Bible Truth Today Introduction

My name is D. L. Culiver and I am starting this blog with the thought that perhaps I can assist others in coming to a true understanding of the Bible. More than that, I would hope that through a better understanding of the Word, my readers can come to know more intimately the God of the Word, Jesus Christ.

I am a layman, but I have studied the Bible formally through the Training Center at East Valley Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona under the direction of Pastor Chris Mueller, who is currently the senior pastor at Faith Bible Church in Murrieta, California. I have an intense passion for the Bible and have made it a practice to read and study it virtually every day for the past ten years. I am the father of six children and have been married to my wife, Chris for over 25 years.

What has driven me to the blog is an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. When I watch the news, I shudder. So many people in the world have no knowledge of God and what god they do acknowledge, they have crafted in their own minds to meet their perceived needs. Worse yet, is the condition of the church. When I examine the surveys done by George Barna, I can hardly believe my eyes, when the beliefs and the behaviors of God’s people are scarcely different than those of the rest of the population. How can this be?

This blog is intended to challenge its readers. For my non-Christian readers, I pose these questions:

1) Do you have any assurance about your fate when you die?

2) You obviously believe something about your destiny. What is it? Why do you believe it? How do you know you are right?

3) Have you examined the Bible? Have you rejected it, or have you rejected the authority that it might impose on your life? Why?

4) Have you rejected Christianity because of the behavior of those who claim Christ as their lord and savior, (hypocrisy)? How do you know that those that claim Christ are really believers, and are truly representatives of Jesus?

5) Have you rejected the veracity of the Bible because of one of the many so-called problems with it, such as:

a. The origin of evil

b. The so-called contradictions in Scripture

c. Hard questions like:

i. What happens to the pygmy in Africa who doesn’t know Jesus?

ii. What happens to babies when they die?

iii. What happened to my relative who died without Christ?

iv. How can I trust the Bible?

v. Where did the Bible come from?

vi. Is the Bible really the actual word of God?

vii. Isn’t believing in the Bible just “blind faith”?

viii. If I live a good life, will God allow me into His heaven?

ix. What will happen to the billions of people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus?

x. Don’t all religions lead to God?

xi. I prayed a prayer when I was young and asked Jesus into my heart. Since then, I have walked away from the faith. Am I saved?

xii. Aren’t there a million interpretations of the Bible? How do you know that yours is right?

For my Christian readers:

1) Is the Bible really the rule of faith, or is it just a book full of platitudes that barely affect your life?

2) How can you know God’s will for your life?

3) Does God hear all of your prayers?

4) What is my mission in life and does it line up with Scripture?

5) How can you be sure that you are a Christian?

6) Why are there so many translations of the Bible? Are they all trustworthy?

7) Does your life have purpose, or are you living each day in the futile pursuit of comfort and diversion?

8) Should I become involved in politics? Do they matter? What is my duty as a Christian and a citizen?

9) Does it matter what you believe about God’s predestination and election of certain individuals to salvation and not others? Do you understand the ramifications of your belief? Do you hold whatever position you hold because of a sound exegesis of Scripture, or do you hold your position because it “feels” right?

10) Does it matter what you believe about evolution vs. creation?

11) Does it matter what you believe about psychology and other human means to better your life?

I am praying that these questions and many more may have piqued your interest. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, (bibletruthtoday@gmail.com). Also, if you believe that I am in error in whatever position I take, please let me know. My only request is that you use Scripture to back up your position. I promise that I will do my best to let you know when I am giving you my opinion as opposed to dogmatic truth.

His servant,

D. L. Culiver