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I’ve been reading the book, “What’s so Amazing about Grace?” by Philip Yancey (Zondervan Publishing House, 1997).

This is so good.  

“Theologically, the Gospels give a straightforward answer to why God asks us to forgive: because that is what God is like.  When Jesus first gave the command, “Love your enemies,” he added this rationale: “…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

Romans says, “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”  - weren’t we enemies, when he gave up his life for us?  It even calls us sinners in this verse, “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son…” 

We were God’s enemies, but he loved us.  If you haven’t trusted Christ, you are God’s enemy, but he loves you.  So much is his love for you and me that He gave his Son to die, paying the price for our sins, that we should have had to pay.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer wrote on loving enemies, while being persecuted by Nazi Germany…

“Through the medium of prayer, we go to our enemy, stand by his side, and plead for him to God.  Jesus does not promise that when we bless our enemies and do good to them they will not despitefully use and persecute us.  They certainly will.  But not even that can hurt or overcome us, so long as we pray for them… We are doing vicariously for them what they cannot do for themselves.”

Why did Bonhoeffer love his enemies and pray for his persecutors?  He had only one answer: “God loves his enemies–that is the glory of his love, as every follower of Jesus knows.” 

This is difficult.  Being like God isn’t something that is easy.  I sure am glad that this is the kind of grace God has for me, now if only I could remember to love those who don’t love me back!  That is the goal.

Amy

 

 

KJV vs. NAS, NIV

About Bible versions (we are not talking paraphrases here, but the mainline versions), there are several mainline versions that I am referring to: King James Version, New American Standard Version, New King James Version and New International Version* (which some would say is in another category itself).  Some people swear only by their particular version and will not use another.  In fact some go so far as to say that the King James Version is the only reliable version and that all other versions are “perversions.” 

I know that there are people on both sides of the debate about versions, maybe even more on the side of KJV than on the side of all the other versions combined (maybe…or maybe they just seem to be more outspoken).  I personally have a preference in what we use, but
I am not on one side or the other.  -What I mean by this is, I would NOT debate it… Micah might

This is a subject that can be fuel for a fiery debate.  Unfortunately, I think a lot of times when thinking about this issue, people lose sight of what is MOST important…

 …that people read their Bibles and apply it to their lives, regardless of what version it is. 

Of the hundreds of versions out there, there are the versions known to be more scholarly and those whose translation is known to be less than dependable.  I know that everyone can have their opinion about which one is most accurate, which is most understandable, etc.  And these opinions are often backed up by study (on both sides of the argument).
But the fact is, among the main versions (NKJV,NAS,even the NIV), the differences are small enough that you are not going to be displeasing
the Author if you choose one and put it into practice in your life.
It is living and active, sharper than a two edged sword.  We are to be as workmen approved knowing how to correctly handle the word of truth, as in… apply it to our lives.
When we belittle someone (intentionally or not) for the version they choose, that IS displeasing to the Author.

This post is not intended to even enter into this debate, but just to clarify something that probably most of us would agree upon, the importance of Bible study, putting aside the fiery-ness of debate over which Bible to read :) 

So let us commit ourselves to the study of the holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 
Amy

 

See my other blog April 6, 2006 for the reason for this blog entry.