Great journalists have always been at the forefront of change and bringing truth to light. The problem today is there are not many great journalists in the game. We have commentators and players instead of people who report the facts. I believe there are men and women who are great journalists who are in the fight daily, holding to accurate reporting of the facts. But one such journalist stands out to me, specifically because of his investigative reporting on the Bible.
Joe Kovacs is the executive news editor for WorldNetDaily.com. WorldNetDaily.com is a top 500 internet news site, voted one of the “stickiest” sites on the internet. A sticky site is one that people go to and stay on the site for the longest period of time. Kovacs has been a journalist for 25 years, in both print and broadcast journalism, receiving awards along the way from the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI). Of the hundreds of news articles written by Joe Kovacs, many focus on issues of the Bible.
I was privileged to receive a copy of Joe Kovacs latest book entitled “Shocked by The Bible,” after an exchange of e-mails with him. I had read the promotional articles on WorldNetDaily.com and my interest was piqued to want to know more about the “shocking” facts Joe had unearthed in his journalistic efforts.
Within the professing church there seems to be a small number of people who are willing to lay down the party line of their particular denomination or group to see the truth of the Bible for what it really says. Fiercely hanging on to traditional thinking and customs passed down from the so-called “church fathers,” a dearth of investigative study of the Scriptures is evident. The shame is with the church whose many seminaries and Bible colleges, along with theologians in pulpits refuse to look at Scripture for what it really says. There seems to be a fear of losing prestige, losing people from the pews, losing money and jobs, or the rejection of family and friends, that keeps those in places of position in the church from the willingness to look at Scripture for what it is and to tell it like it is. I was there. The question God asked me is, “Who do you fear more, Me or men?”
Since the professing church is unwilling to look intently at the Scriptures, embrace it all in context, YHWH is using a believing investigative journalist to apply his gift and experience to be a witness to the Truth of what HE said and established in HIS Word. Joe Kovacs is that man, and WorldNetDaily.com is the internet broadcast giant that HE has chosen to bear this testimony.
In Kovacs’ book, “Shocked by The Bible,” you will learn that you’ve probably heard things preached as “gospel” by pastors in the pulpit, on the radio, or on TV that don’t line with what the Bible really says. Joe writes in his introduction, “As you read through each chapter… it may make you laugh cry, shout for joy, praise God, argue with HIM, shake your head in amazement, condemn the publisher, or do laundry with a different attitude. It may even tick you off to the point where you’ll want to ‘have it out’ which those who taught you – or more accurately, did not teach you…”
The prophet Jeremiah says, in Jeremiah 16:19 and 20, “…The gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth and say, ‘Surely our fathers have inherited lies, worthlessness and unprofitable things.’ Will a man make gods for himself, which are not gods?” We are living in that day. There are people coming forth and saying this very thing. We’ve been lied to. Whether it was in ignorance by many or in malice by a few, we’ve been lied to nonetheless. There have been people sounding this alarm from around the world, albeit few, for many years. Since, I believe, time is growing short, YHWH raises up a man like Joe Kovacs, and a website like WorldNetDaily.com to broadcast HIS Truth to those with ears to hear.
This is not an advertisement for WorldNetDaily.com, although it might appear that way. I don’t agree with everything I read on WorldNetDaily.com. I’m not a man who latches on to a man or a group and adheres to them at all costs. Since beginning to observe Torah a few years ago it has cost me my job as a Christian radio broadcaster, many family and friends, and has changed my life forever. But I can say with all sincerity that I would not change a thing, except to have come to the Truth sooner than I did. I’m writing this in an effort to introduce some who are struggling or have been closing their ears to people like me, to Joe Kovacs’ book, “Shocked by The Bible.”
I recommend “Shocked by The Bible” by Joe Kovacs because of his journalistic approach to the Bible. He is not trying to proselytize anyone to his particular brand of religion. His agenda appears to not go beyond just a journalistic look at Scripture in order to get straight facts into peoples’ hands that they might make an informed decision. Once the knowledge of the Truth is presented it is between the person and YHWH as to what they do with it. But be forewarned, to have knowledge of the Truth and to reject it is a serious matter with the Almighty Creator.
Joe takes on some serious taboo subjects, such as what YHWH says is food, the pagan origins of Christmas and what the Bible has to say about that. If you’ve ever had problems with the crucifixion and resurrection time-line (how could it be three days and three nights in the tomb if HE was crucified on “Good Friday” and raised Sunday morning) you will want to read what this quality journalist has uncovered.
This is exciting to me. I’ve been looking at this, living it, and writing about it for a few years now. But I don’t have the mass of readers that Joe Kovacs has with WorldNetDaily.com. I thank Yeshua for using them to spread HIS Truth. I recommend this book to you all. Along with the recommendation I give you encouragement and exhortation to check it out against Scripture. We as believers have always tossed out the saying “Be a Berean” to the point that it has become a trite little “ism” devoid of meaning. But the context of Acts Seventeen, where we read of the Bereans, was that they checked out the great Apostle Paul, against the Scriptures, to see if what he was telling them lined up with what was written and established. It is important to note that the only Scripture written at the time was Torah, the Prophets, and the writings. Should we not do the same, not only for what Paul wrote, but for the venerated church fathers, Joe Kovacs, me, you, and every other man or woman who purports to proclaim the Truth? If our goal is Truth we shouldn’t be afraid, but even welcome scrutiny in light of the Truth that sets us free.
Information about the author of this review:
(Banner Kidd is an elder and a part of the worship ministry at Messiah Fellowship, a former Christian Radio Station manager, and talk show host. Banner is now a blog author at TorahPerspective.com, appears in video presentations with Pastor Ron Hyre of Messiah Fellowship in Howe, Indiana, and lives in Stroh, Indiana with his wife of 29 years and their children and two rowdy dogs. Banner is involved in music and audio production for radio and TV as his current occupation. E-mail Banner at bfkidd@ligtel.com)
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24 comments:
What a wonderful review! I will now purchase a copy! Thanks for helping me find this book!
Melissa Jones!
I am a Torah follower of Yeshua as well, although I am still learning and very new to it.
I have been trying to get the book locally with no success so I'll have to order from amazon.
I have a question for you on dress for women. I am unsure how to interpret that women should not dress as men and that their heads should be covered. I am unsure because I think dress in bibilical times was different. Men wore long robes (I think) that would be like dresses. Also, Orthodox Jewish men were hats. Paul says men should not cover their heads. What do you think?
Leslie,
I believe the context of the Scripture has to do with Scriptural authority more than what one wears. It has to do with Messiah being the Head, then man under the headship of Messiah and women under the headship of man. It is a Torah principle that you can read about in Numbers 30.
Women are not supposed to take the man's role. It is a problem that has been around since Eve succumbed to the deception of Satan. Women, by nature, want to lead, but YHWH has told them to submit. Men, by nature, won't to be slugs and not lead, by YHWH has told them to lead. In the case of the man and the woman it comes down to submission to YHWH, by grace, through faith, to submit to their ordained roles to play.
Man is NOT greater than woman. There is no male of female, when it comes to how YHWH sees us in Messiah. However there is Torah for each of us that fits our role. It is much like Torah for the priests was different in that there were commandments that fit them only and didn't pertain to everyone else. In YHWH'S eyes there was no partiality or favoritism between the priests and the rank and file Israelite, although the priest created one. Some men have done the same thing in their relationship with women, making it a dominating role of forced submission. This is not Biblical.
It is interesting in that the priests and rabbinic authority has also made a difference between the ethnic born Jew and the rest of the world, erecting a wall of separation that was never in Torah and now that Yeshua has torn it down they continue to erect and maintain it.
The point is this. Women should not seek to be like a man. Don't look like one, don't act like one, but live unto YHWH in the role you've been born into, adhering to Torah commandment, by grace through faith.
I can't see this being a prohibition against a woman wearing pants, as in physical clothing, but I do see a problem with women wearing the pants, as in usurping authority never given them.
If we all function as the Almighty ordained, by grace through faith, being submitted to Torah in the Spirit, then the community of believers, the body of Yeshua, will be blessed in all she does.
Blessings,
Banner
There are a lot of things people think are Biblical that don't appear in the Bible. But if we love the truth, then when we find that something we've told or taught doesn't is not Biblical then it must be rejected. Those who are open to the facts that are highlighted in Shocked by the Bible will find further encouragement to pay attention to the details in God's word in a free eBook that challenges Bible students to heed the Biblical admonition "prove all things"
TheDiscipleWhomJesusLoved.com presents the facts found in the plain text of scripture on the unnamed "other disciple, whom Jesus loved" using a courtroom scenario with the Bible being the only evidence allowed (i.e. it does not rely on any non-Bible sources to make it's case). It shows how the Bible sometimes disproves tradition (or how tradition can make void the word of God) the reader is asked to act as a jury and hear the facts from scripture in this case of the Bible vs. Tradition.
In an effort to encourage Bible students to take seriously the admonition to "prove all things" -- especially in light of Ps. 118:8 -- this study that cites what the Bible says about John and contrasts that with what the Bible says about the "other disciple whom Jesus loved" and thereby proves that whoever this unnamed author was he could not have been John -- because the Bible cannot contradict itself.
In the spirit of the Bible's admonition to "prove all things" Bible students are invited to consider this Bible evidence presentation to see if they would agree that it is able to meet the legal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt in regards to Bible proof that this "other disciple" could not possibly have been John.
It would seem that the traditions of men are once again at odds with the word of God, as ever, clouding the truth.
Isa 45:19
19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
KJV
OT:8414
OT:8414 WhT) tohuw (to'-hoo); from an unused root meaning to lie waste; a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain:
KJV - confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness.
The traditions of man are vain, empty, waste.
I am glad someone had the courage to write a book like this. Very few people realize that Noah was told to take "clean" animals by sevens and "unclean" by two (note: that there was a distiction before Mt. Sinai). Also people don't realize that the "fountains of the great deep" spilled over to cause THE FLOOD - it was not just rain. That makes the biblical record all the more plausible - considering their is more water than land on the earth. On the issue of traditions - unfortunately - many people don't want to admit their traditions are unbiblical. Usually they can't come back to you with any scriptural evidence so they often revert to "mud-slinging".
bk - thanks for that resource titled 'the disciple who jesus loved'. I found it quite intriguing and spent part of Sabbath reading it. Quite frankly - there were many things I never thought - and while some I did know - I just didn't tie it together. I like that they only use scripture in their argument. Even without reading it - it would make you wonder - why would John identify himself in the book of Revelation and not in the gospel account?? On another note it's been argued about who authored the book of Hebrews....it is interesting to note that Paul always identifies himself - but not in that book. Mentioning Timothy and being in Italy at the end would lead one to believe it's him......but again...scripture is not explicit so we shouldn't say it's Paul just because of tradition. People would say "so what"....but that is how leaven works...it only takes a little to make many loaves of new bread.
I haven't read the article about the disciple that Jesus loved. I have too many other things to read and research right now. I applaud anyone who is committed to sticking with Scripture apart from men's tradition.
As for the issue of Paul's authorship of the Book of Hebrews. I personally lean to that view. But I'm certainly not dogmatic about it.
I see the "lawyerly" style of laying out the case that Paul uses in all his epistles. And I believe he is dealing with the same ethnic proselytizing isse that he deals with in his epistles.
Israel, and in Hebrews particular the Levitical priesthood, had to deal with the changes that exposed the weakness in them. I believe that Paul, the Pharisee of the Pharisees, knew this very well and that was his intent in all his letters; to bring both Jew and Gentile to the knowledge of the Truth of Torah - faith in what YHWH said and established, and thereby accessing grace that changes the heart. Out of the two making one new man in Messiah Yeshua.
Blessings to you all as you seek HIM apart from man's traditions.
Shalom! -Banner
Andre,
Your welcome. Thank you for being open enough to consider the wholly-Biblical evidence presentation that this Bible study offers. Unlike the man-made John tradition which comes from NON-Bible sources, you now know that the facts in the plain text of scripture prove that this person could not possibly have been John -- and that, therefore, this Bible truth IMPEACHES the methodology that was responsible for promoting this false teaching all this time, that being the method of relying on NON-Bible sources instead of relying on scripture.
TheDiscipleWhomJesusLoved.com not only has the free eBook that presented the original case against the unbiblical John tradition, there are also some other items that you may want to check out -- like a huge piece of evidence that was overlooked in the original research but has been added to the revised edition that is currently going to press. See the article on The Other Disciple Believed First (the link is at the top of the home page). It proves why the unnamed beloved disciple couldn't be ANY of "the twelve".
Banner,
Hebrews does seem to rule out the author being first hand witness of Jesus which would, of course, rule out Paul.
bk - thanks again.
I did see a portion of that in the book. I will take a look at that article.
I will add this to the shelf with other commentaries, but consider it to be of limited use:
1. There is no index,
2. There are no reference notes to other commentaries,
3. There is limited discussion of the fulfillment of prophecy, either between sections of the Bibles, or since the Bible was written.
PapaBear said...
I will add this to the shelf with other commentaries, but consider it to be of limited use:
1. There is no index,
2. There are no reference notes to other commentaries,
3. There is limited discussion of the fulfillment of prophecy, either between sections of the Bibles, or since the Bible was written.
Papa Bear,
I respectfully ask that you tell me what your comments have to do with Joe's book? It is chocked full of Scriptural Truth.
There are no sections of the Bible for there to be a "between." A man placed the divider there, not YHWH.
This book is not a typical commentary. Why do you want to check it against another man's word anyway? Be as the Bereans in Acts 17 and check it against the Word of YHWH. It will stack up.
As for an index, this is a journalists investigative look at unbiblical traditions. He cites his sources. You can find them yourself if you are really interested. What Joe has written is historically and Scripturally accurate.
I urge you to dump commentaries on the Bible by men with faults and study the Word, from Genesis to Revelation, in context, and without dispensational heretical divisions.
Jeremiah said this time would come when gentiles would come to YHWH and say that our fathers inherited lies (and thus have we) to serve gods that are not gods, and that there is an awakening to happen. It is happening.
You must be willing to lay all tradition on the line and up against the Torah of YHWH to come out of the Babylon church we've been in for way too long.
I am 'shocked' it has taken so long for someone to write, to then become a popular read, about these things. My hope is it causes truth seeking people to study the Bible. Some people will be up in arms over this book which tells me how little people study Gods Word. Of course it will be fire for those who do not believe the Bible is a Holy Book. Christians simply trust pastors who have been taught by pastors through the ancestry of seminary. Sheep following sheep. Whoever questions the pastor if and when they notice three days and nights from Friday does not add up correctly.
Allow me to add I spent years wondering why Jesus said one thing and Paul another. I thought I was not intelligent enough or holy spirited enough to understand Paul. After doing a study regarding evil I realized Paul fit. Sounds, looks, smells, feels like the truth, therefore it must be the truth. So much of what he says has some truth, has some lie leaving the reader confused. Jesus in not confusing. I find it interesting Paul, Muhammad, John Smith have added and or changed what the Bible and Jesus say. They all saw the 'light' so to speak, too. The church has been build on Paul's sayings, but call it Peter. It seems so logical for Satan to use Paul to undo, confuse the Word of God, the words of Jesus. A forest thru the trees thing. I am okay being called a heretic for believing Paul is a false prophet. That was my awakening. I simply call myself a born again believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Bobbie Black
Anonymous,
You slander Paul by your statements. Paul did not teach against Torah and never once disagreed with or contradicted Yeshua. You read Paul's epistles through the same filter as lawless professing Christianity. I encourage you to go back and read his letters again, in context. Paul is one of the most misunderstood writers in the text of Scripture. Take off the colored glasses and read him in context with Scripture. You'll get an eye opening.
Hey Banner, thankyou for recommending this book, I received my copy last Friday and it is such a blessing! I'm going to buy a few copies to share around.
Thanks again, Jono
Hello Friends!
A friend of mine sent me a link that advertised SHOCKED BY THE BIBLE. I bought myself a copy, and found it to be in agreement with what myself and scattered brethren I know, have understood during our years of learning God's words.
JOE KOVACS has done an Amazing job that very few have done without personal prejudice. I found it to be a book just as has been mentioned here. It's one without self-promotion or group promotion, and it's only promotion that I found in it is WHAT GOD'S BOOK DOES TEACH.
As I mentioned in a note I sent to Mr. Kovacs, the book is to be applauded because it's main focus is on TRUTH, whatever it is that God's book shows the TRUTH TO BE, period!
Since buying my own copy, I've shared copies with over a dozen scattered brethren who've known as I have for years, how accurate Mr. Kovacs writings about the Bible in this book are.
I found myself compelled to send copies to some I've known who have harshly judged some - based upon their perceived ideas about what they been lured into thinking the bible teaches; I sent this in hopes that they may see God's TRUTHS presented without organizational prejudice, simply for the sake of the Truth being presented in the simple clarity that Mr. Kovacs writes with.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for the simple reason of it's PURE HONESTY!
Anyone who hasn't yet read it, please do....you'll be so very glad you did.
Friendly,
Ned Meacham II
p.s. If you love this book, please share it with others. Not enough people stand firm in proving what God's words do indeed teach.
This world needs desperately more people who are truly & deeply convicted.
As the timing of God's plan for mankind develops through it's stages, thankfully, TRUTH will become common, rather than what our world acts upon today.
(please excuse me if I missed correcting any typos here. I tried to find them all)
hmmm, i saw Torah perspective and a review of this 'shocked' text and my curiousness led me to take a look. i noticed you spelled out Y-*-W-H and so became slightly sceptical of the 'Torah perspective' as most Torah true adherents, this includes observant Jews and Noahides, will not use that form of the Name. nonetheless the remarks were refreshing until you thanked j! what is that!? you cannot adhere to the Torah -which is G-d's word- and to the nt which is not. anyway maybe youre taking steps in the right direction. here's to all of you being receptive to the Holy Torah without any lingering traces of the impure. didnt i see on your site, maybe not, who should you fear G-d? or man? if j existed - although he could never have existed according to the literal read of the nt - but if somebody did exist like him - youll praise him as L*rd!?!?!? G-d forbid! show some humility and fear before the King of kings, the holy ONE blessed is He.
Hello- I am a disabled person that finds it hard to read the small text found in books. Mostly I read on my computer, because I can make the text as large as I like.
Is the book "Shocked by the Bible by Joe Kovacs available for download?
Please let me know at: gregory.heins@verizon.net
Thank You,
Greg
Greg, I'm not aware of any online editions of Joe's book. I will investigate and see if there is, or if there is a plan in place that there might be in the future.
I have read excepts of Shock By the Bible and have concluded that it is a glorious dream, but not possible. Pauls writings are the basis for much of this hysteria. The big question is Paul's word the word of God. If it is not, then everyone has been duped.
Regards,
Chuck Nance
All this hysteria over the book is based on the assumption that Paul's word is the word of God. What if Paul was not divinely inspired? What then? Would we still believe such a glorious story?
Chuck, Paul's letters are the Word of God and everyone has been duped by the devil to believe that Paul is saying something different than what he is really saying. Paul was a Torah observant follower of Yeshua HaMaschiach, who taught repentance to Torah. Paul taught against man's doctrines, especially the doctrines of traditions of Judaism which is in opposition to Torah. Joe Kovacs isn't talking about a dream, but a reality that can be realized by submitting to the Truth of the Scripture and rejecting the traditions of man in the professing church.
I have for over two years,subscribed to the United Church of God teachings,so much of what is contained in the book ,I am already aware of. They teach that the Bible is the word of God,and as such,if a person wishes to learn the truth regarding current teachings by the various religions,one must obtain it from the Bible.I will purchase the book,so that I can loan it out to others interested in the truth,and just not what they are taught.
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