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The insurmountable work of Kings, scholars, lawyers, theologians, priests, monks, scribes, translators, and others have amounted to millions of hours of labor and produced hundreds of translations of the Bible. The copulation of all this labor has become the framework of Bible history. Every effort exerted was important to the formation of what we call "The Bible" today. Removing or adding to all the efforts would undermine the credibility of what we call "Scriptural Truth". It is important to consider that the Bible is universally important to all cultures, and not necessarily exclusive to English. It is my contention, that the earliest "original" text of each testament or scrolls (Old Testament - Dead Sea Scrolls or Septuagint) and (New Testament - Codexes) are crucial in history. As languages change, cultures change, and time changes, the interpretation of each manuscript could have been "exclusively" influenced by the writers or translators. This brings us back to the importance of translation, interpretation, and inspiration. Focusing on the importance of the original text is vital to "truth". Just a notation: If the Septuagint was quoted by Jesus in the delivery of his message Luke 4:14-20, and used dozens of times in the Old and New Testaments by prophets, apostles, and even Christ himself I would think it all has validity). #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

This question is one of the many questions that has haunted billions of citizens throughout history. It is a question which demands a clear answer, and the answer is "yes"! The Bible, for thousands of years, has been the "cornerstone" of faith, the moral handbook of life, the governing principles of empires, the chronically recorded evidence of history, and the life-changing power of God. These inspired texts have outlived every book, every poem, every government, and every enemy. When considering its authenticity, the Bible has been found to be the most accurate in history, the most supported by events, the most trusted by scholars, the most used by academic institutions, the most inspiring by its believers, readers, eyewitnesses, and martyrs who were willing to give their lives for the uncompromising message and infallible context by which it was designed. The sixty-six (66) books of the Bible, when viewing it under a microscope, has been comprised of 40 authors of every vocational background over a period of 1500 years. It's continual "storyline" or message is a symphony of perfection which can only be orchestrated by a perfect author, and that author is God. For thousands of years, the canonical systems which were designed to scrutinize the Bible's authenticity, have bowed down to its authoritative authorship and have accepted the Bible as "our rule of life". These stringent systems consisted of thousands of supportive evidence, manuscripts, translations, local church acceptance, approvals, subject, content, and the supernatural ability to inspire, convict, edify, and correct. The Holy Scriptures have passed every one of these canonical systems and have given the ruling framework and name of what we call today the "Canonical Books" or "Bible". #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Thomas Jefferson –“The Bible makes the best people in the world.” The forefathers of this wonderful country had made some profound statements that are worth studying.  For it is beautiful to see, the driving force behind their lives, their faith, and their labor. Thomas Jefferson stated the following; “The Bible makes the best people in the world.”. Looking closer at this statement, it inspired me to write about what could he have possibly meant. Thomas Jefferson clearly gives testimony (testifies) of God's awesome power to make, and change people's lives through the living Word of God. In spite of all books, Jefferson strongly considers that the Bible has the ability to positively impact an individual's life and make him/her into the "best" moral citizens of the world. This clearly reveals the active, abiding power of scripture not just as a governing "authoritative" handbook, but one which is alive and active improving in the wholeness of mankind and making for a better world. In his reflection, you can see that his eyes have considered the whole scope of life, not mere "nearsightedness" but rather - he universally testifies of what his eyes have seen and what his heart has considered. A true visionary, and a true Christian! He is now one of my respected hero's. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Throughout the lens of time, the Bible has become - too many - a great story, a motivational message, an inspiring journey, and even time's another history book. Denominations, doctrines, religions, and even congregations have gathered together under the assumption of the readers or listeners interpretation, and not necessarily under the authoritative "life-changing power" of the "Words of God". For conforming the message of God into a culturally characterized story, rather than respecting its transforming power desensitizes its listeners and blurs God's Holy message. Hebrew 4:12-13 states "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." The fragility of interpretation, rather than God-inspired "revelation" has been a catalyst to many wars, division, and not the source of faith, unity, hope, and love. Not reverencing the "authoritative" power of Scripture unrestraint its readers and listeners and allows for a chaotic, perverse, and crocked road rather than a straight one. For Holy Scripture states in 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Simply teaching and/or interpreting Scripture without using it to correct, rebuke, and train oneself and those who you come in contact with is a damaging witness to the authoritative "Words of God". #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

The “Abrahamic Covenant” is an eternal covenant which GOD HAS MADE WITH MAN, and is contingent on his unfailing character, and the submission and obedience of a believer. It is a promise which depicts the grand love of an almighty Father, weaving and guiding his children to the fullness of his revelation and blessings. God in his unconditional goodness and favor clearly reveals that he is at work in every aspect of his promise to make it come into fulfillment. Thus, reflecting in his promise, we also see an intangible substance embedded within the fiber of his covenant which is “faith”. Faith as stated in Hebrew 11 states “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for”. In Hebrew 11:6 states “and without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” And finally, Genesis 15:6 states “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Faith was the substance that drove Abraham from Ur to Canaan, from Bethel to the Negev, from the Negev to Egypt, from Egypt back to Bethel and so on……. We are all considered “children of faith (Abraham)” for those who believe (Romans 10, Romans 4:16). It is my contention, and food for thought, that this unconditional Covenant is revealed and dispersible to those who believe and who are people of faith. Could this then be a condition? :) #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Interpretation, as defined by the bibliology text, states that interpretation is subject to "the individual's understanding". It is vital to take into account that our understanding can easily be determined by internal as well as external influences. Most of the time culture, age, morals, values, emotions, academic training, opinions, and a number of other elements can easily form the framework (paradigms) by what we determine to be true. Our interpretations may vary from culture, place, and even time, but the truth is God-breathed and eternal. The Lord clearly states in his Word "your ways are not my ways, and your thought is not my thoughts." When receiving "revelation" God normally extends the borders of your paradigms and reveals the truth which will ultimately catapult you into a greater understanding of God's nature, plans, purpose, and message. Thus, freeing you from your own limited knowledge. Inspiration, on the other hand, as defined by the bibliology text states that inspiration is "the accurate recording of God's truth". This recording is an integrative work of God, working with and through man, to record without error his (God's) unveiling truth, a truth which is always accurate, authoritative, and revealing. In other words, interpretation is subject to error, but revelation and inspiration are eternally true and God-breathed. Coming from the very heart, breath, and nature of God. Proverbs 3 #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

On several occasions I have had the opportunity to witness and participate in "authentic" revival services that occurred right here in Brownsville Florida in the mid-1990s, and at a local church named "Upper Room Assembly of God" in Kendall, Florida. At first, these experiences were a bit astonishing and almost surreal. These public manifestations of the Holy Spirit, for those who were participants, were life-changing and authentically real. As one of the thousands of spectators, and a roughly new Christian (3 to 4 years in the Lord), I felt that the speaking in tongues, the falling on the floor, the foaming in the mouth, the goosebumps in the neck, the crying out to God, and the silence was all part of a big spectacle (or show). Eventually, these experiences would literally become real, and my life would be completely changed. An outpouring of the Holy Spirit lead my life to repentance, love, trust, and fellowship to Christ, and eventually a new Creature (person) in the Lord. I am not one who is completely "sold out" for these public manifestations, but when they are authentic and God-inspired, I lay down my personal understanding and accept that the God (I AM), is the same yesterday, today, and forever and those supernatural manifestations of God are real but are not the reason or authoritative reason why we gather. Some of these experiences can unfortunately become the spectacle of services, and have been treated and used as a hoax by many denominations and movements of God (Charismatic Movement, Jimmy Jones, etc......) and have eventually misled thousands. So it is important to respect authentic movements of God through the Holy Spirit, but also not allow these experiences to become the center-point of your fellowship, commitment, and service to God. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

"The element that distinguishes faith from fear is love!" #andyfernandez #iamministries

1 John 1:6-7 (New International Version) 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Questions: I have asked these questions simply on the pretext of this verse and not the complete context of the entire scripture, book, or paragraph. Who is the author talking to when he says "We", is he speaking to an exclusive group (believers) or non- believers, or both. Is this individual group or persons (broad) claiming to have something that others do not have, "fellowship", or something that everyone has? What does it mean to have "fellowship"? When the author writes "fellowship with him", who is "him"? When using the word "yet", is the author clearly trying to distinguish a difference in concept or provoking the readers or those who claim to have "fellowship" to conscience consider where are they in the issue of "fellowship". When the author makes comments or references to the word "walk", is this a physical walk or a spiritual walk, or both. Is there a difference between what is spiritual or physical? Are there similarities between spiritual or physical? In what context is this word being written, in a spiritual context, physical context, or both? What does "darkness" mean? Does it mean that all of a sudden, there is no physical light (the sun decided not to shine), or is the author referring to something obscure, dirty, void, unknown, lost, blind, evil, etc......, or both. What is darkness? In view of our "fellowship" with "him" can we make a conscious effort to consider whether we are lying? What does it mean to "lie"? If we lie, how do I know that I am lying? What is the truth? How do I know the truth? What does it mean to "walk in the light" What is light? Is the author referring to the sun, sunlight, artificial light, what? Is this light physical, spiritual, or both? And who is "he"? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider or make a contrast or connection between who "we" are and who "he/him" is? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider, make a contrast, or connection between darkness and light, and where are we in the spectrum of this difference? Who do we have "fellowship" with, "each other", "him" or the author "himself" Why is the author making reference to "blood"? Is the author weird, crazy, or a cannibal? What is so significant about "blood"? Did someone die? Is their possession of this "blood" somewhere? Where is this blood, that the author would make reference to it in the present tense? Who is Jesus? Why is the blood of "Jesus" so important? What does Jesus mean? When the author refers to "his" son, who is "his", who is the author referring to? When the author refers to " his Son", is there a family we should know about? Who is the "Sons" father? How can, "Jesus blood" purify? Why does the blood of "Jesus" purify? What does it mean to purify? Purify from what? Am I, or can I be contaminated? What does the author mean by "all sin"? Is there more than one "sin" What is "sin"? Do we need to be purified from "sin"? Why do we need to be purified from "sin"? Should I want fellowship with "him"? What is the importance of all this? Who is the author? What is his name? What does his name mean? Why should I value this scripture? What makes this scripture anymore different or important from any other form of literature? #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

As passionate students of the Word of God, there are resources but also viable techniques that should be applied to the study of the Word in order to avoid misapplication or misinterpretation of scripture. As we continue to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling", it is also important to know that God holds every individual who teaches the Word of God responsible for what they teach others. There are respectable techniques that can be found in the art of "hermeneutics" which will safeguard us from such folly, and which will help us deliver an inductive and objective interpretation of Holy Scripture. In this art of study, we learn that "hermeneutics" teaches us that there is a strong ally between truth and reason. "Overstanding" or "overstating" scripture could be dangerous as we seek the quest of becoming mature teachers of God's Word. These "overstanding" or "overstatement" can involve warped biases or prejudices which will mislead the teacher as well as the student. But, respectfully "understanding" scripture allows us the opportunity to "stand under" scripture, reverence it, study it, humbly reason through the gaps found (cultural, linguistics, time, geography, etc) and give our readers, students, and any individual sound guidance to the truth that bears God's fruit. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

In view and respect to culture, time, language, history, and even authors there are fundamental precepts that do not change in God's Word. The inspired Word of God can be applied to all generations, but the Spiritual message remains intact and eternal. Conforming the Word of God to our likeness, biases, conformities, culture or feelings may be dangerous if our views are warped, immature, or insensitive. It is important to respect the inspired Word of God and thoroughly simulate through study how does it apply to me, this, in turn, should be biblically supported and in correlation produce the same fruit of righteousness, peace and joy (the Kingdom of God) in our culture, society, and persona. For it is not so much the importance of who wrote it, rather what is the ultimate message God (the author of life) wants to impart and fulfill in our lives. This does not change, or should never change. For thus "by their fruit, you shall know them". The messengers may change, but not the message! #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

A very basic fact of translation is that whenever translation occurs, at some level interpretation will also follow. This is because much of the work of translation involves the translator making syntactical choices regarding the meaning of a given word as it is found in a particular context. Many questions of syntax are relatively straightforward, but at other times scholarly opinion can become quite varied. Because of the flexible nature of Greek and Hebrew vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, translations will at times differ based upon the exegetical choices that translators have made. To some extent, the readers of any given translation are subjecting themselves to the exegetical choices made by translation committees, and thus to study out of a variety of translations will always be preferred. The First immediate observation which provoked me to "thought" was, the verbal difference between "witness", "testify", and "record". These verbal differences can analytically mean a different action that was (is) taken by the Godhead. To be a "witness" could simply be interpreted to be an observant or one who is present during an act or event.. To "testify" could be interpreted as a one who verbally or written(ly) gives an account of what was seen or observed. To "record" can also be interpreted as one who already has or is in the process of giving an account. This individual interpretation clearly shows the "exegetical" differences found in the writers (scribes) translation. Thus it is wonderful to consider but not completely precise or accurate. The Second observation of the above interpretations which greatly concerned me was the complete elimination of the Godhead and only giving emphasis to the "Spirit" as a witness (ie: American standard version, Bible in Basic English, English revised Version). This elimination or compression of scripture can cause great doctrinal mis-interpretations. The God-head is all in the same "one" but each with a different function. By interpreting, eliminating, and translating scripture in this way we need to be very careful, for the Word of God says "do not add or take away any word or syllable from his Word for woe unto them.........". As students and teachers, we need to understand, be careful, and frugal. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries