As early as last year, there has been widespread discussion on the internet about artificial intelligence potentially replacing lawyers and even judges. Honestly, I’m no longer surprised. Many jobs are already being taken over by robots, and it’s only a matter of time before this becomes reality. In light of this, I’ve decided to shift careers by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in computer science and sharing all my “lawyering” secrets. Kidding aside, even without artificial intelligence, the internet has, in many ways, been replacing lawyers. Instead of visiting a lawyer’s office for advice, many people simply turn to a Google search. Technology is truly transforming numerous industries and professions. One of the most common legal topics people search for online is legal forms. Documents like contracts, affidavits, and other legal forms can now be easily downloaded from the internet. So, is that it? Just download a lease contract online, and you’re done? Kidding again! … [Read more...]
Debunking KJV Onlyism: Pointing out errors in the “Providential Preservation of the text of the New Testament” chart
Have you seen the chart below? It has been circulating on the internet and across social media for some time now. Many of you may have noticed that a lot of my posts tackle issues related to King James Version (KJV) Onlyism. This issue is particularly close to my heart, as I grew up in a denomination that staunchly advocated this viewpoint. I spent decades in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church, a sub-denomination I was deeply ingrained in from a young age. I was once a fervent supporter of KJV Onlyism myself. However, I broke away from what I now see as a mix of half-truths, misconceptions, and outright falsehoods perpetuated by my former denomination. That is why when I pursued graduate studies in theology, a significant portion of my research has been devoted to addressing the errors of the very doctrines that I once fiercely defended—doctrines that my former church still clings to so please bear with me and forgive my zeal and the strong language I sometimes use when … [Read more...]
Were the King James Bible Translators Actually Calvinists? A Historical Analysis
Recent debates concerning the theological orientation of the King James Bible translators necessitate a careful examination of historical evidence regarding their doctrinal positions. Historical records strongly indicate that a significant majority of the translators adhered to Calvinist theology or demonstrated strong Calvinistic leanings in their soteriology. Historical Context and Anglican Identity The theological landscape of the Anglican Church during the Elizabethan era, which immediately preceded King James's reign, shows substantial Calvinist influence. Gerald Lewis Bray, a prominent British theologian and Anglican priest, provides crucial insight into this historical reality:"The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion follow the outline of Calvin's Institutes to a surprising extent, and their content is similar... the theologians who shaped Anglican identity in the Elizabethan era were deeply indebted to Calvin, whose major works were quickly translated into English to become the … [Read more...]
Is There Really an Unbroken Succession of Baptist Churches Since Christ?
The concept of Baptist Church Perpetuity, also known as Baptist Successionism, has been a subject of intense debate within Baptist circles. This theory posits that Baptist churches have existed in an unbroken line since the time of Christ and the apostles. However, this claim is not without its critics. Let's examine the arguments for and against this controversial idea. The Case for Baptist Church Perpetuity Proponents of this theory argue that: Jesus promised church perpetuity when He said, "upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The church is defined as a local, visible entity composed of properly baptized, organized groups of people, given the exclusive right to propagate in perpetuity until Christ's return. This perpetuity is claimed because it is promised by an all-powerful God. Even in the absence of historical documents, faith in Jesus' promise is sufficient. Various historical groups, such as the … [Read more...]
How to Pick a Stock Market Broker: Practical Tips
More people, especially younger folks, are getting interested in the stock market these days. With so many brokers out there (about 132 in the Philippines, with 21 offering online services), choosing one can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you decide: 1. Old School or Online? First, you need to decide between traditional and online brokers. Traditional brokers are the ones you call on the phone to buy or sell stocks. They're good if you like talking to a real person, but they charge more for each trade, up to 1.5%. Online brokers, on the other hand, let you buy and sell stocks on a website. It's faster and gives you quick information, plus they charge less, sometimes as low as 0.25% per trade. 2. Reports and Analysis Next, think about what kind of information you need. Some brokers give detailed reports about companies, while others focus more on charts and graphs. Pick a broker that gives you the kind of information that helps you make decisions about stocks. 3. How … [Read more...]