offering academically balanced notes from a broad evangelical perspective. Unlike Scofield’s edition, it avoided presenting a single theological system, appealing to a more diverse readership. However, it built on Scofield’s model of using charts, introductions, and explanatory notes to make Scripture more approachable.

Compared to these and other study Bibles, the Scofield Reference Bible stands out for its strong interpretive voice. It did not merely guide readers through the text but taught them how to understand it through the lens of dispensational theology—something no previous study Bible had done so systematically.

Controversies and Criticisms

While widely respected, the Scofield Reference Bible has also faced criticism. Some argue that Scofield’s dispensational framework imposes a rigid interpretive lens on Scripture, potentially limiting alternative readings. Others point out that its heavy use of footnotes risks elevating Scofield’s interpretations to the same level of authority as the biblical text.

Nevertheless, even critics acknowledge that it represents a landmark in Bible publishing and a major catalyst for theological discussion.

Enduring Legacy

More than a century after its first publication, the Scofield Reference Bible remains in print and continues to guide readers around the world. Its approach to Bible study has inspired countless other study Bibles, and its dispensational teachings still influence evangelical thought, particularly in North America.

Its legacy lies not only in its doctrinal contributions but in its democratization of Bible study—making Scripture more accessible and understandable to ordinary Christians. In this way, the Scofield Reference Bible is not just a historical artifact but a continuing force in shaping Christian faith and practice.

A Legacy in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, the impact of the Scofield Reference Bible can be seen in nearly every major Bible study platform—from mobile apps like YouVersion and BibleGateway, to advanced software like Logos and Accordance. These tools offer searchable cross-references, theological commentaries, reading plans, and study notes—all features pioneered or popularized by Scofield’s groundbreaking work.

Many digital study Bibles now include the Scofield notes as an option, showing how enduring and relevant his commentary remains even in a high-tech, information-rich environment. Moreover, the idea that the Bible can be studied systematically—through structured frameworks, theological lenses, and integrated reference tools—owes much to Scofield’s original vision.

While users today can access dozens of translations and perspectives with a tap, the foundation of how they engage with Scripture through digital tools is rooted in the revolution that the Scofield Reference Bible began. In this way, Scofield’s legacy lives on—not just in print, but in the very structure of modern Bible study itself.

Separation From The World

Ephesians 5:1-16 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

In England we have a state church called the Church of England. For many years the state has imposed its will on the Church of England and watered down the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The problem with a country having a state church is that the governing bodies of the state can force and put pressure on the Church to change. We see that in England today. The Gospel preached in the Anglican Church is a politically correct message that does not call sinners to repentance. Over the years the established Church in England has changed to fit the age we live in and thus fallen away from true biblical doctrine. The Church of England has accepted women bishops and other ungodly doctrines. The Church of England has no biblical grounds for accepting female bishops or women in positions of leadership. The Bible clearly states in 1 Timothy 3 that a Bishop must be “the husband of one wife.” This means that a Bishop must be a male who is married only once. A Bishop does not have to be married, but if he is married, he is only to marry once at any one time.

The reason I bring this up is this. Firstly, in this country people view the Church of England as a Christian church. This is a very dangerous view in England as the power of the state has impacted greatly on our citizens. In order to have a belief that is Christian it must come from the Word of God. If our view comes from anything outside of the Bible, it does not have the approval of God. Now by reading this statement you will be forgiven for thinking that I am saying that the Church of England is not a Christian Church. However, I am not saying that. What I am saying is that the Church of England promotes doctrine and practices that are not Christian in nature. For example, the approval now for same-sex relationships. There are within the Church of England many godly men and women who seek to worship and serve Christ faithfully.

2 Corinthians 6:11-18 says, “Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also. Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.”

Biblical separation is the belief realising that God has called us out of the world and into His purity amid a sinful world. God has ordained that His children should not involve themselves in ungodly acts but rather they are to retain a godly standard of behavior and virtue. Daniel is a good example of this. Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” A modern example of the separation that Daniel showed us would be to decline an invitation to a party where drunkenness and sin is promoted and to avoid areas were ungodliness prevails. This wise decision would be to the glory of God as you would be abstaining from the appearance of evil as commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. We ought to put on Christ and not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Romans 13:13 teaches us, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.”

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 the Lord gives us the command to be separate and to not touch the unclean thing. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are to separate from evil and evil doers. Paul begins by saying to Christians be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, this applies to all parts of life such as marriage and friendships. There can be no righteousness in unrighteous company and there is no light in the darkness of sinfulness. There is no agreement with Christ and the Devil. The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said evil company corrupts good habits. Paul begins with the words, “do not be deceived”. This clearly indicates that there are many that are deceived about this matter.

The Church is a called-out assembly of God’s people. The true Church of Christ must also be separate from false teachers and false man-made religion. The Church must rebuke falsehood and not compromise to suit the modern politically correct world. We must separate from cults and those who promote unbiblical doctrine, such as the Church of Rome. The true Church of God should separate from those who deny fundamental doctrines of Holy Scripture. Such as the deity of Christ, the finished work of Christ, salvation by faith through grace, and other doctrines that are not supported in Holy Writ. The true Church is made up of everyone who trusts in Christ alone for their salvation and is wholly depending on Christ’s shed blood as the only payment for their sin. Those who are of the true Church must also display fruit of the spirit such as repentance.

Obeying the biblical teaching of separation does not mean we do not have any contact with unbelievers. We should befriend them without taking part of their sinfulness. Jesus was called a friend of publicans and sinners in Luke 7:34. Followers of Christ are to be in the world but not of the world. The Book of Proverbs has some wise words of wisdom on this subject. Read Proverbs 12:26, 13:20, 22:24 and 24:21.

The Word of God warns against those who call good evil and evil good. There is much woe unto those who partake in sinful deeds against God. The believer will do well to remember Titus 3:9-11, turn to that passage in your Bible and read it for yourself.

Being separate from the world and evil is both God-honouring and for our own good. We ought to live as followers of Christ and not followers of the world. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”