Seeking True Faith Podcast

Stephen Bellew

Welcome to Seeking True Faith! My name is Stephen Bellew, a follower of Jesus Christ, Minister and a member of the Church of the Firstborn. On this channel, I explore questions and doctrines that many Christians wrestle with — not to argue, but to understand. Each episode looks at one topic in depth — from baptism and faith, to prophecy, leadership, and everyday Christian living. My goal isn’t to make anyone think exactly like me, but to present Scripture honestly and share the variety of perspectives found within the my church and the larger Christian community. I will randomly choose the top

  1. Feb 21

    Bible Translations | Episode 11 | Seeking True Faith Podcast

    King James Version vs. Modern Bible Translations: History, Manuscripts, and What Matters MostThis episode traces the history of Bible translation through key figures and milestones, beginning with John Wycliffe’s 14th-century English Bible and the backlash he faced, and continuing through William Tyndale’s Greek- and Hebrew-based translation work, his smuggling of New Testaments into England, and his execution in 1536. It surveys major English Bibles leading to the 1611 King James Version (Coverdale Bible, Great Bible, Geneva Bible, Bishop’s Bible), explains why King James commissioned a new translation in 1604, and describes the KJV’s goals, sources, and restrictions on marginal notes. The host outlines notable KJV revisions (1629, 1638, 1762, 1769), the later removal of the Apocrypha (completed in 1885), and argues that these changes were largely minor and not doctrinally disruptive. The discussion then explains the manuscript basis behind translation debates—Textus Receptus/received text (Erasmus, Stephanus, Beza) versus critical text approaches using a broader range of Byzantine and Alexandrian manuscripts—emphasizing that most manuscript differences are minor and do not undermine core Christian doctrine, citing consistency seen across manuscript evidence and early church father quotations. The episode also describes translation philosophies from word-for-word to thought-for-thought, addresses claims about omissions in modern translations like the NIV as often overstated, and encourages prayerful, researched discernment while rejecting corrupt agenda-driven translations. The host affirms love for the KJV and continued personal use while supporting cross-referencing and careful study, discusses Revelation 22:18–19 in the context of translation, urges kindness and unity in church settings regarding version choice, and previews next week’s topic on artificial intelligence from a Christian perspective.00:00 John Wycliffe: The Bible for the Common People01:58 Why Bible Translations Matter (and the KJV Question)04:50 From Scrolls to Canon: How the Bible Took Shape10:21 Jerome’s Latin Vulgate & the Problem of Clergy-Only Scripture12:21 Wycliffe’s English Bible & Tyndale’s Martyrdom15:47 The Road to 1611: Geneva, Bishops’ Bible, and King James21:17 KJV Revisions, Spelling Updates, and the Apocrypha Removed26:02 KJV-Only Arguments & the Manuscript Debate Begins28:03 Textus Receptus vs Critical Text: What’s the Difference?32:19 Do Variants Undermine the Bible? Preservation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Confidence37:58 Translation Philosophy: Word-for-Word vs Thought-for-Thought39:50 Practical Guidance: Choosing a Translation, Church Use, and Final Thoughts45:00 Wrap-Up & Next Episode Teaser (AI and Christians)

    46 min
  2. 12/06/2025

    History of the Church | Part 1 | Episode 7 | Seeking True Faith Podcast

    Mini Episode: Laying the Groundwork for Our Church History Deep Dive Seeking True Faith Podcast This week’s episode is a little different. Instead of diving straight into the long-awaited church history series, I’m taking a moment to share where the research currently stands—and why this topic deserves careful, fact-driven attention. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been pouring over books, archives, interviews, and historical documents late into the night. From early church writings to 19th-century testimonies, from RLDS accounts to newspaper archives, the amount of material is massive—and deeply important. My goal is simple: to build the clearest, most honest picture possible of our church's history, its lineage, and the key figures whose stories still shape us today. In this mini episode, I talk through: • The primary sources I’m studying • Why this research takes time and prayer • The importance of distinguishing fact from speculation • Key names and historical puzzle pieces I’m currently working through • How you can help contribute documents, testimonies, or lineages • Why Christ—not genealogy—must remain our center in every discussion This episode sets the stage for an in-depth series that will span our own church history and the broader story of Christianity across the centuries. I want to handle this topic with integrity, humility, and a commitment to truth—and that means taking the time to do it right. If you have historical documents, baptismal lineages, testimonies, or information connected to men like John Burton, David McDonald, Eli Brewer, Woods Rutherford, or others, please email them to: 📩 SeekingTrueFaith@gmail.com Thank you for your prayers, your patience, and your support. I’m excited for what’s ahead. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thess. 5:21

    20 min
  3. 12/01/2025

    What are Gender Roles in the Church? | Episode 6 | Seeking True Faith Podcast

    In this episode, I walk through what Scripture says about gender roles in the church We look at how God created male and female in His image, how marriage pictures Christ and the Church, and how men and women serve side-by-side throughout the Old and New Testaments. From Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah to Anna, Priscilla, and Philip’s four daughters, we trace the real, active role women play in God’s story—while honoring the biblical pattern of male headship in church offices. Along the way we tackle some tough passages: Creation and dominion – Genesis 1 Marriage and headship – Ephesians 5:22–33 Bishops, deacons, and evangelists – 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 2 Timothy 4:5 “Widows indeed” and Anna’s example – 1 Timothy 5; Luke 2:36–38 Women praying and prophesying – 1 Corinthians 11 “Let your women keep silence in the churches” – 1 Corinthians 14 “I suffer not a woman to teach…” – 1 Timothy 2:11–12 Sons and daughters prophesying – Acts 2 / Joel 2; 1 Corinthians 14:3I I also try to carefully distinguish between prophecy (Spirit-led words of edification, exhortation, and comfort open to sons and daughters) and the ongoing teaching office of the church, which Scripture reserves for qualified men. My goal isn’t to win an argument, but to help us all think biblically about:What men are called to do in the churchWhat women are called to do in the churchHow we can honor God’s order without abusing it 📖 Question or feedback? Drop it in the comments. 🔔 If this helped you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who’s interested in this topic. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)

    45 min
  4. 11/08/2025

    Leadership in the Church | Part 1 | Episode 3 | Seeking True Faith Podcast

    Leadership in the Church, Part 1 – BishopsWhat does true biblical leadership look like? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the scriptural foundation of bishops — men called not to rule over the flock, but to feed it. From Moses and Jethro’s structure of leadership, to the apostles’ oversight of the early Church, we explore how God has always established order without inequality.We’ll examine Paul’s detailed list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, the meaning behind key Greek terms like episkopē (oversight), and how a true shepherd reflects the heart of Christ — one who loves, tends, visits, and lays down his life for the sheep.Too often, leadership in the Church becomes about position rather than service. But when we look to Scripture, we find that bishops are not called to power, but to pastoral care, humility, and sacrificial love.Stay tuned for Part 2 – Deacons, where we’ll continue this conversation by exploring the equally vital and often misunderstood role of servants in the Church. We’ll look at how the first deacons were chosen, their spiritual qualifications, and what their example teaches us about service, ministry, and humility today.📖 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly… and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”— 1 Peter 5:2–4#SeekingTrueFaith #BibleStudy #ChurchLeadership #BishopsAndDeacons #ChristianPodcast #FaithSeries #BiblicalTeaching #ScriptureStudy

    1h 7m

About

Welcome to Seeking True Faith! My name is Stephen Bellew, a follower of Jesus Christ, Minister and a member of the Church of the Firstborn. On this channel, I explore questions and doctrines that many Christians wrestle with — not to argue, but to understand. Each episode looks at one topic in depth — from baptism and faith, to prophecy, leadership, and everyday Christian living. My goal isn’t to make anyone think exactly like me, but to present Scripture honestly and share the variety of perspectives found within the my church and the larger Christian community. I will randomly choose the top