| (Copyright) by Ray Daly (Bismarck, ND) |
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| The above title is based on the words of 2 Tim. 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved unto God. A workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth.” Note the underlined word, “dividing”. It should seem evident that this is referring to separating truth from falsity. We will see an example of this shortly. As well, we will also see evidence separating “truth from truth”. The main point I am trying to get across in this study, is to encourage believers to become as those spoken of in Acts 17:11. “These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind. And searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether those things be so.” Let’s examine one of the examples of truth being separated from that which is false. First, let’s view the Sabbath, as it is spoken of in the book of the law of Moses’. Ex. 31:16, “Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations.” Which law most Sabbath congregations today, practice to greater and lesser degrees. The question is, what is “false” about the above truth? Well, it is not in the sabbath itself being observed, but what Scripture shows is false, is the fact that almost all ordained ministers over those churches, teach that there is a command that believers must “assemble” on the Sabbath as well as observe it. Now comes the part that today’s Sabbath observers need to do. That being to act like the Bereans and search the Scriptures. For, if they do, they will find that there is no such command to “assemble” on the Sabbath. There are a few Scriptures in both the OT and the NT, that shows that the citizens did not have to assemble. Not that assembling is wrong, simply that to do so as a command is not required. And also note that, when there were assemblies on the Sabbath, it was by those of the “citizens” that sent appointed “representatives” to present their needs and thoughts at those assemblies. The Truth is, that the “church” was a democracy, based on the form of government established via the “10, 50, 100, 1000” system established when Israel was at Mt. Horeb. Which system we see in the event of the two women claiming a baby to belong to them. It went through the 10-50-100 levels until it had to go to Solomon at the 1000 level. The “citizens” were in charge Not as the system of “Diotrephes” of 3rd John. Let’s now look at a truth being divided from another truth. We have already seen what the “book of the law of Moses” has to say about the need to “observe” the Sabbath. Which is a truth. But note what the “other Law” says of the Sabbath. “Remember the Sabbath”. (Ex. 20:8) “Bereans”. Look up the word “remember” and see what it says. And ask yourself if the definitions you read say anything about having to even “observe” the seventh day. Another topic of “Truth from False” can be studied regarding the topic of tithing. A thorough study will show that there was only one tithe, and that it was to be used only for the observance of the feasts. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Truth is Truth Article by Ray Daly Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| This is a false teaching by Ray Daly. This article by Ray is a work against Christ and not a help to Him. You are right as far as 2Ti 2:15 and Acts 17:11 goes. We all need to rightly divide the word of truth and search the scriptures daily to see whether those things are true. But we need to do that by taking all the scriptures into account and not just the ones we like. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. I took note of this statement by Ray “There are a few Scriptures in both the OT and the NT, that shows that the citizens did not have to assemble.” However, Ray doesn’t list any of those scriptures. The problem is that if you are going to teach that you do not have to assemble on the Sabbath then you need to prove that with scripture otherwise you are not rightly dividing anything nor are you telling the truth. I know of no scriptures that tell us not to assemble on God’s Sabbath. There may be exceptions to that due to health and having no one to assemble with but the command from God is to assemble on the Sabbath. There is also streaming and phone hook ups out there for those who are alone. Exo 31:16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. Within Ray’s own article he uses a scripture that clearly shows we are to keep the Sabbath and to observe it. Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. According to Strong’s Concordance one of the meanings of “Remember” is to “Keep” and the word “Observe” in that same verse also has a meaning of “Keep” but Ray concludes in regard to this scripture “Look up the word “remember” and see what it says. And ask yourself if the definitions you read say anything about having to even “observe” the seventh day. In other words, Ray concludes that not only do you not have to assemble for the Sabbath but you don’t even have to “observe” it. Lev 23:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Lev 23:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Lev 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. Lev. 23:3 is talking about the Seventh Day Sabbath. The words Holy Convocation is talking about assembling on the seventh day Sabbath. The Seventh Day Sabbath is considered a Feast of the Lord. And if you look in Lev. 23:1 It is the Lord who spoke to Moses and told Moses to say this to the children of Israel. So, my conclusion is that Ray is teaching a false doctrine when He doesn’t see any command to assemble on the seventh day Sabbath and even goes as far as to question whether it should even be observed. The assembling of ourselves on the seventh day Sabbath is commanded by God Himself in His Law. Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Truth is Truth Article by Ray Daly Comments by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| Ray writes: The following is in response to Laura Lee’s comments on my article in Issue #63 titled “Truth is Truth”. Laura seems to feel that I was teaching that the Sabbath was no longer necessary to observe. Yet if the reader will check what I wrote, they will see that this is not so. As I point out at the beginning of the article. Ex. 31:16. “Wherefore, the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” However, the topic I was presenting is shown in the following paragraph. “What is false about the above Truth? Well, it is not in the Sabbath itself being observed, but what is false is the fact that almost all ordained ministers over those churches teach that there is a command that believers must ‘assemble’ on the Sabbath, to observe it.” Laura writes: Sounds like a lot of double talk to me. There is a command to assemble on the Sabbath and it is commanded by law. Lev 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. “an holy convocation” means to assemble Ray writes: I later mention that both the “old and new Testaments” offer proof of this. But I also mentioned that it is the duty of all believers to be “as Berean’s, studying the Scriptures daily to see if these things be so.” I guess this was missed. For, if one does as the Berean’s, they would have read the following two examples. Now, it should seem evident that, when the cloud led the people through the wilderness, it would never travel on the Sabbath. Israel would set up their camp around the cloud. However, on the Sabbath, the cloud would rise up, and go out to the Tent of Meeting, which had been set up on the sixth day. When the cloud set down at the door of the Tent, Moses, sometimes Joshua, and on occasions some of the princes, would go out to the Tent. But note what it says of the citizens. Ex. 33:18. “And all the [citizens]saw the cloudy pillar stand at the Tabernacle door. And all the [citizens] rose up and worshipped in his TENT DOOR.” Obviously, some 6 million individuals would be able to “surround the Tabernacle”. But note that there were none other “tabernacles” set up for them within their camp/city. Let’s now look at a NT example on this topic of the citizens not having to assemble in the “synagogues” on the Sabbath. Recall the time when Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch in Asia Minor. It says that Paul, on the Sabbath, went into the Synagogue, and was allowed to speak there, As well, he was not well received by the Jews that ruled in the Synagogue. But note what it says after Paul went out of the Synagogue. Acts 13:42. “…The Gentiles [that were in the Synagogue] besought that [Paul’s] words might be preached to them the next Sabbath”. Does this seem to say that what Paul taught, was not the same as what the “Jews” were teaching? Laura writes: If the Jews you are referring to were in charge of the Temple/Synagogue, they were more likely to be the Sadducees who did not believe in a resurrection. So, the Sadducees would not agree with Paul, but Paul was a Pharisee and would have been in agreement with the Pharisees as far as God’s Law. There were several sects of the Jews, and some agreed with Paul, and some did not. Just like today we have several sects of the Church of God and most agree in core beliefs, but some also teach strange doctrines not found in scripture. Ray writes: Consider now V.44. “The next Sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” Hmm? If they came to hear “God’s words” from Paul, what words were the Jews teaching? Now we know Paul and the other apostles taught what Jesus gave them to teach. And we ought to know that what Jesus taught is what “God” his Father gave him to teach. Hmm again? Weren’t the Jews teaching the same message as the Father gave to his Son to teach? Consider V.45, and the Jews reaction to the “whole city” of Gentiles coming to hear Paul. “But when the Jews saw the multitude, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting, and blaspheming.” Again, what message was it that they taught? As well, does it not seem that the “multitude” were not in attendance? Only “a few” of the Gentiles. Let’s now look at Paul’s past as a Pharisee, and what he had to say about his present works for Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:4. “…If any man thinks he has reason whereof he might trust in the flesh, I have more. V.5. Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel…A Hebrew of the Hebrews [a Pharisee leader]. As touching the [book of the] law, a Pharisee. V.6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church. As touching the [book of the] law, BLAMELESS.” Quite impressive. But let’s go on with Paul’s comments concerning his “blamelessness”. V.7. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. V.8. Yes, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my lord. For whom I have suffered the loss of all things. And do count them but dung…!” Come on now. What was it he gave up, and counted as “dung”? Let’s look at one more point regarding the book of the law, and the believer’s responsibility for what it teaches. Keeping in mind that it is a “good law”. But “not good enough” to attain to Spiritual salvation by its observance. Acts 15:24. “Forasmuch as we have heard that certain that went out from us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls. Saying, that you must be circumcised, and keep the [book of the] law. Which WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT.” Laura writes: Php 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Php 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Act 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: Changing scripture in order for you to continue in your false doctrine is wrong. You cannot change “law” to read “book of the law” because it doesn’t say that. In Php. 3:4-8 Paul just mentions the law in a general way. He isn’t doing away with the law like you want people to believe. In Act 15:24 it is talking about the law of circumcision and not the book of the law. Paul is saying there is no command for the gentiles to be circumcised. He is not telling them they don’t have to keep the book of the law. He is only talking about circumcision. Ray writes: The reader may not care what the above quoted from Scriptures have to tell us. That is the reader’s choice. But they are indeed recorded. Now, if they do not mean what they say, then please show from Scripture that they are false. Laura writes: I just did. You added things into the scripture which is not in the scripture which then gives scripture a whole new meaning and backs up your false doctrine. These scriptures that you used here are not saying what you want them to say. Ray writes: There were two trees in the Garden of Eden. Each representing a law. At Mt. Horeb, a Law was given, the Ten Commandments recorded on tablets of stone. From Mt. Sinai there was a law given, written with ink by Moses. Which of the two laws do you feel represents the Law of the Tree of Life, and which represents the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? Laura writes: Ray there is only one Law of God, and it includes the Ten Commandments. The first five books of the Bible are the books of the Law. There is no separation between the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law. It is all one Law. As far as the two trees in the Garden of Eden go, apparently you do not understand what either one of them represented when you can say they each represent a part of the same law which is pure nonsense. The tree of “Good and Evil” represented just that, man deciding what is evil and what is good and of course acting on either. If you want to say that represents a part of the Law of God, then which part of God’s Law is evil? The other tree was the “Tree of Life” and if you ate from it, you would live forever. Once Adam and Eve ate of the tree of “Good and Evil” the tree of Life had to be kept from them, so they did not live forever in a state of good and evil as we have today where life ends in death. In order to eat from the tree of Life you will have to be keeping all of God’s Law not just part of it as you are promoting. Also Mt. Horeb and Mt. Sinai are the same mountain. Is there a profit in making up your own doctrines? Because I don’t see it. When you make this stuff up and teach it and lead someone in the wrong direction you are responsible for that. Most of what you have said here is pure nonsense. If you don’t want to meet with other brethren on the Sabbath then just don’t do it, no one will make you do something you don’t want to do. Ray writes: Oh yes. The word “remember”, as referring to “meeting” as was pointed out to me. Consider the Hebrew definition of the word written originally in Hebrew. #2142. “To MARK (so as to be recognized), i.e., to REMEMBER. By implication, to MENTION, MALE…”. Any real evidence of this meaning to citizens “assembling or observing”? Laura writes: It is too bad you conveniently forgot to list the scripture where #H2142 is used. Hard to look it up without the scripture you are referring to. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Truth is Truth Article by Ray Daly Comments by John Leitch (Canada) |
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| It would appear to me that Mr. Daly in his article “Truth is Truth” does not understand the reason for gathering on the Sabbath (or even at other times) for people that have been called-out of today’s world. Mr. Daly writes The question is, what is “false” about the above truth? Well, it is not in the sabbath itself being observed, but what Scripture shows is false, is the fact that almost all ordained ministers over those churches, teach that there is a command that believers must “assemble” on the Sabbath as well as observe it. If a person reads about all the gifts poured out on the called-out people (Ephessians chapter four) they will see these gifts are for the whole body of Christ and not just for the person receiving such a gift. The question arises, if a person refuses to assemble with other believers, how is it possible for an absent person to partake of these gifts that are meant for them, if they do not assemble? On a sadder note, if a part of the body of Christ feels that they have nothing to contribute and they are useless, and this causes them to stay away. I would like to encourage Mr. Daly to think more positively and gather with other believers at every opportunity. (farmer logic) |
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