I wrote to the Superintendent and school board members, and their response was: “She has the right to Freedom of Speech.” I was sad, but not surprised. This is the only amendment the Teacher’s Union, Democratic educators and Democratic politicians like. The only problem is that it only applies to them. They have the freedom to say anything about anyone whether it is true or not. Christians must be silent in schools.
WHY ARGUE OVER TRANSLATIONS?
I recently heard about a Bible Study group that didn’t want to read a book written by a well-known minister and author of over 20 best-selling Christian books because he is known for using different translations of the Bible in his teaching. I thought it was funny at first and then realized that this disagreement actually caused unfriending, disruption of the Bible study, and most importantly, disillusionment and division of the Body of Christ. What a great plan of the Enemy.
It was difficult for me to understand the problem until I noticed online the controversy over which translation is the best. I understand that often it is a simple money issue. The Bible is the best seller every year, so companies want to get into the market with a new type of Bible. Some are study Bibles, some Journaling Bibles, others Parallel Bibles, etc.
Then the translations: King James, New King James, New International Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, etc., etc. All made with a certain reader in mind. Some translated word for word, some focus on conveying meaning in modern language and some simply for easy reading. The question becomes, “What Bible is the Best?” The answer is, “The One That You Read!”
The first thing we need to understand is the problem with translating. If you have ever experienced someone translating what you say or reading something in another language, it is never identical. It is not word for word and considering the fact that the original church letters were probably written in Aramaic or Hebrew then translated into Greek then translated into Latin then translated into English, it would be impossible to expect that.
The next thing to consider is cultural differences. One of the best books I have read about missionaries is Bruchko. The story is about a young American missionary, Bruce Olsen, a linguist who went to live with the fierce Motilone Indians in the South American jungle. In his quest to translate the Bible into a language they could understand, he had to adapt to what they were familiar with. Instead of building one’s house on a rock for a firm foundation was translated into a story about hanging a sleeping hammock from God’s strong poles. There would be the same problem with the “pearl of great price” in a field. Are we so Eurocentric that we don’t understand that it might have to be changed to the banana in the jungle scenario? By the way, the whole tribe eventually became Christian because of this translation.
Part of the miracle of the Bible is that people around the world are getting saved reading their own translation of the Bible. Why? Hebrews 4:12, “for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It is the Spirit of the Bible that changes lives.
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I began my spiritual walk with Jesus reading King James version of the Bible. Since then, I have used the New International Version (NIV), the Amplified Bible (AMP), New American Standard (NAS), New King James Version (NKJV), and several others. These have not brought me confusion or unbelief; they have enriched my understanding of the scriptures. The reason for this is I had a personal teacher as I read each translation–the Holy Spirit.
In order to read and truly understand the Word of God, it is essential to have the Holy Spirit’s help to grasp spiritual truths.
1 Cor. 2:9-12
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (NIV)
No matter which translation, the Holy Spirit will bring clarity and understanding of God’s will and purpose in your life. We should not get so religious that we think only our way is right and thus cause division. “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
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Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ." We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Community Prayer List
-Pray for those involved in protecting the border
-Pray for President Trump, the entire Executive Branch
-Pray for the country of Israel and its protection from Muslim countries
-Pray for the Peace of Israel
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