Saturday, June 16, 2012

Moment of Enlightenment

From time to time, we come across information that causes us to really take another look at what we believe and why we believe it.  The same applies to what we do, say, etc.  It's always good to step back every now and again to ask ourselves, "Is it possible that I could be deceived?" or, "Do I need a fresh perspective or start on this area?"

What are our day to day practices?  What are the traditions we've decided to carry on from our forefathers and why?  What fuels our convictions?  So many questions and it may be that we've never thought to answer them because we've been so familiar and comfortable with the results, whether good, bad or tolerable.  Do we just take information at face value and believe whatever comes across the airwaves, newspapers, books, etc. or do we really take time to gain truth and seek understanding in these matters?

So with all that being said, let me throw something atcha'....

We believe that Word of God is just what it is and that it is correct right?  Well what is our immediate practice when we desire clarification on what a particular scripture says?  For some of us, it's to go and grab another version or interpretation of that scripture right?  But what if you go to another version and that scripture is non-existent?? Yes, that's just what I said--non-existent!  What in the world do you do then?  Need an example or two or five?  Ok!

(These examples are coming from the King James Version 'KJV' vs the New International Version 'NIV'.  This is an attempt to provoke ourselves to seek the teaching of the Holy Spirit concerning the Word of God more than the commentaries of men alone.) 

Matthew 18:11 KJV "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 18:11 NIV non-existent

This is a very important scripture is it not?  It speaks of the purpose and plan of Jesus Christ while He was on this earth.  And for those of us who know we were lost--Wow! What hope!  Why remove it from the earliest and most reliable translation of the Bible? Ok, here is another:

Acts 8:37 KJV "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 8:37 NIV non-existent

I'd like to believe that when the eunuch asked what was hindering him from being baptized, that when Philip answered him, we would be privileged as well to know that same answer for ourselves.  I mean, it is the reason that Jesus came right?

Ok, so there are so many more scriptures and I will list a few, but the point is, don't take everything you hear at face value!  Enlighten yourself! Do some research and most of all ask your Father in Heaven to reveal to you what you need to know by the power of His Holy Spirit.  God will not leave you deceived but you have to make the effort to search out understanding and knowledge.  We live better and make better choices when we're in the "know".  So as promised, here are a few other scriptures that are non-existent in the NIV Bible:

Matthew 17:21; 23:14
Mark 7:16; 9:44; 9:46; 11:26; 15:28; 16:9-20
Luke 17:36; 23:17
John 5:4; 7:53-8:11
Acts 15:34; 24:7; 28:28
Romans16:24
1John 5:7

Be encouraged and know that it is not the will of God that we be deceived.  I mean, He says it at least six times in the Bible, "Be not deceived."  So I think He means it. :)
Remember, if you want to know about it, God will help you.  Search the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) and watch God reveal Himself to you in ways you've never experienced before.  Believe me, it's worth it--or you could just find out for yourself--tee hee!

Keep Looking Up For His Return Draws Nigh!

~Tyvee B

Deuteronomy 11:16; Luke 21:8; 1Corinthians 6:9; 15:33; Galatians 6:7; 1Timothy 2:14; Proverbs 2:6; 15:14; 18:15;  Acts 17:11
Google: New International "Per" Version for more interesting information about the NIV Bible