The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
April 11, 2004
In
This Issue:
Are
You Included in this Translation of the Bible?
by
Steve Klein
Being
a Friend of God
by
Randy Cavender
Are You Included in this
Translation of the Bible?
What would you think of a Bible translation that changed the opening line of the Lord's model prayer to "Our Father-Mother in heaven"? A recent news item by Reuters news service, headlined "Politically Correct Version of Bible updates Our Father," reported about just such a translation. The title of the new work is "The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version." It is being published by Oxford University Press.
According to Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, one of the six editors, "This translation is aimed at churches and Christians who are thoughtful about the way the Bible includes everyone." The way this translation includes everyone is by updating Bible references to race, gender and authority so that they conform to our modern politically correct sensitivities. So, in the new translation, children are not told to obey their parents, but to heed them. Wives are no longer subject to their husbands, but committed to them. "Darkness" is no longer evil, because such a reference might offend people with dark skin. 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 no longer states that the Jews killed the Lord Jesus, because that charge smacks of anti-Semitism. God is not generally referred to as "The Lord," for as Thistlethwaite explained "The Lord God doesn't cut it these days because we don't have Lords."
It appears that this new "Inclusive Version" includes just about everybody except those who believe that the Lord meant it when He said through Moses that "you shall not add to the word which I command you nor take from it" (Deuteronomy 4:2a). The new translation would not "include" one who believed that a human should "not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:6). It would not include one who believed that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3:16a).
The new translation DOES include those who cheerfully "exchange the truth of God for a lie" (cf. Romans 1:25). It includes those who are so intellectually arrogant as to believe that modern day sensitivity, tolerance and inclusiveness is ultimate truth, and that WE are therefore the correct interpreters of every expression of truth that has ever come before, whether from God or man. It includes those with "itching ears" who are eager to "turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
However, I would be surprised if this "Inclusive Version" gained wide acceptance. It is too heavy handed. Most sinners prefer to "re-translate" the scriptures in their own minds. They want their Bibles to say, "children obey your parents," "wives submit to your own husbands," "Jesus is Lord," etc., and they know that their Bibles should say these things. But most sinners (including some who are called Christians) have become very adept at rationalizing these things away or simply ignoring them.
The sad fact is that The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version represents the real attitude of many folks toward God's truth -- folks who "re-translate" God's word every time it says something not to their liking. What about you? Is your attitude toward truth represented by this new "Inclusive Version"?
by Steve Klein
One of the greatest privileges of life is to have friends. The Bible teaches, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). But what an honor it is to be a friend of God! Some believe it not possible, but the scriptures teach otherwise. Abraham was a friend of God (James 2:21-24). Furthermore, we can also be friends with God. But how? Well, if we had the same character as Abraham, would we not be friends with God also? What made Abraham God's friend?
The first thing I think concerning Abraham was his great faith. The Hebrew writer says of Abraham: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Heb. 11:8-10) Furthermore, the apostle Paul said of Abraham, "And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform" (Rom. 4:19-21). How does your faith compare to Abraham's? Do you waver at the promises of God? Let us: "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God" (Heb. 3:12).
The Bible teaches that Abraham was prompt in his obedience. Abraham was not saved by faith alone. In fact, the Bible says, "By faith Abraham obeyed. . ." When God commanded Abraham to leave his homeland, he did so without delay (Gen. 12:1-4). When God instructed him to offer his only son Isaac, the very next morning Abraham proceeded to do exactly what God said. All too often we find ourselves almost having to be begged to obey God's commandments. In the book of Acts, those who desired to obey the gospel did so without delay. They did not claim to "receive Christ" yet delay baptism until the next week (Acts 8:36-39; 16:25-34)! As children of God, we are to continue to be obedient! Yet, we want to put it off. "I'll wait until it is convenient for me!" is the attitude of some who profess to be Christians. If you want to be a friend of God, obey the commandments of God immediately!
Finally, Abraham was concerned about worshipping God (Gen. 12:7,8:13:3-4:18) God did not have to push Abraham to worship Him. It was Abraham's desire! It has been said, "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then some really love the church." There are some who will come to church and sit about an hour, and think that they are pleasing God. These people maintain that they are faithful Christians. What a joke! God seeks our worship! He desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). But we should desire to worship God also, just as Abraham. How concerned are you about worshipping God?
Could it be said of you that you are a friend of God? If not, why don't you obey the commandments of God and be His friend (Jn.15:14)?
by Randy Cavender
Via The Dyersburg PathFinder, Northside church of
Christ, Dyersburg, TN, Volume 26, Number 10, 4/15/93