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Sunday, December 31, 2023

Helpful Information to Know About Bible Translations


Bible Translations, is there a "perfect one" that I should read? Like many others, I often get asked which Bible translation is the best, or why I preach out of the translation I do (usually NIV). I also have been reprimanded by individuals from time to time when I guest speak at churches for not using "the right translation". It is a great study and will remain a good topic as long as this area grows.

Bible teachers and preachers like to use different translations for different purposes. When I am teaching or preaching I usually use the NIV because it is a good mixture of "word for word" and "thought for thought" but it does have its issues and they frequently change different aspects. I have found it is what most people "in the pew" are using. However, when I am preparing for a sermon/class I try to compare translations. This is very easily done ONLINE now. (If I'm preaching from the New Testament I usually consort a Greek Interlinear Bible, KJV, NASB, NRSV, NLT, NCV, and the NIV.) In some cases, the NIV misses the mark and I will opt for a different translation for a particular text.

There has been a good article written on this topic. I thought you all might find this interesting.

5 Things You Need to Know About Bible Translations


As the article states, all translations have their strengths and weaknesses. So, I thought you all might like to read this article. He makes some good points.


#translations



What is the BEST Bible Translation? Translations Explained!
Discussing Bible translations is a VERY DANGEROUS topic.  There are a lot of opinions and emotions around which ones are the BEST.  However, understanding how and why each translation was created allows for us to choose the best translation for each of the different ways we use our Bible's.

Friday, December 29, 2023

Revelation Quick Links - Reflections

Here are the quick links to each section

Link to Scripture  =  Chapter Title Link to Comments

Introduction = Introductory Material & Resources
Revelation  1  = John’s Greetings to the Seven Churches
Revelation  2:1-17  = The Message to the Churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, & Pergamum
Revelation 2:18-3:6 = The Message to the Churches in Thyatira and Sardis
Revelation 3:7-22  = The Message to the Church in Philadelphia & Laodicea
Revelation  4  = Worship in Heaven
Revelation  5  = The Lamb Opens the Scroll
Revelation  6  = The Lamb Breaks the First Six Seals
Revelation  7  = God’s People Will Be Preserved
Revelation  8  = The First Four Trumpets
Revelation  9  = The Fifth Trumpet Brings the First Terror
Revelation  10  = The Angel and the Small Scroll
Revelation  11  = The Two Witnesses
Revelation  12  = The Woman and the Dragon
Revelation  13  = The Beast Out of the Sea
Revelation  14  = The Lamb and the 144,000
Revelation  15  = Seven Angels With Seven Plagues
Revelation  16  = Lamb on Mount Zion: Angels, Harvests and Warnings
Revelation  17  = Babylon, the Prostitute on the Beast
Revelation  18  = The Fall of Babylon: A Call for Spiritual Separation
Revelation  19  = The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Revelation  20  = The Thousand Years
Revelation  21  = The New Heaven and The New Earth
Revelation  22  = John and the Angel

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Revelation 22:1-21 John and the Angel = Week 52 - Thursday

John and the Angel

Revelation 22:1-21



Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a smartphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)


Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.




Themes
Divine Prophecy
Redemption and Salvation
The Kingdom of God
Judgment and Reward
Eternity and Everlasting Life
Urgency and Readiness
Invitation and Warning

Topics
The River of Life
The Tree of Life
The Return of Christ
The Final Invitation
The Final Warning



Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
  • John
  • Jesus Christ
  • The Angel
  • The Church (represented metaphorically)
#Time =
#Place =
  • New Jerusalem
  • The Throne of God and of the Lamb
#Obedient faith
#Sin
#Key Idea

Revelation 22 ESV

The River of Life

1Then the angela showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of lifeb with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Jesus Is Coming

6And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

7“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

10And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

12“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14Blessed are those who wash their robes,c so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

18I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.d Amen.





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

Revelation 22 describes the final visions of John, focusing on the new heaven and new earth. It features a description of the River of Life flowing from God's throne, symbolizing eternal life and healing. The tree of life bears fruit every month, providing nourishment for the faithful.

The chapter emphasizes the presence of God and the Lamb, where there is no more night, and believers will serve and worship them. It also includes warnings and encouragements, urging readers to remain faithful and to share the message. The chapter concludes with an invitation to come to the waters of life, affirmations of Jesus’ imminent return, and a blessing for those who keep the words of the prophecy.



STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub has written a Commentary on Revelation.
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text/manuscript information)
BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
Bible.com (Lexham English Bible) App is best on a mobile device.
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?



APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?


PRAYER: Lord, please help us to remain faithful to you in all things. In the Name of Jesus.




Other Resources:


  • Other YouTube Videos
SearchTV

    • Articles

    • Devotions

    • Links 



      Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for the help to make this most useful.



      Wednesday, December 27, 2023

      Revelation 21:1-27 The New Heaven and the New Earth = Week 52 - Wednesday

      The New Heaven and the New Earth

      Revelation 21:1-27




      Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
      • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
      READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
      Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a smartphone)
      StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
      Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
      Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)


      Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

      • Review and retell the story.




      Themes
      The New Heaven and New Earth
      The Holy City, New Jerusalem
      God Dwelling Among People
      Life Free from Sorrow and Death
      Judgment and Reward

      Topics
      End Times
      Divine Judgment
      Heaven
      The Kingdom of God
      The Glory of God



      Potential Sermon Titles: ??

      Intro Questions to get us thinking:

      ESV Text with Highlights
      #God =
      #People =
      • John
      • God
      • Jesus Christ
      • The Bride, the Wife of the Lamb (the Church)
      #Time =
      #Place =
      • The Throne of God
      • The New Heaven
      • The New Earth
      • The New Jerusalem
      • The River of Life
      #Obedient faith
      #Sin
      #Key Idea

      Revelation 21

      The New Heaven and the New Earth

      1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling placea of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,b and God himself will be with them as their God.c 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

      5And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

      The New Jerusalem

      9Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

      15And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia.d Its length and width and height are equal. 17He also measured its wall, 144 cubitse by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. 18The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

      22And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.






      OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
      ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
      Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
      Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
      Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

      Revelation 21 describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells among His people. The chapter begins with the declaration that the old order has passed away, and there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. The New Jerusalem, a beautifully adorned city, descends from heaven, symbolizing God's eternal presence with humanity.

      The city is described in detail, highlighting its glory, precious materials, and the absence of the temple, as God's presence is the ultimate light. The chapter emphasizes the promise of inheritance for those who overcome and warns that those who are wicked will not enter this holy place. Ultimately, it portrays a future of hope, peace, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.




      STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
      Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub has written a Commentary on Revelation.
      NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text/manuscript information)
      BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
      BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
      BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
      BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
      StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
      KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
      Bible.com (Lexham English Bible) App is best on a mobile device.
      • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
      • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?



      APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
      ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
      Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
      The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
      Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)

      • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
      • What transformative move needs to be made?
      • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


      Take Away Challenges

      • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

      • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

      • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?


      PRAYER: We praise You, Lord, for Your perfect plan of salvation. Thank You that in Christ we have everything we need for life and godliness. We look forward to the day when we will see You face to face and dwell with You forever. Amen. In the Name of Jesus.




      Other Resources:


      • Other YouTube Videos
      SearchTV

        • Articles

        • Devotions

        • Links 



          Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful.