The Debate over the King James Version

The Debate Over the King James Version
Rick Wade
Introduction: What the Debate is About

Have you ever been in a Bible study where everyone in the group reads a verse . . . and there are two or three Bible versions being used? Following the train of thought can be difficult when a verse in one version clashes with the next verse in another version.
Since the 1940s, many new Bible versions have appeared on the market: the Revised Standard Version, the New English Bible, the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, the Living Bible, the Contemporary English Version, The Message, and many more. When I was growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, the King James was still the dominant version. Today the New International Version leads sales followed by the KJV.(1)
For some people, the multiplicity of versions is a nuisance, but they accept it, believing that it is all a matter of personal preference. For others, however, this is a serious issue; not because of the inconvenience of multiple versions, but because they believe the King James Version is the only correct version for the church.
These new versions came about because of the publication of a new Greek New Testament about a century ago. Defenders of the primacy of the KJV were very vocal in their opposition to the new Greek text and the new English versions which followed its publication. This issue is not as big today, but it remains problematic for some Christians. Thus, a discussion of the King James/modern version debate is useful with a focus on the New Testament, for that is where the main concerns lie.
This debate is argued on two levels. On one level, the focus is on the King James itself (remember that our English versions are translated from Greek texts). Some simply believe that this particular translation is the best one. They see a certain majesty in its language, and they appreciate its important role in the history of the church. It has served the church well, so there is no need to begin confusing things by bringing in all those other versions, they believe.
There are some Christians, however, who go further than that. They believe that the KJV is not only the best version; they insist that it is the only valid English version. Newer translations of Scripture do not reliably convey God's truth. Some arguments for this side are little more than angry diatribes which are often circular. For example, some say that since the new versions differ from the King James, they are bad versions. The supremacy of the KJV is simply assumed.(2)
Although arguments from tradition and style can be powerful, there might be other considerations which outweigh them. A significant problem with the KJV, of course, is the language. People who did not grow up using the KJV have a hard time understanding it. Some of its words are no longer in use, and the antiquated forms of many words impede the understanding of the text. Over time they can learn to understand it, but without any more compelling reasons than tradition and style, it is hard to see why they should bother.
On another level, this debate focuses on the Greek manuscripts from which the English versions are translated. Some "King James only" proponents believe that the Greek text underlying most of the newer versions is corrupt. As we will see, they present some good arguments for their position.
Because the Greek text is the critical issue in this debate, it will be the focus of our examination of the debate (we will not get too technical!). To set the stage, we will begin with a brief history of the King James Version.
A Brief History of the King James VersionMany of us have heard the joke about the King James Version: "If it was good enough for the apostle Paul, it is good enough for me!" Paul, of course, was fifteen and a half centuries too early for the KJV. The New Testament writers wrote in Koine Greek, the language of the common man in the first century A.D. The first complete English Bible was not produced until John Wycliffe produced his in the fourteenth century. He translated from the Latin Vulgate which was the most widely used version at that time.
The next major step in the development of the English Bible was Tyndale's translation of the New Testament published in 1526 and portions of the Old Testament published later. Tyndale's version was significant because it was translated from a newly published Greek New Testament rather than from the Vulgate.
After Tyndale's, a number of other versions were produced. Among them were the Coverdale Bible, the Matthews Bible, the Great Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the Bishops' Bible. In 1611 the King James Version was published to provide a Bible which could be used by both Anglicans and Puritans. Marginal notes reflecting any particular theological bias were removed, and the language used was that of the people.
I noted earlier that Tyndale used a Greek text for his translation. The first published Greek New Testament appeared in the year 1516. It was edited by Erasmus, a Dutch scholar. Erasmus had at his disposal no more than six Greek manuscripts (we have thousands at our disposal today). These manuscripts were part of what is called the Byzantine text family.
Although Erasmus' edition provided a great boost to the study of the New Testament, it had a number of problems. For one thing, none of his sources had the last six verses of the book of Revelation, so Erasmus translated from the Latin Vulgate back into Greek! Thus, in his text "several words and phrases may be found that are attested in no Greek manuscript whatsoever."(3) In the first two editions of his New Testament, Erasmus left out I John 5:7 because it did not appear in any of his Greek manuscripts. That verse reads: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." This omission created a furor, so he promised to include the verse in a later edition if it could be found in any Greek manuscript. One was brought forward, and, although Erasmus did not think the text was genuine, he kept his promise and included the verse. It is now believed to have been a very late and unreliable manuscript, and some think it was forged to include the verse.(4)
Erasmus' Greek text was reworked and reprinted by others including Robert Estienne who divided the text into verses. Theodore Beza then built upon Estienne's work, and his Greek text provided one of the major foundations for the King James Bible. The term Textus Receptus, or Received Text, came from a blurb in another Greek text produced in the early seventeenth century by the Elzevir brothers. This title is still used in connection with the King James, and it is one you will see again in this article.
Westcott and HortI noted earlier that the more substantial arguments for the "King James only" position focus on the Greek texts underlying the different versions. There are four significant issues in the debate involving these texts which I will develop: the science of textual criticism, the number of Greek manuscripts available, the history of the Greek texts, and the dates of the manuscripts.
Before getting into the debate itself, it will be helpful to mention the historical event which brought the debate to a head, and to introduce a central element in New Testament textual studies.
Between the thousands of Greek manuscripts available there are differences of one kind or another (although there are not any which effect doctrinal matters). Certain Greek manuscripts share enough similarities that they are believed to have come from the same source. Each of these groups is called a text family or a text-type. There are four text families which are generally agreed upon by scholars. The manuscripts which were used to produce the Textus Receptus (and later the King James Version) were of the Byzantine family. The other three text families generally agreed upon by scholars are the Alexandrian, the Caesarean, and the Western.(5)
The fundamental debate between scholars in the King James/modern version controversy is over the question of the most accurate Greek text family or families. Which of the four families, if any, most accurately represents what the New Testament authors wrote? The Byzantine text was the dominant Greek text from about the eighth century until the end of the nineteenth century.(6) In 1881, however, two scholars named Westcott and Hort published a new Greek New Testament which relied more on other text families than on the Byzantine family. Their Greek text became the basis of the New Testament portion of modern Bible translations.
Westcott and Hort evaluated the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament according to the principles of textual criticism. This is the science of the study of ancient texts, the originals of which are lost. Based upon their studies, they argued that the Byzantine text was not the closest to the original writings as the King James advocates claimed. It seemed to have combined readings from other text families, and some readings appeared to have been modified for greater clarity and understanding. Thus, they believed it was at least two steps removed from the original writings. Also, they found no clear evidence of its existence in the writings of the early church fathers, and there are no copies older than the fourth century. Those who agree with Westcott and Hort believe that the Byzantine text was produced in the fourth century probably in an attempt to give the church one New Testament (there were a number of different Greek texts being used at the time). Other text families, on the other hand, appear to have more original readings and are quoted by the early church fathers, and are thus closer to the originals. So, the conclusions drawn from the application of textual criticism along with the ages of the manuscripts led them to believe that the most accurate Greek text is to be found by drawing from all the Greek text families, especially the Alexandrian family.(7)
Supporters of the Byzantine or Received Text responded that it was inappropriate to use naturalistic methods of study such as textual criticism on Scripture. They said that this amounts to elevating man over God in determining what the Bible says.(8) They also argued that the vast numbers of Byzantine manuscripts along with the centuries of history behind this text family should not be set aside on the basis of a few manuscripts discovered relatively recently. They insisted that the Spirit of God would not allow His true word to lie dormant so long while the church was being guided by inferior texts.
Textual CriticismAs I noted above, those who argue for the Byzantine or Received Text say that it is improper to subject the Bible to the scrutiny of textual criticism. The Bible, being the inspired Word of God, is unique. One begins with it as inspired and then accepts what it says.
But those in the Westcott-Hort tradition note that we cannot simply shut our eyes to the fact that there are differences between the various Greek manuscripts, even those in the Byzantine family. Even those who believe in the inerrancy of Scripture recognize that the original writings of the New Testament were inerrant, not the copies. It is our responsibility to apply the most sound principles we know of to determine what the original manuscripts said. This is the aim of textual criticism.
So, how does textual criticism work? Differences between Greek manuscripts are called variants. There are several causes of variants. Some are accidental, such as misspelled words or repeated or reversed words. Some resulted from a scribe not hearing a dictation correctly. Also, deliberate changes seem to have been made to bring passages in different Gospels into harmony or to make a doctrinal point clearer.
What are some examples of differences between the Greek texts which show up in our English Bibles? One example is the Lord's Prayer as it is recorded in Matthew and in Luke. In the KJV the two versions are almost identical, while in the NIV the prayer in Luke 11 is significantly shorter than that in Matthew 6. Most scholars believe that, at some point in history, a scribe added to the text in Luke to make it agree more with Matthew.
The last half of Mark 16 is a lengthy section which is disputed. The KJV retains verses 9 through 20 while the NIV includes the passage with a note saying it is not found in the most reliable early manuscripts. Scholars who believe it should be excluded also note that the style and vocabulary are very different from the rest of Mark.(9)
To add one more, in the KJV, three verses in Mark 9 (44 ,46, and 48) are identical: "Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched." The NIV puts verses 44 and 46 in footnotes and notes that some manuscripts include the phrase. Since each verse follows a reference to hell, it is very possible that a scribe simply repeated the warning to strengthen the message.
If all this makes you nervous about the accuracy of your Bible, it is important to note that textual criticism is used on all documents for which the originals no longer exist. New Testament scholar J. Harold Greenlee noted that, with respect to the Bible, "No Christian doctrine . . . hangs upon a debatable text."(10) This conflict provides no fodder for critics of Christianity who might ask how we can know what the Bible really says. We can be confident that we have a highly accurate text, especially given the number of New Testament manuscripts available and the antiquity of some of them.(11) As one writer has said, "It is well to remember that the main body of the text and its general sense are left untouched . . . textual criticism engages in turning a magnifying glass upon some of the details."(12)
Other Issues in the DebateIn addition to the question of textual criticism, questions regarding the number of manuscripts, the historical dominance of the Byzantine text, and the dates of the manuscripts still need to be considered.
First is the matter of the number of manuscripts. Between eighty and ninety percent of existing manuscripts are of the Byzantine family and are in remarkable agreement. This fact is not in dispute. King James supporters say that the few manuscripts to which Westcott and Hort gave preference cannot override the witness of the vast majority of manuscripts in existence which are of the Byzantine tradition. It is normal to expect that the oldest manuscript will have the most copies.(13) In response, those who follow Westcott and Hort point out that hundreds of copies could have been made from one defective text while a better text was not copied as often. The copying of New Testament texts was not as carefully monitored as the copying of the Old Testament text by Jewish scholars. As we have seen, errors were made and changes were deliberately introduced. Simply finding a lot of manuscripts which are in agreement is not enough. To illustrate their point, they ask whether one would rather have one real $100 bill or five counterfeits.
A second issue is the preservation of the text through history. Supporters of the Received Text ask why God's Spirit would allow the church to be under the authority of a defective text for almost 1500 years. Textual critics respond that this argument exaggerates the issue. They do not consider the Byzantine text to be a "'bad' or heretical text; it presents the same Christian message as the critical [or Westcott-Hort] text."(14) Again, there are no doctrinal differences between the Greek texts. Members of the Byzantine family are used along with members of other text families to determine what the true reading of a passage should be. The major text families are neither absolutely corrupt nor absolutely perfect. Text critics must use all the available resources to determine what the original documents said.
Finally, the dates of the manuscripts are important in this debate. Textual critics point out that church fathers before the fourth century "unambiguously cited every text-type except the Byzantine."(15) If the Byzantine text-type comes directly from the original writings, one would expect unambiguous quotations of it from the beginning. They also point out that there are no Byzantine manuscripts older than the fourth century, whereas there are copies of other text families older than that.
In response to this, King James supporters note that the New Testament manuscripts began to be altered very soon after they were written. Eusebius, the ancient church historian, reported that heresies sprang up early after the turn of the second century, and proponents of these heresies sometimes altered Scripture to accord with their beliefs.(16) Thus, antiquity is not the crucial test. That there are no copies older than the fourth century can be explained by the fact that the material manuscripts were written on was fragile; it's reasonable to conclude that the early copies probably wore out through frequent handling.
Summary and Concluding ThoughtsTo summarize, those who support the King James/Received Text tradition emphasize the number of manuscripts, the church's history with the Byzantine text, and God's interest in preserving His Word, whereas those following Westcott and Hort say that the variants in the manuscripts - even between those in the Byzantine family - prove the need for the textual criticism of the New Testament. The results of their analysis along with the ages of the manuscripts leads them to believe that the Byzantine family is just one text family that can lead us back to the originals - or close to it - but it is not the one best text family.
So, which way should you go on this debate? If you are concerned about the issue, I suggest that you study it more. The texts cited in the notes will give you a place to start. If not, I would recommend using a version that is as close to the Greek text as possible while being understandable to you. But whichever version you choose, be very sure of your arguments before insisting that others use it, too. It seems to me that, with all the difficulties we face in our often hostile culture, we should not erect walls between Christians on the basis of Bible versions. We are not taking God's Word lightly here. We are simply calling for a more well-reasoned discussion and for the rule of love to govern the debate.
Notes
1. Marketplace, Christian Booksellers Association, May, 1998.
2. An example is the pamphlet by J. J. Ray, The Eye Opener (Junction City, Oregon, 1953).
3. D.A. Carson, The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), 34.
4. Ibid., 35.
5. F.F. Bruce, The Books and the Parchments 3d ed., (Westwood, NJ: Revell, 1963), 185.
6. J. Harold Greenlee, Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), 61-62.
7. To be more precise, while Westcott and Hort gave the greater weight to the Alexandrian text over the Byzan- tine, they gave even greater weight to the manuscripts Vaticanus and Sinaiticus which they considered to be "neutral texts." Later, sympathetic scholars grouped these two with the Alexandrian family. See Carson, 41.
8. Edward F. Hills, "The Magnificent Burgon," in Which Bible?, 5th ed., David Otis Fuller, ed. (Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids International Publications, 1975), 101-105.
9. Greenlee, 133.
10. Ibid., 68.
11. In addition to the Greek manuscripts, also available for study are ancient lectionaries, various translations into other languages, and the writings of the early church fathers. See Greenlee, pp. 44-58.
12. Ibid., 17.
13. Zane C. Hodges, "The Greek Text of the King James Version," in Which Bible?, 37.
14. Greenlee, 81.
15. Carson, 47.
16. Eusebius Pamphilus, Ecclesiastical History (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1971), 215-216. See also Benjamin G. Wilkinson, "Our Authorized Bible Vindicated," in Which Bible?, 190-193.
© 1998 Probe Ministries International
About the Author
Rick Wade graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Communications (radio broadcasting) in 1986. He graduated cum laude in 1990 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with an M.A. in Christian Thought (theology/philosophy of religion) where his studies culminated in a thesis on the apologetics of Carl F. H. Henry. Rick and his family make their home in Garland, Texas.

What is Probe?
Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at Probe.org
Further information about Probe's materials and ministry may be obtained by writing to:
Probe Ministries2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2000Plano, TX 75075(972) 941-4565info@probe.orghttp://www.probe.org/

Which Bible version is best? My take

My Take:
Just like most of you, i have opinions, preferences, and personal feelings and thoughts. This issue seems to be a hot button, but it is also one I have become passionate about.

Let me clarify some things:
1. I am not against the KJV, I don't use it anymore, I do use a NKJV and most of my use is in the NIV.
2. What I am against is someone telling me that the KJV is the only bible, the only "authorized" bible, or that any other version or translation is wrong, a sin, or not inspired. These statements are unfounded, ignorant, not biblical, and not accurate. This is not just my opinion. It's truth. My opinion is I prefer the NIV. It would be just as wrong for me to say NIV is only Bible and KJV irrelevant.

In order for the KJV to the the "ONLY" authorized, inspired, correct, or holy version. God is the ONLY one who has the authority to command us to ONLY use the KJV and it's the ONLY version we humans or churches can use, study, teach, or share.

I'm tired of christians, preachers, and chruches preaching and teaching this "Hate" gospel. We need to teach Love, truth, accuracy, grace, and gospel. People are dying and going to hell unsaved, and we are not discipling or helping our members mature. Too many churches and Christians are KNOWN for what they ARE AGAINST and NOT what THEY ARE FOR.

I agree, not all translations of the bible are accurate and one must be weary of certain paraphrased versions of the bible, because these are simpley wrote from english translations and not from the original manuscripts.

I am not going to pretend to be a Theologin or an expert on ancient texts or a Bible College Professor. But, at the same time, I am not going to breed ignorance, arrogance, legalism, or judgment in my life simply based on "that was the way I was taught", "that was the way I was raised", or "that is what I'm comfortable with so everything else is wrong".

I got some news for us all. God doesn't care what our opinions are. God has never asked not one single persons input on putting together His word. Most of the things we do in our churches today are simply based on traditions or teachings past down and not on His truth.

God is the only one with AUTHORITY to say which Version of the Bible we should use and He is the only one AUTHORIZED to make such statements about faith and it's practices and He is silent.

Let me explain it this way. There are several things in our history and life that have evolved because of time, education, and the world progressing and changing. Take the Television for example. Are you still watching a TV from the early 1900's? Black and White? A gigantic floor model that looks like something from outer space? If you are like me I have a flat panel HD TV and thank God for technology and advancements in it. Let me give you some quick history of the TV.

TV can't be contributed to any one person, but a progression of ideas, contributions, etc. As early at 1876, people had ideas and experiments with television. As years passed into the early 1900's the idea of Television evolved. 1901 was first mechanical TV. 1907 tv with the cathode ray tube. In 1923 there were 2 televisions. By 1936 200 tv's existed. 1941 all tv's black and white. By 1948 100 million us homes had b&w tv's. By 1950 we started having color tv and by 1967 most shows were broadcast in color. By 1972 half of TV's in use were color tv's. I could go on, most homes have multiple tv's now. We have 4 in our home. Most people have cable, dish, direct tv, or something. Most homes have DVD players, VCRs, and BluRay's.

My point is. What if back in the early 1900's people said, the first type of TV is the only TV. Any other TV is wrong. No doing research, or advancing the TV. The creator's of the TV set only want theres and theres only. What about other things like Electricty, telephones, computers, or automobiles? Are you still calling an operator to make a call for you in 2010? Or do you like me have a cell phone that I can call, text, email, and surf the internet? What about your car? You still driving a model T? Actually the first car design was steam propelled in 1769 and then a guy made an electric automobile in the 1830's and then Karl Frederich Benz had first gas powered automobile in 1885-86 and that's was before Ford's Model-T. Are we to go back in time and say we can only have steam powered cars? Any thing new, better, or improved is wrong? I doubt it. Then why do we try to limit God, put Him in a box, or spread legalism in our churches?

In our life we have allowed advancements and progression as technology and wisdom of experts has grown. Are we so narrow-minded and ignorant to think that scholars in the 20th Century couldn't look at more manuscripts of the original texts of biblical scriptures(The Bible) and not learn from scholar's and translations of the past, the 1611 King James version to be exact, and not better translate the Bible into a better language or translation the would better help people KNOW GOD and HIS WORD better?

People who are on this kick of ONLY the KJV act like people are trying to take the Bible and turn people away from God or take Jesus off the Cross or God out of Heaven. What makes God's word HOLY is God. Not King James.

I've tried to explain that people even mis-use the word "Authorized" on many King James Bibles. King James back in 1611 did not want anyone using any other Bible besides His translation, so that is the only one the King authorized. Not God, a man!

I drove past a church recently who had on their church sign "we only used the authorized King James Bible" do you really think a lost, un-churched person knows what that means or even cares? I heard a preacher recently in a church I was visiting refer to using "the bible" the KJV, and last night I visited a church and in the pew was a paper a preacher had passed out to people as to why the KJV was only AUTHORIZED Version and only REAL bible. I read it and it was garbage. It was inaccurate, unfounded, and even went as far to say it was wrong for preacher's to quote other versions or that even quoting the originial greek was wrong?

Truth and un-truth are the same way. Both can be passed and spread and believed. I could preach at a church long enough and start pushing my feelings onto people based on my opinions and not truth and eventually many people would or could start following my opinions and take them for truth. Preachers and Pastor's do it all the time, they may not intentionally do it, but it doesn't change the fact, that many of our churches are breeding ignorance or misinformation to truth.

If God's WORD speaks clearly and truly about a subject, we have authority from God to share it and preach it. If God's word isn't precise on a subject, then we DO NOT have authority from God to preach it or teach it. God's word leaves lots of room for our spiritual freedom. The thing is God's word is truth and if you think it has one lie in it, then the whole book has to be wrong, But if you believe it's the truth, you also have to learn that there are reasons God doesn't get specific about certain details. I believe God has the exact details in black and white He intended for us, and the rest He left up to our spiritual freedom.

Do people misquote and misuse God's word alot? Yes! That is why we have cults and people doing things in God's name. That is why we have so many denominations and it may even be why we have more tranlastions of the Bible than we need.

But, for us to not think God gifted men and women to take His word and improve on its translation over the years so that His people could use it, share it, learn from it, preach it, teach it, and mature in it is wrong and sinful. God wants us to be students of His Word, rely on His Word, and live by His Word. He wants the church to progress and evolve and change it's methods and ways with the times so that we can continue to reach lost people and make disciples and mature followers.

I encourage you, I beg you, and I ask you to go to your churches and start studying God's word more and better. Do some research for yourself. I have spent much time looking at this issue of bible translations on both sides of the issue. I have tried to read as much as I can both in God's word and i encourage you to do the same.

Not just about this issue but any issue. Before you become "Set in Your Ways" or draw a line in the sand, or spread negativity study, learn, grow, ask questions, get in discussions, and challenge those who might be teaching in ignorance or error. I know that over the years, I've been wrong about issues or change my mind on issues as I matured in my faith and studied.

My goal is not to divide churches or christians, but to bring them together. To have unity. Sometimes it means to agree to disagree, sometimes it means taking a stand for what you believe. My passion and goal is to help the church grow and to reach lost people and I want God to use me. I'm not trying to prove people wrong, stir up trouble, or upset anyone. I'm just tired of people dying and going to hell everyday while our churches keep doing things the same ways and expecting different results. I do not want our churches dying or missing chances to help people change their lives because we are arguing or fighting over stuff that doesn't matter or is not biblical.

Ask yourself these questions about anything, whether it's the KJV issue or something else. Is this a command or a preference? Is this my personal opinion or based on what God says? Am I being faithful to God or doing my own thing? Am I binding my beliefs on other people or am I open to God teaching, maturing, and changing my heart so i can grow in my faith?

Just alot of things for us all to think about . Use your KJV if you like, if it's easier for your church to use one translation because of teaching, that is great. But do not bind or command anything on anyone based on anything other that God's authority directly from His Word. When we do this we will change, our churches will change, and more people will be saved.

Which Bible Version is Best?

Found this article on http://www.christianbiblereference.org/
I think this is a challenging read and I hope to write another article about it. I would love other website or resources on this issue. Seems to be a hot issue where I live. Most churches are KJV only and I want to educate and be educated. We can't base our beliefs on opinions, or way we are raised, we need to base it on educated truth from God. I'd love to hear thoughts, opions, and want this to be positive discussion. pass it along to others. Best way to learn is to learn from others, pray for wisdom, and seek to grow and mature in our faith, which means moving out of our comfort zones and trying to be open minded with what God might be trying teach us.
Jason

Which Bible Version is Best?
The Old Testament (OT) of the Bible was originally written in the Hebrew language with a few sections written in the Aramaic language. The OT contains the sacred writings of the Hebrews and contains books of the Law, history of Israel, wisdom, and prophecy. The events of the OT (excluding Genesis 1-11) occurred roughly between 1800 B.C. and 400 B.C. A Greek translation of the OT, called the Septuagint, was produced between 200 and 100 B.C. for the benefit of Greek-speaking Jews in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Apocrypha, a group of fifteen late OT books, was written during the period 170 B.C. to 70 A.D. These Jewish books were included in many versions of the Septuagint in circulation as the New Testament (NT) was being formed, but they were excluded from the official canon of Judaism, established about 100 A.D. Today, the books of the Apocrypha are included in Catholic versions of the OT, but not in most Protestant versions. These books are also known as thedeuterocanonical books.

The people of first century Palestine, including Jesus, spoke the Aramaic language. However, early Christian writings were written entirely in Greek, the universal language of the Roman Empire at that time. The early church leaders gradually assembled these writings into what is now known as the New Testament. They included books they believed were written by eyewitnesses to the events narrated, while rejecting many other early Christian writings. Eventually, the 27 books which form the present New Testament, along with the OT books, became the Christian Bible as we know it today. The New Testament canon was formally adopted by the Synod of Carthage in 397 A.D.

During the early centuries A.D., Latin replaced Greek as the language of the Roman Empire. In 405, a Latin translation of the Old and New Testaments was completed. This version, known as the Vulgate, became the standard Bible of Christianity for many centuries. None of the original manuscripts of the OT or NT still exist. Until the 15th century, when printing was invented, Bible copies were made entirely by hand. As a result, many small variations are found among the many ancient Bible manuscripts still in existence.

The King James Version
The first English language version of the full Bible was John Wycliffe's translation of the Vulgate in 1384. Several other English versions followed, and the beloved King James version was published in 1611. The King James Version, itself, has been updated several times: in 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769.

The team of 47 scholars who translated the KJV version did an excellent job. However, the English language has changed a lot in the nearly 400 years since it was published. Many KJV words and phrases, such as: Lord of hosts, sabaoth, emerods and, concupiscence, would not be meaningful to to most people today. Worse, many other KJV words, such as charity, trespass, profit,cousin, and remission, have different primary meanings today than they did in 1611 and could mislead the reader. As a result, many English-speaking people find the KJV is quite difficult to read and understand.

Some people believe the KJV is the most accurate or only authentic version of the Bible. Some believe the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts the KJV translators worked from were faithfully preserved by God or are the most accurate for some other reason. Others say the translators of all later versions were biased or incompetent in one way or another. Still others say the KJV is a literal and accurate translation while later versions were rewritten to suit the biases of the publishers. However, the vast majority of Bible scholars and Christians reject all these objections as being based on faulty facts and reasoning, and they do not consider the KJV to be more accurate or more sacred than other translations.

Modern Bible Version
Recent developments in archaeology and Biblical scholarship have made possible a number of modern, more accurate English translations of the scriptures. These newer versions are translated from the best available ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, rather than from the King James version or the Latin Vulgate.

Although the newer translations are believed to be more accurate than the KJV, the differences are minor. No significant changes of belief or interpretation would result from the many minor corrections. The main advantage of the modern translations is that they are written in modern English so the reader will not be mystified or misled by the archaic English of the KJV. The mainstream modern Bible versions have been translated by teams of devout Bible scholars who have prayerfully done their very best to convey the true meaning of the ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts to the modern reader. These modern translations have been adopted by many churches, both Protestant and Catholic, for use in worship.

It is often pointed out that modern translations omit a few of the verses found in the KJV, and this is sometimes believed to be an attempt to distort the Bible's teachings. However, the reason is that certain verses are not found in the oldest and best Bible manuscripts. Thus, they are omitted to accurately preserve the original Bible text. (The chapter and verse numbers were added to the Bible in the Middle Ages; they were not part of the original Bible manuscripts. Thus, an omitted verse does not mean that something was omitted from the original texts.)

Some of these extra verses were added to certain manuscript copies as margin notes or as prayers for use in public worship. Those manuscripts were then copied and recopied without making it clear that the extra verses were later additions. The most famous example is the doxology, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." that the KJV adds to the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:13. That phrase is not found is any of the oldest manuscripts of Matthew.

Another objection to some modern versions, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and Today's New International Version(TNIV), is the use of gender-inclusive language. The issue arises because English lacks a common gender third person singular pronoun. Language that applies equally to men and women in the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts has traditionally been translated as "he" or "him" in English Bibles. However, that can leave the mistaken impression that a verse applies only to men. Such verses have been phrased in some modern translations to accurately convey the gender-inclusive sense of the original manuscripts. The KJV translates John 13:20 as, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." The NRSV changes the "he" to "whoever" to show that the original text applied equally to men and women, but the "him" that applies to God is left as masculine: "Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me."

It is also traditional in English to use masculine gender as a generic form to include both sexes. So, Romans 3:28 has traditionally been translated into English as "a man is justified by faith." However, the original Greek word, anthropos means "human being" and applies equally to both sexes. So, the NRSV and TNIV have translated this verse as "a person is justified by faith" to accurately reflect the inclusive nature of the original Greek word.

Publishers of gender-inclusive Bibles are quick to point out that these are not "politically correct" or "feminist" Bibles. They have used gender-inclusive language only where it would have been understood that way in the original Hebrew and Greek languages.

Bible Translations. Here is a list of some excellent modern translations, in alphabetical order:
The New American Bible (NAB) is the official Catholic version of the Bible in the United States, and it is written in very modern English. The books of the Apocrypha are incorporated into the Old Testament of Catholic Bibles. Otherwise, this translation does not differ significantly from modern Protestant Bibles.

The New American Standard Bible , published in 1971, is a scholarly update of the 1901 American Standard Version. Sponsored by the Lockman Foundation, the translators used the best available Greek and Hebrew texts as a guide.
The New International Version of the Bible, a completely new translation of ancient Greek and Hebrew texts sponsored by the New York International Bible Society, was published in 1978. Its clear, direct modern English makes it easy to read and understand
The New Revised Standard Version Bible(NRSV), published by The National Council of Churches in 1989, is an update of the highly regarded Revised Standard Version of 1952. The language is very modern, but the style is more traditional than the NIV. The NRSV uses gender-inclusive language in places where it would have been understood that way in the original language.The NRSV is also available in Catholic editions and Anglicized Editions.
The Revised English Bible(REB) is a British edition published by Oxford University Press in 1989. The translators have written in a style suitable for use in worship, while maintaining intelligibility for people of a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
Today's New International Version of the Bible(TNIV), is an update of the NIV. Unlike the NIV, it uses gender-inclusive language in places where it would have been understood that way in the original language.
Paraphrased Versions.
In addition to the translations above, there are a number of paraphrased Bible versions which were translated "thought-by-thought" instead of word-by-word. The translators have written in a style that is thoroughly modern and these Bibles are suitable for all ages and very easy to understand. By nature, though, these paraphrased versions involve some interpretation that is subject to debate:
The Living Bible(TLB), published in 1971, is a popular paraphrased version written by Kenneth N. Taylor, who began this version to help his own children understand the New Testament Letters of Paul.
New Living Translation (NLT), published in 1996, is a thought-by-thought translation by 90 Bible scholars from various theological backgrounds and denominations. It is similar toThe Living Bible, but the language is more traditional.

Pity the Fool

Pity the Fool

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it's the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18(NIV)

What is the cross? In biblical times, it was just a couple old pieces of wood that were used to built a torture device. They punished criminals by nailing them on a wooden cross and raising it up off the ground and basically suffocating them.

The cross was nothing, until the son of God was placed on it. Now the cross is a symbol for us Christians to remind us of grace, our salvation, of the power of God. The cross without Jesus is nothing than wood, with Jesus the message of the cross showed us all the power of God.

The power to forgive sins, to defeat death and hell, and give us hope of eternal life. Before Jesus, people merely had to make sacrifices in order to cover their sins, after Jesus the price was paid once and for all. To those of us who have accepted this gift, we understand that only God has the power to forgive sins and give us eternal life.

To people who aren't saved and do not know God or who have not accepted this gift of salvation from God through Jesus, it's foolish, it's silly, it's stupid, or it's a waste of time.

People who feel they have no need for God don't want to waste their time going to church or trying to learn about Jesus. But, the key to remember is just because you reject Jesus doesn't make him any less real. Just because you think church is a waste of your time, doesn't mean you're not wasting your time by not going. Just because you think christianity is foolish, doesn't mean you aren't the true fool.

As christians, we have to live our lives in such a way that people see that christianity isn't foolish. When we are extreme in our religion, dogmatic, legalistic, judgemental, or ignorant, unfortuntely we make God and the church look that way, that's why many people think christianity is foolish. We have to show people it's real, life changing, transforming, and that God is power, real, and relevant.

The cross is not foolish, because to those of us who have experienced the grace of God, it's the most powerful, life-changing, thing that should ever happen to us. Jesus didn't die on the cross for your church, your opinions, or traditions, or anything else. He died for our sins. He died for ALL. God has power over life and death.

That does not mean we'll be perfect, never struggle, or life will always be peachy. It does mean our sins our forgiven, we have hope of eternal life, and we have victory over death if we remain faithful and continue to grow in our faith. If we can do that, hopefully we can show those around us that Christ and the cross isn't foolish, but the power of God on display.

Is OLD a state of mind?

Is OLD a state of mind?

I've been talking alot recently in blog's about tradition, legalism, and things I believe are holding the church back and even hurting the church. Old fashioned is good when it comes to pioneer days and ice cream, but is old fashioned good or healthy when it comes to the church?

I really think OLD is a state of mind, because I know some young people who are very legalistic and I know some older people who are very progressive and open-minded.

Some people I'm not really for sure why they even go to church? They look like they were baptized in vinegar and sucked on a persimmon before going into church. They are unhappy, negtive, critical, judgemental, and condemning. Everything is wrong, sinful, or irreverent.

You can't sing new songs, because they aren't the good ole hymns they grew up on. You can't use a different version of the bible because I never have or it's not "authorized" (it's called "authorized" version because King James didn't want any other version used except His so he put that on there), you can't deviate or do anything different in our church services or programming because it's not the way we've always done it. People think if you change how you do things you're changing Jesus, but you're not. You are simply changing how you share Jesus. Methods change, message doesn't. It's not that God doesn't want change, He does. He wants us to change! It's people set in their ways who are holding the church hostage and refuse to allow change. They are quinching the Holy Spirit from working and moving in our churches.

People like this their whole christianity is based on negativity, unhappiness, rigid rules, and I'm not sure why? Jesus died on the cross! He defeated death, sin, and hell. He shows us unconditional love and grace, and He forgives us all our sins, and He gives us freedom in Him. Yet people continue to live and go to church like they are still waiting for Jesus to die and that in order to be a good christian, you can't allow anything new or change anything or that you have to be miserable. Jesus is supposed to change your life and give you inner peace and joy, so we should celebrate and be happy and share that with others.

Here is my question for each of us. Is the church your at growing? When was the last time someone got saved or baptized? How many kids you got coming to your church? How many young couples or people below 40 do you have in attendance? How old are the song books in your pews? How old are the pew? Does your church look like a museum? Does your church ever deviate from their schedule? Do you ever have any visitors?

Jesus may have died on the "Old" rugged cross but he had no desire for our churches or christians to act old, be stuck in the past, or refuse to change with the times. We must constantly reNEW our minds, our programming, our church services, and ourselves in order to be effective in reaching lost people and discipling members.

OLD fashioned, OLD ways, Old Fuddy Duddy's is a state of mind that we need to get out of our faith and out of our churches. Jesus is ALIVE, His mercies are NEW every morning, and each day is a NEW day to know Him, serve Him, enjoy Him, and worship Him. You should enjoy going to church, enjoy being a christian, and others should know you are happy by your actions and attitudes. When you have Christ, you are no longer OLD self, you are NEW Creation, so act like it. Stop holding the church back with your old fashioned narrow mind and enjoy Jesus. Enjoy going to church, enjoy any NEW change that refreshes your church or worship and attracts new people into the church. Jesus has made everything NEW.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV)

Which Side?

Which Side?

My last couple blogs have been about tough issues of legalism in the church and I have a passion about these subjects because there are so many churches dying, so many lost people not going to church, and it seems so many churches refuse to change in order to reach lost people, and many christians care more about tradition and old-fashioned religion than they do about their own maturing faith or reaching out to the unsvaved.

Here is what I have come up with. I think its time we evaluate our churches and our own person christian faith. Which side are you on? Which Side do you want to be on?

Side One Side Two

-My church is only church -The only church is the body of Christ

-My denomination is only true church -God established a body not a denomination

-Only One bible version -only one bible, with several versions that have been quality translated

-Singing Hymns is only real worship music -there are all types of music styles that

are fitting to worship God

-That's the way we've always done it -Let's try a different way or new way

-My way is the only way -my way is not only way or best way

-We've done it that way for 50 years -why haven't we changed that in 50yrs

-We cannot change our methods -we can change methods and still have

same message.

-That's the way Grandma did it -Grandma's ways aren't going to reach

today's generation

I could have a list of things for several pages, but, Alot of the things we practice in our churches or in our own personal faith is simply preferences, opionions, traditions, or unfortuantely some legalistic practices and these are setting the church back not forward, and we are missing or pushing away alot of lost people in the process.

There is nothing wrong with tradition as long as tradition is still effective. If we are still singing the same songs we sung 30 years ago, still doing the same things the same ways, then we are missing an entire generation and the church has become about comforting the saints and not reaching the lost. We cannot reach our children or grandchildren with teaching and preaching styles of the 70's and 80's. Did you listen to your parents or grandparents music or watch the same televison shows as them? I think not. How can we expect to reach new generations of people with the message of God, if we refuse to change our methods. Next time your at your church look around? Any young people? why? If you do are they bored or seem out of touch? Why?

The message of Jesus is the same, but the styles, preferences, and ways we go about sharing that message with others, should constantly be changing, or we are losing people and boring people. Where will your church be in 5, 10, 15 years if you keep doing things the same ways?

Where will your faith be if you do not do things to stretch, mature, and grow your faith?

Sometimes i feel like church becomes a predictable, doing the same things, the same ways, good ole days gathering. We sing the same songs, hear people give the same old testimonies, and preachers preach the same old message. We are preaching to the choir, and then making un-churched people who do come to visit church feel out of place and confused? They've just stepped into the past and been guilted to try and be saved.

Our obligation is to to Preach Christ and the methods are up to us, that's where the freedom comes in. People are the ones who constantly care about changing things, not God. God is unchanging, but His methods are ever-changing. It's time our churches and church leaders, do the same thing. We have got to change our churches or they are going to continue to dwindle and die, and they are going to be a museum or retirement home for days gone by. Churches and christians should be ever trying to change things, update things, try new things, and do whatever it takes to reach lost people, and to help people grow in their faith. While we worry about protecting our traditions or comfort zones, people are dying without Jesus.

So again, which side are you on?

"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30(NIV)

The Weasel's Weekly

It should be illegal

It Should Be Illegal

I came across this sign. Does that sound like you? Your church? The way you were raised? It seem to be the biggest problem with christians and churches is not sin, but Legalism, which I believe is a sin. Because Legalism separates people from God, which is really what sin is.

That's why people need a relationship with God and not religion, because legalism is a religion in itself. When we try and live our life by a set of rules, "Do' and Dont's" we really become a slave to a system and not a follower of the Savior.

Last week we used the King James version of the bible as an illustration of how people try to enforce a belief on people that is not accurated, educated, or needed. Whether it's music in the church, version of the bible, certain denominational beliefs, or our preferences.

I always found it silly that a person could be so narrow-minded about sucn things as lottery, alcohol, and tobacco, yet they can be extremly over-weight, gossip, and trouble-makers. Which really those things are bigger issues than some.

Here's what I mean, drinking alcohool is not the problem, people abusing, becoming addicted, or not using alcohol in moderation is the problem. The bible says Drunkeness is the sin, not a drink. Same thing with lottery, heck they didn't even have the lottery in the bible, as a matter of fact, I had a hard time finding anything in the bible on betting, gambling, or things of that nature. Now don't be confused, I am not promoting drinking and gambling, I'm simply using them as examples of what people and churches over the years have created "rules" over that aren't really biblical rules. They are legalism. We focus on the wrong thing. The alcohol is not bad, the person that's not using it properly is. The powerball is not bad, it's the person who spends his families money on a weekly basis and is addicted and not paying his bills. It's like someone having the flu and all we can focus on is they puked on the carpet and not that they need to go see a doctor or need a antibotic. Does that make sense?

Whether it's rules with doctrine, church, or personal preferences, rules are wrong when they aren't rules to begin with or we try and enforce them on others because we believe them to be true.

God did not put in specific rules like only sing church hymns, only use this version of the bible, only have church on these certains days, only use this name for your church, you can't drink, cuss, or chew or date women that do, or you're going to hell. I'm not saying as individuals we don't have certain personal preferences. You shouldn't smoke or buy raffle tickets if you feel it's a sin to you. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't do anything if you can do it in good consience, but at the same time, it's wrong to bind your belief on another person or say they are going to hell, especially if you have no biblical backing. I can say eating pickles is a sin but unless I have a scripture that says, No pickles, then it's just my opinion.

My oh my, how mankind and the church has taken the Word of God and molded and shaped it into our own belief systems and then many have tried to force that on the world. No wonder so many people dislike christians and the church establishment. Because of hypocrites, selfish, narrow-minded, judgemental, legalistic people.

It's up to people like you and me to change the perception of christianity and the church. It begins with me and you being educated about scripture and by praying to God. We need to be students of the Word and in daily prayer, but we need to pray for open minds and wisdom and for a willing spirit.

I'm not writing about some liberal doctrine. I'm simply saying, old fashioned, narrow-minded, legalistic, judgemental religion and doctrine has no place in the church or in God's children. We also need to understand there are things in the Bible that are black and white and clear. Love God, Love others. Only one way to God, through Jesus. Accept those who Faith is weak. Truth will set you free. We really need to start understanding God's word and stop following this "that's the way I was taught or raised" attitude. We need to stop following tradition, man, church denominations, and start following God, His Word, and His spirit.

If we do that, we won't be so narrow-minded, judgemental of others who don't agree or line-up with our belief system and we will start seeing the real enemy is Satan and not "Liberal churches", "Liberal christian", the NIV, or Drums, or Wine, or whatever it is that you spend your time focusing on. How about focusing on loving people and stop trying to prove them wrong. How about learning instead of thinking you already know everything. Legalism is killing the church and we need to put a stop to it. We are not better than a pharisee if we don't start educating ourselves on God's word. So, i'm not saying drink, play the lottery, or just let anything go in our churches or our faith. I'm saying grow and mature in your faith. Learn and study God's word, and be open to what God might be trying to teach you.

My beliefs ONLY

My Beliefs ONLY

I got quite a response from the facebook post I placed yesterday about the bumper sticker I read on the back of a guys car "King James Version is ONLY Bible".

We all have opinions on the issue and we have a right to our own personal opinions or preferences, but that's exactly what they are preferences, opinions. The problem is when people like this guy choose to make their choice law, or the ONLY way. When you begin using words like ONLY when it comes to certian issues you are crossing a very thin line by doing things in the name of Jesus. We do not have any authority from God on matters of opion, only God decides what is ONLY.

The King James Version of the bible is just that a version, it's not the only version, and it's not the only right version or only one christians or people can read, study, or use. Do some research on the subject. Some well-meaning, but un-educated christians or churches, or even some not-so-well-meaning people who are ignorant, arrogrant, or misled or misinformed try to push, bully, or demand others share their same belief's. This is not biblical or Christ-like.

What if we took that approach to everything, the ONLY attitude. Then you could say you have to be Baptist ONLY or Church of Christ ONLY. Or you have to sing out of hymn books ONLY or we can sing new songs ONLY. Or we Sunday School ONLY and not small groups or elective classes, or we have to have church on Sunday mornings, nights, and wednesday's ONLY and we can't deviate from that schedule. You have to be Charistmatic ONLY, or you have to believe in eternal security(once saved always saved) ONLY, or you have to belive in the rapture ONLY.

Do you see my point? There are many issues that for whatever reason, God has chose to remain silent and give us us FREEDOM as christians or christian bodies(church) to do things as we see fit. He did not give us FREEDOM to bind on others our preferences or opinions, but gave us FREEDOM to exercise our faith, study His word, and develop our own personal walk with Him.

There are things in the Bible that are black and white spelled out for us. There is ONLY one God! There is ONLY one way to Salvation through Jesus Christ. ONLY God through Jesus can forgive our sins. The bible is God's ONLY word. Jesus is ONLY Messiah. Those are essentials and there are others as well, but not many of the issues that we demand are ONLY.

What version of the bible we use, when our church has services, what style of music we prefer, or other issues are just that issues. They are opinions, preferences, choices, styles, and areas where God has chosen to give us FREEDOM. Let God's word speak where it's clear and let God's spirit move freely where there is room for freedom. We must be careful not to use or abuse God's word, our faith, or our beliefs. We are walking on shaky ground when we start binding our views on other people, simply because of the way we were raised or taught or even feel.

I feel sorry for the guy with the bumper sticker, because He is missing out on the FREEDOM God gives us and He's missing opportunities to share the joy and love God has to offer. I pray that all of us that call ourselves Christians and as church leaders and members we will be careful to label something ONLY when ONLY God can label it essential or preference.

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." I Peter 2:16(NIV)

"As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." I Peter 2:16(KJV)

"For you are free, yet are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." I Peter 2:16(NLT)

Real Sorry

Real sorry

"yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentence." 2 Corinthians 7:9a(NIV)

I've wrote on this subject before, but it is something that seems to often to come up in our lives, either because we are doing something wrong or we are being wronged by someone, especially someone we trusted or loved.

It has been said that we often are hurt the most by those we love the most or that we hurt those we love the most, either way, it's not good to hurt or be hurt by those we love or trusted.

Better yet, what makes the sting of betrayal or hurt even worse is when the guilty party isn't sorry they did anything wrong, they are simply sorry they got caught or sorry so that maybe the effects of their sin won't be as severe on their lives.

We see it in the newspaper, internet, and tv everyday. People getting busted or caught for doing something wrong and many times they've been doing wrong for weeks, months, even years and when they finally get busted, they are suddenly sorry. Why aren't people truly sorry before they get caught? Why don't they take it upon themselves when they feel guilty, know they are wrong, or want to do the right thing go ahead and confess, or make ammends, or make the necessary adjustments before they are caught and forced to lie, deny, justify, make excuses, or continue to try and hide their fault? Or better yet, only when they are caught and have no where else to hide, they suddenly are sorry?

Real sorry, is what Paul talks about in Corinthians. They are confronted with their sin, they acknowledge it, and have Godly sorry, real sorrow for the wrong they have commited, and only then do they repent, seek forgiveness, and make ammends.

That is the difference in fake sorry and real sorry. Fake sorry is sorry I got caught and I'd still be doing it if I hadn't got caught and I may still do it, even though I've been caught. Real sorry is I know I was wrong, I need to change, I hurt people and I need to make ammends, and I need to grow from this.

We are only kidding ourselves and making a mockery out of forgiveness when we are only sorry we got caught and not truly really sorry we sinned, made a mistake, got caught up in greed or arrogant behavior. We all can be guilty of this.

My prayer is for me and you that we will recognize when we wrong others and make it right before anyone has to confront us. My prayer is that when we know we are doing wrong, we will stop, repent, and confess before we get caught. My prayer is that we experience Godly sorry that leads to repentence, and not keep only letting our "sorry" be words.

Pack it up, Pack it in

Pack it up, Pack it in

We have been in the process of moving my mother-in-law into a new house, while at the same time trying to move our stuff into her old house where we will be living.

If any of you have moved, you know how tiring, stressfull, and frustrating it can be. In a case like us where we are moving gradually or as we go, it has it's ups and downs.

It's easy for life to overwhelm us with stress, fatigue, frustration, and other emotions if we are not careful. The less exposure we have with God the more our emotions seem to get out of whack.

No matter our cirumstances, situations, or life's problems, we have a peace from God and only a type of peace God can offer, he describes it in scripture as a "peace which transcends all understanding"(Php 4:7).

I'm the type of person who wants to get everything moved and done in one day. We are not in that type of situation and because of the living arrangments and moving as we go, it can create alot of chaos, no structure, or feeling of normalcy. Many things in life can be that way if things don't go "our way" or meet "our expectations", however sometimes our way isnt best and sometimes our expectations are unreasonable.

I challenge you to find the peace of God in all circumstances, no matter the situation. Ours is moving, maybe yours is finanancial? Relational? Work? Illness? Children? Whatever it is seek and find the peace only God can offer us in difficult, trying, and stressful times.

"Peace I leave you; my peace I give you." John 14:27a(NIV)

Under the glass

Under the Glass

Usually when you are looking through a magnifying glass you are trying to get a closer, deeper look at something.

Unfortunately, when people are putting you under the magnifying glass it's not for a positive or good reaso, especially when it comes to your faith. It really saddens me that there are so many self-proclaimed "christians" out there who's only evidence of christianity is that they might attend church somewhere.

There christianity however is based on what they do and don't do an d their judgements of what others are doing or not doing. They spend their waking hours tearing others down, criticizing other christians or churches, or gossiping, or being judgemental, all because they don't fit the belief system or mold they have been ignoranting taught or adapted to themsemselves.

Unfortuantely, many people's belief systems are based on the way they way they were raised, their traditions, comfort zones, or uneducated beliefs, and not based on reality,on God's word, and most of all His truth.

Thye put others under the magnifying glass judging every motive, move, and action and it's an unfair and innacurate judgement.

I love it when people tell me I don't act like a minister, even if they don't mean it as a compliment (many do). I don't want stereotyped or put in a category with others that isn't true. I was called by God not man. I also live my life by God's word and not a denomination, peoples opinions, traditions, or anything else. I am not pefect, I make mistakes, I have faults, and don't always do things the "traditional" or "normal" way, but I will always take God and His Word over anything else, whether others like it, agree with it, or judge me incorrectly.

I want to be under God's magnifying glass, not the world's, not man's, and certainly not some self-absorbed ignorant person. There are reasons churches are dwindling and dying and not growing. There are reasons why so called christians aren't maturing, growing, and making a difference. They need to spend less time inward or self-focused and more God-focused. They need to put down the magnifying glass and pick up the Bible.

Don't live your Christian faith judging others, putting God in a box, or following traditions, legalism, or denominations. Stop focusing on issues that don't matter and start focusing on issues that are real, about salvation, and reaching those who don't yet know God.

"Judge not, or you too willl judged." Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

Commitment or Sentence?

Commitment or Sentence?

That's the question I ponder about marriage these days. I've had several people ask me if i'm nervous or scared, I'm neither. I'm ready, I'm excited, and I'm blessed to be marrying such a wonderful woman. (getting married next friday, June 18th). The question I ponder is really about marriage in general and with people in general. Do they look at marriage as a life long commitment or a life sentence?

It really discourages me the lack of respect people have for marriage vows. It also bums me out the way that married people have tried to discourage my happiness and joy. How many "unhappily married" people have told me, "wait til your married a few years", or "I've been married 3 times it will change", or "stay single", etc....i've honestly heard alot of comments from people like this.

It doesn't discourage me about getting married, it however does annoy me with h0w people view their marriage, treat their marriage, or show honor for their spouse. If you have been maried awhile and you feel this way, then I would say you might be part of the problem and if your marriage stinks, doesn't bring you joy, or makes you negative, then it's half your fault. You either married the wrong person to begin with, your selfish and only take and don't give in your marriage, or you are not living up to the vows you supposedly took.

I don't expect marriage to be no work. I don't expect to be all roses, puppy dogs, rainbows, and bubble gum, but I do expect it to be rewarding, an adventure, and life changing. I don't expect to always be right, get my way, or have it made, but I do expect to grow, learn, and do my part. I don't expect my spouse to be perfect, never make mistakes, or always agree with me, but I do expect her to be patient with me because I'm not perfect, I will make plenty of mistakes, and I won't always agree with her.

Marriage is a journey, not a sprint. Marriage is a commitment, not a decision. Marriage is about growing, sustaining, and maintaining your love, respect, and commitment for your mate, not letting it turn sour, resentful, or complacent. Marriage is partnership and that means both have to carry their weight, contribute their part, and put the other's interest above their own.

I think many people should really hold off getting married, or be more selective in whom they choose to marry. Better yet some should not get married because they'll never be able to love someone as much as they do themselves.

I have alot to learn, but i'm willing and I have a desire to make my bride the happiest woman I can. I never want her to doubt my love and commitment and I want to be able to say those words 10, 20, or 50 years from now, Lord willing.

I want to encourage you if you are married and you are having issues, to work them out. Don't wait for your partner to "change" or do all the work, do your part now. Stop viewing your marriage like you're trapped, a prisoner, or you're a victim. You are the one who said, "I do." If you married the wrong person, try and make it work. Now in cases of infidelity or abuse that is different, my advice is to RUN!

Newly married couples need older mature couples who are married to be examples. We need more married people who are happily married and not afraid to show it or say it. I think the idea of marriage is the longer you are together the closer and deeper in love you grow. I think if God is at the center of your marriage and you strive to build your love on His, there are no limits to where your relationship might go? I know that marriage is a commitment I'm ready to make for life and it's not a life sentence, it's a life commitment.

"Marriage should be honored by all." Hebrews 11:4a(NIV)

That's What She Said

That's What She Said!

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""
Luke 10:40(NIV)

Jesus came to visit at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was "busy" with all the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus feet to listen to His teaching. When Martha complained, Jesus reminded Martha she was worried and upset about all sorts of things, but not what was really important and Mary had chosen that.

Doesn't that sound like many of us? We are always busy or distracted, even better yet, many of us go to church and we are distracted by "church things", "traditions", and things we want and like, yet many times we miss those teaching moments, those times we should be worshipping, or those opportunitie grow.

We are busy making the church building look pretty, or preparing for an event, only not able to enjoy the special concert, service, or revival. We get so consumed with church politics, personal agendas, or set in our ways mentality, that we miss God trying to change us or our church to make it or us grow.

Many times in our lives we get busy with jobs, running kid around, or preparing and plans of something that we miss the simplicity of simply enjoying the moment or the people that make it possible. We need to stop running around and "making plans" and start enjoying the relationships and those around us. We need to take time to simply enjoy the presence of God in our lives and maybe in our church, if we'd actually allow Him to work and move in our church.

Jesus reminded Martha what was really important, not filling drinks, preparing the food, or cleaning the house, but sitting at the feet of Jesus appreciating His presence and listening to His life-changing words. Maybe we need to take time to do that in our lives today?

Dealing with Death

*sorry I've been out of commission past couple weeks dealing with my fiance's father's illness and death.

Dealing with Death

People grieve in many ways, just as people die in many ways. Some people show hardly no emotions when a loved one passes, while others can't seem to stop the tears. Some get angry and blame God, others fully embrace God and His plan in it all. In my years of ministry I've got to visit with many on their death bed and after the death with the family and assist in funeral services. During my time in the funeral business I got to see people soon after they passed and be one of the first people to deal with the family at the worst moment in their lives as they just lost someone they loved.

Death is not easy, but death is real. Death is not a respecter of age, race, gender, religion, size, or character. Good and bad people die, young and old, rich and poor, fat and skinny, and those by accident, disease, or even the hands of someone else. Sometimes death is sudden and sometimes it is almost cruely slow as we wait and watch a loved one slowly slip away.

In recent months I've slowly watched my fiance's father slowly lose his battle with cancer. I was there with her mother as he passed from this life to the next. It was actually the first time I ever saw someone take their last breath. I was able to pray for Him with her as he died. He was ready to go.

What can I say about death? You can't hide from it, we all will die someday unless Christ returns before then. So we can't avoid it, so don't. Secondly, we don't have to be afraid of it, we have to prepare for it. Thirdly, deal with grief in your own way and your own time, but like anything, don't dwell too long or their will be temptation for bittnerness, resentment, blame, depression, or other side affects, but a period of grief is normal and their is no one way to grieve. Fourthly, learn to appreciate life. Love the people in your life because you never know when you won't have them or when they won't have you. Appreciate your family and friends and those you love and take time to enjoy life and love. Life is too short to work yourself to death, worry too much, stay too busy with activities, or waste.

"So then, Death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:12

Gettin' Hitched

Gettin' Hitched

I am about to get married soon, so I am not about to give marriage advice, see me in 10 years for that, but one thing I do know a little about is being single, dating, and waiting for the right person to marry.

I am almost 38 years old, many of my friends my age have been married 10-15 years, many ofcourse are also on their 2nd or 3rd marriages. A few years ago, I saw a study that said the average age of getting married was 27 for males and 25 for females. It may even be older now. I do also know that many statistics say 50% of all marriages end in divorce.

So I've been doing alot of thinking and what I could share to help people when it comes to getting married or preparing for marriage, what are some things I've learned:

1. Don't settle

I think many people settle on a person they are not meant to marry or probably shouldn't even date, and many times for all the wrong reasons. Dont date or marry for just security, loneliness, physical attraction, or anything. Do worry about how old you are or what your friends are doing or what society or others pressure you to do. Get married when you are ready, for the right reasons, and to the right person

2. Be patient

I struggled with patience, but if we are impatient, we rush things, make poor dating choices, and sometimes end up hurting someone or being hurt. Marriage is not mandatory. You don't have to get married, and there is no age limit or time frame to get married. Some people date 5 years and some date 6 months, I think it's different for each couple and situation. But, be patient with the process and learn to be content with yourself of no one else will ever complete you.

4. Don't take marriage lightly

Divorce has become an easy option for many. I'll get married and if i don't like it or get tired of it i'll just get divorced. If you can't see yourself spending the rest of your life with a person, dont marry them, divorce brings too much hurt and pain, especially when it comes to children, families, and finances. Also, if you aren't ready to settle down or be with one person, do not get married, until you can commit to that. When you feel you are ready to get married, divorce shouldnt be an option in the back of your mind. If you are thinking of divorce before you even get married, maybe you aren't mature enough or ready for it. Divorce still happens due to abuse or unfaithfulness or other reasons, but take marriage and the vows serious before you "I do".

5. Marriage is only the beginning

Having a wedding or getting married is only the beginning. You have to learn to adjust, to think and put someone else above yourself, and learn to love unconditionally. Most of all you need patience and flexibility because the person you marry is going to need it with you. Its not always going to be romantic, a honeymoon, or easy. Marriage will take work, effort, energy, and commitment, but it also will be a blessing, rewarding, and will grow if you start out with right attitude.

6. Place God at Center

God cares who we date. God cares who we marry. We must strive to find a partner to share our lives with that God has approved. If you start a marriage with one of you being a christian and the other not, or having two different faith practices, you are asking for trouble. Or if a person is selfish, mean, or a jerk while dating, that will continue after you wed. That is why its' so important to have God in the process and have him as your foundation as you begin your marriage journey.

I started to wonder if i'd ever get married, or get to set in my ways, or if God would ever allow me to meet that person to share my life. Well the wait is over, all the mistakes, pain, sorrow, heartache, and experiences i've had are worth it now that i've found the one I feel God has for me to share my life with. I did learn to enjoy being single, I became content being alone, and I've learned so much about myself and others along the way. I know I still have alot to learn and alot of growing to do, but I am excited about the journey ahead.

"Marriage should be honored by all." Hebrews 13:4(NIV)

You Reap what you sow...duh!

You Reap What You Sow...Duh!

"The one who sows to please sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galations 6:8(NIV)

I could stop there. Scripture says it all, yet somehow we try to avoid it, deny it, or turn it into something that fits what we want, or makes us look good, but in the end, truth is truth. Truth is, we reap what we sow.

You want to live in eternity in Heaven, you can't live like Hell on earth. You don't plant corn and produce lettuce. You plant corn, you get corn. You lie, cheat, and steal, you'll reap the consequences of those actions. You practice honesty, integrity, and sincerity and you'll reap the consequences of those actions. Pretty simple?

Yet we make it so difficult. We choose to listen to our flesh, our sinful nature, the enemy the devil who convinces us we are right or we know better than God, or better yet we are above the rules. It doesn't take long for good people to fall under those attitudes.

I'm not trying to depress anyone today, I just want us(me included) to realize and be reminded, that our actions and attitudes carry out consequences. We cannot make choices good or bad and they not touch others lives. We also must realize that we can't make poor choices, bad decisions, and have selfish motives and get away with it. Oh we may for a day, a week, a month, even a year, but eventually 100% of the time, God's natural law of reaping what you sow comes into play.

Some consequences are minor or temporary, some are major or even go with us for the rest of our lives. I'm living with some bad sowing I did in the past, and I bet many of you are as well. The thing that bothers me, is I talked with a person recently who got into some major trouble and the whole time, I felt like they were only sorry they got caught and were only doing the "right" things now to avoid having to pay for the consequences, in this case prison. But, it doesn't matter what the case, whether it's something illegal, immoral, or dishonest we will reap what we sow.

So it only makes sense to sow seeds of honesty, love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, sharing, compassion, integrity, and responsibility. That is what I want to sow, so that I may reap a harvest of Eternal life.

The Proposal

*I am supposed to write a weekly blog but with my new job and circumstances it's been hard to find the time and access to be able to sit down and write my weekly blog. Rest assured I will strive to write weekly, but if don't I will at least try every other week or write a couple times a week as time and computer access allows.

The Proposal

Many of you may or may not, but I proposed to my girlfriend Cheryl on Friday, April 2nd. People always seem to want details about these things so I'll do my best.

April 2nd was our 6th month anniversary of dating and Cheryl did not have her two kids that night (Josh 13 and Lindsey 9), so I took advantage of the chance for us to be alone, believe me it's a rarity when you date someone with kids.

We had been talking about wanting to get married and so a few weeks earlier I went out and bought a ring, but hadn't really decided when and how I was going to propose. After knowing she wasn't going to have the kids and it being the anniversary of our dating beginning, I thought it was the perfect time. I also had already talked to her mom(who talked to her dad) and got their blessing.

I put Cheryl's engagement ring in a giant Easter Egg and put it in an Easter basket and then I made Cheryl dinner(ok I brought chinese take-out). She always cooks so just the fact she didn't have to is good. I gave her her easter basket and while she was opening the egg, I got down on my knees and asked her to marry me.

I decided to go simple, intimate, and just the two of us for the proposal. She said Yes! I am blessed. Cheryl and I go way back and grew up together, we graduated high school together, had the same friends, and she's my sister's best friend. For whatever reasons our paths to love didn't cross whether for God's timing, or we ignored it all these years? Either way, God has led us together now and I pray His blessings on our relationship and future marriage.

I've been patient, had may heartaches, and I know I've hurt some people along the way. Lord knows I'm 37 and i'm not settled even though at times I felt pressured to get married by others, society, or even myself. But, I'm glad I didn't get married young only to find divorce, or settle, or marry the wrong person. I believe I have waited and found the person God meant for me.

Now many people have asked about a wedding date? Not sure yet? Hopefully sometime this summer or so, but right now we are thinking will have just have a private ceremony with family and then have a public reception sometime later to celebrate with our other friends and family. We have not worked out those dates or details just yet. It also looks like we will be living out back of Glenwood by her mom once we get married, so I guess Cheryl will be moving back to Mason County and I can't escape it just yet.

Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for marriage. Also Cheryl's dad is losing His battle with cancer and doesn't have much time, as well as her grandfather Barnett is in hospital and not doing well and might not live much longer. Please also pray for us that we will find a church home.

"God, not you made marriage. His spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage." Malachi 2:15a(The Message)

Fool Proof

Fool Proof

One year ago I started a journey to lose weight. It took nearly six months, but I was able to lose 50lbs. 6 months later from that goal, I am still at the weight I wanted to be, so far so good. I feel so much better, I've went from a 40 to 36 waist and that size is loose. I even have a pair of 34's I can wear. My health is better and I've been able to pretty much eat what I want, exercise without having to count calories, do crazy diets, and go to extreme measures.

It's really all about balance. It would be very easy for me to go back to old habits and gain the weight back, but hopefully I am hoping to "fat"-proof myself and taking measures to keep the weight off and stay leaner and healther and continue to do things to maintain and tone up.

Today is April Fool's day and I guess it's no coincidence this "fool" started his weight loss journey a year ago today. I think weight loss is alot like faith. Many people for a season seek the Lord or go to church or become a Christian, but over time they revert back to bad habits, old lifestyles, or poor decisions and they lose their faith or walk away from God.

I think just as I try to "fat"proof myself, we need to be wise to fool proof our faith so that we do not backslide, fall away, or succumb to the devil and his temptations. Satan usually tempts us with the things we have tried to quit, overcome, or things from our past. Sometimes is laziness, sometimes its a vice or bad habit, sometimes is something we struggle with. We need to take steps in our personal faith to make sure we stay in church, stay involved, and stay involved in reading God's Word, praying to God daily, and being involved in serving.

These type of things will help us to not revert back to our sinful nature and pasts. It may help us keep our focus and attention on God and the future and off the road behind us so we don't return to things, places, and people we don't want to go.

I hope I don't gain my weight back, I hope I can take steps to maintain my current weight, and continue to develop good habits to stay healthy and fit. I also hope I can continue to mature in my christian faith so that I do not return to the ways of the world, but keep my focus on an eternal perspective.

"Blessed are those who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." Psalm 106:3 (NIV)

Stop IT

Stop It!

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11(NIV)

In all my years of working with kids, it doesn't take me very long to determine which kids have no discipline and usually it's based on parents/grandparents who spoil or do not correct their children/grandchildren. Now there are situations where children don't have proper supervision or parents and they lack the love and support of a loving home, but in many cases, love and support are not the problems with kids, but it's parents/grandparents who can't say "NO", or who do not correct behaviors, enforce rules, or look the other way when kids are disrespectful, rude, obnoxious, throw temper tantrums, or misbehave.

Children do not have to be taught how to be bad, it is in their nature. What children do need to be taught is right from wrong, respect, apprecation, sharing, thankfulness, and they also need to learn the value of money, gifts, and generosity. Giving a kid everything is not showing them love, it teaching them to expect everything for nothing. Never telling a child "NO" is not showing them love, it is teaching them they will always get their way and if they don't, they manipulate, beg, pout, throw a fit, cause a scence, or use guilt to get what they want.

It is our job as parents, grandparents, teachers, and adults who have oversight or authority over children to show them true love and that is the type of love God shows and that is unconditional love and that includes a love that sometimes says "NO", sometimes disciplines, corrects, and follows through with correction and discipline. It is a love that they needs, that gives them direction, balance.

Spoiling is not love, it's selfish. It is selfish because we spoil a child for our own reasons. It may be to give them what we didn't have as a child, or to get them to show love back to us, or gain their loyalty, or even be the "favorite" parent or grandparent. Children are sometimes going to be mad at you, not like you, or even act out because they are disciplined, corrected, or told "NO" and guess what? They will survive, they will get over it, and they eventually will learn the concept and over time appreciate the consistency.

Most importantly, you are no longer crippling their attitude and behavior, but you are helping them grow and mature. They learn the value of things, and learn to appreciate gifts, and when they do hear "YES", and they also learn to respect your authority and love you because of "who you are" not because of what you give them or think you do for them.

Godly love for our children is a love that discplines, corrects, follows through with discpline and correction, and learns to say "NO" at times and help a kid develop, mature, grow, and have a realistic view of love, authority, respect, and life. Just think if God gave us everything we wanted or never told us "NO" or never corrected or disciplined us? Would we appreciate Him? Would we appreciate grace? Would we be healthy spiritually? Would we be mature and grow in our faith? Something to think about the next time that kid smarts you off, back talks, or throws a fit when they want something and you are ready to give in.

Blind Sight

Blind Sight

"If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit." Matthew 15:14(NIV)

During Jesus' ministry, He told His disciples the above words when the religious leaders of that day complained because the disciples did not wash their hands and follow their traditions. I am a direct man, so I appreciate Jesus' directness here.

These religious leaders physical had sight, but spiritually they were blind. They were more concerned about themselves and religious tradition than what really mattered. Love, acceptance, grace, truth, and following Jesus and His teaching and truth and not their own selfish agenda or lame religous tradtions. Therefore, though they had sight they were blind, and a blind person cannot lead a blind man, or a blind spiritual person cannot lead others to Christ because they can't or won't see His way.

I work in a new job now where we make optical replacement lenses for people with cataracs who need sugery to have the catarac removed and replaced with this lense that helps give them sight again. (check out picture above, this is what the lenses look like I work with)

That is what Jesus does for people in a spiritual sense. Until we invite Christ into our lives and enter a committed relatiosnship with Him, we are blind. We need Jesus to be able to see. When we move from blind(sin and death) to sight (grace and life) our perspective changes. We are not longer blind to our sin or the sin around us. We look at things and people and situations different. Hopefully alot of things begin to change in our lives.

The important thing is for us to not get so comfortable in our christian faith that we become "blind" again like these religous leaders of Jesus day. Jesus wants us to mature and grow in our faith and not to become stagnant, too comfortable, safe, set in our ways, or even judgemental. Many people somewhere along the way become "blind" again and they start caring more about tradition, opinions, comfort zones, and their own personal preferences instead of caring about what Jesus cares about, like love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgivenss, and freedom.

I want to encourage you to appreciate the "sight" that you have or could have in Jesus Christ. If you don't know Him, get to know Him. If you do know Him, do some self-evaluation and see if your faith is "blinded" by self or "focused" on Christ. The lenses I help produce give many people sight again. Jesus gives us sight that will always help us focus on Him if we choose it.

Why?

Why?

There is nothing more frustrating in this life than wanting answers that you may not ever get? We want to know why? Why did that accident have to happen? Why cancer? Why did grandma have to die? Why did my parents get a divorce? Why did my friend betray my trust? Why did my spouse abuse me? Why did my partner lie to me? Why do children die? Why do bad people seem to get by with stuff while good people suffer? Why? Why? Why?

Life seems to offer alot more questions than it does answers. It can be frustrating, heartbreaking, discouraging, and depressing. Not knowing "why?" in certain life situations can cause us to be resentful, bitter, angry, lose trust, lose faith, blame others, and confused.

I wish I had answers for you today. If I had answers for you, then I could answer some unanswered questions in my life. I do not have those answers and unfortuantely in certain situations you may never have the answers or closure that you may want. That person may be gone or deceased. That person may never admit to their wrong or give no explanation for their behaviors or lifestyle choices. That situation may never be solved.

One thing I do know, is that God can provide us with peace, comfort, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, and also enable us to forgive someone who hurt us or get through a difficult situation, trial, or problem without the answers we think we might want or need. Sometimes God is protecting us and we can't see it. Sometimes He may be sparing us from a bigger pain. Sometimes it has little to do with us and it just a result of life or living in an imperfect world with imperfect people making poor choices and decisions that unfortunately affect us.

God also reminds us in scripture that there are some things on this side of heaven that we will not know, but someday we will fully know. God truly created us to be our God. If we choose that relationship, God is going to always be there to give us what we need. He knows us best. He knows our situations, our lives, and our hearts. Instead of asking "Why?" maybe we need to be asking ourselves, "Who?" That answer is easy and always the same, the answer to the "Who?" is God. God is always the answer we need when life hurts. I hope you will learn to trust and turn to Him when life get's hard. I hope you might rediscover Him and His desire to be there for you when you want answers you're not going to get. I hope you will allow God access to you life, the next question will be "When?".

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I Corinthians 13:12(NIV)