Books and eBooks by the Director
Beloved Brother in Christ: Praise God that He has put it on His people's hearts to keep the other followers informed! Praise God!... Your issues are very informative and enriching. You seem to be blessed with a vast amount of knowledge (thank God) and when I read your paper I usually run across an area that I have been misunderstanding and you clean it up through your writings and verses. Thank you for being a Brother.
If it is at all possible could you please find a way to have your readers pray for my mom! She has been in a car accident which pushed lower back vertebras out of joint plus herniated neck and lower back vertebras. Doctors don't want to operate; they say she would end up worse off than when she started.
Then one of her vertebras collapsed, which worsened the pain and severe wobble that she had acquired from the car accident. When this happened they told her she would walk this way and have the pain for the rest of her life.
Then some people got into a fight at her work place; which caused a table to fall on her, adding weight and force which broke her chair. This caused severe nerve damage and now she has to use a walker if she is walking outside of the house. When before (because of the car accident) she had to use a cane. She found that the nerve damage is also for the rest of her life.
Through the whole thing her faith in God has grown tremendously. She doesn't blame God, but she knows God and God alone has the power to heal her.
Please pray that God's will be done in her life. If it is to heal, then heal. Or if it is to be this way until she goes to heaven, then to assure her of the strength and endurance that He possesses.
Thank you again for the issues. I will be praying for your mom's healing (foot and leg) and your back. May God keep and protect your family and you through all that life has in it.
Your loving Brother in Christ,
J.S.;
DeSoto Correctional Institute, FL
Comment: My back problem is improving somewhat. But my mom, like the letter writer's mom, is still in much pain. Please keep us all in your prayers. Only through God's strength can we endure! (Phil 4:11-13).
DEAR BROTHER GARY: Please send me one copy of your book, Differences Between Bible Versions. Enclosed is my check for $6.00. [All of the chapters from this book are now posted at Bible Versions Controversy].
In Darkness to Light you have expressed your reservations about the NIV, NASB, NRSV, TEV, etc. I share your concerns about these translations and heartily agree the NKJV is the best "contemporary" translation [Sovereign Grace's MKJV and LITV are also quality, contemporary versions, ed.].
Down here in the "Bible Belt" there are many die-hard KJV users (including my precious wife!). A pastor once told me that an old lady had said to him very seriously: "If the King James was good enough for the Apostle Paul, it's good enough for me!" [Chapter Four in my book discusses this attitude, ed.].
I never cease to be amazed by the workings of God's providence. Several years ago, I was delighted to learn that a Reformed Study Bible was being prepared under the editorship of R.C. Sproul. He is my favorite author and for good reasons, as GOD sovereignly used Sproul's teaching to effect my conversion!
Yet, I was sorely disappointed to learn that the New Geneva Study Bible would have the NIV text, despite the reservations of some of the contributing editors. There was a delay of a couple of years as the original intended publisher, Wolgemuth & Hyatt, went out of business.
But now I am delighted to learn that the publishing of the NGSB has been taken over by Thomas Nelson Co. and that it will have the NKJV text. The NGSB is scheduled for release in April of this year. As country comic Jerry Clower says, "Ain't GOD good!!!" ... Sincerely, Robert A. Caldwell; Jackson, TN
DEAR MR. ZEOLLA: Received your Issue 19 newsletter today and just wanted to say thanks. The articles on Channeling and the "Face" on Mars" were just great - keep up the good work there and may God bless and prosper you efforts.
Sincerely, L.W.;
Pendleton, IN
DEAR GARY: While I have yet to read your book Differences Between Bible Versions, I wonder if this isn't "KJV only" talk in modern dress. Only now the only version you should use is the NKJV or MKJV.
When I read the NIV, I find no compromises of any of the essentials to Christianity, to say the least. For example, the NIV text shows that Christ claimed to be God, that He was raised from the dead, that salvation and justification through grace by faith alone, etc. Therefore, what's the big difference in using one of the "main" versions (NKJV, NIV, NASB, NRSV) over the other?
C.H.;
San Diego, CA
P.S. What does LITV stand for? P.P.S God asks us for what we have (that He's given us) and not for what we don't have. And we all have something. 2Kings 4:1-7; John 6:1-12;. Also, Galatians 6 (esp. vs. 9-10).
RESPONSE: First, LITV stands for the Literal Translation of the Bible (for "Literal Version"). In my book I call it the LTB. But the publishers now prefer LITV as LTB looks too much like TLB (The Living Bible).
Second, as to compromises of essential doctrines, I discuss verbal inspiration (pp.7-23,42-46), the Trinity (pp.25-29), the sinlessness of Christ (pp.72,73), and the Deity of Christ, (pp.15,77,78,80).
Third, as for my view being a new "KJV only" position, I am simply advocating that a reliable Bible version should adhere to a "formal equivalence" translation principle and be based on the Textus Receptus/ Majority Text. And, as far as I know, only the KJV, NKJV, MKJV, and LITV meet these two criteria.
Lastly, are there big differences between Bible versions? All I will say here is, read my book and decide for yourself.
Note: For information on the MKJV and LITV contact: Sovereign Grace PO Box 4998 Lafayette, IN 47903.
HI THERE! I'm enclosing a cheque for $ ____ to renew my subscription to Darkness to Light for 12 issues. I'll be looking forward to those issues as I've come to enjoy reading the different topics you discuss....
God bless!
G.L.;
Manitoba, Canada
DEAR GARY: Here is a donation to continue my subscription. I always enjoy reading your newsletter.
R.S.; Denver, CO
DEAR SIRS: Thank you so much for the copies of Darkness to Light you have sent me as introductory copies. I have really appreciated reading them.
When I first requested the introductory subscription, I realized that after the 5 issues expired, I was not going to be able to continue receiving Darkness to Light, as it is just not within our financial means. However, in your last issue under General Notes, I noticed that some concessions are made (I'm referring especially to your note that refers to missionaries). As Missionaries here I would like to request continuing to receive Darkness to Light if you will permit it....
Most sincerely in Him,
T.W.;
Larkana, Pakistan
[The letter writer's subscription was renewed free of charge, editor].
DEAR BROTHER ZEOLLA: I hope that as soon as you receive this letter, that you and your loved ones are in the best of health. I am fine thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I was going to write earlier but I was out of stamps. Even though I had already received a lot of your past Shield and Darkness to Light newsletters, I loaned them to one of my Christian brothers and he told me he couldn't find them. So all I have now is your latest one.... It doesn't matter. He enjoyed them and hopefully was edified by them. I will be more cautious in the near future though.
As you can see, more brothers here are requesting your newsletters. I am glad, and even though there were only three of us Reformed or Calvinists, now there are six. Thanks to you, us, and God who gave the increase, for only He can open their eyes.... I will continue to pray for you and your ministry.
Your brother in Christ,
G.K.;
DeSoto Correctional Institute;
Arcadia, FL
COMMENT: The letter writer requested and was sent free of charge our Darkness to Light Collection and Shield Collection to replace the lost issues. And I praise the Lord for the many inmates from this prison and others across the country now on our mailing list. May His light shine in the darkness! (Luke 1:79).
Also, I would like to thank all of our readers who have supported this ministry by renewing your subscriptions, purchasing materials, and making donations. These funds enable us to continue this ministry and to provide materials free of charge to those who can not afford them (2Cor 8:13-15).
DEAR BRO' GARY: Giving glory and honor to our Father for all that He has done. Thanking and praising Him for giving us eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
The Body of Christ here is in a war Brother Gary. The enemy tried to stop all religious materials coming in here.... The Lord has given us victory; the door is opening up once again. The process is still a hindrance. Meaning it is three times more difficult to get a Bible than it is a pair of tennis shoes....
The Lord allowed me to present a multi-night Bible study. It was on the "Trinity." I used some of the worksheets that you had sent me in the past as a guideline. The Brothers really liked them. I gave several Brothers your address. Thank you for helping us and being a Brother to us in concern that we get fed with the Truth.
Well God bless you Brother Gary and He will continue to add increase in your work there for Him.
Please pray for us. Maranatha.
We have the victory,
Haynesville Correctional Institute;
Haynesville, VA
HELLO GARY! Well God bless you. Out of all the folks I have tried to write, you have been very good to me. I would like to say thank you. I consider myself in search of the truth about God....
It's gotten pretty weird lately. My so called Christian bro' have all cast me out. They say I [am] evil because I choose to argue "their" type of belief....
It's hard on me to accept them. Yes it's true they go to church, read their Bibles, pray. But to listen to them they are like "robots" quoting the same verse over and over for almost every instance. And to tell the truth I think they are lost. While I tend to try and think with intelligence, they just keep right on with the same of the same. They also tell me that if I don't believe as they do then I'm still going to hell. I tell them, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21).
They try to condemn me for my way of believing in God.... I tell them, "Do not speak evil of one another" (James 4:11). Our words have the power to build up or to tear down. I still can not understand why they are so angry at me. All I [am] really trying to do is search for the truth. You would think they would want to assist me! But that's not the case.... But I'm saved; so it's cool.... Gary, my life is hard but my burden is light....
Go with God,
San Quentin State Prison;
San Quentin, CA
COMMENT: The problem of Christians condemning and "speaking evil" of other Christians because they do not believe and act exactly the way we think they should is addressed the article "Judge Not …".
DEAR BROTHER ZEOLLA: Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would like to thank you for all the materials you have sent me.
I have passed your address to other inmates hoping that the Doctrines of Grace and all other essential doctrines of the Protestant faith may be learned and received by them to be able to give an account to anyone who may ask for the hope that is in them and also that their souls may be freed from the bondage of Arminianism which shackles the brethren when we have liberty in Christ.
I keep you in my prayers and I pray your ministry will be blessed and grow. You bring great encouragement to me and others who come in contact with your work.
Thank you for the love you show me and others who are incarcerated. At least you don't consider us as second class citizens of heaven....
G.K.;
Desoto Correctional Institute;
Arcadia, FL
BROTHER GARY: Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just this short note to let you know that Darkness to Light has been an excellent source of information, exposing and bringing to the light of God's Word the philosophies and reasonings of unregenerate man. So I would appreciate my subscription being renewed and please keep in mind that I am incarcerated at this time.... 2Cor 13:14
F.G;
Rawlings, WY
BROTHER ZEOLLA: Praise God for His mercy in healing our loved ones, but through the long or short time of their suffering; they and we may learn how to totally depend on and have faith in God! Praise God!!!
My mom's health has gotten much better since the last time I wrote. She doesn't have to use her walker at all, and the only time she needs to use her cane is if she walks or does something too long or much. Mom still has pain in her lower back, but unless God takes that away she will have that until she dies (which I pray doesn't happen until I get out).
I just received my last issue of Darkness to Light and I forgot to write and tell you I wanted to renew my subscription....
Your always loving brother,
J.S.; Desoto Correctional
Institute;
Arcadia, FL
Books and eBooks by Gary F. Zeolla, the Director of Darkness to Light
The above letters originally appeared in Darkness to Light
newsletter in 1995.
They were posted on this Web site in July1996.
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