Open Response to Richard Lowell Bryant--Yes, Liberty students should be camp counselors...

My pastor sent me a link to an article written by a UMC minister about camp counselors coming from Liberty to teach at a UMC Summer Camp and the pastor, of course, is angry because of Jerry Falwell's stance on Homosexuality and other things. This same pastor (not mine) states that in another post he's a traditionalist and should keep the language of the Book of Discipline as it is where it pertains to marriage and the ordination of homosexuals. The more I thought about that article the angrier I got. I'll be honest when I read it this morning, I told my pastor, I don't know if I should pray for him, or write him a letter. (I really just wanted to go through the screen and give him a piece of my mind).

So in true Liberty University "Trained Champion for Christ" fashion, I wrote him a comment and spoke about Liberty. I mean after all, as a graduate of Liberty and as a candidate for ministry, I think I can speak to the mindset of some graduates of Liberty. So I formed the following response. Since comments on the original post are moderated, we'll have to see later if it shows up, but in the mean time for your pleasure, my response!

Sir,

There are far worse things than hiring Camp Counselors from Liberty University. Maybe you missed the article put out by one of the many gay students from LU who found love and acceptance at Liberty University. Matter of fact, his professors begged him not to quit school, but he chose to quit attending LU and then came back to the school and graduated from Liberty.

What you may not know is that LU has one of the largest LGBTQA+ communities of any college, not because they want to shake up the school, but because they are accepted as they are, where they are in their walk with Christ.  Even I attended LU as a practicing member of a Jewish Synagogue and found acceptance for my beliefs. Yes, Jerry Falwell, Jr. is outspoken on BIBLICAL standards, which supercede the BOOK OF DISCIPLINE (believe it or not). Deal with it. Embrace students from Liberty, actually get to know them, find out what their exact beliefs are. Oh, and maybe read these two articles. https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/04/being-gay-at-jerry-falwells-university/274578/ and http://wset.com/archive/coming-out-at-liberty-university-the-story-of-one-gay-lu-grad 

Then maybe, just maybe you can judge Liberty University, the staff and those counselors you refuse to get to know or give a chance to. I find it funny that just in May of 2017 you said "You were a traditionalist." in a post here, and today, you are a progressive. .Do forgive me, Reverend, but can you really have it both ways? Can you really throw away our traditional teachings and embrace hatred? I wonder, often what John Wesley would think if he saw the current standing of our church and I wonder, sir, if he would not give those students/counselors from LU a chance to continue to grow.

For the rest of you who, like this gentleman, who have no understanding of what LU actually teaches, I will tell you it is FAR from Jerry Falwell, Jr.'s current standing. As a matter of fact, I came out of LU (twice) with more parched with thirst for the God I now serve, believe it or not with more understanding of amy homosexual friends, and more acceptance towards their choices. I know you may all think that this crazy that they use counselors from LU, but honestly, you won't find what you think you will--closed-minded people.

The centrist movement in the UMC wants to cry out for tolerance, yet you won't even allow for students from Liberty to come and grow in their faith. Everyone wants to be a liberal or centrist until their feet are stepped on.

Reverend William J. Norfleet: Circuit Rider

Most of what I know about the circuit riding Methodist pastor of the 18th and 19th Century comes from Wikipedia and Little House on the Prairie. Yes, I, Rachel Anders, lover of history, just said that! (Why do I suddenly feel less burdened?) 

I do know that Bishop Francis Asbury set the pace for circuit riding. Francis Asbury (1745 - 1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism traveled 270,000 miles and preached 16,000 sermons as he traveled the circuits. Peter Cartwright (1785-1872) described the life of the circuit- rider. He wrote in his Autobiography: "A Methodist preacher, when he felt that God had called him to preach, instead of hunting up a college or Biblical Institute, hunted up a hardy pony, and some traveling apparatus, and with his library always at hand, namely, a Bible, Hymn book, and Discipline, he started, and with a text that never wore out nor grew stale, he cried, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.' In this way he went through storms of wind, hail, snow, and rain; climbed hills and mountains, traversed valleys, plunged through swamps, swollen streams, lay out all night, wet, weary, and hungry, held his horse by the bridle all night, or tied him to a limb, slept with his saddle blanket for a bed, his saddle-bags for a pillow. Often he slept in dirty cabins, ate roasting ears for bread, drank butter-milk for coffee; took deer or bear meat, or wild turkey, for breakfast, dinner, and supper. This was old-fashioned Methodist preacher fare and fortune." Not only did the preacher face physical hardship, but often he endured persecution. Freeborn Garrettson (1752-1827) wrote of his experience: "I was pursued by the wicked, knocked down, and left almost dead on the highway, my face scarred and bleeding and then imprisoned." No wonder most of these preachers died before their careers had hardly begun. Of those who died up to 1847, nearly half were less than 30 years old. Many were too worn out to travel. What did they earn? Not much in dollars. Bishop Asbury expressed their reward when he recruited Jesse Lee, "I am going to enlist Brother Lee. What bounty? Grace here and glory hereafter, if he is faithful, will be given."


Very rarely do I write about historical figures. However, this morning I have spent my time listening to some music that I love, while reading out of an 1851 Pulpit Cyclopedia. The formal title of the book is The Pulpit Cyclopedia and Christian Minister's Companion containing Three Hundred and Sixty Skeletons and Sketches of Sermons and Eighty-Two Essays on Biblical Learning, Theological Studies and the Composition and Delivery of Sermons (Four Volumes Complete in One) I feel very lucky to own this volume and as a young lady, when I purchased this book for a mere $.50, I didn't expect that someday, I would remotely care about the name of the person in the book, nor of the lives that this book may have touched in it's (now) 167 years since publication.

As I sit here this morning, I am thinking about what it probably cost a congregation to purchase this type of book in the 1850s for a beloved Pastor. At best I can come up (with the help of Oxford University) at 10s6d (shillings and pence/ $1.06), but I am more than likely wrong--since books were rather expensive and in the 1800s not a necessity, so I have to think it was a lot more than a $1.06...more like $3-15 depending on the book. Plus for this book it took an entire circuit (8 charges) to purchase this book. What this tells me about this minister is that he was a beloved pastor of his congregations.

So who is this pastor that I am talking about? William J. Norfleet

William J. Norfleet

One Biography from 1881 reads: Rev. William John Norfleet. The Virginia Conference owes to the great Commonwealth of North Carolina a large score for the number of excellent ministers in our ranks who are natives of this State. The reader of these pages will note the contribution. Among the accessions from North Carolina, the subject of this sketch may be counted. "Whether in the social circle, or in the church, he has honored his sacred calling and added another name to the long roll of noble Carolinians. The picture on a foregoing page shows a face of native dignity and tried worth. His parents were James and Mary Norfleet. He was bom in Edenton, N. C, March 8th, 1815; His educational advantages were limited to a primary school, and an academy in his- native town.Before he was two years old, he was left an orphan, but was in the hands of Christian relatives, who trained him up in the church of his parents, who were among the first members of the Methodist church in Edenton. His religious convictions date back to the summer of 1829, when under the ministry of the Eev James Dey, he became a penitent at the altar in that city ; but not being satisfied of his conversion he did not join the church until January, 1831. On the 16th day of February, 1839, he was licensed as a local preacher, by the Quarterly Conference of Edenton station, and was employed by Rev. G. "W. Nolley, Presiding Elder, a part of that year as assistant preacher on the Princess Anne circuit. He commenced his work in August at a protracted meeting, conducted by the local preachers at Cuthrel's, near the Great Bridge. That meeting was a great blessing to him. He was encouraged. God attested his call and gave him many souls to his ministry. He was received on trial in the Virginia Conference at its session in Farmville, February, 1840, and was assigned to Smithfield circuit, with Bev. Joshua Leigh as preacher in charge. This was a large circuit, embracing the counties of Isle of Wight and Surry, with some appointments in South Hampton, Sussex, and Prince George. His next appointment was Farmville station in 1841. At the close of that year he was elected to deacons' orders and received into full connection. He was returned to Smithfield circuit, which had been reduced in size, and made a compact little circuit with eight appointments. During the next twenty years he filled the following appointments consecutively: Amelia, two years ; Lunenburg, one year; Gloucester, two years; Gates, two years; Suffolk, two years; Elizabeth City, two years; Nottoway, one year; Murfreesboro, one year; Pasquotank, two years; Edenton, station, one year ; and Edenton mission to colored people, four years. On the Murfreesboro circuit, his health began to fail, and on Pasquotank circuit his health was so enfeebled, that at the next Conference he asked a supernumerary relation; but at the solicitation of his Presiding Elder, he withdrew his request, and consented to take Edenton station. In all these circuits and stations God gave him success in winning souls, and in several of them there were gracious revivals, and very many souls converted to God. At the Conference of 1862 he was placed on the Supernumerary list, which relation he sustains at this time.

Replacement Theology and the Battle for Israel

“To argue that God replaced Israel with the church is to depart from an enormous body of biblical evidence." --Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.

Tonight I became increasingly aware of the spiritual battle that rages over Israel. This conflict settles on the battleground of Replacement theology. While I reject this theological concept, it is worth noting that it is a 'new' that has strengthened itself over many centuries within churches of all traditions. It is therefore not easily removed and yet we are called to do so with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. To some degree, Replacement theology is so deceptive because it rests on half-truths. For instance, the Church is the “Israel of God” but not in a replacement sense (Galatians6:14-16).

In essence, Replacement theology removes from Israel a national destiny in the land of Canaan because of her rejection of Jesus’ Messianic credentials. All the biblical statements of Israel enjoying future blessings in the land of Canaan are said to be descriptions of the spiritual blessings that now accrue to the Church. The expectation of a physical kingdom has been spiritualized and taken from Israel and given to the Gentiles (Matthew 21:43), even though Jesus never denied that the physical kingdom would be restored to Israel (Acts 1:6-7).

Replacement theology is not based on a literal interpretation of the Bible. As the Bible uses metaphor (no one really expects God to send all the goats of the world to hell, as Matthew 25:31-33 allegorizes), some theologians concluded that much unfulfilled prophecy must have also been intended as metaphor—the promises made to Israel were really meant for the church. Once this simple "explanation" was made, large portions of the Bible became open to personal interpretation.

The Bible is filled with prophecies promising peace and wealth to Israel, and a great many are still unfulfilled, including a promise detailing specific borders (Genesis 15:18-20; Numbers 34:1-12), a promise of a King from the line of David (2 Samuel 7), and a promise that Israel would one day be wholly devoted to God (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Given the continued non-existence of a Jewish state and the success of Christian-led endeavors, it was difficult to see how such prophecies would ever be fulfilled. Some assumed they would be more easily and completely fulfilled through the church than through the Jewish people, and replacement theology was born.

In order to shift prophecy to the church, several specific promises must be "spiritualized" or "allegorized," that is, reinterpreted non-literally. Abraham's descendants beyond counting (Genesis 22:17) become all Christ-followers, not literal biological descendants. The literal 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6) becomes symbolic, either referencing the saints in heaven or the reign of Jesus in believers' hearts. 

Allegorizing such a foundational concept as the subject of prophecy opens up many more issues. If the millennial kingdom is for the church, when will the rapture occur? If the prophecies of peace are for the church (Isaiah 32:18), should the church enforce peace in international affairs? If God's plan is for the church to lead (Isaiah 2:2), should the church take over politics? Replacement theology has several consequent beliefs:

- Amillennialism: The belief that the millennial kingdom is not literal, that it began at Christ's resurrection and is manifest either in the hearts of saints in heaven or saints on earth.
- Postmillennialism: The belief that the church is responsible for arranging the "golden age" of Christ's rule in people's hearts, resulting in godly overtones in politics, entertainment, family, and social life.
- Dominionism: Similar to postmillennialism but more extreme; the belief that the church is responsible for reinstating the Old Testament laws in all of the world's governments and societies.

First of all, the church is not a punishment on Israel for their failure to spread the gospel. It is God's work to draw Jews to Him (Romans 11:11). Daniel 9:20-27 is clear that God's plan for Israel is to last seventy "weeks" or 490 years, starting at the time of a decree to rebuild Jerusalem. Verses 25 and 26 suggest a significant event at the sixty-nine "week" mark—the point of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It also allows for a break before the arrival of the seventieth week—this space of time has been manifested as the church age. As this prophecy is for Daniel's people (vs. 24), the church era is not mentioned. Instead, the prophecy skips ahead to the last "week"—the tribulation. Before the tribulation is the rapture, which marks the removal of the church—and the re-establishing of God's work with Israel.

Paul, in a letter written primarily to Gentiles, explicitly states that God is not finished with Israel. Romans 11:12 says that if Israel's rejection of Jesus is a blessing for the Gentiles, the restoration of Israel will be more so. Romans 11:25-26 goes on to say, "Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob'" (cf. Daniel 9:24). As the previous verses clearly delineate Jews and Gentiles, there is no way that this prophecy can be applied to the church.

The more literal interpretation of God's plan for humanity is called "dispensationalism." Instead of the church replacing Israel, dispensationalism teaches that the Bible shows God working in very specific dispensations throughout history. The previous dispensation focused on Israel and the law. The current one on the church and grace. In "the fullness of time" (Ephesians 1:10), the next dispensation will begin. The church will be removed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), Israel will be sanctified (Daniel 9:24), and the prophecies made to both Israel (Genesis 15:18-20; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 11:6-9) and the church (Revelation 20:1-5) will be fulfilled in Jesus' literal millennial kingdom.

The problem with replacement theology is that it relies on the judgment and effort of man instead of the Word and power of God. Two hundred years ago, the idea of a restored Jewish state was incredible. Today, the Jewish state is a fact. Having such gracious proof of God's sovereignty, we should be greatly exhorted to read the Bible as literally as it was written. God has given the church specific blessings and responsibilities. We should concentrate on these and reject the allegorical interpretations of replacement theology.

"I think we do not attach sufficient importance to the restoration of the Jews. We do not think enough of it. But certainly, if there is anything promised in the Bible it is this.” --Charles H. Spurgeon

Wesley's Historic Questions...my modern answers

John Wesley, founder of Methodism

John Wesley came up with a series of questions to ask those who are seeking to be ministers of the gospel in the Methodist Tradition. Some sources say 1743, other say 1773...I don't know which is correct, but these questions have been asked of ordained pastors in the United Methodist Church for over 200 years; and as I began the discernment process they were and still are being asked of me. Tonight, I'd like to answer them for you here.

1) Do they know God as pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all manner of conversation?"

Like many before me, I think this question is best answered by those who know me. I do believe that I have the love of God in me. The reason that I believe this is that God is living within my heart and God is love. I definitely know God as a pardoning God. With all the bad choices I have made, God has forgiven; not only in forgiving me, but also in giving me the ability to forgive others. I believe that people would tell you that my manner of speaking is godly and not foul; and that my lifestyle is also becoming of a Christian.

2) Have they gifts as well as evidence of God's grace for the work? Have they a clear, sound understanding, a right judgement in things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Do they speak justly, readily and clearly?

3 Simple Rules that everyone should live by.

I know that I have God's grace and that it is renewed everyday. It is in the moments that allow for learning, teaching, and experiencing life to the fullest that I know that God's grace is with me. I think my gifts are evident, especially when it comes to leadership (administrations), public speaking, study, research, but I also think I have the gift of tenacity. When it comes to the discernment of the things of God, I ask myself "Is it Love? or Is it harmful?"  If it causes harm, then it can't be love and God is love. I also look to the scriptures to see if it lines up with the scriptures. If it doesn't then it can't be just or faithful to God. We are all born into grace and we choose daily to take a journey with Christ and eventually through Christ to salvation. I do also speak justly, readily and clearly. I always try to have be ready in and out of season with a word from God's holy word as it pertains to life.

3) Have they fruit? Have any been truly convinced of sin, and converted to God, and are believers edified by their service?

Fruit, I believe, is the evidence of God and His Holy Spirit working in our lives. I also see fruit as the works which we do, that bring a bit of heaven to earth. Sin, as I understand it, is missing the mark or even living outside of God's will for our lives. It is through grace that we can love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and this same grace that we offer others is often offered to us in ways that we can use to bring other's to Christ and to continue on our own journey to Christian perfection. I know of only one person that I can say has truly ever been convinced of sin and converted to God. I hope that through the work I have done and will continue to do in Christ Jesus for others will convince them to start their own journeys to Christ and become more Christ-like. 


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A Time to...

I think I finally figured out why the rich man couldn't follow Jesus when He asked him to "sale all you have and follow me!" The rich man owned a corgi! Okay, maybe not, but the rich man had something that he didn't want to sale in order to follow Jesus--maybe it was monetary wealth--it was definitely worldly whatever it was!

This week, I rehomed my beloved corgi so that I she would have a family that could better care for her---since I was working 12 hour shifts. But not only was it for work, but my life, has become increasingly busy with my work in ministry. When I realized that on Tuesday, that I was going to have to rehome my corgi, I immediately started thinking of the rich man and the reasons why he chose to not follow Jesus. I imagine that he felt like it would have been the worst day of his life if he had given up his worldly possessions. I almost want to bet someone he owned a corgi and that is why he couldn't follow Jesus. Actually I know the reason is that he (the richman) enjoyed his material comforts. So this week has been tough...not only because I gave away one of my most prized and precious possessions, but because I learned that even in the worst times...God is testing us and we will over come. Monday was tough, Tuesday was tough, by Wednesday I was ready to just crawl under my desk and cry. Yet through it all I know that God was right there, writing my story.

Monday, I found out that I didn't get my scholarship to Duke Divinity School and that if I did by chance actually get into school, I would have to defer starting for a year. On, Tuesday, I rehomed my best friend Lizzie, the corgi that I had waited over 30 years to adopt. I never knew I could be so hurt or depressed, but I was. Then on Wednesday I go to work and my friends all inquired as to the why behind my rehoming Lizzie and they all understood it was because of my long work hours and that Lizzie was depressed.


Then just after 8:30 am my co-worker looked at me and said "Billy Graham has died." Seriously? I thought! Later in the day, a friend would tell me "Rachel, pray for my friend, her son just passed away from the injuries he sustained in the shooting in Florida." Immediately, I went numb! It wasn't until I was walking through the office, that someone said "Rachel, you look like a zombie." Truthfully I felt like one too!

I felt like I had completely failed, didn't get my scholarship, had to rehome Lizzie, a hero of faith had passed away, a kid that my friend knew had died from injuries he had sustained during a shooting. My heart honestly just broke inside me. I didn't know that my "worst day" ever would empty me so completely of feelings.

Two co-workers at different times told me "Rachel, God will not give you more than you can handle, He will not ask of you more than you can handle." My response was "I get it, but the pain sucks." and it still does.

However, through it all God has kept bringing me back to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 

2 a time to be born, and a time to die; 

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; 

a time to break down, and a time to build up; 

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; 

a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; 

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 

6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; 

a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 

7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; 

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 

8 a time to love, and a time to hate; 

a time for war, and a time for peace.

It is in these moments--these seasons of life that we need God. We need Him desperately. Yes, the pain is here, and it is temporary--but it is still pain. But through it all God is orchestrating an amazing story and I can't wait to see where He takes me over the next few months as I continue to give up self to follow Him. 

Candidacy Process Update!

I have decided it is time to give everyone an update on the Candidacy Process. Some pretty big things have happened since November when I went to my retreat!

On December 5^th I went to Duke Divinity School to visit and speak with Rev. Thie about a possible scholarship; I was invited back on February 5^th for interviews with 5 District Superintendents and I think those interviews went really well. I have also been invited back to Duke next week to find out if they are going to pursue me for the Thriving Rural Communities program. The Thriving Rural Communities Initiative works to foster thriving rural North Carolina communities by cultivating faithful rural Christian leadership and fruitful rural United Methodist congregations. Thriving Rural Communities is a partnership of Duke Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. It also is a part of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. In these matters, I would love continued prayer.

In January, I met with my Pastor/Parish Relations Committee and we discussed my calling and their role in helping me discern my calling to ministry. After hearing from me, I left the meeting and was called that night to say that the PPR Committee did vote to send me to the Charge Conference. If you are reading this and aren’t Methodist (or even if you are Methodist) you may not have a clear understanding of what a “Charge Conference” is. Basically put, the Charge is the basic governing body of each United Methodist local church and is composed of all members of the church council.

Charge Conference at Clarksbury UMC

Last night, February 12, 2018 I meet with my church’s charge conference and the representatives of the various church committees as well as any members who wanted to come out that were “non-voting attendees.” So maybe you are asking yourself “what part does the charge council play in your calling?” The charge conference directs the work of the church and gives general oversight to the church council, reviews and evaluates the mission and ministry of the church, sets salaries for the pastor and staff, elects the members of the church council, and recommends candidates for ordained ministry. After hearing my call story, hearing my answers to the “Historic Questions” that John Wesley wrote and asked ministers in 1746, the charge conference unanimously voted to send me to the District Committee on Ordination.

As I head farther into this calling and continue to lean into and live it out, I am hoping that you all will continue to pray for me. Not only me, but also pray for the lives I will be touching with my ministry. Pray that God will send people my way that will need to hear the gospel message and that through me a difference will be made in the lives of others.

I will continue to update you all through this process and of course, as I will also continue to write my short devotions or lessons here and I hope that you will continue to enjoy reading them.

Peace and Grace unto you!

Translation...which is the best?

Normally I don't write controversial things such as what Bible is best to use. I know that many fine folks enjoy the King James Version and others like the NIV or in my case, the ESV. Maybe you are sitting online trying to decide which version of the Bible to purchase, maybe you just want to know more about versions. 

In today's society, the KJV is the most widely accepted version of the English version of the Bible. Find a good Southern Baptist, and you can almost guarantee their Bible of choice is a KJV. But just because it's one of the oldest English translations doesn't mean that modern English versions have added information to the Bible; matter of fact, many of them haven't. As of October 2017 the full Bible has been translated into 670 languages, the New Testament alone into 1521 languages and Bible portions or stories into 1121 other languages. Thus at least some portion of the Bible has been translated into 3,312 languages.

But why do we need a translation of the Bible and which is the best? Until the Jews were sent out into the nations there wasn't a real need for a translation of the Bible. It is in the 3rd century that Hebrew scriptures must be translated into Greek.

Earlier today, I pointed out that The King James Version (KJV), also known as the King James Bible (KJB) or simply the Authorized Version (AV), is an English translation of the Christian Bible for the Church of England, begun in 1604 and completed in 1611. The books of the King James Version include the 39 books of the Old Testament, an intertestamental section containing 14 books of the Apocrypha (most of which correspond to books in the Vulgate Deuterocanon adhered to by Roman Catholics and Eastern Christians), and the 27 books of the New Testament.

Let's talk about translations a moment, then I'll compare them for you.

Why are there dozens of different English translations? It is because there are options as to how Bible translators carry the meaning of Greek and Hebrew texts into the receptor language. For example, some translations aim at rendering the meaning of texts word-for-word (sometimes referred to as “literal” translations). The upside to this approach is that the Bible reader can know the specific word choice and phraseology of the biblical authors. The downside is that Bible texts translated in this way can be more difficult to read. Until one gets used to the style, it can seem stiff, wooden, and unfamiliar—but one can certainly get used to it.

Another approach is to translate thought for thought. Translation done in this way will have language that is more familiar to English readers, and thus probably easier to read. Translating in this way can still be regarded as accurate, if the true meaning of the original text is carried across.

Then there is the method of free translation or paraphrase, the purpose of which is to give readers the flow of the biblical text idea by idea, oftentimes rendering the meaning of whole sentences in new ways, rather than carrying over the exact words of the Hebrew or Greek. A paraphrase may use the word flashlight instead of lamp, for instance.

Heated debates surround the issue of Bible translation. People who take the Bible seriously want translations that are accurate and faithful to what the writers of Holy Scripture intended to communicate. But the typical Bible reader can be assured that there is not just one accurate translation. In fact, for the serious believer, the best thing is to have and read different translations for devotional reading, but especially in studying the Bible or preparing to teach it.

Keep this in mind: the best Bible translation is going to be the one you will actually read. If you purchase the latest Bible translation but you don’t actually read through it, or if it gathers dust on the shelf, that Bible will be of less value to you than one that you consume because you understand it.

I can speak personally about this. As I was growing up, I tried many times to read the standard mainstream Bible I’d been given in church and failed. But when someone put a brand-new paraphrase of the New Testament in my hand when I was 17 years old, I started reading it and could not put it down. My life was changed that early summer. A year later, I started reading one of the most literal translations available. It was hard work, and it took me the better part of a year, but it was beneficial to me at a different level. In the decades that followed, I got used to referring to numerous translations as I prepared teachings and sermons. I have so much respect for the diligent experts who have given us these gifts.

Below is a list of some of the most popular versions of the Bible in English sold today.

When I have been asked, as a pastor, what version I would recommend, I tell people to use the one they will actually read. What do I read? While I am able to read the Bible in Hebrew or Greek, most of the time, like most people, I rely on good translations. Typically that means opening the English Standard Version or The New International Version, with an occasional peek into the New Living Translation.

New International Version—a standard translation using universally used English (thus, “International”)

King James Version—the classic 1611 translation that is a landmark in English literature, but far removed from contemporary English

New King James Version—a very literal translation, updating the language of the King James Version

**English Standard Version—an “essentially literal” update of the widely used Revised Standard Version

Common English Bible—a new translation blending word-for-word and thought-for-thought approaches

New American Standard Bible—widely seen as the most literal translation produced in the 20th century

The Message—a free translation by Eugene Peterson using everyday modern English, idea for idea

New Living Translation—an easy-to-read thought-by-thought translation from Hebrew and Greek

**By far my favorite translation

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Lessons From Titanic: Know Your Spiritual Condition

One of the great tragedies of the 20th century took place on the night of April 14, 1912. We are all familiar with the sinking of the Titanic. When the ship set sail on its maiden voyage the bands were playing, the passengers were dancing, and everyone was oblivious to the impending disaster. Even when the ship first struck the iceberg many people on board still did not perceive that they were in any danger. When the life boats were lowered down many of them were sent away only half full. The people simply did not know the true condition of the ship. When the band on the Titanic changed its tune to "Nearer My God to Thee" it was already too late.

Many people live their spiritual lives in exactly the same way. They don’t understand their true spiritual condition. They seem oblivious to the great eternal danger that looms ahead. As a result many never look for the spiritual life boat. The very idea that 1500 people would perish was unthinkable to those on board the Titanic, but they found that the cold dark north Atlantic waters were very unforgiving. Survivor Eva Hart remembered that night "I saw all the horror of its sinking and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries of drowning people". Most of the passengers ended up struggling in the icy seas, while those in the life boats waited a safe distance away, listening to the cries of the lost. God has heard the cries of lost humanity, too. He didn’t have to do anything about it. He could have kept a safe distance and just listened, allowing us all to perish, but He didn’t.

Today I want to challenge you to know your true spiritual condition and to get into the life boat that God has provided for you.

The apostle Paul talked about this issue of knowing our true spiritual condition in his epistle to the Romans chapter 3 verses 23 and 24. As you read these verses I want you to think on the question: Why would God send YOU a life boat?

To give you some background, Paul wrote the book of Romans as a letter to the Christians in Rome. Since Rome was the capital of the ancient world, many people flocked there and this was true of Christians also. Paul felt a great responsibility for them. Up to this point he had been unable to visit them, so these Christians had received very little teaching. This lengthy letter which is now known as the book of Romans, was written by Paul as a way to compensate for his inability to give them personal instruction. In this letter the apostle Paul explains fundamental truths about the sinfulness of man. When you discover how bad people truly are you might wonder why in the world God would even care about saving us. In our text today the apostle Paul tells us the reason why.

Romans 3:23-26 ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. ²⁶ It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:23 tells us “All have sinned.” This isn’t good news for us. It’s like saying “Our ship has struck an iceberg!” It’s a serious thing, but has become so commonplace for us in the age we live in. 

We are bombarded with it on TV, radio, books, magazines and billboards. For the most part we have become comfortable with sin. It seems like it’s no big deal to hear people talk about their “vices.” But it is a big deal—especially when it comes to God who is Holy. Sin separates us from God—it even carries a death sentence—Romans 6:23 states “The wages of sin is death.”

However this is not our only problem. Paul goes on to tell us that we have fallen short of the glory of God. But what does that mean? 2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us that we see the Glory of God  in the face of Jesus Christ. God’s glory is shown in the perfect life of Jesus Christ. Jesus gives us a perfect standard to live up to.  If you have ever been involved with labor unions you know that the workers get real upset if someone new comes on the job who is working to fast. They don’t want anyone to show them up. They also don’t want management to get the idea that they are not working hard enough or worse yet that they should do a new time study. That could increase the daily work standard for everybody. 

When Jesus came to this earth he lived a perfect and sinless life. In effect He showed us up. We all have fallen short of His glory. We have fallen short of His perfect standard. Some people have the idea that Jesus’ perfect life is what saves us. That is not true. His perfect life condemned us. His perfect life is something we cannot live up to. The point is, our boats have struck the iceberg and we are sinking fast friends!

I have great news though! God didn’t leave us to drown in our sins. Verse 24 is where our lifeboat comes into view—Paul declares that our salvation and justification is coming through God’s grace! There was a man in England who put his Rolls-Royce on a boat and traveled across to the continent for a vacation. While he was driving around Europe, something happened to the motor of his car. He cabled the Rolls-Royce people back in England and asked, "I’m having trouble with my car; what do you suggest I do?" The Rolls-Royce people flew a mechanic over! The mechanic repaired the car and flew back to England and left the man to continue his journey. As you can imagine, the fellow was wondering, "How much is this going to cost me?" When he returned to England, he wrote a letter to the company and asked how much he owed them. He received a letter from the office that read: "Dear Sir: There is no record anywhere in our files that anything was ever wrong with a Rolls-Royce." That is justification. In the same way, when you are justified YOU are declared right with God, just as though you never did anything wrong.

The second best part of verse 24 is the word “Freely.” If you are like me, you love it when something comes to you for free! We can’t purchase God’s grace—for grace by it’s very meaning is “God’s unmerited favor.” We don’t deserve it, we can’t purchase it—yet God gives it to us anyway.

The third extremely important word we come to is redemption. When we sin a debt is created. "How?" you might ask. Well, we have already seen that "the wages of sin is death" This death penalty MUST be paid. The God of the Bible is a God of justice. God is not capricious; He can’t just "let sinful people off". Someway, somehow the debt has to be paid. Someone has to pay it...so that God’s justice is not violated. The question you have to decide is who is going to pay the debt. You?...or God? What God is affirming in this verse is the fact that Jesus has already paid the death penalty you owe as a result of your sin!. There wasn’t any goodness in you that motivated God to do this. You certainly don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve it. None of us deserve to be redeemed. Why did God give us a way out? He gave us a way out because He is love. A lot of people have the idea that when it comes to Salvation we go "dutch" with God. You pay a little portion and God pays a little portion and the debt is paid. These verses make it plain that this it is an all or nothing proposition. If God is not paying, then you are paying. If you are paying, then the only thing you have to look forward to is death.

There is a legend about story of a boy who was carrying an old, bent bird cage. Inside was a tiny field sparrow. A man stopped the boy and asked him what he was going to do with the bird.

"Well..." the boy said.”I think I’ll play with it for a while, and then when I’m tired of playing with it -- I think I’ll kill it." He made that last comment with a wicked grin on his young face.

Moved with compassion for the bird, the man asked, "How much would you sell me that bird for?"

"You don’t want this bird, mister," the boy said with a chuckle. "It’s just a field sparrow." But then he saw the old gentleman was serious.

"You can have this bird for – 50 bucks" he said slyly. It was an astronomical price for a bird worth only pennies. The man paid the money and then he let the bird go.

This is what Jesus did for us. You see, an evil specter called Sin had us caged much like that bird. We were unable to escape. Then Jesus came up to Sin and said, ‘What are you going to do with those people in that cage? "‘These people?’ Sin answered with a laugh. ‘I’m going to teach them to hate each other. Then I’ll play with them until I’m tired of them -- and then I’ll kill them.’

"‘How much to buy them back?’ Jesus asked.

With a sly grin, Sin said, "You don’t want these people, Jesus. They’ll only hate you and spit on you. Why, they’ll even nail you to a cross! If you really want them", Sin continued " it’ll cost you dearly. It will cost all of your tears and all of your blood -- your very life."

That, ladies and gentlemen, is just what Jesus did for us on the cross. Verse 24 tells us that our redemption is in Jesus Christ. So now the big question is how do we get in Christ? He gives us the answer down in verse 26 "that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus". You are justified when you believe in Jesus. That is what you must do to be saved. Believe in Jesus.

If you were to ask most people "do you believe in Jesus?" almost everyone would answer you, "Yes certainly, I already do!" Does that mean that they are all justified and on their way to heaven? 

In James 2:19 we are told that the devils also believe, [in Jesus]. But are they saved? Are they going to heaven? No, definitely not! Mental assent or merely acknowledging that something is true is not enough to qualify you as being in Christ. There was once a man who decided he was going to walk across Niagara falls on a tightrope while standing on top of a barrel. The event was publicized in the local papers and a very sizable crowd had gathered to watch the event. After the man had the cable stretched across the falls, he then climbed onto the platform. He had with him the barrel and the long balancing pole he intended to use. He positioned himself on top of the barrel with his pole in hand. Just before he began to go across on the cable he looked down at the cheering crowd and noticed a woman standing nearby. He asked her "do you think I can do this?" The woman was all exited and said "Yes! Yes! You can do it!" "Okay" said the man. "Get in the barrel!" When you put your faith in Christ it is as though you were to get in the barrel. You entrust him with your very life and not only your life here on this earth, but with your very eternity. You so closely identify with Him that you become one with Him. Complete dependence upon Him. That is the kind of faith that will save a person!

On April 15, 1912 at 2:20 in the morning the Titanic slipped below the surface and began her long plunge to the bottom of the Atlantic. Some of the passengers remained on the surface struggling to stay alive in the icy waters. Many called out for the lifeboats to return to help them, but only one- lifeboat #14 - returned. That one lifeboat chased cries in the darkness, seeking and saving only a precious few. God has sent out a lifeboat to pick us up. You get into this lifeboat by being in Christ. But there is only one lifeboat. Won’t you get in the lifeboat by putting your trust in Jesus today? Don’t go down with the ship.







This is Part two of a series called "Lessons from Titanic." 

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Lessons from Titanic: Pride

I was watching the 1997 film TITANIC last night and if you know me, you’ll know that I have a fascination with all things Titanic! I love how you can say “Titanic” and everyone’s mind immediately goes to the sinking of a ship in 1912 and people start talking about the events that surrounded that fateful night. I love the story of Titanic so much that I completely disregarded everything I knew about the sinking of the RMS Titanic that I saw the movie (so much historical inaccuracy) no less than 5 times in the theater when it came out in 1997, then I saw it again in 2012 during the 100^th anniversary of the sinking—matter of fact, I saw it on April 14^th in 2012—100 years to the date of the sinking of Titanic. I have collectors coins commemorating the sinking of Titanic…AND…even bid on a fork from the wreckage of the Titanic—which I lost the auction on.

I can’t lie, the RMS Titanic was an amazing ship. In 1912 she was the largest man-made moving object. She was 882’ 9” long; 92’ 6” in width, 175 feet tall from the top of her funnels to the keel—with 104 feet being from the bridge down, 9 decks—So  a modern comparison would be the Carnival Fantasy, which has 10 decks.

However, the lessons that Titanic has given us has never been lost on me. The first lesson I think I ever really paid attention to, and that was made clear for me with the sinking of the Titanic is “PRIDE.” Now I know you are thinking ‘What kind of pride did these poor lost souls on the Titanic exhibit? If we read 2^nd Class Passenger Sylvia Caldwell (Mecherle) statement s about the sinking we get a pretty good idea of how prideful the people were. “We took no valuables with us as the ship was "unsinkable". After we came aboard the Titanic we were watching deck hands carrying up baggage I said to one "Is this ship really unsinkable?" He answered "Yes lady God himself could not sink this ship." We never realized how serious it was until after we were in the lifeboat & saw the Titanic half gone - standing on its head.”

There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we can feel about a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or the kind of pride we express over the accomplishment of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4). The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit is sin, however, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him.

            

Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from God. “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” It is this spirit that is the opposite of the humility that God seeks. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3. The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. The proud on the other hand are blinded and they think they have no need of God. Even the deck hand on the Titanic was so full of pride that he stated that “God is so weak he can’t sink this ship.”

            

Too often, I think we get caught up in ourselves that we allow pride to take root and we completely start to lean on our own understanding and we, like that deck hand think “Even God can’t stop me!” But the simple truth is we are nothing without Christ. Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God. For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead but disaster (Isaiah 14:22).

Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves; if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God. What we say about ourselves means nothing in God’s work. It is what God says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:18).

Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). That is why we give God the glory—He alone deserves it.

This is the first blog from a series I am writing "Lessons from Titanic." 

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