Imperfect ones to learn from the One Who wants to be our Father

We are created by the Elohim Hashem Jehovah Jireh, the God above all gods, Who loves His creation. But not all creatures love Him or want to know about Him.

Jehovah looks at the world and sees all those human beings with their own difficulties. As a loving Father, He looks at what they try to do and how they try to do it.  He is also concerned when they encounter difficulties and like a loving father, He too wants to help there where He can.

Our heavenly Father is willing to help those who want to know about Him. He is prepared to sustain them through their trials. He is willing to give His Holy Spirit to strengthen us. That Holy Spirit can protect us from spiritual harm.

“So, if you though being wicked realize how to give good gifts to your own children, how much more will the heavenly Father give holy Pneuma to those asking him!”” (Lu 11:13 mhm)

“So, you, though wicked know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more your heavenly Father gives good to those asking?” (Mt 7:11 mhm)

We should know that the heavenly Father is so much more than an earthly father. Though we should know that Jehovah shall not avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night. Those who are willing to come to Him as His child He shall receive as His child. He, too, shall do like we have to do and when we do it, putting on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, long-suffering.

“I tell you this truth: Anybody who does not accept God’s Realm like a child will never enter into it.”” (Lu 18:17 mhm)

As a real Father Jehovah shall Jehovah protect us also emotionally. For example, He gives us a marvellous hope. And it is that hope for the future that helps us to endure difficulties.
He also has wonderful blessings in store for us. It warms our heart to know that our Father loves and cares for us!
Consider this: No matter what bad things happen to us, our loving Father will undo any injury we suffer. Whatever trials we are facing, these are only temporary, but the blessings Jehovah gives are everlasting.​

“16 As a result we never lose heart and give up–even if our exterior person is wasting away–because the inner person is being renewed day after day. 17 For though our oppression is momentary and trivial, it works out on us – in a manner more and more excelling–an ageless glory of greater significance –  18 so long as we do not fix our attention on the visible things, but rather on the invisible things. For the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are ageless.” (2Co 4:16-18 mhm)

Jehovah shall never abandon those who are willing to be with Him. We should come to try to be as close with Him as we can. Therefore, we also should get Him to know as best we can.

Jehovah expects children to obey their parents. In the same way, He wants us to accept Him as our heavenly Father. He expects us to obey him.

“Children, continue to obey your parents in relation to the Lord for this is the right thing to do –” (Eph 6:1 mhm)

He deserves our obedience because he is our Creator, the Sustainer of our life, and the wisest of all parents. However, the primary reason why we obey Jehovah is that we love Him.

“For this is the love of The God, that we observe His commandments, and his commandments are not a burden,” (1Jo 5:3 mhm)

To know what He wants and what His commandments are we are best to read the Words He has given to mankind, the Book of books, the Bible. In there we can find all answers to our questions and shall be able to find out how we can please our God most. We have to know that all Scripture is inspired by Jehovah God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Therefore, it is that Bestseller of all times that we should carry with us to read every day. By studying the Word of God we shall be able to be a good child of God, adequate, equipped for every good work.

“16 All Scripture is God-breathed and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for readjusting everything, for disciplining in righteousness. 17 Thus, the man of God may be completely prepared for every good work.” (2Ti 3:16-17 mhm)

Although there are many reasons why we should obey Jehovah, He does not force us to do so. Jehovah gave us the gift of free will, so He is happy when we choose to obey Him out of love for Him.

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Nederlandse versie / Dutch version: Onvolmaakte mensen die kunnen leren van Degene die onze Vader wil zijn

Preceding

Back from gone #2 Aim of godly people

Praise Jehovah, ​You people

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Find also to read

1. The Almighty Lord God of gods King above all gods
2. Creation gift of God
3. Bible
4. Word of God
5. Main verses in the Bible telling us Who God is #5 The Great Infinite, Truthful, Gracious, Merciful and Compassionate God
6. Main verses in the Bible telling us Who God is #6 The Unique One abundant in Loving-kindness
7. Al-Fatiha [The Opening/De Opening] Süra 1:1-3 In the name of Allah the Merciful Lord Of The Creation
8. Al-Fatiha [The Opening] Süra 1:1-7 Help from God our Maker
9. Al-Fatiha [The Opening] Süra 1: 4-7 Merciful Lord of the Creation to show us the right path
10. Wishing to do the will of God
11. Improving the one who loves Him
12. Today’s thought “My help comes from the LORD” (March 13)
13. Today’s thought “The help that comes from God” (May 11)
14. Memorizing wonderfully 17 Psalm 121 Help from Jehovah God
15. Main verses in the Bible telling us Who God is #7 The Stronghold and Rock God a Refuge and strong Shield and Tower
16. God my fence, my hope for the future
17. Those willing to tarnish
18. A little ray of sunshine.
19. 3 Keys to Reading the Bible with a Fresh Perspective
20. Obeying the King

Demanding signs or denying yourself

Matthew 16:1-4

We have read in the account of the evangelist Matthew (chapter 16) how once again Jesus was tested and how the Sadducees and Pharisees expressed what many people today also want to see, namely signs of Jesus and/or signs of God.

The religious leaders asked Jesus for a sign from heaven. They wanted proof that Jesus was sent from God (Matthew 16:1). Today there are still many who doubt Jesus was sent by God. There are lots of people who have made Jesus into their god but still are not quite sure what to believe and for sure do not really follow him.

At the beginning of our era the Nazarene master teacher Jeshua was in the midst of the chosen people of God. They had enough scrolls with ancient writings from sent ones from God or prophets who told about the man who would come to save the world. The son of man Jeshua or Jesus gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, and preached with astounding authority. It seemed not enough to come to see he was a special man with special gifts which could only come from the Most High God above all gods.  What more did they want?

For those who could see that preacher and miracle maker, many did not come to realise the Son of God was standing right in front of them. Today a lot of people still can not see who Jesus really is.

A member of a small country Missionary Baptist Church who calls himself

a regular guy, who loves God and God’s Word. {About Me}

got to see how Jesus was

not a shy retiring type of man who always spoke words designed to make everyone feel “included.” {Jesus’ Challenge To Follow Him}

and writes

He sometimes told it just as it was, without mincing words. He rebuked evil and demanded obedience. No one was excluded from following, but those who chose to do so found the company to be exclusive. {Jesus’ Challenge To Follow Him}

Jesus knew for what reason he was here on earth. He knew very well his chosen position and wanted to do God His Will instead of following his own will. Naturally in case Jesus would have been God than Jesus would always have done His own will. But Jesus knew he had to deny himself and asked the same of his followers. They too had to become one with him and one with his God, the God of Israel, Who is Only One God Who is One and God of gods.

Jesus was willing to give his life for others and required this too from those around him. Jesus said to his disciples and to the people around him

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” {Matthew 16:24}

Anyone who wants to call himself “Christian” should follow “Christ” Jeshua the Messiah. We must know it is not so easy as many think because discipleship is costly. As followers of Christ Jesus we must deny ourself [set aside selfish interests], and “take up his cross (or his stake)” [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow him, which mean we have to believe in him and be conforming to his example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in him. That last bit may be not something we have to face in these times, but in several countries many believers still have to do, plus it can well be we shall have to face a time where it shall happen or that we shall be tested in very fearful circumstances.

After Jesus had died and had shown himself after his resurrection, the apostle Paul was ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the master Jesus. {Acts 21:13} His knowledge of Christ led Paul to reassess the ways of truly pleasing and serving God. His re-evaluation indicates the profound and lasting effect of his experience of the meaning of Christ on the way to Damascus some twenty years before (Gal 1:15–16; Acts 9:1–22). He therefore wrote

⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. {Philippians 3:7}

What are the things you would not mind counting a loss or to consider as worthless for Christ, with the knowledge that Christ has shown you that what you once thought was valuable is worthless. We are surrounded with a lot of materials which seem to be very valuable, costing a lot. Lots of people give a lot of attention to what they have and like to show off their earthly goods. Today there is not so much interest in Jesus or in God.

For those who are interested in Jesus, the majority consider him to be God and do not see that he is the sent one and the anointed one from God (Moshiach; Mashiach; Messiah; Kristos or Christ). Jesus is anointed to be ‘King‘ in the Kingdom of God. This is a huge deal and a turning point for the disciples of which Peter recognised him as the Kristos or Christ and said

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” {Matthew 16:16}

Those who want to call themselves Christian should, like the apostles, grasp that Jeshua or Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah, or recognise Jesus as the Kristos – Christ or Messiah and as the son of the Living God. At the same time they should try to come to live and to be like Christ and should take him as their foundation of the church (not Peter). Paul the apostle in 1 Corinthians 3:11 ,tells us:

“For other foundation can no man lay, then that is laid, which is”,

not Simon Peter, but Jesus Christ.

“No other foundation can man lay, but that which is”.

From the early Messianic writings we learn the disciples of Christ talked about the gatherings they had and of small groups or congregations that formed. Jesus wanted that people became united under him and would come together to congregate, to gather, to meet as brothers and sisters. At their meetings they had to learn about the Word of God, studying the Scriptures. That would be the best way to come to learn the truth and to have a thoroughly grounded faith. And the roots have to go deep and become strong. Therefore each member in the group has to help the others. One of the difficulties being not to focus any-more on the worldly goods and aspects but on the heavenly matters.

The biggest thing Jesus wants from us is….us. As we grow in faith we put what we think we want aside, and come to see what He wants. Ultimately we will come to desire the same for ourselves as He desires for us. {Jesus’ Challenge To Follow Him}

To get to know what Jesus wants we have to read the gospels and learn from them. In a certain way it is also a matter of wanting to become a slave Of Jesus instead of being a slave of this world. When you want to call yourself a Christian you too should want to become a disciple, which means to be a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of Jeshua (Jesus Christ), making them his rule of life and conduct. The Pharisees prided themselves in being disciples of Moses (John 9:28) but they had entered a lot of human teachings and rules in their teachings, like the contemporary churches also have done. The majority of so called Christian churches give more importance on human teachings and church doctrines instead of Biblical doctrines. As members of such churches people, like in the time of Jesus, are also confronted with the choice they should make.

The church in our Western capitalist society a is undergoing historical realignment. Until recently Christians have been divided mostly along denominational lines. But now Christian denominations are dividing within themselves between those who believe the Bible and those who do not.

Today we are confronted by the same choice the disciples of Jesus  and the people around Jesus had. We can either keep following those who keep to human doctrines and heathen rites or go for those who want to follow Jesus in all aspects. We can see that those who trust Scripture are now a remnant in many denominations. In some cases they are leaving their institutions behind because they can no longer participate in the disobedient course being taken by spiritually darkened leaders.

Our times are characterized by increasing scepticism towards God’s word and expanding secularism in every facet of life. As a result, biblical illiteracy is growing by leaps and bounds, and church participation is faltering.

We should know that Jesus should be our most important teacher, but that all the words of the other prophets are also of importance and that we, like Jesus, should always follow God’s Word and do the Will of God.

Though we can not be a direct disciple of Jesus, by his teachings, given to us by the Bible, we have enough instructions and guidance to become a real follower.

Christian discipleship is summed up in the Great Commission. After the resurrection and before Jesus ascended into heaven, the master teacher appeared one last time to his disciples (they were eleven in number at that time, since Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and hanged himself). Christ had given such convincing proofs of his resurrection, as made their faith to triumph over doubts. He now solemnly commissioned the apostles and his ministers to go forth among all nations. This is the moment that he delivered the famous calling for disciples known as The Great Commission:

¹⁸ Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Amen. {Matthew 28:18-20}

Christian discipleship continued to grow when the followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem and Peter outlined criteria for selecting a twelfth disciple to replace Judas Iscariot. The Scripture says they drew lots and the lot fell to Matthias. These men, who had previously been disciples, or followers of Jesus, were now to become apostles, or messengers. Their intention was to spread the Word, and beginning with Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and indwelt them for the first time, they did! (See Acts 1 and 2.) The purpose of the church of Christ is to teach the words of Jesus and bring unbelievers to belief in Christ as their Lord and Saviour; baptizing them, and teaching them to lead other unbelievers to saving faith in Jesus. A Godly environment of each community or church is key to the good health and continued success of the congregation.

even when you are only with a few nothing should resist to come together in somebodies house, like the first Christians did. They gathered in private as well in public houses. We too still can hold a gathering in our own house or find a place to meet with others. No matter our nationality, gender or bloodline we can call others to join us in peace to study the Word of God and to praise the Most High. We should spread the message of Christ and get others to believe they should have faith in the sent one from God.

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. {John 3:16-17 New International Version}.

We should show to others the one who can be a light for everybody. We can proof to them that when they together with us want to follow Jesus they don’t have to walk in darkness any more, because they will have the light that leads to life. {John 8:12}

Thanks to the faithfulness of those apostles, who clearly understood their role as messengers of Christ, we have their gospels and letters to go by. Later, when Paul was added to their number (by virtue of his Road to Damascus encounter with the risen Christ), he wrote letters to all the churches he helped create. These books and letters became part of the New Testament of God’s Word, and unlike those first disciples, we have all of Christ’s instructions at our fingertips!

Sharing the message of Jesus we can give everybody around us the opportunity to come to see that Jesus is the way to God and God’s ultimate means of revealing Himself to us.

³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. {Hebrews 1:3 New International Version}

We have Jesus now as our mediator between God and us. We need no other mediator between God and us. He is also our best high priest. For making “church” we all have to work together in the spirit of Christ. Our faith in Jesus and in his heavenly Father should be the fuel that keeps our aircraft of our life flying.

With faith, you are on the go, there is no stumbling block on the way. All mountains are made plains. {Understanding the power of faith}

United as brethren and sisters, as sons and daughters of God, you shall find you shall be able to accomplish more than on your own. Surrounded by big institutions or well-known denominational churches it demands courage to step out of them and to go for a smaller church or just for meeting with other people who prefer just to keep to the inspired and infallible Word of God. But be sure it pays to choose the right path and to believe in the sent of God who gave his life for sinful humanity.

Are you a person who wants more signs than the one God has given the world? Do you need other proofs that Jesus is the sent one from God, His only begotten son, who by giving his life brought salvation by paying the full ransom price?

Are you preferring to belong to the main churches which keep to human doctrines, feasts and rites, or do you prefer to follow Jesus and keep to the God given feasts and rituals?

Are you willing to keep following the world or willing to follow Jesus?

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Preceding

Ezekiel 18:4 – What the Bible teaches about Soul and Spirit

More than just a man with authority of speaking

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #5 Matthew 7:28-29 – The Crowd’s Reaction

Matthew 9:32-34 – How others look at the blind, speechless and demoniac being healed

Matthew 9:35-38 – Looking at Jesus our shepherd

Matthew 10:24-31 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Do Not Fear – Preach!

Matthew 10:32-39 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: I Came to Cause Division

Matthew 12:46-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Family of Messiah

Matthew 16 Asking for signs from heaven

Matthew 16 Calvin’s view

Matthew 16 Spurgeon’s view

Matthew 16:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Signs of the Times

Matthew 16:5-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Watch Out for the Leaven of False Teaching

Matthew 16:13-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Building a Hades-Proof Congregation

Matthew 16:21-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Think God’s Thoughts

Matthew 16:24-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Disciple Must Disown Self

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Additional reading

1. Jehovah God Almighty greater than all gods
2. What sort people of faith do we want to be
3. Truth, doubt or blindness
4. Knowing The Truth and Loving The Truth
5. The true light in recorded words
6. A Book to trust #2 Book of Truth
7. A Book to trust #6 True God and true words
8. Torah hanging on two commandments and focussing on a Mashiach
9. Messianic prophesies 1 Adversary – Root of the first prophecy
10. Messianic prophesies 2 Adversary – Root of the first prophecy
11. Fog, brass and light for the eyes
12. God giving signs and producing wonders
13. The Right One to follow and to worship
14. Why think that (2) … Jesus claimed to be something special
15. Concerning Christ #1 A god or the God, a son of man and son of God
16. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
17. The sent one from God
18. Jesus begotten Son of God #3 Messiah or Anointed one
19. Anointing of Christ as Prophetic Rehearsal of the Burial rites
20. What Jesus did: First things first
21. Necessity of a revelation of creation 3 Getting understanding by Word of God 1
22. Salvation, trust and action in Jesus #3 as a Christian
23. A call easy to understand
24. Holiness and expression of worship coming from inside
25. The first on the list of the concerns of the saint
26. Discipleship way of life on the narrow way to everlasting life
27. Fellowship
28. Seeds and weeds for being the greatest nation
29. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #2 War on God’s Plan, Name and title
30. Focussing on oneness with Jesus like Jesus is one with God
31. Jesus, A way given to find the right way to God
32. Authority given to him To give eternal life
33. Sayings of Jesus, what to believe and being or not of the devil
34. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
35. Thought for Wednesday Believe in the one God has sent
36. The saviour Jesus his human side
37. Not being saved by faith in Christ alone
38. Memorizing wonderfully 70: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God
39. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #1
40. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
41. Memorizing wonderfully 42 Equality with God & doing nothing of himself
42. Memorizing wonderfully 44 Showing the works from his Father
43. Memorizing wonderfully 46 Believe in the sent one from God, who is the Way to God
44. Memorizing wonderfully 49 John 17:1-11 The sent one from God and eternal life
45. Memorizing wonderfully 52 Acts 7:56: the Son of man standing on the right hand of God
46. Our life depending on faith
47. Which is worse–works without faith, or faith without works?
48. Beautiful feet of those who announce the good news
49. An atoneless religious system or a hope giving religious system
50. Catholicism, Anabaptism and Crisis of Christianity
51. Christianity primarily a matter of imitation
52. United people under Christ
53. Congregate, to gather, to meet
54. Jewish and Christian traditions of elders
55. A House for God in our 21st century

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Related

1. You are Invited
2. The Set Up
3. Sent by Christ; March 27, 2018
4. 15th Sunday of the Year: Sent by God for work in the world.
5. 15th Sunday of the Year: Called by God. Catholic Inspiration
6. Are You Willing to Submit Your Will to God?
7. Submitting Your Will to God Simplifies Your Life
8. God First, Then Extras
9. Discipleship
10. Why Discipleship Weirds Me Out
11. The Tree of Life: thoughts on discipleship and roots
12. “Evangelism” or “telling God’s story”?
13. A Worthy Life
14. Out of the Abundance of the Heart
15. Saved, healed and delivered
16. Grasping the Gospel
17. Get Down With the Program, Preacher!
18. When Process Stops So Progress Can Happen
19. The Theology of Jesus: Part 9 Ecclesiology
20. Christ Is The Light Of The World.
21. Following Jesus
22. Take Up Your Cross And Follow Christ
23. Lenten readings – Christ is the way to the light – the truth and the life
24. Follow, Carry the Cross

Summer time to spend some more time at the growing process of your faith

Most of the time of the year people have an excuse that they have no time because they have to do this or that for work. Work often gets the first place and next comes the time to do the shopping for the household-duties and cooking. After a full day of work, cooking and eating there is ample good family time and most of it is used to relax. Not so much time is made free to read and study the Bible.

In the Summertime (Mungo Jerry song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

July and August are the moths lots of people do have some time for themselves. It is that free time which is also ideal to pick up your Bible and do some reading in it. The Summertime is ideal to take some time off and to think about more important matters than money and work to get the money in the till.

These Summer-months are also the good time to cultivate your personal devotional time. Throughout the year we spend enough time for making sure enough money shall come in to be able to live relaxed or in a good way. For some people the relaxing bit does not seem to come any more because work has taken them up so much that it burns them up. Today we see many people with a burn out, not happy any more, but so frustrated it seems to eat them up. They do not seem to find a source to renew their energy any more. Though they should know there is A Source available for all people to recharge and also to come out stronger. Lots of people do not want to know about that Source, but it is ‘set apart’ or ‘holy’ source. It is a Living Water provided by an unending Source of Life. It comes from the Divine Creator Who is the eternal Spirit God. He is the source of all spiritual development, Which cannot be neglected by man. Without that Source man cannot grow and can not become mature. Transformation begins with time in His Word and prayer. And now is an ideal time to take time for it.

Man’s goal is to become more independent and self-sufficient as we age. But in the spiritual realm, the opposite is true. Those who are mature in Christ and in his heavenly Father recognize their own inadequacy and rely on the Holy Spirit within them. They know Jesus could not do much without That Only One God. Jesus was very well aware that all he did was only possible because God allowed him to do so and because God wanted him to give the Power to do so. We too need power in our life. We, like Jesus, do need the Strong Hand of the heavenly Father to guide us and to pull us over our difficulties, the many gorges and ravines. In Him we should trust and feel secure.

Now the Sun-rays heats the earth around us, we can feel her warmth also as a source of energy. Forgetting all about work we can stroll in the God given nature and see all the beauties of it, where when at work we do not have much time for.

So let yourself go, take time of, and enjoy the beauties of nature. But do not forget Who is the Source of it and give also some spare time to Him. Now when off from work it is time to make time for God and to read His Words, the Bible. Now it is time to take on our other life job, giving ourself to God so that He can do His job to transform our character and empower us to accomplish everything He calls us to do.

Getting older doesn’t mean maturity in God’s eyes. By digging into Scripture and developing righteous habits, we can use our years to grow stronger in the Lord instead of wasting time with passivity. No one accidentally becomes mature. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God.

Do not waste your time, give some precious time to your Creator and allow yourself being modelled by Him.

Photograph taken from Unwind & De Stress

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Additional reading

1. Allow yourself a chill-out day
2. Time to Unwind
3. Holiday making and dreaming
4. Give your worries to God
5. Witnesses of Christ and of his gospel
6. Shabbat Mevarchim opening to the Summer-holiday period
7. 2016 Summer holiday
8. Home-stayers and their to do list
9. Holiday time reading time
10. Summerholiday season time to read the Bible
11. Of the many books Only the Bible can transform
12. Summer holiday time to knock and ask, and time to share
13. Counting sands and stars
14. Happy August!
15. An uncovering book to explore
16. Psst! Spread The Good Word!
17. Character transformed by the influence of our fellowships
18. Christ entered our world to transform our lives

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Further reading

1. Humans choose to live in a world full of hate, war, and disharmony
2. Feel like you’ve been through the wringer?
3. Feeling Down…
4. Burn-out
5. Know the signs to combat workplace stres
6. Can You Choose Well-being over Burn-out
7. Setting Boundaries
8. Prayers for Burn Out
9. The Best Of The Season – haiku by Dennis Allen Lange
10. The Good Summer Vibes You Need Today
11. My summer of changes
12. Don’t Work
13. Priority
14. Everyone takes leaps of faith
15. A stargazer’s thought
16. Of everything celestial and a tiny speck; You. 
17. The Perfect Plan
18. Summertime
19. Summertime by Kelly F. Barr
20. July Family Vacation and More
21. July 2017’s 6 Grateful Things List
22. The Fleeting Days of Summer..
23. Early August
24. Happy August!
25. Life Lately: The Best Things About Summer
26. A Lot of “Lately”
27. Summer Memories Relived at Santa’s Village 
28. Hope and Faith
29. Lord’s True Love
30. Today, I Will Trust God To . . . .
31. Do What You Can do First? Wrong!
32. You Must be in the Dark to See the Light
33. You Can Overcome Your Fears and Challenges. Yes, You Can!
34. Knowing Your Purpose
35. God Doesn’t Ask Us To Try
36. You are Invited
37. God’s Pruning Instrument
38. His Word always produces fruit
39. Pour Out Your Hearts
40. “Live Redeemed”
41. Trust God!
42. Trust God (by the pup studio)
    Forever O Lord..

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Related articles

• His art is a way of ‘meeting with the divine,’ iconographer says
• You may not understand His plans, but the results will prove that His way is right
• “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You” the story behind the traditional Irish blessing
• Why is it so difficult to trust God?
• A Particular Type of Heartsickness
• Holy Spirit Church
• Get ready for God’s restoration
• Lord Carey’s son attacks Church over lack of ‘sadness and sympathy’ for his father over abuse inquiry
• See Striking Portraits of Summer Nostalgia
• The Christian president of Hobby Lobby is building a $500 million ‘Museum of the Bible’ – here’s everything we know

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #12 God Himself masters His Own Word

In the previous chapters we have seen that there have been lots of different translations which all have something to offer and of which some may be edited with a special purpose and public in mind.

English: The study translation Bible 2009 Česky: Český studijní překlad Bible 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We always should remember for what sort of public the Bible in our hands is translated. Was its purpose to reach teenage kids and as such has avoided too difficult words, or was it more for adolescents, still using a restricted vocabulary or was it for educated people who can bear some more difficult words?

A study Bible. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We also do have to be careful when we speak about a Bible translation that we do not take the additional notes as being part of the real Bible. Too many people forget that it are human words which are added to give the readers some guidance, but mostly are written from denominational points of view.  In this way the so called “Thematic Bibles” and the “Study Bibles” are the most dangerous. They are the easiest sources to have the mind site tracked to human dogma‘s.

Ultimately, we believe the Bible to be inerrant because it comes from God Himself. It is unthinkable to contemplate that God might be capable of error. Therefore, His Word cannot possibly contain errors. This is our faith—we can trust the Bible because we can trust God. {Sproul, R. C. (2009). Can I Trust the Bible? (Vol. 2, p. xii). Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing.}

For those who say only the King James Version is the only right and true Bible, they should wonder if God then in the previous and following years was not able to protect His Own Word. Do they not trust God that He could take care that those who wanted to translate His word and spent so many hours, days, months and some even years, to make a worthy translation, would make a reasonable good translation which could bring God His Word to the general public?

We should all remember that

God, who is Himself truth and speaks truth only, has inspired Holy Scripture in order thereby to reveal Himself to lost mankind through Jesus Christ as Creator and Lord, Redeemer and Judge. Holy Scripture is God’s witness to Himself. {Sproul, R. C. (2009). Can I Trust the Bible? (Vol. 2, p. xv). Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing.}

and be aware that though those 66 books may have been written down by different people at different times in the previous history, but have always been God’s Truth and not their own thinking.

Holy Scripture, being God’s own Word, written by men prepared and superintended by His Spirit, is of infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches: it is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it affirms; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises. {Sproul, R. C. (2009). Can I Trust the Bible? (Vol. 2, p. xv). Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing.}

It is that Divine Authority Who still overlooks the work done for Him. even when there may by so many different translators from different denominations, they all when working with the Word of God trying to bring it in the language of their people, may come under the Guidance of the Most High God.

 The Holy Spirit, Scripture’s divine author, both authenticates it to us by His inward witness and opens our minds to understand its meaning. {Sproul, R. C. (2009). Can I Trust the Bible? (Vol. 2, p. xv). Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing.}

In the  previous chapters we have seen how even of the King James version many totally different versions were created and that several people who say “Only the King James version” may be using themselves a totally different version than the Authorised King James Version of 1611 and each been talking about a different Bible translation.

We also could see that the many versions in many languages all may equip the reader to reach deep into God’s Word and if they are really willing to put all human dogma’s aside that the translation they may use still shall be able to to unlock the riches and majesty of God His Word, and ignite a passion to mentor others in their life to do the same.

If it are published bibles for a specific group, we should carefully check if all the bible books are represented with the full texts. We also have seen that the saying of Stanton who concluded that

‘the Bible in its teachings degrades Women from Genesis to Revelation‘

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her daughter Harriot, 1856 Category:United States history images (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

is not correct and that God even allowed women, like herself, to translate His word. The famous 19th Century feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton and a “Revising Committee” found much to admire in the Bible, particularly some of the Old Testament women. While many of her views are still controversial, time and advances in womens’ rights have lessened some of the shock value of her book The Woman’s Bible. Stanton doesn’t go as far as some modern feminist theologians and proclaim ‘God is a woman’, but there are several contributions which discuss the gender of the ‘Elohim’ and the female aspects of the Kabbalah.

For those who want to put women on a higher place or give them a nice attention, there may be several Women’s Bibles to give to that special woman in their life, so that she’ll find inspiration with a Bible made just for her. From women’s study Bibles, to Bibles made just for moms, available in popular translations from NIV, NKJV, to ESV, such Bibles for women will help her on her faith journey. So people may find the wisdom, grace, encouragement and guidance that Women’s Bibles can deliver.

Whatever Bible translation you might like to use always remember what the essence of that Book should be. Always remember that the goal of a Bible study should be . . . to study the Bible. Always be careful not to be sidetracked by so many beautiful pictures or lovely stories which are told next to the real Bible text.

Always remember that Bible study is not a social club, a counselling session, or a place to meet “felt needs.” Fellowship, counselling, and meeting needs are often the choice fruits of a good Bible study as women get to know one another and are shaped by the Word. But these fruits should never overcome the goal of studying the Scriptures together. Also Bible Journaling may be great fun for lots of females. Though we notice that lots of girls and ladies let themselves be carried away by their drawings and spent more time to their ‘journaling’ instead of ‘studying’ the Word of God.

Therefore we do ask every person who wants to go for a thematic bible or a special group Study bible to concentrate on the Word of God Itself and to remember always that the additional notes are those of human beings and not part of the Bible itself.

If you keep your goal in mind, you will keep focused on the Scriptures. Tangents will threaten to take you down a rabbit trail, but you will guide them back to the solid ground of the Word. Wrong answers will be offered, but you will arrive at the truth. Real needs will arise, and you’ll be surprised how they are met with Scripture. At the end of an hour or two women will be built up and equipped with the Word. {7 Mistakes We Make in Women’s Bible Study}

Page from the Dutsch Professorenbijbel (“Professors Bible”), a translation of the Latin Vulgate of the Books of the New Testament. This part, covering the Pentateuch, was published in 1904. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let us not forget that it was the KJV translators themselves who stated in their original pref­ace that the very purpose of their translation was to provide God’s Word in a readable and understandable fashion. They too looked at previous versions and recognized and accepted the translation work that had been done before them, not downgrading it.  times and language have evolved, so we should recognise that the 17th century language is not so comprehensible for the contemporary public and that even certain phrases where not so correctly translated because there was not yet such a thorough or good insight in the original language as we have to day.

Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon question

So then how can anyone logically argue that they would object to mod­ern translations being done today for the same purpose? {The Conflict Over Different Bible Versions/Part 6}

and be honest when you look at the old and original Authorised Version. See if the used words are clear enough even in contemporary spelling.

Bible edition of 1611 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now examine this yourself. Here are a few examples of words from the KJV that have passed completely out of use and convey no meaning to readers today:

almug, neesing, chode, tabret, habergeon, cieled, purtenance, aceldama, sackbut, blains, wot, trow, churl, ambassage, crookbackt, “collops of fat”, “wimples,” “hole’s mouth,” “ouches of gold,” “naughty figs,” and “fetched a compass” (which does not mean to go find a compass but “to turn around”).^[2]

These were the words chosen by KJV translators in 1611 to signify the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words. Translators now simply find English words in use today that more accurately convey the meaning. {The Conflict Over Different Bible Versions/Part 6}

Steve Mittelstaedt and Sat Sapienti write

The goal of translating any ancient text ought to be to make the original sense of that text available to a modern reader.  It really doesn’t matter whether that ancient text was written by Aristophanes or the Apostle Paul. {(Lost in) Permanent Translation}

It is more important to have the Bible presented in a language people of the day can understand easily, without doing shortage to the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek writing.

We must be aware of choices made by publishers, like trying to translate as close as possible to the original language (NWT, Ref.B., Aramaic-English B., The Scriptures, HalleluYah B, NASB) putting meaning ahead of clarity (NAS, Ryries, NASB, ESV, and NRSV), putting clarity ahead of meaning sometime translating very freely (CEV, AMP, Liv.B, the Book, MSG, NLT and GNB/GNT) and those aiming at the optimal amount of meaning and clarity simultaneously (Naz.Com., NKVJ, NAB, NET, HCSB, CEB and NIV).

This are all Bible translations which may come on the bookshelf, but the most important thing is that they are read, not only once, but regularly.

May we use the conclusion of Dr. John Ankerberg of the The John Ankerberg Show and of Dr. John Weldon

In conclusion, if you are a Christian who uses the King James Version, if you understand what you read and are comfortable with it, then by all means, continue to use it. The KJV, despite the kinds of minor problems which occur in any translation, is still a fine Bible.
What if you are a Christian who uses a modern translation? You also should feel free to continue reading a good modern translation.
Don’t be deterred or intimidated by those who would tell you that you do not have the Word of God in your hands. {The Conflict Over Different Bible Versions/Part 6}

*

Full text of the Women’s Bible

***

Title page of The Holy Bible, King James version, 1772. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Preceding articles:

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #1 Pre King James Bible

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #2 King James Bible versions

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #3 Women and versions

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #4 Steps to the women’s bibles

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #5 Further steps to women’s bibles

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #6 Revisions of revisions

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #7 Jewish versions

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #8 Selective Bibles and selective people

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #9 Restored names and Sacred Name Bibles

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #10 Journaling Bibles and illustrative women

Old and newer King James Versions and other translations #11 Muslim Idiom Translations

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Additional reading

1. Written and translated by different men over thousands of years
2. Challenging claim 4 Inspired by God 3 Self-consistent Word of God
3. Another way looking at a language #1 New Year, Books and Words
4. Another way looking at a language #4 Ancient times
5. Bible Translating and Concordance Making
6. Word of God presented to people in more than 3200 languages
7. Looking at notes of Samuel Ward and previous Bible translation efforts in English
8. How to Choose a Bible for Preaching
9. Dedication and Preaching Effort 400 years after the first King James Version
10. Breathing to teach
11. Wycliffe Associates supporting underground Bible translators
12. Americans really thinking the Messiah Christ had an English name
13. The NIV and the Name of God
14. Geneva Bible, Source text for our series on the beginning of Jesus

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Further reading

A biblebookshelf by paulthinkingoutloud

1. A New Bible Translation Classification System
2. The Making of a Worthy Bible Translation
3. The Translator’s Dilemma
4. Which Translation of the Bible?
5. How Trustworthy Are Bible Translations?Some Notes on Bible TranslationsMore on English Bible Versions
6. Which is the best English Bible?
7. 7 Bible Translations You Should Look at Regularly
8. Compare translations
9. Reflections on an Old Bible
10. Medieval Manuscripts and Modern Evangelicals: ETS 2016 in San Antonio
11. Bible in more languages than Hamlet and Harry Potter put together
12. Behind the Scenes
13. That’s for others
14. Partnership possibilities to #endbiblepoverty @pciassembly @wycliffeuk
15. Book Review | “How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth” by Gordon D. Fee
16. Book Review | Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation
17. Book Review | The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: How They Were Developed – Understanding Their Differences – Finding the Right…
18. How I Know The King James Bible is the Word of God
19. Good Book
20. Ryrie’s Bibles and Manuscripts Auctioned off
21. Review: The Bible: Authorised King James Version with the Apocrypha (Oxford World Classics)
22. What Happened to it Being Easy?
23. I and thou
24. The King James Version Controversy
25. Gen 3:16, the ESV, and My תשׁוקה for Folks to Stop Using Hebrew Grammar in the Debate
26. Two challenges to the infallibility of the Holy Scriptures
27. Should You Only Read the King James Bible? — The Parker J Cole Show
28. KJV Only!
29. King James Only–Refuted (part 3)
30. Hitchens KJV-Only?
31. King James Only-ism – invented by Seventh Day Adventist?
32. King James Only? … The Final Word
33. Saved or Being Saved
34. Why’s My NIV So Different From My KJV?
35. NKJV vs. ESV: Thoughts on the Translation Wars
36. Blomberg Gives Clarity in the Translation Wars
37. (Lost in) Permanent Translation
38. Bible Translations in other Country
39. Bible Translation Around the World.
40. Is Modern Really Better?
41. English Bible Translations
42. Common English Bible Translation says we live under a Dome
43. Infographic on English Bible Translations
44. What’s the best English Bible translation?
45. Book Review – William Tyndale: A Biography
46. William Tyndale, Martyr
47. A mysterious torn image of William Tyndale
48. DR. John Wycliffe, Low-Tech Bible Translator
49. Legible or fancy
50. Henry Martyn (1781 – 1812)-19th October
51. 500th Anniversary of the Book that Changed the World
52. Finally, an Awesome Backgrounds Bible!
53. Crossway Reverses Decision to Make ESV Bible Text Permanent
54. The ESV’s Great Reversal
55. The ESV’s Unchangeable Nature?
56. A scroll, a paper footprint and quite a lot of prayer
57. Discover Your Language
58. Literacy… and little pull thingies
59. Celebrating Completed ScripturesRoma Bible Society: Why we do what we doTha Fower GospelsBosnian Bible available online!
60. New Bible Translation Eliminates “Father, Son, Holy Spirit and Messiah” Because It Insults Muslims
61. The “Treasure” is the Word
62. Why are Mark 16:9-20 missing in most modern Bible translations?
63. Why are John 7:53—8:11 doubted in many modern Bible translations?
64. Applying God’s Holy Word
65. Friday Five: The Bible!
66. The Value of a BibleStop Doubting the Origin of the Bible
67. About that Bible!
68. Circle Means Circle – Not Ball/Sphere/Globe!
69. The Wicked Bible
70. Christian Scholars Admit To Corrupting The Bible
71. A Useless Commentary
72. I’m not sure what title to give this post, as I’m totally confounded
73. It’s A Matter Of Life and Death! – Grain of Wheat blog
74. It’s A Matter Of Life and Death! (alloutwarblog)
75. The Word and the words: a sonnet for Lancelot Andrewes
76. The King James Bible and the Restoration
77. Some Thoughts on the NET Bible
78. Gospel or Good News?
79. Jesus, Light of the World
80. Celebrating the Story
81. Bible Translation Day
82. Ulster Rugby and Bible Translation
83. Washington, D.C.: ‘Topping Out’ the Museum of the Bible
84. Search The Bible…
85. The Difference a Sigma Makes
86. Freedom from the Bible Police
87. More Bible Stuff
88. Thou Shouldst Buy This Book

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