Does God use evil for good? What is the purpose of evil?

Having grown up in "main street" Christianity (A.K.A. orthodoxy), I have some insight into what "Main Street" teaches. Therefore, my views, thoughts and beliefs will most likely be at odds with the reader.  My purpose of study is to seek the truth. If you wish to disagree with me, please do so based on the word of God.  So, does God use evil for good? Yes, of course.

Limited Atonement - Pruning the TULIP

  Orthodoxy teaches that Christ provided "Limited Atonement". They say that it was limited to the "elect". That only the elect are the beneficiaries of His atonement. Those who teach and believe this are the ones who follow the teaching and doctrines of Calvin. As such, it is a Doctrine of man. Orthodoxy will say the doctrine is in the bible, the bible teaches it. I contend that much of what is taught is man-made and has no business being foisted upon believers who seek the truth.

  This limited atonement is the "L" in Calvin's TULIP doctrine. I want to take a closer look at this doctrine of "Limited Atonement". We will answer the following questions: 1. What does the word atonement mean and should it be in our English translation of the Greek Scriptures (New Testament)? 2. Did Christ Atone for our sins?  3. Was the action limited? As always let us turn to the scriptures for the answers!

What is Satan's name?

  Orthodoxy has long thought Lucifer was Satan's proper name. They would not and will not accept the truth if it hit them between the eyes. Why? Well, myths and traditions are established easily but getting past them is almost impossible, even when the light of truth shines through to illuminate the false notion and bad translation.

  I suspect we will need to go beyond the early English translations and go straight to the source. Why are so many who are dispensing the word today hesitant if not absolutely resistant to drink from the fountain head? I suspect that they are used to the popish Latin traditions and interpretations. We might find in this case that the Septuagint (Greek Translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) is the root cause of this dilemma. As always, let's get into the Word!

Why do You Worship on Sunday?

God said to his people: Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (KJV) He also said: Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day. (World English Bible, WEB)

It is correct to say the Hebrew Sabbath was the seventh day of the week (Saturday). It is also correct to say that special observances (holidays) were also Sabbaths. (Law of the first fruits, see Leviticus 23) There were seven Sabbaths (holidays) in addition to the weekly Sabbath. Seven, as you know is also the number of God.

Happy Birthday

The King James "Authorized Version" is 400 years old this year. By all accounts it has been the most widely read, published and carried bible version in history. I own several copies ranging from small to a very large study bible version. They have been studied and carried lovingly. The most useful version so far has been the computer based KJV with Strong's Links. It is available in both the Swordsearcher Software and the E-Sword Software (free).  I have always been partial to the old 1600's style of English.

What does the word "all" mean?

One cannot help but to realize the importance of words in communication. When writing, word selection takes on an increased importance. The words of legal documents must be precise. Imagine the importance of a single word in a prescription written by your doctor. I submit to you that there is no written word more important or precisely written than the Word of God!