November - December 2010

 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.   (1 Peter 4:7-10)

            Holiday Greetings from the Breakers,

            The last two months have flown by quickly!  I guess the old saying is true, times really does fly when you are having fun!  We’ve kept busy these last two months and learned how to be joyful of the many blessings God has bestowed upon us in our lives.

            Our little Emma turned 2 years old on December 10th, and we are so blessed with such an intelligent,  jovial, and well-behaved child.  She’s learned her numbers and her A B C’s, and is talking up a storm.  She’s also in that phase when she laughs at everything!  This always helps to keep a smile on our faces.

WANDERING TO AND FRO...

            For Thanksgiving we went to Oklahoma to visit my Mom and Sister.  We had a great time of fellowship with them and enjoyed the food.  The only heart-breaking moment of the whole trip was when our little Emma fell off the couch and hit the coffee table, landing square on the black, metal handle of the drawer, and knocking almost half of one tooth out, while chipping another.  Blood was everywhere!  Our poor girl cried and cried, as her upper lip became terribly swollen.   

            We all got sick on the trip also with chest-colds and fevers, so when we left, it was like we had an entirely different little girl that not only looked different by sounded different as well. Eventually she healed and it was good to have our little girl back again.

            For Christmas we drove down to South Florida to visit Laura’s family and we had a great time together.  Emma enjoyed seeing her cousin and they played well together.  I also had a great time going out with my father-in-law throwing the cast net.  Something that was really special to me, since my Dad is no longer here and I never did get to go do that with him like I would have liked.

WITNESSING AS WE GO...

            As you probably know, it’s hard to witness to people nowadays, for we live in a very wicked and perverse generation in which most people don’t want to think, much less hear about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (It seems like each year more and more become “offended” when they hear the term CHRIST-MAS.)  But as we travel we find we still have opportunities to pass out tracts and to witness to people, especially to the many Hispanics we meet. 

            Sometimes, you don’t have to do much to get a chance to witness, as opportunities just drop into your lap.  For example, coming back from South Florida, my wife and I stopped at Smiley’s Antique Market to stretch our legs.  There, I found an excellent book on the truth about the Masonic Lodge, so I set it on the counter and began looking around again.  When I came back, I found one of the workers there, an elderly gentleman, reading the book.  He then said, “Oh, sorry, I was reading your book.  I had a father who was a Mason, and I always wondered what they believed.”  This led to me witnessing to him and telling him how they were a secret society and were really worshippers of Lucifer.  I then witnessed some about Jesus.  He didn’t get saved, but at least the seed was planted, as he seemed very interested to study more and find out the truth about salvation for himself.

            This time of year is actually my favorite (not for the Christmas Trees or the gifts or even the turkey, but) because I enjoy looking for the Salvation Army bell ringers that hang around outside of stores seeking donations.  My favorite thing to do is go up to them and ask, “So, you’re with the Salvation Army?  Can you tell me how to get saved?”

            Usually this catches them as a surprise, and most of the time they don’t have a clue what I’m talking about.  I then explain, “The Salvation Army was started in the 1800s by General William Booth with the goal of trying to win souls for Jesus Christ.  So, if you are with that organization, then shouldn’t you know how to tell people how to get saved?”

            The most common answer is, “Um, I’m just a volunteer.  I don’t know anything about that.”  I then ask, “Well if you can’t tell me how to get saved, can I tell you how?”  Most often they are all ears, and I enjoy taking them to the Gospel and showing them Christ crucified for their sins, and their need to come to Him and His shed blood alone by faith in order to be born again. 

            I’ve won a lot of Salvation Army volunteers to the Lord over the years this way, but this year was different, as I continually heard what most of the people I’ve had a chance to witness to this year have repeated.  They all say things like, “To get saved, you have to ‘ask’ God to save you.”  Or “I ask and beg God every night for forgiveness of my sins.”

            Of course we know this is not the Gospel, for salvation is by FAITH, not by Begging for forgiveness outside of trusting in what Jesus Christ has already done for you on the cross of Calvary.  But we’ve even heard this “Beggar’s Gospel” being preached in many Independent Baptist Churches in which my wife and I have visited this year.  What ever happened to the blood of Jesus?  Why don’t ministers preach it anymore? 

            On that thought, I’ve included with this prayer letter a blog I’ve written about why salvation isn’t by “ASKING” or “BEGGING” rather by “Accepting” or “Believing” what Jesus did at Calvary is sufficient to give you eternal life.  I hope it’s a blessing.  I’m sure you already know it, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of sound Biblical doctrine.  And as always, we encourage you to pass it along to others who might not understand and could be lost because they are trusting in their “ASKING” rather than resting solely in the ATONEMENT of Jesus.

WONDERING WHEN JESUS WILL COME AND TAKE US HOME...

            I really thought the Lord was coming back in 2010.  I was wrong, and I’ll be the first to admit it.  But now I’m looking around and seriously wondering if the year 2011 couldn’t be the year He comes for us. 

            There are a variety of reasons that this could very well be, but I’ll just mention a few.

            Did you know that 2011 is the 400th year celebration of our blessed King James Bible?   And did you know that in the Bible there were several times when God waited 400 years before he did something?  For example, there were exactly 400 years between the closing of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament.   Could it then be that 2011 is when Christ returns?  We’ll have to wait and see, but what a great time that would be for his return! 

            2011 also marks the 63 anniversary of the nation of Israel.  Could it be there is only seven years left of tribulation for them, and then Jesus returns at Armageddon on their 70th anniversary of existence?

            Looking at American Politics, I can’t help but see some interesting things that point to Bible prophecy, as politicians forward their agendas by ramming through their unread laws that most American’s don’t even agree with. 

            I’m sure you have all heard of the Health Care Bill that was passed this year forcing all Americans against their will to buy Health Care Insurance.  But did you know that it doesn’t take affect until 2014?  If the Rapture is indeed in 2011, then 2014 would be three and a half years later, and would line up close to the time when the Bible tells us the Anti-Christ is to take control and force people to take the Mark of the Beast.  And what a great way for him to do it, for every American will have their own doctor, and he would just inject the chip under their skin!             

            Congress also passed a bill that makes it illegal to own seeds, grow your own garden, and give away food to others.  How interesting, as the Bible tells us those in the tribulation period will not be allowed to buy or sell, save those who have the mark.  So without the mark, it’ll be illegal to buy food, but, it will also be illegal for someone to grow their own food.  So their only choice will be to take the mark or starve.

            Finally, Congress passed a law to regulate the Internet, which allows them to shut down anything they deem unsuitable anytime they want.  This is the death knell to free speech in our country.  So why not read my website at:   www.rrb3.com.  Because it just might not be there much longer!

            So let’s recap:  The “Food Safety Act” makes it illegal to own your own seeds or plant your own garden. That means if you want food, you have to go to the government to buy it.  And how will a person buy it in the Tribulation if they don’t have the mark of the Beast?  And, how better to give the mark of the Beast to all people then to force them to have their own healthcare doctor who will inject the chip under their skin? And what better way to shut down any opposition to their agenda then to control the internet and be able to shut up anyone who exposes their plan?

            Do you see how close we really are to the rapture?  Everything is in place.  It’s all set up.  All we lack is some sort of “disaster” or “event.”   Hmmm.  Could the rapture be the event the Devil is waiting for?

            Whether Jesus comes or not in 2011, we know He is coming soon.  And the signs of His soon appearing are everywhere.  Sometimes it’s scary to see Satan’s New World Order being created right before our eyes, but when you look at it from a Biblical perspective, its actually quite exhilarating, as it means he’s coming back even that much sooner!

            Thanks again for all your continued prayers and support.  Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year to you all.  2011 could be the year of Christ’s return.  We encourage you to witness more as we are determined to do the same! 

            Keep looking up,        

            Robert, Laura, and Emma Breaker

            1 Sam. 12:24!

Our Kitchen we built from the ground up in our Alabama House. Please pray it would sell soon.

Me with a fourteen foot sailboat my Mom gave me that we brought back from Oklahoma. You’ll remember in my last prayer letter I talked about my desire to travel and preach on a live-aboard sailboat. Well, at least this one is a good starter for helping me practice my sailing!

Emma after her disastrous fall into the coffee table

Laura, Emma, and I after Emma’s lip healed.

ASKING VERSUS TRUSTING

            Some people believe nefarious forces are at work in our world today poisoning our water systems, spreading chemtrails in our air and putting sterilizing drugs in our food, all to dumb us down and keep us from thinking for ourselves and practicing logical thought patterns. Whether that is true or not, the fact is there are very few Christians who actually THINK about what they are preaching nowadays. For if they would just read their Bibles, and think about what they read, they couldn't possibly be saying some of the illogical things they are saying and preaching in pulpits across this land.

            In this article, let's focus on the modern teaching of salvation by "ASKING" for forgiveness. Where is this in the Bible? Is there a verse that says a man need only beg for eternal life and forgiveness of sins, and God will grant it to him simply because he asked? Of course not!

            In the Bible, New Testament salvation is not by ASKING, rather by BELIEVING or TRUSTING. That is to say, salvation is by FAITH (Eph. 2:8,9) and not by WORKS.

            This modern day teaching, which I've even heard preached by many Independent Baptists, of telling a Sinner, "Just Ask Jesus to save you," is not only unbiblical, but it is completely illogical! Let us look at why.

1. ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS RUINS THE TYPE OF JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

            Under the Old Testament law, a man had to have a sacrifice for his sins. He was instructed by the scriptures to take a lamb to the priest and place his hand upon that lamb and shed its blood for his sins. Once it was slaughtered, the blood was taken and offered up on the altar by the priest, and the man's sin was forgiven him. But no where do we find the man "asking that lamb for forgiveness!" Nor do we find the man "asking the lamb into his heart" (a popular expression today in which people instruct sinners to simply "Ask Jesus into their hearts.)

            No, the sinner in the Old Testament who offered up the lamb for his sins didn't ask for anything. He simply obeyed God by doing what he was told. He cut the throat of that lamb and trusted the blood it shed as sufficient to forgive his sins.

2. ASKING FOR SALVATION DOES AWAY WITH JESUS' SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS

            As we read the New Testament, we find that Jesus is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. As the Lamb, he fulfilled prophecy by dying a sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of mankind.

            Jesus not only wanted to die. He had to die, for his death, burial, and resurrection were prophecied in scripture. And his death was the only way man could be forgiven eternally, the innocent dying for the guilty.

            To tell a sinner to "Ask God to save them" is to instruct them to come to God apart from that sacrifice on Calvary. For if a person could by saved by simply "asking God for forgiveness" then why did Jesus die?

            Jesus could have simply stayed in heaven and said, "Okay, I'm going to start a new dispensation. Anyone who simply asks me to save them, I'll give eternal life!" But did He do this? Most certainly not! Instead, He choose to die for the sins of man. And then he said, "All those who accept this sacrifice by faith will be saved!"

            See, then, how the "Asking Gospel" does away with the sacrificial blood atonement of Jesus? It is trying to get to heaven apart from Jesus Christ and what He's done on Calvary.

3. ASKING GOD FOR SALVATION IS A WORK DONE BY MAN RATHER THAN FAITH ALONE IN WHAT JESUS HAS DONE

            As already stated, salvation is by FAITH and not by works (Eph. 2:8,9). That means salvation is only by trusting in what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary, and not by doing something yourself apart from that.

            As simple and logical as it is, it must be stated that asking Jesus to save you is not accepting him to do so by faith. Asking is a work that man does. It is begging God for something and then hoping he'll do so. It is man doing something in order to try to obtain God's favor. This is a work. It's man's own action to try to gain forgiveness, rather than simply resting upon the finished work of Jesus Christ by faith alone.

4. ASKING IS NOT RECEIVING

            To ask someone for something is not to receive something. Let's say I come up to you and I ask you for 100 dollars. Are you going to give it to me? Probably not! I therefore am wrong to assume that I'll receive it, just because I asked for it. How then do modernist Christians instruct a sinner to ask God to forgive their sins, and then assume that he automatically receives forgiveness just because he asked for it? Why would God forgive anyone just because they asked?

            No, Biblically, God set it up that the only way he will save a man is when that man trusts His finished work alone for salvation! The asking Gospel is very presumptuous.

            I certainly wouldn't want my testimony to be "I asked God to save me" and then wonder if he ever did or not!

5. ASKING INSULTS THOSE WHO ARE WANTING TO GIVE, AND IT DOES AWAY WITH FAITH

            As we've seen, it's not only anti-biblical, but also illogical to preach salvation is by simply "asking" God for salvation, especially when God said faith must be involved. But these people who ask God for salvation usually don't have faith. For if they did, they wouldn't need to ask. It's like this. Let's say I said I will give you 100 dollars, all you have to do is believe me and come and take it out of my hand by faith. And let's say you would rather just stand there and ask, "Can I have it?" Why, I'd be offended! I told you it's yours, all you have to do is believe it and receive it! But you won't take it. You just want to ask me for it.

            Do you see the problem? You'll never get it until you believe me and take it. You can't ask for it and then expect me to come to you and then place it in your hand. I made the condition, and your asking doesn't even enter into the picture. It's there, it's available, and you must pick it up. To ask me is to insult me!

            Why would it be any different with God? He offers eternal life by faith, and all He asks is you believe it and receive it. How can you do that if you are "asking" for it?

6. ASKING LEAVES MEN DOUBTING AND WONDERING IF THEY RECEIVED SALVATION

            When a person follows the modern Beggar’s Gospel, instead of salvation by faith alone, they often are left without any assurance. They don't know for sure if they have salvation, because as afore mentioned, asking is not receiving. This often times leads to them praying again and again and asking God over and over for salvation or forgiveness. This proves they were never saved in the first place, for it they were, why would they have to ask again?

7. ASKING DAMNS SOULS TO HELL

            Asking is not God's plan of salvation. Receiving by faith is. If this be the case, then where will a sinner end up who's trusting in their “asking?”  Why, they would end up in HELL!

            What's so sad about those who preach the "Asking" Gospel is they don't care enough about souls to think this out. They've been taught the bloodless, Beggars Gospel, and they are teaching it to others. Rather than repent and preach the Gospel correctly, they would rather continue in their doctrine, especially when their denomination, their congregation, and their friends all preach the same thing. So instead of reading the scriptures and changing their position, they choose to attack and ridicule those like myself who point out the obvious - that the Asking Gospel is not God's plan of salvation.

SUMMARY

            As we've seen, asking God for salvation is neither Biblical, nor logical. How could anyone be so bold as to expect God to give them eternal life, just because they asked or begged him for it? And, how can they expect to receive it, when they are not trusting his finished work alone for salvation? And how can they think they are saved when they have no assurance and they simply ask God over and over, thinking if he didn't save them before, then he definitely will do so the next time. How presumptuous! But the saddest thing is this heresy damns souls to Hell! For those who adhere to it, are guilty of trusting in their works (their asking) rather than in trusting in Jesus' blood sacrifice alone as sufficient.

            This is not a popular message, as many Christians don't want to even think about this topic. They want to believe that every person who says he is a Christian really is. But this is very naive. The truth is, this is exactly what Satan wants. He wants people deceived into thinking they are saved when they really aren't. That's why when people like me begin to expose this conspiracy, we are immediately branded as "trying to talk people out of their salvation!" or trying to "retread" people (At least that's what I've been accused of).

            I like to respond to such people in the following way, you know, just to make them think: "Yep, it's possible to lose YOUR salvation. But it's not possible to lose GOD'S salvation. So who saved you, YOU or GOD?"

            You see, there are many people who are trusting in something they've DONE, and they truly think they are saved because of it.  That is their own salvation.  They are trying to save themselves by something they do or say.  But they are lost and on their way to Hell.  They do not have God’s salvation.

            They need to hear the truth, and they need to examine themselves (2 Cor. 13:5) to see if they truly are saved. You would think if someone really cared about souls, they'd be in favor of this.

            So "asking God for salvation" is not God's plan of Salvation. Instead it's God who "asks" you to come to him and receive his free gift of eternal life by FAITH alone in his blood atonement at Calvary.   Are you saved?  If not why not?  Jesus has done all that’s necessary.  Do you believe that’s sufficient?  Or do you still think you must ask?

September - October 2010

 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  (Psalm 16:11)

            Salutations in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

I often think of how good it is to be alive!  But then there are other times, in which I wonder why I’ve even been given the privilege of remaining here another day on earth.  I remember several times in my life when I should have died.  And, I remember them all distinctly and in slow motion. 

            When I was nine, I went on a canoe trip on Blackwater River, and I remember swimming after we stopped on the bank for lunch.  Quickly, the strong current pulled me too far from shore.  I wasn’t strong enough to swim against it, and I shutter to think what would have become of me had a man not jumped in to grab me and pull me onto the bank.  Why did God send that man save me?

Another time I was surfing during a hurricane on Pensacola Beach in my teens, and I remember falling off one of the biggest waves I’ve ever ridden in my life (about 15 feet high).  As the white-wash rolled me under time and again, I couldn’t tell which way was up, and all started to become black as I began to suffocate for lack of air.  I remember thinking, “This is it!  I’m not going to make it!”  But God in his infinite mercy let me bob up to the top just in time to take a deep breath right before being pummeled again by the next giant wave and slammed to the sandy bottom.  Three or four times the waves held me under almost to the point of drowning, but somehow God let me float to the top over and over and eventually drift into shore where I fell down exhausted.  But why?  Why didn’t I drown that day?

I also remember the time in Honduras being held at gun point by two thugs who told me to be quiet as they went through my belongings and took what they pleased.  One had a laser on his semi-automatic pistol and I remember seeing its red light dance across my chest.  But even shaking with fear, I could not remain silent.  As I preached to my captors, what I thought to be my last Gospel message, I remember thinking to myself, “This could be the end.  So I’m going to go out preaching!”

Even after hearing the ruffians call their boss, and hearing the words on the other end in Spanish saying, “Kill them!”  I found myself almost glad that the end was so near.  And, as the would-be assassin pressed the gun to the back of my head, I remember silently praying, “This is it, Lord! I’m coming home! Just please help him hit the right spot so it’s painless!”  But the thieves left without following through with their orders, and instead of a gun shot, all I heard was the loud bang of the door as they slammed it behind them.  Why did God let me survive that day?  Why do any of us live to face another day?

            The only reason I can see that God let me live through my childhood, teens, and even my missionary endeavors is that he has a plan and purpose for me in this life.  And so, I live everyday wanting to please him more, and fulfill what he’d have me to do in this life. 

            Still, it’s hard to know exactly what God’s will is in your life and what it is He wants you to do.  I know how I want to do things for the Lord, but circumstances and adversity often keep me from doing things exactly the way I’d like.  I’ve learned well that the old saying rings true: “Life isn’t always the way you want it to be!”

            Death of loved ones, trials and tribulations, attacks from others, sickness, family responsibilities, and more, have kept me from fulfilling my ideas, plans, desires, and directions that I’d like to accomplish and go in for the Lord.  Instead of plotting the course of my life, it appears my life is being planned for me by unexpected pitfalls, disasters, and heartbreaks along the way, which leave me with new responsibilities that force me to move in another direction. 

            Though I don’t understand why things work out the way they do, it’s fun to look back, (hindsight is better than foresight), and see God protecting me and using me to achieve what he HE wants done.  (I think of Joseph, and how God used his captivity to save the children of Israel.  I’m sure Joseph didn’t think God even cared about him while he was in prison, but after he helped save his brethren, I’m sure he saw what God did as a blessing and not a curse).  In other words, I find God working through me, even though I don’t always get to work for Him the way I’d desire. 

            This is a tough lesson for most Christians to learn, but I’ve been grateful to learn it.  You see it’s easy to do something for the Lord (as even the Pharisees thought they did God a service), but oftentimes we do things for him in the FLESH, and we do it our way instead of His way.  And, boy what a disaster we can make of things!  (Amen?)  But, when we are fully surrendered to Jesus, we can then be used by Him as he pleases, and we can serve Him in the SPIRIT, fulfilling His will for us in our lives even though things don’t always go the way we had hoped.  I guess Christianity isn’t so much about what WE ARE DOING FOR GOD, rather what GOD IS DOING THROUGH US and WITH US as we live sanctified lives fully surrendered to Him.

FURLOUGH

            As most of you know, we’ve taken a furlough in order to get some things done.  God’s been good to allow us to finish several big projects, and we are close to finishing a few more.  But it looks like it’ll take longer than we thought to finish everything.  Still, we haven’t forgotten the ministry, and have found that it is still taking a lot of our time and energy.  One week we work hard on Construction, and the next week we are home preparing packages of Bibles, tracts, teaching DVD’s, and more for mailing.  I’d like to focus on just one thing or the other, but it seems like we can’t.  We are just going to have to do both until we can eventually get everything done, in order to be able to devote all our attention to the ministry. 

In the mean time, we’ve had fun taking a few weekends off from hard labor to pass out Spanish tracts at the Flea Market.  There are Hispanic people everywhere in America!  And it’s good to speak their language and be able to give them the Gospel.

We also have made a few Youtube teaching videos as well, which we have wanted to do for a long time.  We made several in English about the King James, one on “How to be Saved,” and others on various topics.  And we also posted several in both English and Spanish about the Spanish Bible Issue, various Spanish Bibles, and the History of the Spanish Bible.  We hope you’ll have time to look them up and find out more about the Spanish Bible Controversy and why the Valera 1602 Purified is the purest Spanish Bible available today.  This is the Bible we’ve been getting out and we will continue to do so.  We ask for your prayers though, as we are down to our last three boxes, and we are hoping they will print more soon.  (Note:  For those of you who still don’t know about which Spanish Bible is the best, we have added a small “Crash Course” on the subject in with this prayer letter).

            I’ve also posted a few more things on my blog.  One was an article for “La Voz Bautista” an Independent Baptist Spanish Bi-Monthly Magazine in Mexico.  I’ve translated it into English, so all can read about the importance of the Spanish word “SEÑOR” (LORD) and why our Valera 1602 Purified Spanish Bible is the only Spanish Bible to use that word, following the King James Bible, and also capitalizing it as the KJV does.  You can read this article by visiting www.rrb3.com and then clicking on the link to my blog.

OBSERVATIONS

            As we press on in reaching the Hispanic people with a pure Spanish Bible, it’s a joy to find our labor is not in vain, and that God is indeed using us.  I get emails all the time from people telling me they greatly appreciate my ministry and my books about the Spanish Bible Issue, and they encourage me to continue to get the truth out to others.  They even tell me things like, “What you are doing is important.  Hispanics need to know where their Bible came from, and where a pure Bible is available today.  There are too many men following a version of a Bible because of what Bro. So and So says about it, and they have never actually checked the version out for themselves to see if it lines up with the pure texts underlying our King James Bible.  Keep up the good work!”

            Several preachers, scholars, and Bible defenders have told me that God’s given me a very unique and varied ministry in giving out the truth about the Spanish Bible.  They see what I have seen, that most Fundamentalists want to argue about their “camps” and their “versions” instead of simply dealing with the FACTS.  Those men who refuse to face the truth don’t want to study for themselves, rather they form their convictions based upon the opinions of various translators, and not on the truth about the text.

So my ministry has really had an impact over the years, and for this I thank the Lord.  I just want Hispanic people to have the pure word of God!

Probably the greatest complement I’ve gotten over the years is pastors and layman alike saying things like: “I really appreciate your giving nothing but the facts.  We’ve read many websites, forums, and blogs about the Spanish Bible, and they all seem to attack, and even are guilty of name-calling.  We appreciate you for not doing any of that, but simply reporting the facts in an orderly manner so that others might see the truth for themselves!”

Others have told me my ministry is much needed, and to keep up the good work in writing books, editing my webpage, and distributing good sound doctrinal, historical, and reference material for people to read and watch.  One Pastor in particular said, and I paraphrase, “We are almost to the year 2011, which is EXACTLY 400 years after our blessed King James Bible!  But today many KJV guys don’t even know why they are King James, and they’ve probably never even seen an original copy of the King James.  We need to take a stand for the word of God in English and Spanish and educate people about the History of our Bibles, especially when the word of God is so important!”

I’ve also found myself scolded as well by others who say I’m not doing enough to get the word out about the Spanish Bible.  They tell me, “You need to reach more people with the Valera 1602 Purified, because if you don’t, no one else will!  Those who use other versions are intentionally hiding the facts about the Valera 1602 Purified because they don’t want people to know about something better, nor do they want others to stop paying for and using their versions!  You need to get folks the facts that their versions are corrupt!”

It’s encouraging to hear from true Bible Believers.  And, as apostasy grows in these last days, it’s getting much easier to spot who the true Bible Believers really are, for they are the ones who care more about doctrine, truth, and righteousness, than they do about groupism, men worship, money, attacking, and denominational traditions.

PREPARATIONS IN HARD TIMES

            As the economy in America worsens, we’ve found our support level is going down quickly.  For a while there, we were down to about 500 dollars a month.  And we’re finding that all the support we get goes directly to the ministry.  Thus, we’ve had to live on our savings for the last several years in order to continue.  But knowing my Bible, and the precious promises within it, I know the Lord always makes a way for his work to be done.  I also know that we have to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”  That’s why we’ve been working hard to fix up our house in Alabama with the hope of selling it and getting out from under it. 

My desire would eventually be to buy a boat and live aboard it, traveling from port to port in the Spanish-Speaking world preaching on the streets, holding Mission Conferences, and Spanish Bible History Sessions, Revivals, etc., all at various churches close to the ports.  (Know of anyone who would like to donate a 40 foot plus sail boat to the ministry?)

            Whether we’ll ever get to fulfill this desire, we at least have been looking at the hard truth that it’s getting harder to find support in these perilous economic times.  We ask for your prayers.

OPPOSITION IS STILL THE GREATEST HINDERANCE

            I learned years ago that serving Jesus does not come without a price.  And I’m continually reminded of that fact.  Today, there is much opposition against those who are trying to stand for the truth, especially from those who claim to be other Christians.  When I went to Bible School, I was told, “The people that will hurt you most in the ministry is other Christians,” and boy have I found that to be true! 

In these last days in which we live, we continually see very little “fruits of the Spirit” among apostate ministers who instead of encouraging and edifying others, spend their time arguing and criticizing.  These are men who in the flesh are quick to judge and lash out against others. Many of these kind of ministers are not followers of the apostle Paul, rather followers of man’s traditions.  They are against others who don’t do things their way, and they devote their time to harassing others rather than hallowing themselves.

This has given rise to the many movements within Christianity and even the Independent Baptist movement.  And because of this, opposition constantly arises by political and phariseeical, brethren who chastise others for not being members of their “camp” or “group.”  I call what they have the “secret society syndrome.”  Others have called it the “Country Club Mentality.” And, I believe the Apostle Paul lamblasted such foolishness and men worship nicely almost two thousand years ago when he said:

“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”  (1 Cor 3:3-7)

            I’m sure by now, you all know me.  I’m not interested in following men, nor in exalting myself among others and rising in the ranks of certain Fundamentalist camps.  Instead, I’m only interested in serving my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and bragging on Him.  I only wish other pastors, missionaries, and ministers would get out of the “groupism” mentality and get back to simply serving the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and would with an open mind STUDY to show themselves approved unto God.  For this Modern-day Phariseeism has led to many others like us losing support, friends, and fellowship.  Why can’t those who claim to be Bible Believers unite around truth and work together to disperse it?

 Yet, we still I press on, finding all we really need is to draw nearer to our Lord and Saviour than to men!  Our prayer is that you to will draw nearer to the Lord as well in your lives.

Because of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Robert, Laura, and Emma Lee Breaker

1 Sam. 12:24! 

A CRASH COURSE ON THE SPANISH BIBLE ISSUE:

For many a year I've followed the Spanish Bible Issue and I've watched Fundamentalists battle each other over which Bible in Spanish is the right one. And I've seen them all be consistenly WRONG on which Bible they chose, as each one defended a version that is either mixed with catholic texts, the critical texts, and/or is modern Spanish instead of the beautiful old Castellan of Spain, like the old Reina-Valera of 1602.

As I watched the fray, I didn't realize at the time, that God was putting me right slap-dab in the middle of the controversy in order to teach me some things and then use me to help Hispanics learn about the History of their Bible, and to point them to the purest word of God in their language.

Looking back now over the years, I see just how God has used me in a mighty way to show English and Spanish Speakers alike the truth about the Spanish Bible Controversy and the practice of modern day Pharisees who hypocritcally hide the truth about their corrupt versions in order to deceive the masses.

Over the years, I wrote several books on the Spanish Bible Issue and I saw them printed and distributed far and wide, with much positive feedback. Gail Riplinger has even told me personally, "As far as I'm concerned, you are the foremost authority on the Spanish Bible Issue and the History of the Spanish Bible."

As fattering as that might be, I know I still have much to learn. But I'm grateful God has given me a purpose and a reason for my ministry. So, I steadfastly continue preaching the truth about the various Spanish Bible versions, and pointing Spanish speakers to the purest word of God in their language.

For those who don't know anything about the Spanish Bible Issue, I give the following crash course...

THE 1960 REINA-VALERA REVISION

Fundamentalists for almost half a century have adamantly defended the popular 1960 Spanish Bible, now known as the "Crown Version." But when that version came out in the early 1950’s (its text appeared in New Testament only, and was a bi-lingual edition printed with the RSV in English), no Fundamentalist would touch it with a ten foot pole! It wasn't until they printed it with the Scofield notes, that some Fundamentalists bought it. Then eventually more did, and it finally became the standard Fundamentalist Bible for the next forty years. (How sad they bought it more for the NOTES and not for the TEXT!)  This is how many Fundamentalist missionaries who were KJV only in English hypocritically became RSV in Spanish.

Then, along came a few guys like myself who actually read the 1960 with the King James and became appalled at the many differences. We then began to ask why other missionaries, who only use the KJV in English and are against the English RSV, could use a Bible in Spanish that read with the RSV in many places?  It just didn’t make sense.

Eventually a Missionary in Guatemala found a book by Jose Flores (a consultant on the 1960 revision) in which the author stated the 1960 Spanish Bible relied heavily on the English RSV and the CRITICAL TEXTS in it's revision. Myself and others began to point this out, as well as the many DOCTRINAL ERRORS in the 1960. We also showed the influence of Eugene Nida and his Damnable doctrine of DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE, which teaches a man doesn't have to translate the words rather only the idea or the message behind the words. (This allows the translator to become his own "Interpreter" rather than an honest and objective translator).

But for our speaking out on the truth, we were labelled as "trouble makers" and "Bible attackers" instead of the true Bible Believers we are who wanted a pure bible to take to Hispanics.

THE 1909 REINA-VALERA REVISION

Not all Fundamentalists jumped on the bandwagon of the 1960. A few stuck with the old 1909, and were often ridiculed and attacked by the 1960 crowd because of it. Many claimed it was "archaic" and "out-dated" and others should just chunk it in favor of the more popular 1960. But many a dogmatic Fundamentalist who knew his Bible and saw the horrendous errors of the 1960 would not waiver. He stood firm on his conviction of using the old 1909, which had become known as "La Antigua" (the Old version).

But when faced with the truth that the 1909 was done by men who not only favored the Critical Texts, but also used them in their translation, many 1909 users became upset. Eventually they desired a pure Bible based upon the pure texts underlying the King James Bible, and not a version mixed with the critical texts of men. So they began to look elsewhere.

THE 1543 ENZINAS NEW TESTAMENT

A movement began in Arizona in the 1990's to resurrect the old Francisco de Enzinas New Testament of 1543, the work of a learned and well-known Protestant Spaniard. It was reprinted in old Castellan (where the "s" is an "f" and the "v" is a "b," etc.) but saw very little distribution and acceptance by many Fundamentalists. Although it was much better than the 1960 and 1909, it also had been messed with by Catholics who changed some things after Enzinas did his work. So it too wasn't pure.

THE 1865 A.B.S. SPANISH BIBLE

Then in 2001, Jeff McCardle and Paul Garcia tried to resurrect the 1865 Spanish Bible. I was there when they called a group of men together to show them the version they'd found and how they tried to convince us all that it was, and I quote, "The true word of God in Spanish."

With their list of 200 verses that showed the 1865 was better than both the 1960 and 1909, and closer to the King James, some people readily accepted the 1865. I was skeptical, and did not, determining to study it out more. I did, and found Mr. H.B. Pratt who worked on the 1865 (with a man named Mora) was very biased towards the critical texts (so much so that he produced a version in 1893 based entirely on them, called "La Version Moderna"), and that he had inserted some critical text readings into the 1865. He also changed many words with no textual basis to do so (often times changing "God" to "Lord" or vice versa for no reason!)

With a list I had found of about 50 places in the 1865 that read either against the King James or with the critical texts, I went with Jeff McCardle to speak to Peter S. Ruckman about the issue. Jeff had already written an article in Ruckman's Bible Baptist Bulletin, in which he stated that Spanish Speakers should defend: "...Every word of the 1865 Spanish Bible."

Faced with the truth, Jeff eventually made 50 changes in his beloved 1865, in favor of the King James and pure texts, but later decided to undo those changes, as they didn't go along with his teaching that no Bible after 1881 could be the preserved word of God. Because of his backpeddling, and not wanting to purify his version further, Jeff has since lost much credibility, and his movement and his Valera Bible Society are now suffering because of it. Emanuel Rodriguez (who is in favor of the new Gomez Bible) has recently written a good article on the internet exposing Jeff McCardle and his illogical and flip-flopping doctrinal position.

THE 1602 PURIFIED SPANISH BIBLE

The next version to come along did what McCardle did not, in that it did do an extensive revising of the original Valera 1602 with the pure texts underlying our King James Bible. It is the Valera 1602 Purified (also known as the 1602 TR in the New Testament and the 1602 Purified or 1602 Monterrey as the whole Bible).             Those who worked on this version are Hispanic in orgin (not American like McCardle).  They are further Independent Baptist Fundamentalists Christians located in Monterrey, Mexico.  As a local Church, they worked for 15 years purifying the Spanish Bible to bring it in line with the Textus Receptus and Hebrew Masoretic texts.

Following the advice of Cipriano de Valera in his preface of his 1602 version, they went directly back to the original 1602 and started from there. (Note: The 1602 original wasn't printed much exactly like Valera's 1602 edition, as Bible Societies rather took and "revised" [i.e. "changed"] it in many passages to read more in favor with the Catholic texts to be able to distribute it in Catholic countries.  This is why modern bibles like the 1960, 1909, 1865, the new Gomez, and more retain the Catholic term "Verbo" instead of the correct, Protestant term "Palabra" in speaking of Jesus Christ).

Those behind the 1602 Purified also went verse by verse with all older Protestant Bibles as well as the King James as they scrutinized every verse with the Textus Receptus and the Hebrew Masoretic Text. What they produced was the most exhaustive and scholarly work done by ANYONE on the face of the earth in giving Spanish Speakers a Bible that reads not only with the pure texts (instead of the Critical Texts), but also retains the old Castellan Spanish of Reina and Valera instead of updating to modern Spanish (like the Gomez does).

The Valera 1602 Purified is endorsed by Gail Riplinger, as the right Spanish Bible, not only because of the much work (prayer and fasting) involved, but also because it chose to use the old PROTESTANT WORDS instead of modern CATHOLIC words. It is also the only Spanish Bible that uses “SEÑOR,” following the King James Bible (and its use of LORD in all caps) in the Old Testament, instead of “Jehová.”

After the Valera 1602 Purified came out in 2002 (exactly 400 years after the 1602 revision), it was not well received. The reason being most Fundamentalists were still in attack mode. They used either the 1909 or the 1960 and didn't want anything else, as that's what their "group" had used for many decades. (I call them "groupies" who only use a Bible because others in their group do, not because they want a pure Bible for the Spanish Speaking People).

Because of their "group" or "camp" mentality, they chose to attack rather than study the issue, and were quick to put down the exhaustive work of the Valera 1602 Purified. They even made the outlandish claim that Pastor Raul Reyes was a "homosexual" (Isn't it kind of funny the enemies of King James called him the same thing?) and many other such derogatory names.

Those behind the Valera 1602 Purified were vehemently attacked by apostate Fundamentalists, but they didn't let it bother them. Instead they chose to work by themselves and let their critic's words come to naught. Like Pastor Raul Reyes said, "We had to make a decision. Either take out time to write back the letters and emails of our attackers, (which would have turned out to be a full time job), or shun their childish attacks and do the work of God trusting Him to help us get a pure Bible to the Spanish Speaking people."

Thus, they decided to let their finished work speak for itself.  (Which it does by reading entirely with the pure texts against the critical texts, while still staying as close to the old Valera of 1602 as possible).

When the Purified was first printed, only as the New Testament (the whole Bible came out in 2007), the 1960 attackers who obtained a copy showed their ignorance of their own language and their own Bible history by attacking the word "Palabra" instead of "Verbo."  Many of them had never even seen an original 1602, and didn't even know that allold protestant versions used "Palabra" instead of the pro-catholic word "Verbo."

The 1960 crowd’s adamant defense of their version proved they were more interested in politics than in the purity of God's words.  But the more they lamblasted the Valera 1602 Purified, the more people became curious about it and sought it out. Thus, they learned the best way to keep the Purified out of the hands of the masses was to simply not mention it anymore. And that's exactly what they did, and what others are doing now, not even mentioning it in favor of a newer version called the Gomez.  (Note: Many who are now in favor of the modern Gomez Bible are those same 1960 users who attacked the 1602 Purified).

THE modern 2004 / 2010 GOMEZ BIBLE

After the Valera 1602 Purified came out, some wise Fundamentalists began to realize they could not longer deny the fact that both their 1960 and 1909 Spanish Bibles had mistakes, additions, critical text readings, and doctrinal errors. Eventually the attacks slowed down and hispanic Fundamentalists realized the mistakes in their Bibles could no longer be denied. Thus, they chose to discuss the issue, rather than continue to debate it.

It is during this time, Mr. Humberto Gomez, a Fundamentalist Independent Baptist missionary to his native country of Mexico, decided he'd get on the band wagon and make his own translation of the Spanish Bible, by revising the old 1909 Spanish Bible. He knew no Hebrew or Greek, but he believed God had told him to begin work on revising the Spanish Bible, so he did.

The first edition of his New Testament came out in 2004, and soon became known as the RVG '04 (or Reina-Valera Gomez 2004). Interestingly enough, however, many have claimed his first edition reads a lot like the Valera 1602 Purified (which he has been rumored to have used in his churches for a short time), and that they thought he used the Purified in his work, making sure to change many words for Spanish synonyms in order to make it look like his own work. Whether this is true or not, we'll probably never know, but this has been the charge that was made.

But, the facts are when Gomez' first edition of the New Testament came out, it was horrendous and full of errors and mistakes! For example, in 1 Corinthians 7, it gave permission to a man to marry his own daughter. (Yep, you read that right!)  And in John chapter 2, it had Jesus at a party with intoxicated people drinking hard liquor.  (Yep, you read that right too!)

But instead of Gomez' work being attacked by modern Fundamentalists, he found many jump to his side and volunteer to help him with his work. (I guess they didn't read the first edition, for if they had they might have thought otherwise).

Their "help" consisted of emailing him many suggestions of things he should change. Mr. Gomez knew no Hebrew or Greek, so he eventually enlisted the help of Dr. Donald Waite, and together they tried to make their translation read more in line with the pure texts. However, Gomez was insistent upon being the "final authority" on the project, based upon his own words. (Thus, it is still called the Reina-Valera GOMEZ Bible).

The Gomez is now out in its fifth edition, and is now called the Reina-Valera Gomez Spanish Bible. Many Fundamentalists are now adopting this version, and even Chick Publications is printing it.  (They are now calling their revision the Gomez 2010).

But as I've gone through and studied that version, I found an interesting thing. Even though it claims to be a revision of the old 1909, it in many places reads with the corrupt 1960 Spanish Bible, choosing words and even sentence structure that follows that version exactly. (In other words, it appears Mr. Gomez' Bible is nothing more than a revision of the 1960).   Some have hypothesized that the reason is because Mr. Gomez wanted many of those Fundamentalists who used the 1960 to come over to his side, knowing they would accept a version which read closer to their revision. Whatever the case may be, Gomez and his Bible is clearly becoming a political movement, as those who adhere to that version all seem to adore and worship Mr. Gomez more than the pure words of God. And the Gomez Bible, even though it might be closer to the King James in some places, still retains the catholic word "Verbo" instead of the protestant word "Palabra."

Further, the Gomez is dogmatically being labeled by its proponents as "The Preserved words of God in Spanish." But is this so?

The question needs to be asked: "Did God wait until Gomez to give the Spanish Speaking People His preserved Words?" If so, "Why?" And, "What about the 'marrying your own daughter thing?'" Was that God preserving His word?

We also must ask, "Did God want the many synonym words that Gomez chose in his version, many of which are not in the original 1602, to be His preserved words in Spanish, or did God give us His preserved words in 1602, and we should honor and keep those old words as much as possible?" (Just as those who put out the Valera 1602 Purified did.)

And finally, we should also ask, “If Fundamentalist were once wrong in using the 1960 Spanish Bible, could it be they are wrong again in turning toward this modern version?”

IN SUMMARY

The Spanish Bible Controversy has been an issue of much bitter fighting, and attacks by modern Fundamentalists who battle each other over which Bible they think is best in Spanish.  Usually, their reasoning that their version is best is because it’s the one their group uses or has used for years.  But very few wish to actually do the painstaking work of comparing all the versions together with the King James and the texts underlying it, to see how it lines up.  Instead of finding the pure words of God to take to the Spanish Speaking people, they seem content to give them something else, even though they know it contains catholic words, critical texts, and man’s synonymns.

As for me, my desire is to take Spanish-speaking people the pure words of God in their language, free of critical and catholic text readings. And, I believe the purest word of God in Spanish to be the Valera 1602 Purified, which is Old Castellan Spanish (not modern Spanish) and is the closest not only to the pure texts underlying the King James Bible, but is also the closest to the original 1602 and the Protesant texts of the Spanish reformation.

But as I watch modern Fundamentalists, I find they aren't as interested as they claim to be about a pure Spanish Bible. I appears they are more intersted in politics. And, instead of them talking about the "texts," (GOD'S WORDS) they seem to be either attacking or praising different Bible "translators" (MEN).

Fundamentalists have been WRONG in openly embracing the 1960 and the 1865. Could it be they are wrong again in accepting a new version like the modern Gomez Bible? You must decide for yourself. And the only way to decide is to study it for yourself.

I've done just that, and I only use the Valera 1602 Purified Spanish Bible in Preaching and Teaching, and I do so only after having studied the issue. From my studies, I've come to the conclusion that the Valera 1602 Purified is the purest Spanish Bible available today. But don't take my word for it. Do what I did. Get an old 1602, all the old Spanish Protestant Bibles: the 1543 Enzinas, the 1556 Juan Perez de Pineda, the Biblia de Ferrara of 1553 and others. Then look at them verse by verse with the 1865, 1909, 1960, the Gomez, and more.

And what you'll find is that the Valera 1602 Spanish Bible is old Spanish (just like the KJV is old Elizabethan English), and reads in favor more with the texts of the Protestant Reformation, while the 1865, 1909, and 1960 all read with the Critical Texts time and again. And though the modern Gomez claims to have purified all critical text readings, you'll also find that the Gomez reads closer to the 1960 and even the Spanish NIV than it does with the old Reina-Valera Spanish Bible!

So that’s the Spanish Bible Issue in a nutshell.  Fundamentalists need to stop the "Groupism" and “Politics!”  And instead, they should get busy starting "STUDY GROUPS" to verify the FACTS.

For more information, please go to my website at:

www.rrb3.com