Arlene,


My "final authority" is the Holy Spirit, that still small voice from Father that sneaks in between my thoughts or that little nudge that manifests just below my solar plexis.  He helps me understand the Bible and He guides my life.


I don't know why you keep referring me to works and writings of men.  I've already told you I don't read them.  It is written that Jesus trusted no man for He knew what was in man.  I find that good counsel and live by it, trusting Him alone.  All this intellectual pursuit is nothing but fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Isn't that what got us in trouble (through Eve and Adam) in the first place?


As far as modern Bible translations having to do with the deterioration of the present day church... laughable.  The "church" started deteriorating as soon as the disciples decided they did not have to humble themselves and serve the Hellenistic Jews in their midst.  This happened 1290 days after the Crucifixion.  You can read about it in Acts 6 using your KJV or any other translation.  



RJ2