Have you ever wondered why there are so many translations of the Bible? Has a skeptic ever told you that the Bible is not reliable because it has been translated so many times? A better understanding of Bible translation can help us in our own Bible study, and it can also help us correct misinformation that is so prevalent today. If you’d like to join me in a journey of studying Hermeneutics, I invite you to check out this 12-minute video I’ve put together as part of my series: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics (Bible interpretation). This is Session #3: Why so many translations? And which is best? The Lord’s blessing on you today! -Pastor Steve
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This Sunday we will be finishing our series, One More. BUT, we will never be done with doing One More because that is who we are called to be as Christians! Jesus was always about the One More! He called the twelve disciples and invited them to live their lives for the One More. He died for the One More. He rose from the dead for the One More. He commissioned his disciples to make disciples of all nations… all for the One More. You are a One More. I am a One More. There is always a One More in your life and my life. “Lord, choose us to reach One More!” “Lord, choose me to reach One More!” Question: Do you feel inadequate to reach One More? If so, GOOD! We are inadequate - alone. But the Holy Spirit uses us anyway. And… God invites us to lean into Him and grow in our knowledge and ability to make disciples who make disciples. One of those ways we grow in our knowledge and ability to make disciples who make disciples is to get trained in Apologetics (which simply means: defending the faith). Apologetics does three things for us:
Here is the first of five short videos (10 minutes or less) introducing Apologetics. You are invited to join me in this journey! In His Grace and Love, Pastor Steve (for session#2 slides click here) Some questions to ponder:
If you are interested, take a look! This Sunday we continue our series Heavenly Homeland by looking at the faith of Abraham. As I read the call of Abraham, one important question come to mind: How confident was Abraham that he really heard God’s voice? If the instructions were something like: “Abraham, have lamb stew for dinner this evening!”… well not a big deal if it was’t God after all. But… “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you….” Genesis 12:1 That is quite a lot at stake! Or how about later when God speaks to Abraham: “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” Genesis 22:1-2 How did Abraham know it was God? Did he ever wonder, “What if I’m wrong?” What about us, today? How do I know God’s voice? How can I be sure? First, we must recognize that Abraham didn’t have any Scripture to consult; so we can assume that God spoke to Him very, very clearly. And God has made it clear that for US, TODAY, he has given us the Scriptures as our guide. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. -1 Timothy 3:16 So whenever we believe God is speaking to us, we rightly ask, “Where is it written?” If it is not clearly in Scripture, then you have every reason to doubt that it was God’s voice. We also have our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us discern God’s voice. So in a nutshell: How do I know what God is saying? Look to:
If God’s Word is our ultimate guide… then how do I know I am understanding it correctly? Biblical Hermeneutics is the study of Biblical interpretation. Yes: there is a RIGHT way to read the Bible (and many wrong ways!) If you’d like to begin a journey with me in studying the key principles of Biblical interpretation, check out the short video below. In His Love and Grace, Pastor Steve |
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October 2024
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