FAQs and Tips from a Pastor’s Perspective

I was recently asked a question that comes up regularly…so I thought I would answer it here…in case others were wondering the same thing. (By the way: It is a question we answer during the discussion on the Bible in my doctrinal teaching “What we believe…and why we believe it.”

Question: I have a difficult time understanding the King James Version of the Bible. What Bible do you recommend? (Other variations of the question include what’s the difference with all of the translations?)

Here is some background reading on translations from my teaching on the subject: Bible Translation Overview.

I personally preach from the NASB (New American Standard Bible, updated 1995) because I believe it to be the most accurate English translation available in the essentially literal category.

When I travel abroad, I usually carry the NIV (New International Version) or the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)…since I do not want to give the impression that my God is an American God…which is a purely missiological consideration.

As for personal reading, I usually recommend that teachers use an essentially literal translation (NASB, ESV, HCSB, NKJV). For those who think it is a bit “rigid”, I recommend the NIV…since it translates ideas or concepts, not just words. For those who prefer a more “narrative” form of the story, I give the New Living Translation a “thumbs up.”

How to select a bible? Go to a book store and read a passage in several translations. (You can also do this online if you google sources). I would choose a passage from John (say chapter 1 and 3). I would also look at key verses like 1 John 2:2…to see how they deal with the atonement/propitiation. Then…I would get what I liked the best.

Personally I avoid paraphrases like the Message. I won’t “fight you” over it, but I personally just don’t see the need for that.

For the new reader and the seasoned bible study person alike…I have always found a good “Study Bible” to be helpful. The “study notes” at the bottom of the page help explain concepts that are not very clear in the text. I even used a study bible when I first began to preach! John MacArthur has a good Study Bible, and so does Zondervan (as well as some others…maybe.)

The biggest key…get a Bible you understand and start reading it prayerfully…until you can grasp it. Underline, circle, and check references. Read the study notes and the background sections. Basically…just do it!

Weekend Reflections: April 12, 2008

What an incredible weekend we experienced! On Saturday, our church team, under the leadership of Andrea Frost planned and implemented a community Easter Egg Hunt at Springdale Park in Pensacola. (www.eggsinthepark.com) This is the 6th year that Andrea has been pursuing this. She has a burden for her neighbors and what took place Saturday is a sterling example of how the “church” does ministry. The “church” came alongside in ministering to the community through this outreach event. The results were that between 600-700 people came and enjoyed free games, food, egg hunt, exhibitions by the Esacambia County Sheriff’s Canine Unit, Motorcycle Show and Exhibits of race cars, metal detecting…you name it! Someone said, “this turned out great.” Well, nothing turns out great. The team of volunteers gave all they had and worked hard. God blessed it and it was incredible. Great results, in my experience, follow great determination, and above average commitment to the goal.

Today, we had two identical worship services (8:45 and 10:30). Out teams ministered like they have been doing this for years. This is the first time Calvary has ever had two worship services. We added the second service for no other reason than to reach our community. I received a phone call this morning before the 8:45 service from a woman who said that she had been out of church for some time…but felt led to come to church today. (She called for service times and to know if we ministered to children). God took the careful and faithful preparation of His people and blessed it. He used all of the efforts to tell His Story to people He is drawing to Himself. Again, great success typically follows great commitment and determination. Nothing just happens. When we are intentional about being available, relatable, missional, and worshipful, God uses is. AS A RESULT we had 554 people on campus for worship (an increaseof nearly 200 over Easter last year!) We had 2 dozen families or more fill out first time Connection Cards and many decisions for Salvation and recommitments of lives. PLEASE Pray with me that many of these people will come back next week as we continue in the series of messages on “All Things New.” We will be talking about the purpose God has and how that relates to our success in life.

A special thank you to every member of the teams who made today possible. I know we had a huge turnout for children’s ministry. Everyone worked hard to make this all possible! I heard many positive comments about having two services. What were your thoughts? I feel that God will continue to bless our ministry. As such, I suspect that in the coming months, we will have two regular services and will add a third service for Easter next year! If God gave us 554 this year…why don’t we pray now for 1,000 next year? Wouldn’t that be amazing?

One last thought as I close…After serving at the park on Saturday…and hearing many people compliment the church and our efforts at serving them…I drove home and saw a group of men with big bibles and billboards at the main intersections near my home. They were preaching at cars as they drove by. I pulled in to hear more of what they were saying. There was nothing wrong with the content of their message. The Scriptures were right. Their context, however, was as wrong as anything I have ever seen. I was EMBARRASSED by how they represented Christ and had a single prayer as I drove away. I pray that no one confuses me with them or confuses the Jesus who saved me with the “jesus” that they preached about. (Their jesus simply sought to condemn people for their failures.)

Newsflash…my failure and your failure was fully known to Jesus when He laid down His life in our place at Calvary. He gave His life, not to condemn, but that we would be saved (John 3:16-17). If Jesus were into condemning people, He could simply have avoided the cross. We were condemned already.

I cannot imagine (or even recall an incident in the Bible…even the one they were waving around) where Jesus yelled at people as they passed by. Just a hint to anyone who thinks this is effective or prescribed as a biblical practice: Smile more, yell less, learn someone’s name, and share how God was merciful to you…a sinner, undeserving of His mercy and grace. At that point, they might be open to your message. Otherwise…please pick another intersection…preferably one at a country crossroad 1000 miles from civilization. You are hurting the cause of Christ.

Praise God for He alone is Good and Worthy of our Praise and Adoration.

Grace,

Begin with "Yes, we can."

A reason to say “Yes.” I read a great post by Seth Godin on Monday. His post is linked here. Seth is a business marketing guru and cultural communicator and he makes some good observations, primarily for the business world. Occasionally, I find an application to what we do in other areas of our lives…specifically for me, in the church.

When confronted with “the challenge,” do you look for reasons to make it happen, or reasons to decline? When someone stop you “midstream” from point “A” to point “B” and asks if you can help them…do you default to “sure, what can I do for you?” or “I am sorry, but not right now.”

We should always present the “Yes.” Back in the day when I coached salesmen, I used to tell them to answer each concern or objection with “No problem,” or “Absolutely.” For instance, if someone says, “Your price is too high. Can you cut it?” My response: “Absolutely. We can adjust the price to a number you are comfortable with. We have worked to present a great value to you, but we are absolutely willing to work harder to customize the program further, to better fit your needs. Which of the features presented are unnecessary or should we remove?” Often, when we begin with “Yes” and then explain what it takes to get there as we work with an individual, they change their mind…but they feel that they are heard and appreciated. And…they are.

Something about beginning with “Yes” rather than “No” or “I’m Sorry” sets the tone for a great partnership. Try it this week and let me know how it goes!