What version of the Bible do you read, and does it matter?

"What version of the Bible do you read, and does it matter?" This is an age-old question, and one that has drawn much debate with Bible Scholars and all Christians alike. I do not want to go into a lengthy theological argument over the question or the value of one version over another, but I would just like to share something that I discovered while looking over one of today’s very popular versions, the NLT. I was reading Genesis and when I got to chapter 3:16, something leapt out at me that did not seem right. In the NLT it reads “Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” Take note of the section underlined. Now compare this with the NASB, which is considered to be the most literal translation, which says, “To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you." It is immediately apparent that these translations are saying something totally different. The NLT teaches “that as a result of the fall, a woman would have multiplied pain in childbirth, in response it suggests that her desire will be to control and rule over her husband.” The NASB on the other hand teaches that “that as a result of the fall, a woman would have multiplied pain in childbirth, in response it suggests that a woman’s desire would still be for her husband.”


So which version is correct? As far as I can ascertain from looking at Hebrew/Greek Dictionaries and comparing other respected translations such as KJV, NKJV, NAS, NASB, the NLT in this instance has made a direct error in the way that it chosen to translate this scripture, and has made it mean something entirely different to what God intended. I went on to do a little more research on the NLT and discovered that this is not the only error that this translation contains (just Google and you will see what I mean). It has also been edited to be genderless by taking out some of the clear references that are made in the original manuscripts regarding male and female roles, and uses terminology like person, or someone, instead of being male or female specific. When this is done, it completely blurs the line that God clearly intended for gender-specific roles in life for men and women. In the verse that I brought to your attention above, the NLT implies that all women have a desire (longing) to be rebellious and exercise control over their husband. How do you ladies feel about that? I do not think that is the intent of God, nor does accurately reflect the truth about godly women. In fact it provides fuel to those who would be against women having any leadership role.

My conclusion is, yes we do need to be careful of the Bible versions that we choose to read! If I discovered one verse in error as I was browsing, it is almost certain that there will be more. The Bible is about communicating God’s truth. Therefore I would strongly recommend that when using any paraphrased version that it be read alongside respected versions that adhere to the time proven principles of translation and interpretation. These versions seek to provide us with a word for word translation of the original manuscripts. They might not read as easily, but you can be sure that you are getting the Word of God, which is the TRUTH. Let us be like the men of Berea in Acts 17:11 (NASB) “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." And also follow Paul's teaching in 2 Timothy 2:15, "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."

Blessings

Dr. Robert Butler

Prosperity is for anyone who will believe

What is it that we really are believing for?   If we seek! prosperity will touch all areas of our lives.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)
31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
 

Prosperity is when we are blessed in:

• Our minds

• Our emotions

• Our health

• Our marriage

• Our family

• Our relationships

• Our business

• Our time

• Our attitudes

• Our ministry

• Our finances.

In order to understand true and Biblical prosperity, it is important to understand what it is not.

What Prosperity is NOT:
1. NOT just about money
2. NOT necessarily great wealth
3. NOT a proof of one's righteousness
4. NOT seeking money before seeking God
5. NOT having more money than other people
6. NOT measured by houses, cars or clothing
7. NOT a confirmation or determination of a believer's faith
8. NOT having money at the expense of character and integrity
9. NOT loving money at the expense of loving God

Prosperity

On  November 21, I will begin a series called  "Prosperity With a Purpose".  Prosperity is more than money! 

This is a subject that I have been wanting to teach about for quite some time now and feel that God wants to deposit something in our hearts in regards to what the Word of God has to say about:

• Prosperity
• Life
• Money
• Stewardship
• Balance between physical, spiritual, and financial prosperity.


"Of course, these ministers also pray for the blessing of God on their sermons. And they pray for their people, including the blessing in material goods. Yet, because they do not teach clearly the basis on which Christians should and can prosper, Christians are confused. In order to prosper we must understand what the Word of God says regarding prosperity and then teach the truth clearly and systematically.
We must lay aside the thinking that spiritual blessings and heaven are all we need, and that material blessings are out of place for us. The salvation which Jesus wrought for us has the same power in the material as the spiritual world. Yes, let us not confuse prosperity with greed! Greed is characteristic of the devil, while prosperity is an attitude of God."
Dr. David Yonggi Cho

Believe the Lord for blessing and prosperity in your lives and breakthrough that will effect not only our lives but also the lives of others.

God Bless

Pastor Doug

Breaking consumerism’s hold and releasing kingdom purpose

"A life of consumption leads to a life of boredom. Our cultural focus on self interest has contributed to a society filled with individuals who are alienated, lonely, disconnected and rootless. When the individuals self is glorified over the greater good, rights begin to take precedence over responsibility, isolated pursuits replace the struggle for the common good, desires are twisted to resemble needs, and the imitation is presented as the real thing. In the process we often miss the thing that should be driving us - an intimate relationship with the Lord, and a life based on following the Lord that includes a commitment to loving and serving others."

Unknown Author

This is a quote from a message that I recently listened to, framing a clear description of how our society is affecting the life of the church. Please take a moment and read this statement again, let its significance sink in, investigating your personal attitudes and actions that might match with the cultural trends represented in this quote.

When I personally access and read this quote, I am challenged by the presence of these cultural trends in my thinking and actions. I am also enlightened by that reality that the people I meet every day are also walking in these beliefs.
 We live in a society that is isolated, selfish, self gratifying! Media and consumerism tells us that we can’t be happy without specific latest products, and then as soon as we purchase or acquire the things that will bring happiness, media tells us that what we have just received is not good enough and now we need something new to make us happy, significant, and acceptable.

We shall never find happiness or significance by looking for it in the same way as those who have not yet met Jesus and been adopted into the Kingdom of God. In fact happiness is a feeling that passes but we can have joy that endures.

" Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. "1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)

" Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)

What do we seek? Have we actually stepped out of the world and given ourselves to Jesus fully? Do we truly want to hear the call to go into the entire world with the gospel? If we put aside the pursuit of worldly gain, the Lord will fill out lives with the things that we need. Our direction will then be towards what Jesus came to accomplish:

1. Make a way for mankind to be saved. Luke 4:18 (NKJV)
2. Establish His church. Ephesians 1:20-23 (NIV)
3. Make disciples. Matthew 4:19
4. Healing, freedom and proclaiming the favour of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)
Let us seek the Lord and give ourselves to the Lord in pursuit of holiness and godliness. Let’s move forward believing that He who started the good work in you is able to complete it. Let’s ask the Lord to transform our minds and our hearts so that we can “PROVE what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Our culture tells us what we need, want, and desire. Jesus tells us that if we are obedient to do what He ask us to that our inheritance will be great, and that we will have a part in establishing things of eternal significance. I’m in for building and establishing the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.
Pastor Doug

Sharing the Gospel

What are our views on sharing the gospel?

Prophetic Message

This past Sunday Bruce Laird spoke an anointed and prophetic message to our congregation. The audio message can be found at

http://cvccchurchpodcast.blogspot.com/

PLEASE LISTEN

to this message more than once over the next few days. As a congregation I believe that the Lord is trying to once again awaken us and move our attention away from ourselves and help us realize that "It's not about you!". Our cause and reason for living has always been to be those who share the great commission with the unsaved so that the kingdom of heaven can be established for the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. This word is confirmation of the direction that we have been focusing on. This is a time of break through. We have been praying for the chains that bind to be broken in our lives and in our community.

Bruce Stated:

"Something awesome and mighty is about to break forth"
"You are in the Season now"

This is the time when the power of God will flow out of a people who have set their hearts in faith on bringing the message and spiritual power of the Gospel to our community and those that we have contact and influence with. This is a time when, in faith, we should be asking for and expecting that the Lord will give spiritual healing and freedom where physical provisions have not satisfied. The Church is not relegated to a social Gospel but a Gospel of power and deliverance.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS CHARGE / MESSAGE? These are times for action!

(This is the prayer list that my care group came up last night in regards to the word on Sunday)
Church let's pray for this prophetic message to be fulfilled and inparted into our hearts so that it will grow fruit.

Pray for :

Us to wake up, hear and hold the message in our hearts.

Jesus to help us deal with distractions that seek to way-lay us.

Faith to see an awakening of destiny, Godly identiy, and His power in our lives. Ephesians 1:17-20

The chains of fears and minimizing thoughts would be broken.

The desire and ability to engage our responsibility to act on this word to CVCC.

The courage to get up and do, to be what God called us to be, not an escape artist.

Strength to battle discouragement and lies of the enemy that minimize us.

The freedom to be aware and engage our supernatural God.

Bless you
Pastor Doug

Prophectic Word for CVCC

Word of the Lord brought by Pastor Bruce Laird, visiting from Australia:

"Nevertheless I am continually with thee" Psalm 73:23

"Nevertheless" - notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David (the author) had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God's presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings "nevertheless I am continually with thee"

Believer, you are nevertheless forced into Asaph's Psalm of confession and acknowledgement so endeavour, in like spirit, to say "nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!"

You are kept by God in the land of the living; you are permitted to boldly enter and abide in His presence; you are allowed to hope in His mercy. Notwithstanding your low and unworthy views; notwithstanding your doubts about the justice of His divine administration, not withstanding your envy at the prosperity of the wicked, and perhaps your spirit of complaining against God, you are not driven away from God; you are not banished from His presence, or cut off from His favour.

You are continually upon His mind, the Lord is always thinking of you for your good. You are continually before His eye; "the eye of the Lord never sleepeth" but is perpetually watching over your welfare. You are continually in His hand, so that no one is ever able to pluck you from it. You are continually on His heart; you are worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart - you are inscribed upon His heart for all eternity. He always thinks of you. His divine love continually yearns towards you. God is always making providence work for your good. He has set you as a signet upon His arm; His love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! He sees in you His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Even though you may see yourself in lesser light, the Lord your God beholds you as wearing Christ's garments. You are washed in His blood, and so you stand accepted in His presence. You are continually in His favour - "continually with Him".

Stop looking within. Stop looking through the glass of your window and venture out into His world and His caring love for you. Go out and enjoy the Son-shine. "Nevertheless" - O say it in your heart, and take the peace it gives. "Nevertheless I am continually with thee."

Spiritual Gifts

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all"
1 Cor 12:7

This past Sunday was a prime example of the way the Holy Spirit works in individuals to accomplish His purposes. It all started in pre-service prayer as we began our morning seeking the Lord and asking the Holy Spirit to come and do what He wished to do in our lives. When we purposely submit ourselves to the Lord's purposes we open our lives to His powerful and life-changing spirit to come and work in our lives.

As the service started, it was evident that there was a great desire in the people to connect with the Lord with their sacrifice of worship. As the congregation began to worship the Lord singing in tounges and lifting up their voices in praise, the Holy Spirit began to move and the presence of the Lord was felt.

As we entered into worship, singing, lifting our hands, Sarah shared that the Lord was speaking to her about just physically seating at the feet of Jesus, waiting for Him, waiting for break through. Through that word of knowledge we responded to the Lord in faith, acting on the desires of the expressed through Sarah. As we sat in the presence of the Lord, the Lord began to speak to me, He wanted me to talk about His Love. As I was waiting on the Lord, Angela came to me and said "I feel that the Lord is giving me a word about the Love of God". Wow, confirmation as she shared prophetically with us. Then Cathy came and began to share with me the things that the Lord was speaking to her heart in regards to love. The Lord spoke to my heart, leading me to ask her to share her revelation before I preached.

The Lord anointed her with what I think was a mini sermon that directly lead into the scripture that the Lord had laid on my heart to start the sermon with.

What an amazing God we serve, Who loves us so much that He used the gifts of many to benefit the whole of the church .

Then we continued to use our talents and giftings to serve and love one another as we shared a meal together.

This is His church not mine, not yours individually. Let's serve the CHURCH with our gifts and talents because in doing so we are serving the Lord.

We are establishing the church which Christ died for!

We are seeking to partner with the Lord in establishing and growing the kingdom of God, not an earthly kingdom!

Open your heart to Jesus and wait on Him, be workers in the church. What ever your hands find to do, do it with all your might...your efforts have purpose...your purpose is found in the Lord...the end result is victorious!

May God bless you as you engage your purpose, use your gifts, and trust the Lord.

Pastor Doug Mitchell