What Bible Translation Should We Use?

It used to be that there was really only one English Bible translation to find—the eminent King James Version. Oddly, the revered date of 1611 is not at all what people have in their personal libraries, cars, or smartphones. There were many revisions of this version (and truthfully the KJV is itself a revision, but hardly anyone cares to know this and many believe it irreverent to say such things—here’s an example of some of the foolishness http://chick.com/reading/books/158/158_05.asp).

Honestly, that was good and bad. Good because there wasn’t a lot of confusion in Bible study—e.g., “That’s not what my Bible says!” Bad because it didn’t seem to encourage a lot of original language study.

The main problem I seem to have always had when it comes to the KJV is the archaic nature of the English itself. I don’t enjoy listening to it at all: it sounds weird to me; and I find myself asking, “What did he say?” I also don’t enjoy Shakespearean plays in their original tongue either—e.g., many years ago my wife and I went to a Shakespearean play performed live in Montgomery, Alabama. It was cool watching it live, but I understood hardly anything about the plot because I couldn’t understand what the actors were saying. Essentially it is almost like a foreign language to me.

I often think of a time years ago when I had the opportunity to study the gospel with a teenage girl. Her difficulty in Bible reading was that she didn’t understand the KJV. I bought her a NKJV and it helped her immensely.

I’ve been asked numerous times as a preacher what Bible translation a person should use. I’ve come to this answer: The one you’ll read.

No science here; no obfuscation. Just read the one you’ll read.

Personally, I use a lot of different Bible translations. I preach a lot from the English Standard Version. I also publicly use the NKJV and NASB. When I’m really getting into a word study, I use the Greek. The cool thing is that there are computer programs that put a lot of this information in an easy to use format. Online there’s http://BibleHub.com and http://BibleGateway.com. With BibleHub you can type in the verse and it provides you with a dozen or so English translations.

The point is to enjoy learning. Sometimes we’ve heard the word of God stated too familiarly. And using a different English translation might help keep us attentive. 

Simplicity Is Not Simple

KISS is an acronym for "Keep It Simple Stupid."

Why is it easier to obfuscate?

I guess a big part of the problem is that we want to seem fancy—I'm reminded of a Spongebob episode where he and Patrick are trying to impress Sandy the Squirrel; at one point as Patrick is teaching Spongebob about being fancy, he screams: "Remember! Pinky out!"

The Lord kept things simple (John 14:15; 15:14). Too often we want to make salvation a lot tougher than it is.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

Sometimes Ignorance Truly Is Bliss

Today I was having a good day, but then I took a moment to look at the headlines. Good day ruined.

Honestly, the news bothers me. And yet I find myself drawn to either watch or read it daily. Why? Hardly anything good comes from knowing all the evil and injustices that are being perpetrated across the entire globe.

On vacation I began my day differently than when at home—rather than reading the news, immediately after checking the weather—I didn't. I mean I didn't check the weather or the news at all to begin my vacationing days. I didn't plan on this course of action: I just did it. And after a few days of this I became aware of what I was doing differently … and I realized how happy I was not to read the "Daily Evil Report."

I'm not saying there's nothing good at all in the news; but, the reality is that there's hardly anything good. I am reminded what the Holy Spirit urges us to do: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Meditation isn't the easiest thing to do. Some would probably think meditation is taking a nap. But it's not, of course. Meditation means we're quietly sitting and thinking. But it's not misdirected or wandering—it's focused, and therefore, it's challenging.

If we will make the time and effort to dwell on good things (specifically, godly things) then we will benefit from it immensely:

• peace of mind
• happiness
• joy
• peace
• love

We need to get the picture. "I have more insight than all my teachers, For Thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalms 119:99).

You Can't Get Caught Doing the Wrong Thing If You're Not Doing the Wrong Thing

Oh the humiliation!

It hasn't happened in quite a long time: I got pulled over for speeding. I didn't argue at all because I was speeding. I was actually pretty frustrated with myself because I wasn't paying a lick of attention. I was going with the flow of traffic.

My initial thought was that this gentleman might need help as he was waving me over, until I saw he was in uniform (this was a motorcycle cop).

I know some would argue with the deputy that others were speeding, or that others were going faster (all true), but the reality is that getting caught is like fishing: all the fish aren't gonna get caught, but they might catch you. And the thing is: you can't get caught doing the wrong thing if you're not doing the wrong thing.

The good news for me is that I got off with a warning. And of course I'm thankful for that. No explanations were provided: I just sped off left.

We love it when others are merciful to us, but are we happy enough to extend mercy to others? "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).

Style Over Substance

We’re all guilty of it — looking at the surface of things without considering the substance. For example, I like fonts: all kinds of fonts. And if you like fonts, too, then you know that style means a lot; except when you begin actually reading what’s been written with those beautiful and stylish fonts!

God says he doesn’t see the way people see (1 Sam 16:7). He said this to Samuel when Samuel was commanded to anoint King Saul’s replacement. Samuel sees the oldest of Jesse’s sons and thinks to himself, “This is the next king!” But that’s when God says no …

Jesus tells us not to judge by appearances, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). I was reminded of the Lord’s statement when this week a convicted felon’s arrest picture became viral on the arresting police station’s Facebook page (30,000+ likes for this dude’s photo). I know some people were trying to be funny about it all, but this is another symptom of our society’s sickness — we’d rather set a man free who looks nice (and that is subjective: he scared me and I believe that if most people saw or spoke to him “on the street,” they’d run away) than let justice be served.

I have also read of preachers criticized for a lack of style over substance (e.g., the apostle Paul by the Corinthians — see 1 Cor 2:4 and 2 Cor 10:10). It's obviously not a modern problem since the same apostle forewarned Timothy that there would be those who would prefer having their ears tickled (2 Tim 4:3-4).

Where else are we more about style than substance? Motorcycles. I really shouldn’t even begin on this subject (it’s one of my favorites). I ride a 2013 Star 950T, and I sometimes get people asking about the bags — e.g., “Are they aftermarket?” Nope, they actually came with the bike and not only look good, but are huge and lockable. And then sometimes the portentous question comes: “Is it a Harley?” Nope, it’s a Star … a what? I love it and that’s all I really care about. I actually came across a man while I was refueling who concluded for me, “If it’s not a Harley then who cares?” Style over substance … and reliability … and cost … and, actually, style!

Let’s care enough to look past the surface. I often heard growing up that you can’t (or shouldn’t) judge a book by its cover. But we do anyway, don’t we? Why do we do it? Sometimes it’s simply because of laziness. And laziness breeds apathy. 

Vanity Sizing

I learned a new term today: "vanity sizing."

You may already know what it is, but as a guy, I didn't. Basically, I was looking online for motorcycle riding pants—something tougher than jeans because jeans don't really protect too well from road rash. One of the mesh pants I was considering mentioned that the sizing was not vanity sizing … and so I wondered: "What in the world is this?"

Vanity sizing makes you feel smaller than you really are. So, those jeans you might now fit in that are size X, may actually be size Y (where X is 36 and Y is 38 … as an example: no, you're not fat). 

This blew my mind. (You're right, it doesn't take much.)

I figured there was "truth" in those sizing labels. It's a simple expectation. But this whole thing about "vanity sizing" makes me wonder what else in this wide world may not be what it's saying it is.

I'm Not Ready!

I’ve been intending to sit down and collect my thoughts about my oldest daughter’s high school graduation. It’s been a bit busier than usual because of all the preparations being made for the event. Translation: my wife has been busy and I have been sitting around complaining about everything. But as with all things in life, “the time has come.”

The funny thing to me is that with all the family that came in, someone would have thought a wedding was about to happen! Thankfully, not yet … although that is another milestone in life that everyone but me will thrill over.

I’m more sentimental than I want to admit. Deep within me I am not accepting the changes well — and it’s probably not all that deep within (I’m actually more or less the kind of person who wears his heart on his sleeve).

The thing is: I’m having a tough time accepting the inevitabilities of life. I do remember when I was graduating high school and how desperate I felt to get out and do my own thing. I’m not sure how my parents felt, but I’m sure it’s a lot like how I’m feeling now.

The bottom line? I am not prepared!