As Christians we believe in an all powerful God. A God who used words to form the universe. A God who has the power to destroy the world with a flood. A God who is Just and Holy. We fear God because He decides where we will spend eternity.
If we are Christians, our relationship with God should be filled with Love, respect, praise, and fear. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The wise person fears God, which means that the foolish do not fear God. Because they lack this fear for God, they continue in sin. They aren’t concerned about what God could do to them.
This is where our context from Romans 3 comes into play. Mankind naturally desires sin over God. And there will be those, like in Romans 3, that will try to find excuses to continue in sin. Paul gives us the bottom line with this mindset. Romans 3:18 says, “there is no fear of God before their eyes.” He uses phobos, which is where we get our English word “phobia.” Those who live in sin do so because they have no fear of God and His power.
When we make the choice to live in sin we are saying 3 things about God:
We truly don’t believe in God
Or if we do, we don’t think God can do anything
We don’t think God will do anything
Whether we consciously think these or not, when we live in sin, we don’t fear God or the consequences. There’s a man we read about in scripture that perfectly illustrates this mindset. 2 Samuel 11 is one of the most powerful lessons we can read in scripture on sin. David’s sin with Bathsheba shows us the desire of sin, and paints a graphic picture of what sin can do to even the most godly of men.
David sees Bathsheba bathing on the roof (11:2). He wants her, and pursues his desire. David sinned because in the moment he wanted pleasure over God.
This is the start of David’s intricate plan to cover up what he has done. He tries to get Uriah to go home to his wife. He has Uriah killed so that he can have Bathsheba as his own. David continued to sin because there was no immediate punishment for sleeping with Bathsheba. The entire chapter ends with these words, “but the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.”
How could such a man of God, someone that is described as “the friend of God” do such a thing? Because in that moment, and the days to follow, David lost his fear of God. It was replaced with deception, lust, and murder.
It is said of sin that it will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. We will always be surrounded by a world filled with sin, and the consequences of those sins.
But a day will come when God will punish those who practice sin, and reward those who are faithful to Him.
Henry Rogers’ house in Appleton, Wisconsin, was the first to use hydroelectric power. That was September 30, 1882 (Marsha Weisinger, Buildings of Wisconsin, 222). Today, we not only take electric power in our homes for granted; we expect it! When a strong wind storm knocked down trees and power lines in our area yesterday, we lost electricity for eight hours. For those who did not immediately fire up a generator, that meant no TV, no internet, no cell phones, no overhead lights, and no stove. It turned out to be enjoyable to cook dinner in the fire pit and play games and read books by candlelight and lanterns. Yet, thanks to the tireless work of utility crews, most of us went to bed with the power restored! It is easy to take such a blessing for granted!
How often do we try to live our entire lives without the extraordinary power available to us? This power does more than give us modern conveniences and appliances that cook and store food, heat and cool the house, and the like. It enables us to face otherwise unbearable trials, to overcome the eternal consequences of our sin problem, and to conquer the most insurmountable troubles. It is the “power of God,” and we find it demonstrated in the virgin birth (Luke 1:35), the gospel (Rom. 1:16), the cross (1 Cor. 1:18,24), the word of truth (2 Cor. 6:7), the resurrection (2 Cor. 13:4; Phil. 3:10), and so much more. “His power” will raise us up (1 Cor. 6:14), works mightily in us now (Col. 1:29), and upholds all things (Heb. 1:3). Or, as Paul says, enlightened eyes know “what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:19).
Do we ever voluntarily shut ourselves off from this power? Do we choose to live in the dark, depriving ourselves of the blessed live that flows from staying connected to God’s power? How tragic and foolish when I fail to pray, to study His word, to trust His providential care and work in my life, and to have the courage and confidence to fulfill His purpose for me in this world. When I do, I am spiritually in the dark!
Each day, I should be thankful that God empowers me for the work He has given me on this earth. I must stay connected to Him while helping others plug into that power source, too. God’s power is no mere convenience! It is the ultimate necessity!
We all meet people every day…Some good, some bad and then some…we say, “What just happened?” I was doing an inspection last fall. It was getting dark, it was starting to rain, and I was getting tired. A lady came around the house and asked what I was doing. I introduced myself and asked if she was the buyer, the seller, or who she was. She said, “No, I just live around here.” I said, “Well, I’m a home inspector and I’m inspecting the home on behalf of the buyers. She asked, “Are you any good at your job?” I said, “Well, I try to be.” Then she said, “Well, I think I have radon at my house.” I told her I could check that, then she said, “How much does that cost?” I told her and she said, “Well, I don’t have that much money.” I said we could work something out. Then she asked, “How can I get in touch with you?” I told her I was on Facebook, I can give you my phone number, or you can Google it. She said, “Can I get a business card?” I said, “No ma’am. I don’t. I’ve run out and don’t have any in my truck. She told me, “Oh, you’re not prepared, huh?” I said, “No ma’am, I’m not.” She didn’t have anything else to say to me, but turned and walked off and was gone.
The more I thought about it the madder I got. I turned my truck upside down and found one. It turns out she was sitting on the back porch next door and been watching me the whole time. She didn’t want a home inspection and was just being nosy. I took her my business card, offered my services, and left. But it got me to thinking.
Does it bother us as much about our Christianity as it does our jobs or school or just meeting people in general when someone calls us out?
Do we think about how prepared we are to not only answer questions about the Bible, Jesus, our Christianity but whether we are prepared for heaven or hell?
Being prepared is not something we can put off or procrastinate about. It’s something we must do and be ready for right now!
Matthew 25
1-13. The 10 virgins here are used as an example of some being ready and some not.
Vs 13- He’s told us He’s coming… not when but that He is. Be prepared daily!
Other passages that make mention of His coming are 2 Peter 3:10, 1 Thess. 5:2, Mark 13:32-37. There are others that inform us that we will not know when He is coming. Be on watch!
14-30. This teaching is about the different number of talents that was given to 3 different men.
He’s given us all talents and jobs to do so that we can be prepared. To make ourselves ready and to make the most of what’s been given to us.
Are you using those talents to prepare yourself? Are you using them to be ready for the kingdom and to help others be ready?
If we are, we will hear, “well done good and faithful servant”. If we aren’t using the talents that’s been given us, we are told what will happen…vs 30- “we will be cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Use wisely and often the gifts given to you!!
31-46. He’s coming to judge us on the deeds we have done. He’s coming to judge us on the preparation we have made. Heaven or hell.
Best thing is…we get to pick, and we get to make preparations for our choice.
Heaven is “prepared” vs 34.
Hell is “prepared” vs 41.
Are you “prepared”?
God has done His part; He’s just waiting for us to do ours.
We’ve been given the warning, the instructions, and the motivation.
In whatever way you need to prepare…are you doing it?
Whether it’s being baptized, asking for forgiveness, repairing relationships, doing more for the kingdom of heaven–Be prepared!
Jeremy and me, “prepared” for some of the world’s best BBQ last year.
This week it's Kathy's turn to answer some deeper questions. We'd love for you to join us to hear her answers and give us your own answers to these questions. Here's a hint – the title is a nod to Kathy's answer to the question, "how would you like for your grandchildren to remember you?" Thank you for joining us here – and be sure to check us out on Facebook and YouTube – Looking Up! With Kathy and Carla.
In some circles, the quickest way to begin an argument is to bring up the topic of “Bible translations.” While this article won’t reveal the best version that everyone should use, it will provide a guide to help one select their preferred version. There’s no way to write about this particular subject without a degree of personal bias, but the principles are very much Biblical.
How Many Translations Are There Anyway?
Since William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526, there have been innumerable versions produced with some estimates ranging anywhere from 450 to over 900 additional English translations. Updated versions as well as brand new versions seem to be produced on an annual basis so we can expect that diversity and growth to continue for years to come.
How Can I Find The Most Accurate Translation?
Though this question may seem to be a complicated one, it’s not so difficult to answer. To begin, here’s a sample of a couple of odd newer versions that have been produced.
The LOLCat Bible (Published 2007)
“In teh beginnin Ceiling Cat maded teh skiez an da Erfs n stuffs” (Gen. 1:1).
The Cotton Patch Gospel (Published 1984)
“This guy John was dressed in blue jeans and a leather jacket, and he was living on corn bread and collard greens. Folks were coming to him from Atlanta and all over north Georgia and the backwater of the Chattahoochee. And as they owned up to their crooked ways he dipped them in the Chattahoochee” (Matt. 3.4).
Anyone who is even somewhat religious can see how unreliable and ridiculous these translations are. In fact, if read aloud in most Bible classes or quoted in a sermon— there would likely be confusion and maybe some conflict. That’s understandable. Let’s consider a simple formula to help us funnel our focus to find a Bible that’s worth a serious study.
What’s A Good Bible?
One you can easily understand. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, was mainly written in Koine Greek. The word “Koine,” meaning “common” is also the root word of “Koinonia,” which means “fellowship” (ancientlanguage.com). Simply put, Koine Greek was the language of the people— or the common tongue. Today, just like old Latin– the language is dead. God’s foresight ensured that His universal life message to mankind would be everlasting and unchanging in two ways.
The use of Koine would be easily understood by common people in the ancient world
and with the death of this branch of the Greek language in the mid 6th Century, God’s word would not evolve like all living languages do today.
This is a major help for Christians and people seeking His Truth today. We know that God wants us to plainly understand His message and Bible scholars can still translate with confidence and certainty. Your Bible should be one that clearly communicates His original meaning and for many that means the version that speaks clearly in a modern tongue. William Tyndale translated the first English version by using the vocabulary that was widely understood by people in the 1500s. As time passed the King James and the American Standard Version were revised (updated/altered) editions that changed with the era.
For example, the King James (KJV) made use of the word “betwixt” (Phil. 1.23) while the New International (NIV) communicates this word with a phrase “torn between the two” in the same passage. While there are some who have grown up reading the KJV and are familiar with Old English terms, a great many will appreciate the clear interpretation used in the NIV.
Which Is Right For Me?
The answer will change somewhat on an individual basis. However, most modern translations that are true to the original message and express that message in an understandable way will be the most profitable. There are some who believe it’s best to use multiple versions for maximum clarity but there are also other resources that are readily available and can aid in putting the dedicated Christian at ease.
Tools for Truth Seeking
LOGOs Bible Software is an excellent but potentially expensive computer program that can translate English words into the original language with a simple click of a button. The user will also be able to see various uses of any particular word across the entire biblical text. This program has a free version with more limited capabilities, but it has enough power to get the job done.
BlueLetterBible can be accessed online and can do much of what LOGOs is able to do without taking up space on your phone or laptop.
Programs and tools like these are two of the author’s personal favorites, but there is an abundance of help currently available to anyone looking to take their personal study of His Word to the next level.
What Version(s) Can I Trust?
There’s no such thing as a perfect translation, but good and even great translations are likely to be in your collection already. Some of which are:
New International (NIV) – Reading Level; 7th Grade
New King James (NKJV) – Reading Level; 9th Grade
English Standard (ESV) – Reading Level; 8th-10th Grade
New American Standard (NASB) – Reading Level; 11th Grade
Excellent Casual Reading Versions
Easy To Read (ERV) – Designed for the deaf and those with learning disabilities
A new podcast for Christian women started today, January 16, hosted by Carla Moore and Kathy Pollard. It is available on several platforms (Spotify, Anchor, Google, and Apple Podcasts). Want to check it out? Listen here: Looking Up With Kathy And Carla
The Preacher Pollard Blog 