The language of volunteerism in the church
See my little reflection based on a quote about being a disciple rather than a volunteer. Plus, a Brazilian phrase that means “to harp on.” That’s a freebie.
Updates from October, 2010 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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J. Randal Matheny
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John Henson
Comfort food
If we’re talking about real comfort, then we’re talking John 6:51-58.
Jesus the Son of God is the only real comfort. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God,” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV).God not only comforts us, but he enables us to comfort others. That’s real, satisfying comfort!
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Mike Riley
We can “Amen it” John!
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John Henson
Thank you, brother.
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Mike Riley
Why I’m Wearing Pajamas To Church
While scanning the Twitter posts this morning, I came across this blog by a “pastor” that I thought was eye-opening: http://ht.ly/31NnY
I pray that the Lord’s church doesn’t start following this latest “trend.”
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Stephen R. Bradd
Comfort Food
Cookie dough blizzard–yummy! :)
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J. Randal Matheny
Daily Nudge: Comfort food — and news
What is a comfort food for you? A comfort food is defined as
foods consumed to achieve some level of improved emotional status, whether to relieve negative psychological affect or to increase positive. More generally, comfort food can be defined as food that brings some form or measure of comfort, sense of well-being, or easy satisfaction.
I suppose we should start calling this the Weekend Nudge, on Saturdays, since I usually don’t make it online much on Sundays. To think about.
News for me is the return of wife and daughter this evening. No more McRecipes …
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Tina Cutsinger
Now, you can get back to “comfort” food! Any food that reminds me of my mom or grandmother, is comfort food to me!
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Mike Riley
A Precise And Clear Rendering Of Romans 12:2
The J.B. Phillips translation lends clarity to Romans 12:2:
“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould [mold], but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed.”
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J. Randal Matheny
I do like his translation of that verse, Mike, as I like his paraphrase generally. Far better than some recent ones.
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Mike Riley
Yes, it is definitely far better than some more recent ones.
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John Henson
He certainly does come closer to the meaning of susxhmatizw, but also there is the passive tense, which means its something a person allows or permits to be done to them. Sometimes followers of Jesus allow the world to force them into its mold.
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John Henson
That Greek word didn’t quite type out, did it? συσχηματίζεσθε is more like it. Used the wrong program.
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Tina Cutsinger is discussing. 
J. Randal Matheny
What Jesus doesn’t teach about the judgment
This is my sermon idea for Sunday in Taubate, about several things that Jesus’ judgment passage in Matt. 25.31-46 doesn’t teach. Rarely do I go on the negative like this, but this passage is so maligned and misused, and after I got into it, I thought my hearers might find it a novel approach from what I usually do. Of course, after each point, I’ll state what it is teaching and make application.
- What will happen in the so-called millenium;
- That the church should begin social programs;
- That we can earn salvation through good works.
If I can get all this fleshed out and then translated, I’ll post it on my website. So consider this either a teaser, or, lacking the future article, seeds for the sower.
Steve is discussing. -
Steve
I look forward to your message!
J. Randal Matheny
Good translation of a Bible verse: NAB in 2 John 9
On the Nudge asking for a good translation, I’d mentioned this earlier, but I like the New American Bible’s rendering of 2 John 9: “Anyone who is so ‘progressive’ as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.”
The word “progressive” is in quotes, apparently, to indicate that the Gnostics believed that they had a superior and higher teaching that went beyond the crude teachings of the Christians. Makes a good point for the original context, and a good application for our situation today.
John Henson
Our Prayer for November
“May we dedicate ourselves to developing the spirit rather than giving in to the flesh; to decency and not sensuality; that our life in Christ may underline the truth of our message of proclamation.”
This is a prayer one of my friends, Brazil missionary J. Randal Matheny, is asking the brotherhood of the church to consider in November. This one sentence makes a great deal of sense and should be in our minds and hearts as we enter the eleventh month of the year.
We should dedicate ourselves to developing spiritual things rather than giving in to the flesh. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof,” (Romans 13:13-14 ASV).
All of those things Paul said we should not heed are desires of the flesh. They appeal to baser thoughts, not spiritual thinking. There are three pairs of things from which we are to refrain. All three pairs are a reflection of worldly thinking and living, not behavior belonging to those who have put on Christ in baptism.
There’s a reason why people living in the sphere of influence of wickedness live the way they do: they have never repented! Christians, on the contrary, have repented and changed their lives putting the old man of sin to death (Romans 6:6-7).
People who are clothed with Christ are not making “provision for the flesh,” an interesting phrase headed by the word, “provision,” which is an old Greek word for “forethought.” One can either plan for a heavenly future, or for an eternal destiny away from God. Christians are making an investment in thinking and living spiritually, not fleshly.
Our proclamation of the truth can be greatly enhanced by our faithfulness to the word of God we claim to love. If our lives condemn us, others will not obey the gospel. Therefore, we need to show the power of Christ in our hearts and lives so as to validate and recommend the proclamation of the gospel. Our lives show our thoughts. People will see in our conduct what we believe. Then, let us proclaim Christ with our lives and our tongues!
Glenda Williams are discussing. -
Glenda Williams
Excellent. I want to use this in our church bulletin this week. May I?
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John Henson
Feel free. Please send me a copy. Grand Blanc Church of Christ, 4028 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48439.
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Ed Boggess
When I said, “I am sorry.”
When telling a lady, sexually abused as a child, that she was worth saving.
When advising my daughter against marrying a certain young man.
When telling teenagers that life is fragile & could end at any moment.
When suggesting to fellow preachers that vinegar sets brethren’s teeth on edge.
When telling a 90-something that assisted living would help keep her from the nursing home.
When suggesting preachers need some sort of retirement consideration.
Ed Boggess
Cheating NOT OK! – JAM
Did you know that the majority of American teenagers seventeen and younger believe that lying and cheating is a necessary ingredient of a successful career? That is the finding of the Josephson Institute of Ethics last year. Truth is fallen in the street. There was a day when honesty was revered, when contracts were sealed with a handshake, when front doors were left unlocked, when lost billfolds were returned with the contents in tact; but today honesty has been mugged in the alley and left for dead. In its place we are left with a pack of hoodlums: lies, cheats, distortions, exaggerations, tales, gossip; all led by the Devil himself! This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess
J. Randal Matheny
Pray with me this next month
… about this subject. This is a monthly project for the Brazilian church, but I don’t always get it out there as I should. Summer is coming here, hence the prayer to avoid carnality (actually, the prayer highlights the positive side), which seems to flourish in the warmth of the sun. Reminds one of Solomon’s phrase, “under the sun,” though he means something different by it.
Do pray with me this next month about this.
John Henson
Unheard Words
Most of my unheard words went into and out of the ears of those married couples I tried to help. I remember one couple who ignored every Biblical quote I made. The only time the man listened to what I was saying was when I told him that if he didn’t try to remain faithful to his wife, she was going to divorce him and take everything he owned. He listened to that.
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Bryant
That demonstrates that some are far too tied to their material possessions and do not consider the spiritual aspects of their lives as they should.
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John Henson
You are absolutely right, my brother!
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J. Randal Matheny
When you should stop praying
Two items here. One, Steve Higginbotham’s excellent devotional today:
MercEmail A Weekly Devotional by Steve Higginbotham
Stop Praying!
October 29, 2010Stop praying? Now, that’s not what you typically hear, but that’s exactly
what God once told Moses. Not that God was frowning on prayer, but the time
for praying without action had passed. It was time to act. God told Moses
to tell the children of Israel to “move forward!” (Exodus 14:15).Friends, could it be time for you to stop praying and “move forward?”
Understand this one thing; many of the prayers we have prayed to God have
already been answered. He has said “yes.” Yet, we remain in a quandary,
not because God hasn’t answered, but because we haven’t “moved forward.” My
point is, “Don’t just sit there and continue to simply pray when you can
“move forward” and receive God’s answer to the prayers you’ve been praying.Copyright C 2010, Steve Higginbotham. Permission is granted to copy these
articles.
Two, this is exactly what I’ve said we ought to understand in Ananias’s words to Saul in Damascus, where the preacher found the persecutor praying and fasting:
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16 NET, emphasis mine)
What should Saul get up from doing? From praying and fasting. It was time to stop praying and time to obey the Lord by being baptized to get rid of his sins.
Can you imagine some other moments when it would be appropriate to say, “Stop praying”?
Mike Riley
When do my words go unheard? Usually when my wife doesn’t want to listen to any instructions that I’ve given her, and goes ahead and does what she wants to do anyway. :)
Ron Thomas
Some years ago, many in fact, I remember the feeling I had when I was ignored. I don’t remember particulars, ecept that it was during the time I was in junior high (there is still a junior high, isn’t there?). Because of that I developed a thick skin and brevity to my remarks. This has served me well through the years.
There problably is not a time when I would speak and the words would go unheard. Not obnly does it happen each Sunday, but it occurs even in polite converstaion. Anymore, however, I am not offended. If my words are of no value to the one (or ones) that I am speaking to, then I will move on. OTH, sometimes when I receive no response, it is not a matter of ignoring, but simply the words are received but not processed. Because this happens with me (I process words later), I have more charity.
J. Randal Matheny
Was yesterday better than today?
Sam Craft in Virginia sent me this little piece this morning. I don’t know any details about the author, but it applies, doesn’t it?
Was Yesterday Better Than Today?
Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. (Eccl. 7:10)
To appreciate if not adjust the blurred and biased estimates of modern life, we may well listen to the inquiry of a wise preacher of old, Solomon.
Think not that all the evil of the world is congested in our day. There was political corruption in the days of Jeroboam and Pilate. Remember that Judah and David and the Corinthians were guilty of adultery. There was parental laxity in the days of Lot and Eli. There was church infidelity in the time of Judas and Ananias. Heresies raged in the days of Christ, and Paul, and John. There have been unfaithful preachers before our day: on Mount Carmel, for example, there were eight hundred and fifty prophets of Baal to the one prophet Elijah. No such persecution has our age known as that which has blighted the pages of the past.
Bad as we are, we may be no worse than the bad who have gone before. Yet how much better to be better and do better and make a better world! Let us always remember to shine as lights in the world, but not being of the world.
“Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn Hitchcock
J. Randal Matheny
Daily Nudge: Unheard — and news
Tell us about a recent moment when you felt ignored, when your words fell on deaf ears, or when you spoke and nobody paid attention. (Kinda like the Nudge some days.) Parents with teens say this is a common phenomenon.
Communication can sometimes be a risky enterprise; always a challenge.
I’m batching it this weekend, wife and daughter gone to women’s retreat. Easy recipes, anyone?
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Glenda Williams
Randal, try this recipe that I absolutely love. It is Weight Watchers Taco Soup. 2 cans kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 1 can Rotel tomatoes (with chili peppers), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can whole kernal corn, 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, 1 package taco seasoning. Mix. Heat. Serve. 1 cup = 1 point.
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J. Randal Matheny
Glenda, none of those cans or mixes are available here in Brazil. But it sounds delicious!
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Barbara Ann Oliver
Toss some veggies with some olive oil, a little salt and pepper. Throw them on a cookie sheet with foil (for easy clean-up) and roast them in the oven on 425 for about 15-20 minutes, or until just the texture you like. Especially great this way is asparagus, mushrooms, and peppers. YUM!
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J. Randal Matheny
Sounds good. We like asparagus. Not sure I’m up to prepping all those veggies for that, though. Maybe I’ll just reheat the lentilburger that’s left over from the other day. ;-)
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Tina Cutsinger
pasta (your choice) tossed with a good evoo or butter and just a sprinkling of parm…salt and pepper… filling and good! Glad Vicki and Leila made it back safely :)
Ron Thomas
Bible Reading – Matthew 25
Should the prepared have given oil? Would it not have been an ethical thing to do when the unprepared had not enough? The answer is no in both cases – at least as the Lord taught it! The important point is not what should be given to the unprepared by the prepared, but what will not be given by the Lord when he comes. The unprepared did not regard with the same importance that which the Lord regarded; consequently, the unprepared will be left outside! That the unprepared knew something of the Lord is clear because when the bridegroom came they were somewhat looking for him. However, with what they knew (or had), and because they did not use it properly, they buried that which they knew something about. When the bridegroom came (comes) they were (will be) left holding an empty lamp outside.
Richard Mansel
Did Judas Know?
Matthew 26:21-25, ” Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, ‘Lord, is it I?’ He answered and said, ‘He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.’The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.’ Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’ He said to him, ‘You have said it.’”
Two things are curious about Judas.
First, it appears from this passage that he did not know he would betray Jesus (Luke 22:3)
Second, none of the apostles thought Judas was capable of such evil (John 13:26-30).
What comments do you have?
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Ron
Richard, it seems to me that Judas, by this time, had a sure sense of what he was doing. Satan entered Judas, and from that time he sought a way to betray, though he may not have known the exactly the way it would “go down.” However, in short order, he had a good idea as to how it would occur. In my opinion, his greatest surprise was when he learned that Jesus knew all about it, especially when the bread was handed to him.
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Mike Riley
John 13:2 says that it was “after supper” that the devil put the thought of betrayal into Judas. It wasn’t too long after that event, that Judas went to the chief priests to offer them a bribe (Matthew 26:14-16). The rest of the story is history.
It’s always amazed me as to what a small amount of money will do to some people – causes them to think irrationally – Judas being one of them.
Richard Mansel
Very Valuable Tool
For me, a Topical Concordance is one of the most valued tools in my arsenal as a Bible student who writes lessons and articles. I struggle for that exact passage and the concordance provides the answer. I have an Open Bible and I use it solely for that purpose. The topical concordance it provides is limited, but invaluable. It is in my hands every day.
However, at present, I am unable to find it and I am discombobulated, as a result. The chaos prior to leaving for the funeral has stashed it away somewhere. I hope that I will find it soon.
Do you use a Topical Concordance? Or do you just have exhaustive knowledge in your head? :)
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Mike Riley
No, don’t use a concordance that much anymore, but I do use this tool every day in order to look up a certain Scripture: http://www.just1word.com/bible_search?phrase=transformed
Just plug in a key word or phrase, and it will bring up every Scripture related to that key word or phrase. I saves a lot of searching time.
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Richard Mansel
Thanks, brother.
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Ron
I don’t use one, though I have “Nave’s” nearby. If I am caught without knowing what exactly I want, then I stop, and tend to something else. Generally, what I desired but could not get previously, will come to me when I am relaxed. On occasion, I scrap it all and start afresh, but by this time I have enough to put it together in a short while.
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J. Randal Matheny
Schmoller’s Greek concordance is usually close at hand still, though web searches are fast replacing many concordances.
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John Henson
My concordance needs are met by esword, Search God’s Word, or Studylight on the web. Even the ESV website has a concordance feature on it. I bought a new Strong’s Concordance recently, but I rarely use it.
Ed Boggess
Abandoned baby! – JAM
It happened at an airport in the Philippines – a baby was found in a trash bag unloaded from an airplane. A security officer noticed something moving in a garbage bag, went to investigate and found the newborn on the flight arriving from Bahrain. They took the baby to the airport clinic, cleaned him up and he let out a soft cry. His vital signs were fine and he was declared in good health. It never ceases to amaze me when a mother turns her back on her own baby. It is unnatural and it is wickedness personified. Listen people, if you don’t want the responsibility of loving and caring for a baby, then don’t have one. It is that simple! This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess
Stephen R. Bradd
My favorite evangelist
Larry Fryer is one of the greatest evangelists I’ve known personally. He has worked in Sri Lanka for over 30 years converting many souls and training many evangelists. Larry is the one primarily responsible for my entrance into ministry at the age of 18. His encouragement helped shape my life in a way it would not have otherwise developed (at least not at that age). He is a godly man and a real nurturer (and his wife is top notch too!). Being with them always makes me feel at peace.
Ron Thomas
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12a, NKJV). The sentiment belongs to Israel, but can you imagine the Lord looking upon this, our country and applying a mere portion of that which He prepared for Israel? Whether He would look down on our country and bless us as a nation is one promise in Scripture that does not apply to the United States of America. However, there is a promise that applies to all people everywhere. “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18). Do you fear the Lord and do you rely on His mercy? Let that be our challenge for the day, and the coming days.
Ron Thomas
Bible Reading – Matthew 24
The contents of this chapter are fairly well known. I would like to highlight a couple of points.
1. First, what is important to you in life? Is it the physical presence of something (like the Temple), and is it so important that you have “wrapped” your life around it? Has it become a piece of security to you? The Lord taught His disciples the physical is of no real consequence in an eternal “world”. We seem to learn this as we progress through life, but for some it is a hard lesson to learn.
2. Second, complementing yesterday’s thought, service in the Lord’s kingdom will have us ALWAYS prepared for when He comes. Are you prepared?
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Mike Riley
Ron, when it comes to my dwelling on the things of this world, I often sing this song, either silently or out loud – “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue”: http://www.paradisepbc.org/singing/I%20cant%20feel%20at%20home%20in%20this%20world%20anymore.mp3
Then my thinking can focus on spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2).
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Ron
That’s interesting, Mike. One that I like to sing is: “I need thee every hour,” and “Where could I go?” I like those songs.
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Mike Riley
Those songs will work too! :)
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J. Randal Matheny
Daily Nudge: Good translation — and news
While the others are still thinking about some Bible version’s bad renderings from the original languages, let’s look on the bright side and have you name an especially happy translation that you think expresses in good terms a phrase from the original Hebrew or Greek. Remember, we’re talking phrases here, and not whole versions of the Bible.
No version bashing, please, unless it’s the … never mind.
Since we tend to notice the bad more the the good, and since versions generally do a good job of translating the Word of God, this may be more of a challenge. Or may not.
New in our part of the world is that the national women’s retreat starts tomorrow at the Mt. of Olives Christian Camp on the other side of Sao Paulo. Many are going early to arrive this afternoon or early evening, including our ladies. A hired van will leave with some of our sisters from Taubate, make a stop here in SJCampos to pick up more, include two from our family, then make one more stop in Sao Paulo to scoop up at least one more, before heading out to camp. The two-day event goes through Saturday and brings women from all over the country in one of the largest gatherings of the distaff side of the Brazilian brotherhood.
So what’s your news?
Lee Parish are discussing. -
Lee Parish
I’ll share some news with you brother Randal. Julia and I have been accepted into the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions (http://etspm.org/). Lord willing we’ll begin classes Aug. 2011. We are thrilled. (Romans 12:15).
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J. Randal Matheny
Lee, my apologies for not replying earlier to your comment. Congratulations to you and Julia. I pray it will be a great blessing to you, as you will be to the brethren there, and for many years to come.
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John Henson
The Last True Evangelist
It is tempting to begin this post with a line from a movie entitled, “The Right Stuff.”
Supposedly, Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper was asked, “Who’s the best pilot you ever saw?” He answered, “Well, I’ve seen a lot of ‘em.” But, then, he gave his stock answer: “You’re looking at him.”
But instead of stooping to a movie line to answer, I’ll say someone you may have never seen. Perhaps, you have. His name is Charles Williams. He has been preaching for the New Union Church of Christ in Manchester, Tennessee for the last 30+ years.
Working together with his elders, Charles has built what used to be a little country church into one that has between 250 and 300 in attendance each Lord’s day. He taught and baptized most of them. However, that wasn’t enough. He set his sights on Panama and did some remarkable work there, and then saw the fields ripe unto harvest in Russia and began working there. Through his efforts, and those who helped him, two churches have been planted in Russia and several have been taught the gospel and obeyed it.
All of this has come at a high price for Charles and his wife, Diane. Some years ago, she was diagnosed with a painful disease, Lupus, I believe. There’s been hardly a day she hasn’t suffered. Charles could have used his wife’s sickness as an excuse to slow down, but hasn’t.
With all he does, he’s always a moment to listen to some poor, lost soul. I know. There have been times he’s listened to me.
Hopefully, the day when he finally lays down the book he’s preached so well will not come for many, many years. Who’s the last, true evangelist I’ve ever seen? You’re looking at him: it’s Charles.
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J. Randal Matheny
Your opening and closing brought a chuckle, good ones. And may the Lord crown Charles and Diane with life eternal and a great harvest of souls.
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John Henson
Amen, brother. And may his tribe (and yours) increase!
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Ron
Good piece, John. I really liked it.
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John Henson
Thanks, brother Ron.
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Weylan Deaver
Pray about the election…
…remembering that Christians are told to pray for the government, to the end that the church might carry on its work with peace, quiet, godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Considering the outright wicked views (e.g. abortion, homosexuality) that are now in the warp and woof of the Democratic party in the United States, as well the fact that the more powerful such godless views grow, the more the Lord’s church stands to suffer for teaching the truth, we ought to pray for a huge Democratic defeat. So, don’t forget to vote, but, even more importantly, don’t forget to pray to the God who rules the kingdoms of men, giving them to whom He will.
J. Randal Matheny
Saturday evening in Acts 20.7
Probably the worst rendering I can think of, to my mind, because of the impact it has doctrinally on a central teaching like the Lord’s supper, is Acts 20:7 in the Good News Bible (TEV). It substitutes the phrase, “Saturday evening,” for “On the first day of the week.”
This is perpetuated in the Brazilian Portuguese equivalent (Bíblia na Linguagem de Hoje), and was not corrected in a new edition (Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje).
It may have nothing to do with it, since the so-called emerging churches just don’t bother to pay attention to the Bible, but it makes one wonder if this mis-translation has been used to justify churches eating the Lord’s supper on Saturday nights and other times during the week.
That said, another bad one is the NLT rendering of 2 Timothy 4:1, which I noticed just last night; it appears to lend support to premillenialism. And my first impressions of the NLT were so favorable. *Sigh*
Mike Riley
Single Worst Phrase
In my opinion, the single worst phrase, would have to be the rendering of Psalm 51:5 in the NIV:
“Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
Brother Wayne Jackson comments: http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/276-original-sin-and-a-misapplied-passage
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John Henson
Agreed. That has to be the worst, or one of the worst.
Ed Boggess
Look around. They are everywhere you look, working, serving, teaching, preaching good news (gospelizing); each in his own way and according to his own understanding, seeking to do their best at pointing to He who is the truth, the life, and the way.
Ed Boggess
Uncontrolled temper – JAM
In September (2010) a Kentucky man lost his temper over how his wife cooked his eggs and in a rage killed her, his stepdaughter, three neighbors and then himself. Stanley Neace, 47, of Mount Carmel could have used an Anger Management Course. A Proverb says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” When push comes to shove and you are tempted to show someone who is boss, stop and think for a moment. Count to ten, then lead with your head, not your feelings. If I were creating a new proverb, it might be: “the man who blows his top, loses his head.” Stanley certainly lost his. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess
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Mike Riley
Let’s remember that “cooler heads prevail”: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/11/08/remember-that-cooler-heads-prevail/
Ron Thomas
Poor Rendering (IMHO)
The “prod” today is the rendering of a verse that seems terrible poor (at least that is how I interpreted Randal’s prompt).
I do not like the NLT on 1 Samuel 20:30, and I especially do not like it in the Living Bible. Yes, I know the latter is not a translation, but its influence is strong with some, just the same. In part it reads, “Sail boiled with rage. ‘You son of a ______!’ he yelled at him.”
The blank can be filled in. The NLT uses the word “whore” – “You stupid son of a whore!” he swore at him.”
J. Randal Matheny
Daily Nudge: Worst phrase — and news
What is, in your opinion, the single worst phrase in a given version translated from the original languages? The one phrase you think was bungled worse than any other. We’re not asking for a failing grade for any version as a whole, but only a phrase.
Most versions do a good job of translation, so this is no sly attempt to say that you can’t really know the will of God without reading the Bible in Hebrew and Greek, as someone affirmed recently in an email group.
This question comes to mind after I found one last night. I’m researching it now and hope to post an article later today on my blog. It’s not the worst I’ve found, but it’s not pretty.
Got news about a happening in the kingdom?
If you’re a Fellow, answer in a separate post. If you’re a guest, click on the Reply button at upper right next to the title of this post. Would love to hear from all.
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David Hersey
Matthew 18:18
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
KJVThis rendering of the original language is reflected in many other translations as well. The original language gives the meaning here that what is bound by the apostles was already bound in heaven and vice versa. This translation makes it look like the apostles are making heavenly policy here. Such is not and cannot be the case.
Ron Thomas
Bible Reading – Matthew 23
There are two points worth notice.
1. First, the idea of service is of such importance that when the Lord came, He gave Himself as an example of service (23:1-12). Though there is not anything new to us in this, it is important that we exalt and emphasize the eternal quality associated with it. Service to others before self is a famous motto – and well that it should be.
2. A second point is the hypocrisy associated with service. Because of our struggles in life we seem to compensate by serving others. This is good, but it has a misplacement quality about it. In other words, let our service be because of Him whom we serve and not because we are trying to compensate for our failings. We have sympathy for those in this struggle, but we have no sympathy, and neither does the Lord, for those who are plain hypocrites. The word hypocrite is associated with acting, and this “acting” is a lie that we put forth to others; we tell them we are one thing when, in fact, we are another.
drkenney
Within the past few days, I have been fortunate to share time with several true evangelists which are vital to the work in the State of Ohio. This would include evangelists such as Mark Weaver of Vermilion, OH; Ralph Price of Streetsboro, OH; Phil Grear of Springfield, OH; Brad Poe of Proctorville, OH; Jack Gilchrist of Massillon, OH; Steve Wilsford of Carollton, OH; Chuck Hopkins of East Sparta, OH; Steve Healea of Orrville, OH; Jim Duty of Medina, OH; and others. Plus, I was able to spend the a few days with my favorite evangelist, my father, Warren F. Kenney of Martinsburg, WV.
I love preachers of the gospel and their wives who support them!
J. Randal Matheny
Eddie Lawson, true evangelist
The last true evangelist I’ve run across, I can’t say. But I know one whose passion is unsurpassed.
Eddie and Esther Lawson returned to Christ the same time I went to preach in Ashland, Miss. (That was centuries ago.) Their hunger and thirst for the Word was insatiable. Eddie quit his job and studied at IBC (now Heritage Christian). He began preaching full-time and was a wonderful soul-winner.
Eddie went to work with the We Care Campaigns. Then he started a similar program which he does full-time, but he trains the congregation to evangelize, and not just during a special effort. He stays booked up.
His wife Esther has since died, and he remarried, but he’s never missed an opportunity for the Lord.
Danny Stone is discussing. -
Danny Stone
I need to know where we can buy those New Testaments we used during the campaign when we went door knocking
Richard Mansel
A Godly Woman
I hope you will read my tribute to the life of my mother, Carolyn Mansel. She was a godly example for all of us. I point out three lessons from her life that will edify all of our lives.
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stevelucas
Richard, You are most fortunate to have had such a Christ-like mother! I really appreciate your perspective of being joyous! Though we all do grieve, as humans, over the loss of our loved ones, it is for eternity that we must focus. This is merely a journey, and for others like you, it includes being surrounded by a parent that desired a heavenly home. Steve
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Tina Cutsinger
Your mother sounds like she was a wonderful christian wife, mother, sister and friend. I know you all will miss her. My sympathy to your family and you.
J. Randal Matheny
Need a chaplain?
This from Dale Jenkins’s Facebook wall:
About 10:40 last night many of us at the hospital gathered around dad’s bed and Jeff led a moving prayer. If you know our family at all, you can imagine there were 7 preachers in the room. About 3-4 minutes later dad drew his last breath. Moments later, a young and compassionate male nurse walked in the room. He was not intrusive and wanting to be so very helpful. In a reverent and tender voice he asked: “Can I call you guys a chaplin?” The room roared with laughter. But I can only imagine the laughter of joy that occurred around the throne and/or among the many who greeted our dad on the other side…
Thank each of you who loved dad and who now weep and rejoice with us.
Larry Miles
Take Up The Whole Armor of God!
Many times in his writings the Apostle Paul used military imagery in describing spiritual things. One reason for this was that in many parts of the Roman Empire, the presence of the military was out in full force. Paul used illustrations and terms that the people were accustomed to.
In Ephesians 6:10-17 he wrote about “taking up the whole armor of God.”. What did he mean? Paul was using the imagery of the different parts of the Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate some very important ways that a Christian can be equipped for service to the Lord Jesus.
Most of the armor is of a defensive nature and some offensive. The Roman government provided their armies with everything they would need to do battle. They were equipped for service to Caesar. How much more should the child of the King be equipped for service to the Lord.
Paul took the different parts of the soldier’s armor and made spiritual application. In Ephesians 6:10 he says “be strong in the Lord…”. Paul reminds us that our battle is not against an enemy we can see on the battlefield, but on a spiritual one, that is, Satan, himself. If we will let Him, the Lord will equip us door this battle. One important aspect we must understand up front is that we cannot win the battle in our own strength, but can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, win the battle. It is as the Word of God says, “greater is He. Who is in you than he who is the world.”
Verses 14-17 speak of defensive weapons by which we can protect ourselves in this battle. It is in the later part of verse 17 that we are introduced to the offensive weapon, the “sword of the spirit which is the Word of God.”
The Word of God is powerful! Paul told us in 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 that the Word is inspired of God. It is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
If we are willing to not only read God’s Word but to study it, mediate upon it, and tell others about it, we will “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ,” – we will be able to help and encourage other believers as we serve in the Lord’s army.
The hymn writer, Sabine Baring-Gould penned these famous words, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before; Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe, forward into battle, see His banners go.”. Let’s go forward lifting up the Name of the Lord Jesus before a lost and dying world, reaching the lost with the Gospel and strengthening the saved!
Mike Riley 11:49 am on October 30, 2010 Permalink |
Randal, I wrote this article along similar lines: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2006/09/26/are-we-disciples-or-deserters/