Below was our position originally from a sincere woman that questioned our position on cryptograms. What we found out is that Atbash is the proper name and is actually encouraged in exercising the mind, especially regarding memorizing verses of the Bible.

So we have relaunched the puzzle program with the correct titles.

Sincerely,

"Thus Saith the Lord..." Ministries, December 3, 2003

A concerned Christian wrote to us regarding the source of the cryptogram game. She generated a "Thus Saith the Lord..." investigation. What we found was:

By Fred Cohen

Cryptography probably began in or around 2000 B.C. in Egypt, where hieroglyphics were used to decorate the tombs of deceased rulers and kings. These hieroglyphics told the story of the life of the king and proclaimed the great acts of his life. They were purposefully cryptic, but not apparently intended to hide the text. Rather, they seem to have been intended to make the text seem more regal and important. As time went by, these writings became more and more complicated, and eventually the people lost interest in deciphering them. The practice soon died out.

Cryptology was (and still is to some extent) enshrouded in a vail of mystique to most people. It was because of this that the public began to acquaint cryptography with the black arts. It was often thought to be concerned with communication with dark spirits, and developed a bad image because of it's mentors. Most early cryptographers were scientists, but the common people were often convinced that they were also followers of the devil.

The following Bible text came to mind when we saw Egypt in the research.

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

So we put our long hours of innocent work aside and chose to server the Lord wholly. We admit this ignorance publiclly because we hope everyone would do the same for whatever you may be holding onto as well. Let us all put away unbiblical things in our lives no matter how small. Remember, one little Achan in the camp that took a little loot after a battle caused a major defeat in Joshua's army on the next battle.

Acknowledging do something wrong in ignorance, does not make one a bad person. Making excuses or pointing to someone else's known or unknown sins justifying the wrong is what condemns. How do we know that?

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

And if we do not say to ourselves, "I did not know that, but now that I do know it, I will cease and I am sorry for offending you in ignorance", there is only one fearful future.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

So we hope we have set the example for all to follow in dealing with personal enlightenment.

Sincerely,

"Thus Saith the Lord..." Ministries, February 12, 2003