What version of the Bible should I study from?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

So, you're a preacher just getting started in the world of exegesis and hermeneutics and you're wanting to eschew prooftexting and eisegesis. Wonderful. You wonder "What version of the Bible should I study from?"

 

The answer is: multiple Bibles. I recommend using a good literal translation (NASB, ESV) or an interlinear (Greek/Hebrew + English) in order to be able to look up the words and their possible definitions (using Strong's Concordance). You see, in the interlinear Bible, you will see numbers above each Hebrew or Greek word. This number corresponds to a number in Strong's Concordance. Look up that number in Strong's and you'll have a list of other occurrences of that exact word.

 

Then you can look that word up (helpfully, by number) in a lexicon. The lexicon is like a dictionary of possible definitions and uses of the original word.

 

From their, you are able to assemble your notes and thoughts on what the original text meant.

 

In addition to the literal translation, I recommend using a version of the Bible that is in language you can understand easily, such as the New Living Translation, New International Version, or even the Message (a paraphrase). Use these in combination with the NASB or ESV.

Matt Maher's Grey Shirts

I recently mused about Matt Maher's grey shirts on Twitter:

@Adam Posegate Wondering if @mattmahermusic just has one grey shirt he washes over and over again, or many. Either way, I am intrigued.

It's primarily because the only time I saw him live, and in the only videos I saw of him, he was wearing grey shirts.


And all the videos here... http://www.mattmahermusic.com/journey/

So, despite Mr. Maher's assurances, I feel this was a fair question.

@adamposegate I don't currently own a gray shirt. But I have many shades of black #isitthehair?

Though, it might be the hair. Thanks, Matt! You're a good sport, and I also want to thank you for your worship leading and writing. Praying for you.

My Rough Conclusions on Rob Bell's "Love Wins"

“And God let heretics vex His Church so as to arouse the mind by conflict, and to lead it to search God's Word.” – Abraham Kuyper, The Work of the Holy Spirit

Having read Rob Bell’s previous works, “Velvet Elvis,” “Jesus Wants to Save Christians,” his many Nooma short-films, and even my familiarity with his preaching, I looked forward to what would be revealed about his doctrine and theology in his new book, “Love Wins.” The phrase, “Love Wins,” is years-old and apparently on bumper stickers adorning vehicles all over the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, where Bell is the pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. With all of that being noted, this will not be a dissection and exegesis of the book. Read the book, or don’t, but as with any teaching, discern it carefully. I hold the strong belief that if you are going to judge the book, then you should first read it. This mitigates the need for backpedaling, apologies, blog updates, flux capacitors, forget-me-now amnesia pills, the proverbial eating of proverbial birds, and the subtle proverbial sweeping of things under proverbial rugs (that being said, I will update this as is necessary). It is okay to be informed. This is a brief version of my review and conclusions.

The Source - Session #2

Spiritual Leadership Principles - Chet Caudhill

Hebrews 12:1 is a reference to Hebrews 11

Abel - Worship

1. Leaders don't offer God their leftovers. They realize He deserves our very best in everything we endeavor.

Enoch - intimacy

2. If you desire to lead others in spiritual growth, you must be growing yourself.

Noah - Righteousness

3. Leaders must stand for what's right in spite of what others do or don't do. Leadership necessitates a willingness to stand up for what you believe in.

4. Leaders must be confident in their leadership abilities and decisions. Obedience is the key.

Isaac - Romance

5. Leaders turn to God for direction and guidance.

Jacob - Persisitence

6. Leaders must have a "never-say-die" attitude

Joseph - Dreamer

7. Leaders dream, communicate the dream, unwilling to give up.

Moses - Deliverer

8. Leaders have the courage to say "yes" in spite of the risks.

The greatest enemy to faith is FEAR!

1 John 4 - love.