The International Assembly of the True Jesus Church was formed in 1975, although the church itself was well established long before then. Up until that time, the truth of salvation had been preached predominantly to Chinese people. Accordingly, publications on biblical doctrines, including the flagship periodical, Holy Spirit Times, were in Chinese. And when believers took the gospel to countries such as India and Thailand, they imparted it solely through the spoken word.

In the early 80s, as the gospel took root in Africa, Central and South America, and the Philippines, missionary workers were sent out regularly to preach, pastor and train up local workers. During this period, the Holy Spirit worked powerfully through signs and miracles, leading to high attendance at evangelistic services and to many people receiving the Holy Spirit and water baptism. However, the lack of written resources in English and other languages proved to be a problem: the new believers had nothing to read to nurture their faith, and the workers could not provide the “solid food” that the congregations needed (Heb 5:12–6:1).

In 1998, the Department of Literary Ministry made a proposal to the IA to translate twelve books into the native languages of the pioneering areas. They included Questions and Answers on the Truth by Elder Tze Yuen Kuo, which was first published in Chinese by the Taiwan General Assembly in 1954. Through the use of guided questions, the book offered answers to a number of important biblical questions. After being revised by Elder Shun Tao Hsieh and re-launched in 1988, it was later incorporated into a series of books used for the training of sermonizers. Thank God, this year, we are able to present an English revised version entitled Q & A on Biblical Doctrines.

As humans, we often try to grasp the matters of God through our own reasoning. However, when we do this, we are in danger of misrepresenting Him and His message. It is with good reason, then, that the Bible reminds us that no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. If we wish to speak of spiritual things, we have to leave man’s wisdom behind and search for the words that are taught by the Spirit, even if at times they seem foolish on account of our limited understanding (1 Cor 1:21–25).

            For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

            1 Corinthians 2:11–13

As we read through Q & A on Biblical Doctrines, we will note that questions are answered with Bible quotes, which is a good approach when we consider that all Scripture has been given through God’s inspiration (2 Tim 3:16) and that He is the one who can answer everything concerning the truth. 

We thank God for all the workers who have been involved in the production of this book: members of the Malaysian General Assembly who undertook the translation; the editor and proof-readers; the graphic designers; and the IA Review Board. It is hoped that the book will be the first in a series of multi-lingual versions.

May God continue to guide the English literary ministry and to bless the workers. We also pray that readers will be enlightened by His truth. Amen.

 

KC Tsai

Department of Literary Ministry
International Assembly of the True Jesus Church

 

© 2012 True Jesus Church.