Whole Bible Christianity

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Articles by Bruce S. Bertram - Whole Bible Perspectives on Bible Subjects

What does whole Bible Christianity teach, and applications to living

Bruce is Always Writing

Collected here are articles on the site written by Bruce, with links to printable versions. Also visit our old blog Berea, especially under the Manna section. With these articles Bruce covers subjects such as identity issues, tradition, authority, and the church.

When You Want to Talk Back

Our newer blog The Whole Bible Christian is available if you'd like to express a constructive opinion. Even if you disagree with something, feel free to register and let us know. Or just sign up so you can participate in a learning discussion.

Yes, There Are Some Radical Ideas Here

Especially in view of standard church doctrine. Sadly, the standard doctrine has drifted quite a bit from the Bible. The Church has become like Judaism of the first century, hardened and impervious to change. Modern culture has been imported and godly behavior is going out the window. We need to repent, and get back to the plain meaning of His Living Oracles. That is the thrust of our website, our book Whole Bible Christianity, and all of our articles.

Articles by Bruce S. Bertram

Sign up for our Whole Bible blog to get regular posts from members or to post your own comments. We do not participate in that moronic Fakebook website anymore because of their persecution of people of faith.
Our Youtube channel Whole Bible Christian has a number of videos covering ideas presented in both the articles by Bruce and the book he wrote titled Whole Bible Christianity. Bruce has also written two other books, Nicolaitan: Lords of Hypocrisy and Whole Bible Prophecy, Horror and Hope. All of the Youtube videos have also been transferred to Rumble (https://rumble.com/c/c-1757231) and new videos will be posted there as well. Bruce brings Biblical and Promise theology to bear on many Scriptural questions in a conversational and uncomplicated way.
Free booklets are available for some of these articles at our Study Helps page. You can print them out yourself, or send a donation to us (see the Contact page) and we will send you printed copies.
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Absolute Truth by Bruce Scott Bertram.  3 pages. PDF version, 3 pages.
This one might just frost your cookies, but don't blame us, blame the Church's teaching and Barna Research.  What are we to make of the statistic that most people in the Church do not believe in absolute truth?

Adoption by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Few people are as qualified as Bruce to write on the subject of adoption.  In this article he shares some of his insights gained the hard way.  See also Two Into One and One House for some other similar ideas.

The Adulterous Woman by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Article from John 8 you might find interesting.  Jesus the lawyer neatly instructs in the proper application of the Law.  Don't miss it.

Am I a Homophobe? by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, about 9 pages. Free booklet, about 21 pages.
Bruce comes "out of the closet" as a homophobe. But perhaps the fear of homosexuals is not so "irrational" at all. Plenty of quotes and statistics from many different sources on the lifestyle choice and why a so-called fear may not be so irrational in the end. Perhaps the true irrational fear is in those who capitulate to the enemy.

Asses and Elders by Bruce Scott Bertram, about 6 pages.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Starts with the four-legged talking donkey in Numbers and finishes up with the two-legged talking donkeys in our daily lives.  Includes views on super churches and the media, too.  This article is built around the Reformation concept that 'all truth is God's truth.'

Atheism - The Seinfeld of Religions by Bruce Scott Bertram, about 3 pages.  PDF version, 3 pages.
Adherents of atheism claim that it is not a religion. But that depends on your definition. Ninian Smart describes religions with seven "dimensions," all of which apply to atheism. Atheism is all about nothing, which also describes the comedy show of the '90's called Seinfeld.

Atonement by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Has a discussion of fasting in addition to the description of the Feast.  A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies. See also Stringing Pearls for Yom Kippur for more information.

The Church Isn't Cutting It Anymore by Bruce Scott Bertram.  4 pages.
Check out our opinion of what other interesting statistics Barna Research has uncovered.  Pastors who rate themselves highly while the Church is falling apart.  Shades of Nero's fiddling!

Christian Faith and Practice through Blessing by Bruce Bertram.  PDF version, 7 pages.
Helps to illuminate some of the many ways to bless and be blessed. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through CleanlinessPDF version, 6 pages.
Discussion of issues relating to clean and unclean. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through Sex, Clean and Unclean). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Cycles by Bruce Scott Bertram, PDF version, 8 pages.
A general teaching or overview of all of the feasts as they relate to cycles in the year, themes, and Yeshua (Jesus). A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Spring Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Diet by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Explores the teaching and blessings that come from following our Father's ways in the area of food.

Christian Faith and Practice through The Feast of Tabernacles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages. Party, party, party, all the time party!  Do we have a great God, or what? A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Mark by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 5 pages.
The mark of the beast makes many people shudder.  But did you know the Scriptures teach us about a mark of God?   Offers information giving a possible whole new meaning to the Mark.

Christian Faith and Practice through Money by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Here we talk about some of the general aspects of the Law as they apply to handling money.  Tithing, charity, and loans are covered along with some beginning interpretations.

Christian Faith and Practice through Passover by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 5 pages.
An overview of all three Spring feasts - Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Spring Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Prayer by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 6 pages.
Goes over much of the Scripture relating to prayer.  Attempts to provide some guidance from our Father's instructions. Contains a word study on prayer. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
When was the Sabbath instituted?  Who was the first person to observe the Sabbath?  Is the Sabbath really something that is part of Christian faith and practice?  It seems the Scriptures say so, but men say no.  Which is it?  Or rather, which one do we listen to? Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Sex by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
An article detailing some of the Laws governing intimate relationships with one another, specifically between married people of opposite genders sufficiently removed. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Spirit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Doesn't cover specific Laws as much as it addresses the Biblical teachings on the Spirit and various practices which have arisen from incomplete understandings of the Word.  'Leading' and 'filling' are covered, as well as some of the Spirit's activities in the Tanakh (OT).

Christian Faith and Practice through...Tradition by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Using some of the principals from the movie Fiddler on the Roof and quotes from his buddy Tevye, Bruce lays out some of his viewpoints on the legitimacy and place of tradition in the believer's life, contrasting the traditions of men with the traditions of God. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Tzitzit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
It may seem a little odd, but an important article on tassels can be found by clicking on this link.  Some argue that these are not necessary, but how do we define 'necessary?'  Read and find out just how many of the commands really do apply to Christians.

Christian Faith and Practice through Yom Teruah (feast of Trumpets) by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages. Another in the series of CF&P articles intended to help people who are new to practicing the whole of the Word learn how.  Contains information on how to blow a shofar and where to get them. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Dr. Laura by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Our own response to a letter that sometimes circulates through email, concerning a person's concerns who supposedly listens to her radio show.  Dr. Laura Schlessinger speaks positively on her shows concerning the Law, among other things, and it is plain that the alleged listener is not really listening after all.

Point by Biblical Point through the Ray Comfort article Freedom from Sabbath Keeping by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 7 pages.
Our response to an article written by Ray Comfort titled Freedom from Sabbath Keeping.  Ray Comfort has taught many good things. He’s done a lot of hard work answering atheist’s objections to Christianity, and written some worthwhile books. I have quoted him in my book Whole Bible Christianity from his article Hell’s Best Kept Secret. However, he has also taught some things that are off-track biblically. This article in particular contains so many typical Christian half-truths, logical fallacies, biblically incorrect teaching, philosophies of men and misunderstandings that it will serve as an excellent illustration for many of the wrong teachings from the church I have been addressing for years.

Galatians by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 30 pages.
Written in response to questions from a church he attended.  With bibliography.  This article has a quick summary of the historical split between Judaism and the Church, along with hitting some of the highlights in the epistle.  It is not a complete study, but serves to orient the student to the beginnings of a different viewpoint than the Church has traditionally taught.

Head Coverings and Bible Study by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 18 pages.
A fairly complete article with balancing viewpoints on the subject of Bible study using 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as an example.  The emphasis is mostly on Bible study methods. This article is also available in booklet form. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

How to Tie Your Own Tzitzit in one of the Jewish Styles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 7 pages.
An article with instructions and illustrations on tying one style of the tassel God asks His children to wear on their clothing.  Lots of photos and some other web addresses for purchasing kits, too.

Identity Issues by Bruce Scott Bertram.
Short article on the general idea of identity problems within the Messianic Movement, including an analysis of the Two House theories, with links to various articles by Bruce and others.

Interpretation by Bruce Scott Bertram.
Several  short articles by Bruce and excerpts from the book Whole Bible Christianity on the subject of interpreting the Bible. Also some material from Tim Hegg at Torah Resource.

In Vino, Veritas by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 16 pages.
Bruce presents one of his papers from a Yeshiva class he took on basic Hermeneutics.  'In Vino, Veritas' is Latin for 'In Wine there is Truth' and has footnotes but no bibliography.  He covers everything from how the words for wine are defined and used in the Bible all the way to wine making.  Probably a great cure for insomnia.

Law Primer by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version 29 pages.
An attempt to help define terms and concepts, with bibliography.

Manger by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version 2 pages. Short article on the inn and the manger of Luke 2. Apparently there is a lot of interest in this judging by the requests for backup from the Tabernacles article. So here it is.

Matthew 5 by Bruce Scott Bertram.   PDF version, 16 pages.
Verse by verse comments on Matthew chapter five, showing how Jesus' teachings were not all that new to begin with.

Matthew 6 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Part two of the Sermon on the Mount.  Verse by verse opinions showing connections to similar concepts in other parts of Scripture.

Matthew 7 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Third section of Jesus' Sermon from the Mount.  Dogs and pigs, sand and rock, and the difference between working for God and working for self.

One House by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Long before it became fashionable to speak of 'one house' in the Two House teachings, Bruce in 2003 was writing on the fallacies of those teachings and making pleas for maintaining the unity already given to God's children by the Spirit.  See also Adoption and Two Into One for other articles relating to these issues.

Passover by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 5 pages.
Includes information on Unleavened Bread and First Fruits, as well as calendar help and some dates. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Pentecost by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
A discussion of the giving of the Spirit in Acts as it relates to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

People Husbandry through the Word by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Discussion covering the issues of modesty in relation to nakedness and clothing, written in response to an article in a Gates of Eden publication by a Brother John Robinson.  Is a head covering Scriptural?  Do women have to wear long skirts according to the Bible?  Why don't men have to wear long skirts, too?  What is idolatry, anyway?  These are some of the questions Bruce looks at in an attempt to balance arguments about how women should dress with what the Scriptures say about the subject. Free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through Modesty.) Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

The Practical Effects of Translational Bias by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 10 pages.
Looks at some of the practical issues regarding the supposed difficulties of properly translating the Bible.  Some in the 'Hebrew Roots' camp are claiming the Apostolic Writings in particular are 'mistranslated' because some translators had a deliberate bias against Judaism and the Hebrew language.  Is this really true?  Can God be trusted to deliver an uncorrupted version of what He requires from man?

Responses to Relevant Magazine Articles

I decided to put a section in here for responses I've made to articles in Relevant online Magazine.

Relevant Magazine is run by and directed at young people in and around their 20's or so, and apparently with not very much upstairs most of the time. The selected articles are heavy into modern culture and so I guess shouldn't be taken too seriously. They claim to be relevant but according to the dictionary (i.e. "having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand") they are anything but relevant. Perhaps Ephemeral (lasting a very short time) would be a better name, or even Transitory (of brief duration) or Trivial (of little worth or importance).

Sometimes I think they could use a more mature, Scripture centered viewpoint (that would, of course, be me!). Some of their authors are good; most come up short in the Scripture and logic departments. I'll read an article and see how lopsided and sometimes vacuous ("marked by lack of ideas or intelligence") the point is they are trying to make and I just have to respond. However, there is no way they'll publish anything I say because I make too much biblical sense. Therefore I'm not touchy-feely enough for them and too "mean." Their stuff is for short attention spans, so reading time is around four or five minutes.

So I just write up my responses and put them up here. I copy the original article because I've found that sometimes the links don't work or the article just disappears over time. Maybe in searching online people will come across some of what I've written and get more balance. Who knows? Also check out our Blog for some shorter responses to other articles.

Is it me or are there a lot of women-centered articles in that magazine?

Update 7/03/2018. I cancelled my subscription to Relevant Magazine. I received three of the publications by mail (they publish every other month) and spent some time on the website and finally I couldn't stand it anymore. It's hard to tell the difference in the print version between articles and advertisements. Scripture is pretty much non-existent, answers for real problems are sentimental rather than life-changing, and maybe it's because I'm old and have seen it all before but I've seen it all before. The names change, clothing styles are a little different, and the whining just goes on and on. And on and on. Almost everything they think is "relevant" is nothing more than passing fads. No help for daily living or answers for Bible questions and applications. So every once in a while I might catch something they publish and respond to it but not often.

Equality for Women Should Start in the Church by Emma Jarred, whole Bible Christian response by Bruce Scott Bertram.
It's tough trying to keep up with the dumb stuff from young people in Relevant Magazine. But I keep trying. This article really begged for a Scriptural response. Equality for women starting in the church? It is the church that has led the way away from God's Word and caused many of the current problems in the first place! The church is not the answer. The Word of God is the answer.

What Joshua Harris Got Wrong by Carla Ewert, whole Bible Christian response by Bruce S. Bertram. Disappointing, because I thought she would have a female view of I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Instead, we get a bitchy diatribe about maleness and what seems to be a demand to listen to women. On something.

If We Want Less #Metoo Stories Here's What Needs To Happen by Dorothy Greco, whole Bible Christian response by Bruce S. Bertram. What we really need to do is define our terms, look in the right place for the source of the hatred, and embrace all of God's Word. Misogyny is women-hating, but is there any misandry or men-hating involved? Anything else is just treating a few symptoms, not the causes.

CNN'S Jake Tapper Used the Bible to School Pastor Greg Locke on Respecting Women by Jesse Carey, March 27, 2018. Whole Bible Response by Bruce S. Bertram. Sometimes I just have to respond because of the misuse of the Bible. This is one of those cases. Jake Tapper didn't school anyone because he wasn't even in the right school. Calling Stormy Daniels a hooker is like calling a fish a water swimmer. Greg Locke does a good job pointing out the hypocrisy of the left.

 

Read the Word Publicly by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 8 pages.
This article advocates for reading large portions of the Word of God out loud in our public meetings. Ten chapters or more are recommended, and all the benefits are discussed.

Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Part of the feasts but perhaps better explained under a separate heading, the article takes a look at the day of rest and how we can connect with our Father by observing it.

The Sabbath in Scripture by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 12 Pages. 
Another article on the Sabbath with an in-depth look as the day combines with the Law and is taught throughout the Scriptures.

Stringing Pearls for Yom Kippur by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
If you would like a little more explanation for Yom Kippur check out the article, which includes a detailed study of affliction and humbling. See also Atonement for more information on this important appointment with our Father.

Suicide Silence by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, about 8 pages. Free booklet, about 19 pages.
A very personal article telling of the suicide of two people, the connections to sin and silence, a true understanding of love, and the application of truth to the subject.

Tired Old Arguments

This section I started in 2018 for all the tired, old arguments we hear all the time about what is wrong with the Bible or why people think God is all wrong. There's a bunch of them, so like a father numbering his lectures to his kids because they have to be repeated so often, I'm numbering them and giving explanations so I can just refer to the numbers when people do it again.

Tired Old Argument #3 - Bad Verses by Bruce Bertram PDF version 2 pages. All over the web you'll see presentations on the Bad, insane, worst, ridiculous, disgusting, shocking, gruesome verses/stories in the Bible. A few are from honest questioning; most are not and all are inaccurate.

Tired Old Argument #8 - God Commanded Israel to Wipe Out Nations by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 3 pages.
I'm sure you've heard the whiny argument that "I couldn't worship a God that would command Israel to wipe out other nations. Men, women and children were slaughtered at the behest of a God that is supposed to be a god of love" or something like it. Here I answer it with references straight from God's mouth.

Traditions by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Another article in the Christian Faith and Practice series.  Using his experiences in the last few years, combined with what may be a slightly unique view of the Scriptures, Bruce comes to some interesting conclusions regarding the place of tradition in the practice of a believer. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps page and the Free Whole Bible Booklet section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for additional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Two Into One by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
A look at the Two House theory.  Written in 2002, before the changeover in the Two House teachings to an emphasis on 'one house' (due to, we're pretty sure, Bruce's conversations with Two Housers such as John McKee).  See also Adoption (2002) and One House (2003) to read about Bruce's other pleas for those brothers and sisters to read Scripture and maintain the unity already given to us by the Spirit.  Of course, 'one house' is not an original idea at all.

What If God Were A Linebacker? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 3 pages.
Only slightly tongue-in-cheek article exploring God's possible impact on sports if He were to play as a linebacker in professional football.

Where Do I Start? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 3 pages.
An article explaining some of the introductory concepts of Torah submission for the person just starting.

Whole Bible Christianity by Bruce Scott Bertram. No longer just a draft of the book, it is now available in book form on Amazon. The link above is to the information page, or you can go to the page where we have the whole text of the book (searchable) along with links to videos on the Whole Bible Christian Youtube channel. Please give us your comments or observations about it. It is about 340 pages or so (in 6 x 9 format), with a Scripture Index of over 1,500 references. Over 800 verses directly quoted.

Who's Running This Place? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 5 pages.
Takes a look at the issues of God's authority along with 'right thinking' as opposed to 'right doing,' and consequently why the Torah is included in the walk of a Christian.

The Word of God by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 10 pages.
If you like comparing Scripture with Scripture you will like this article.  Be warned, however.  If you are looking for confirmation for what you already believe this article may damage your thinking!

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