Bible Translations

There have been a lot of controversies over the differences in Bible translations. Things don't get better as new translations surface, indeed, in some ways they get even more tense. It is important to understand the pros, cons and focuses of major Bible translations out on the market today.

King James Version (KJV). Despite the fact that some feel that this version should have been laid aside a hundred years ago, many still cling to this archiac translation, feeling that there is some sort of divine blessing laid on it as "the only inspired version". Others simply read it for its beauty of phrasing, which is admitedly pleasing if understandable. This version has the advantage of being a direct translation from the original texts, but the disadvantage of being hard to understand today.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel
of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 (KJV)

New American Standard Bible (NASB). In some ways this can be seen as an updated version of the King James Version. It is also a direct translation, but utilizes more modern terms and drops archaic pronouns (thee, thou, thy) for modern pronouns (you, your). It also removes verb suffixes no longer in common use (-eth). It is very good for getting a feel for how the original languages communicated, and is
a good version for serious study.

How blessed is the man who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in
the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Psalm 1:1 (NASB)

New International Version (NIV). This version's strength is in that it focuses on the main idea of the text. Rather than always going word to word, it strives to catch the idea of the text and communicate it accurately and understandably.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in
the counsel of the wicked or stand in the
way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Psalm 1:1 (NIV)

Contemporary English Version (CEV). The main goal of this version is to create a Bible that can be read aloud with ease and accurate communication. Gender inclusiveness replaces some masculine pronouns when the translators felt that it didn't rob the text of meaning. This of course compromises getting the feel for the language in which it was written as it removes the old-fashioned way of refering to "man" and "he" when speaking to broad audiences, and is probably not the best for serious study, but it does well in updating the Scriptures so that the common man in the pew may understand what he is hearing being read to him and catch the general idea of the text.

God blesses those people who
refuse evil advice and won't follow
sinners or join in sneering at God.
Psalm 1:1 (CEV)

As the translators of the KJV acknowledged, a wide variety of translation is helpful for getting a grip on Scripture.

What to Eat?

I recently read in a Christian journal about a lady who believes Christians need to still abide by the OT dietary laws. What do you'all think about this?

The Ice Wall

Often times its easy to get cold and indifferent toward our Christian faith. I was feeling like this before the Easter season rolled around, but I prayed that the Lord would melt the ice wall that was between us. As I was singing the great Easter hymns, I felt new life rolling through my veins. If you are feeling cold toward the Lord, go find a quiet place and urgently ask Him to rejuvenate you.

What's Wrong With...

Many times as Christians we find it very easy to declare what's wrong with others. We need to take time to examine ourselves, and see how much is wrong with us. When we do this, we will be far less condemning of others.

This week, that commemorates Jesus' passion, should be a time when we all reflect on how bad we actually are. The more we realize how bad we are, the more we will realize how good Jesus is and appreciate His sacrifice for us on the cross. This isn't to endorse an overly negative, depressed view of oneself, but really I think we're far closer to thinking we are better than we are than thinking that we are worse than we really are.

The fact is, salvation first means humiliation. It means realizing that you are a rebellious creature in need of God's salvation. It doesn't mean you are trash - because no one made in God's image is trash (1). But what it does mean is realizing that because you were made in God's image, you are responsible to act that way, and because you didn't and don't - you are guilty of sin! As we know, though, Jesus died so that your sin-guilt could be removed and you could be rescued from Hell! Believing that He really did that and that He rose from the dead and confessing Him as Lord is what is necessary for salvation.

All of this to say, please meditate on these things during this Easter season. It's so easy to let it all slip over us, but please, Christian, consider your salvation.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24 (NIV)



(1) Escape From Reason Francis A. Schaffer

Beauty and Bravo

As teenagers, I think that the word relationship almost instantly brings to our minds images of dating and the opposite gender. Up until this point, I’ve looked at relationships in other areas – God, parents, family in Christ, enemies, but I think it’s now time to address this one relationship that preys on many of our minds almost incessantly – "guy-girl relationships."

So what is the Biblical ideal for guy-girl relationships? Is it dating or courting? Is it either? Is it both? Is it neither! Why is it that even the seemingly best relationships come crashing to earth, shooting fireworks of question marks into the minds of on-lookers?

In order to correctly answer these questions, I want to give my theory on why so many relationships come to a grinding halt. It is after all, just my theory, but I submit it to you for careful consideration. It can be simply boiled down into two words: beauty and bravo. Let me explain.

Beauty. This is what guys want in a girl. Without the proper tempering from the Holy Spirit this is pretty much all that unsaved guys look for, but even Christian guys are heavily saturated in this mentality. It’s the pretty girls we think about, talk about, dream about. This beauty doesn’t always simply mean a pretty figure or face, but it can be an infatuation with a smile, eyes or a charming mannerism. In some ways, I don’t think this is an evil thing. I think it’s God’s magnetism system, but as guys, we often put this way above what should be priority – a girl that fears the Lord. Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (NIV)

Bravo. Girls are attracted to the ruddy, boisterous, showy guy – the popular hero, the ‘cute’ guy. They want to shine in his eyes because he’s got an aura of wildness and adventure about him. He’s the charming knight who fights dragons for princesses, the dashing swordsman, the flamboyant hero, and girls are naturally drawn to guys like that. In common tongue, he’s the lady-killer. Now as much as I’d like to have another verse in my pocket for this scenario, I think the same one from Proverbs 31:30 is appropriate. Charm really is deceptive. Sometimes what appears to be a shining knight fresh from a romance novel is really a sneaking thief.

So, why do many guy-girl relationships break up? Guys are looking for beauty and charm, and when that begins to wear off, all of their declarations of love begin to fade away as their eyes begin to wander once more. Girls are looking for a superman, but when they find a down-to-earth boy, they become disillusioned.

Love relationships need to be built on a much firmer foundation. If external attraction is the only common numerator, then lust is the divisor and disillusionment the quotient.
Of course, this only identifies what’s wrong, but how do we go in the right direction?

Unfortunately this is a much harder process to lay a finger on.

The ultimate thing that I believe needs to take place is not a commitment to never date. And while it is certainly Biblical to commit never to compromise sexually, I don’t believe it ends there either. In essence, we need a mindset of trust and purity. To put it in Josh Harris’ language, purity is not a line – it’s a direction. And I might add that trust isn’t a prayer – it’s a passion.
Purity is more than just abstaining from sex before marriage. It’s about controlling your mind, focus, goals and everything! Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. (NASB)

Trust is more than a quick prayer. It’s got to be passionately working itself into your whole thought pattern. Proverbs 3:6 [I]n all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (bold –mine) (NIV)

As I stated at the beginning, I am far from having come to this pinnacle. Indeed, I’m at
the base of the mountain, getting ready to climb. I feel that many of us are here, but with God’s word as our guide, Jesus as our faithful, forgiving High Priest, the Spirit as our patient counselor and teacher, and the Father as the divine ruler of all that comes and goes in our lives, we are well equipped for the journey to true romance.

Fishers of Men

Recently, I viewed the first six sessions of a DVD series by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron on evangelism. In Way of the Master, Cameron shared an illustration. He painted the picture of a fire-man who was very devoted to his cheif. In fact, he had recently gone out a bought the fire-chief a top-notch, high-quality cd player. One day, the fire alarm went off, and this fireman was dispatched to go and fight it. Instead of getting out of his truck and saving the dying family, the fireman watched complacently as the family was helplessly devoured by the consuming flames while he listened to music on this new cd player.

At first, we are all aghast at this illustration, but Cameron went on further. He began to reveal that this fireman is an allegorical figure to represent many Christians. We are very concerned about worshipping God, but when it comes to evangelism, we are very content to let people drop into hell while we sing on.

The call from Jesus' though is not to ignore people, but to go out after them. It is interesting to note that one of the first things recorded that Jesus said to Simon and Andrew was "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt 4:19 NIV) Just think about that! The very first thing that Jesus ever promised his disciples was that if they followed him, they'd be evangelists! This demonstrates powefully Jesus' heart for the lost. He could have said, "Come to me, and I'll give you happiness," or "Come to me, and you won't have to fish anymore." This is an important key to remember when witnessing to people as well. Our message shouldn't be, come to Jesus for a happy, contented life with all you've ever dreamed of.

Not only did Jesus' first words have to do with evangelism, but his last words to the disciples did also! "He said to them: 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:7-8 NIV)

Obviously, in God's eyes, evangelism is very important. After all, having heard the good news for ourselves, and knowing the danger others are in, how could we not feel constrained to tell others about Jesus? Indeed we are just as bad as the servant who received a talent and buried it in the ground. We have received the best news on earth, and yet we box it up and hide it.

As the Christian singer of the late 70's and early 80's, Keith Green, sang,

Jesus commands us to go!
But we go the other way,
Feeling so called to stay.

Our message is urgent, and we need to quit sucumbing to fear and get the message out. It is only a matter of time before any one of us plunges into eternity. We cannot love the unbeliever and yet allow him to run ignorantly into Hell.

This short article has only laid the groundwork for evangelism. I would greatly encourage you to purchase the Way of the Master DVD's for further instruction and real-life unstaged footage of evanglism on the streets. They are available along with tracts and evangelism tools at www.wayofthemaster.com.