Frequently Asked Questions –

What church or denominational affiliation are you aligned with?  None.  I am a person who grew up in the Baptist and Bible church arena, served as a pastor in local church settings, and am now trying to encourage and equip people to study the Word for themselves.  This ministry is not underwritten by a denomination or a particular church.

Is First Hand Truth trying to begin its own church?  No, we are not a church but a help to the church specializing in encouraging individual study.  First Hand Truth exists to bring people individually closer to the Word and to God, not closer to an organization – Jesus is the Mediator between man and God.

Do I need to sign up to attend the BIble Study Cafe?  No, It is  a drop-in kind of ministry.  If you want to make sure to have a few minutes to talk to someone about a specific question it might be beneficial to let PR know you are coming and a bit of what your question might be.

What manner of Scriptural Study do you espouse?  We would encourage people to read and study scripture seeking to determine the original intent of the author of scripture when the pen touched the paper – with a literal interpretive hermeneutic.  We would encourage literal interpretation of scripture rather than symbolic — recognizing that some portions of scripture are less literal and do use symbolism – poetry, prophetic, apocalyptic – examining those passages as their given genre demands. 

What about the Finances of First Hand Truth?  I am not supported or paid through the organization, rather I am volunteering my time to do these things so that people can learn and attend at no charge.  People have given gifts to First Hand Truth to help cover some of the material costs involved in doing what we are doing —  there is a list for transparency and you can access a list of donations (donors being held confidential) and how some of those finances have been spent.

What is the atmosphere of the Bible Study Cafe?  We desire an atmosphere of Biblical curiosity, personal respect and Christlike love. We can and will have theological differences but the point of the Cafe is to study scripture for ourselves and find others to be respectful and kind to each other in the places we have differences. Paul met people in various places and engaged in conversation with them in a respectful manner.  So should we.

Why do many workshops take place at JPG Resources?  Not having a facility of its own, First Hand Truth is beginning at JPG because the owners of JPG believe in the ministry and want to provide a place to house these events.  Churches are encouraged to host events!