Word of the Day: NLT

The New Living Translation, first published in 1996, began as a revision of "The Living Bible". 90 Translators began work on the project in 1989, and it was originally printed as the New Living Version.

The NLT is used today by many modern Christians, but, like the NIV and other modern translations, lacks many verses found in the King James Bible, such as Matthew 18:11;

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

The NLT also has noticeable re-translations that differ from the KJV, such as Revelation 22:18-19, which warns against making changes to John's prophecy:

(King James Version)

(18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

(NLT)

(18) And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. (19) And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.

Word of the Day: NIV

The New International Version of the Bible, first published in 1978, then revised in 1984 and again in 2011 was the result of businessman Howard Long, who was unhappy with the King James Version of the Bible and it's "archaic" language.

The NIV is used today by many modern Christians, but lacks many verses found in the King James Bible, such as Matthew 18:11;

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

The NIV also has noticeable re-translations that differ greatly, not just in word use but in actual meaning from the KJV, such as Revelation 10:1; 

(King James Version)

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

(NIV)

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.

It should be noted that even in the NIV translation of Revelation 22:18-19, there is an admonishment against changing John's prophecy; 

(18) I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 

(19) And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

Word of the Day: The King James Version Bible

Referred to as the KJV, the King James version of the Holy Bible was published in 1611, under the authorization of King James I of England (also known as King James VI of Scotland). The original version of the Bible contained 80 books, which included the 66 books in more modern versions, as well as 14 books of the Apocrypha (Books viewed as non-canonical). The Apocrypha last appeared in the King James Bible in 1885.

Today, the King James Version is considered by many to be the most accurate English language translation of the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Old and New Testaments. it is also criticized as being written in an form of English not currently in use, confusing modern readers.

In 1982, the New King James Version (NKJV) was published, modernizing the language of the KJV.

It should be noted that many modern Christians are mistakenly beliueve King James authorized the version, so that he could have a divorce. King James never divorced, remaining married to his one wife, Anne of Denmark, until her death in 1619 (James would die in 1625).

Word of the Day: The Gutenberg Bible

Named for Johann Gutenberg, the Gutenberg Bible is the first printing-press Bible--all prior Bibles had been made by handwriting copies or by means of stamping them from hand-carved wooden blocks. 

The Gutenberg Bible is believed to have first been printed in 1454, and was based on the Latin Vulgate Bible; a translation of the Bible into Latin in the late 4th Century or early 5th Century by Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymous (Saint Jerome) of the Roman province of Dalmatia.

It is believed less than 200 copies of the Gutenberg bible were printed, with only twenty-one believed to still be in existence.

Word of the Day: Codex Vaticanus

Considered by many to be the first Bible, the Codex Vaticanus was an assembly of the Old and New Testaments into a single, handwritten volume, and is dated to the 4th Century A.D.

The Codex Sinaiticus is another manuscript believed to be one of the first Bibles, and was discovered at the Monastery of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, in 1859. It also has been dated to the 4th Century A.D.

It should be noted that the Epistles, Gospels, and other written texts found within the Codexes were written long before they were combined into a single volume.

Word of the Day: Jerusalem

One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is the traditional capital of Israel and is also where Jesus Christ was crucified.

The city has been home to two Jewish Temples, the first being destroyed in 586 BC, then later being rebuilt, added to, then later destroyed again in 70 A.D. The temple is generally accepted to have been on Temple Mount, now home to an Islamic compound known as Al-Aqsa, which features a Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Some Jewish scholars have suggested that the temple was actually located in what was known as the City of David, adjacent to the Al-Aqsa complex, at a slightly lower elevation--this theory holds that what is believed to be the Temple Mount today was actually a Roman fort at the time of Christ's death.

Jerusalem features prominently throughout the Old and New Testaments and is cited as where Christ will rule from during his Millennial Kingdom, (Isaiah 2)

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Ownership of Jerusalem has been contested throughout history with the city changing hands multiple times. It was occupied by the Romans during the life of Jesus Christ; it was taken over by Persian forces in the 11th Century, leading to the series of Crusades. In 1948, following World War II, British forces that occupied the area since after World War I withdrew and Jewish forces claimed the territory and the city. 

In Revelation 21:2, following Christ's regin on Earth, a new Jerusalem is prophesied to descend from heaven; 

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Today, Jerusalem is home to peoples of multiple faiths, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. 

Word of the Day: Calvary

The modern name for the hill on which Jesus was crucified, located outside of the then-boundaries of Jerusalem. Also known as Golgotha in scripture (Matthew 27:33-35):

32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

The word Calvary was dopted from the latin word calvaria (Skull), and is sometimes confused with, or mispronounced as "Cavalry" (soldiers on horseback).

The location of Calvary is disputed, with some scholars believing it is where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands. This church was built in the 4th Century, and lies within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, although it is documented the city (and its walls) were smaller in Jesus' time, with the walls being east of where the Church now stands. There is also debate as to where the Tomb Jesus was placed after his crucifixion (before the resurrection) is located, with claims it is within the grounds of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and others claiming it is nearby.

Word of the Day: Mount Olivet

Also known as the Mount of Olives, Olivet is a mountainous ridge east of Jerusalem's Old City. Olive groves once covered the slopes of the mountain, and it is mention multiple times through the Bible and features prominently in the ministry of Jesus.

The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21) took place atop Mount Olivet.

After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven from Mount Olivet (Acts 1) and the Angels who spoke to his Apostles after they had watched the ascension stated he would return in the same manner:

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Mount Olivet lies east of Temple Mount, and still has a Jewish cemetery on its western slopes.

Many bible scholars believe that when Jesus returns to Earth (Revelation 19), he will arrive at the Mount of Olives.

Word of the Day: Galilee

As most often used by Christians, "Galilee" refers to the Sea of Galillee, a freshwater lake located in Northern Israel. The term can also refer to specific region of Northern Israel.

The Sea of Galilee has also been known as Kineret or the Sea of Kineret, and Lake Tiberias.

The lake extends, north to south, approximately 13 miles and is fed by underground springs and the Jordan River, which flows through it, from North to South. The lake is approximately 8 miles wide.

During the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee was ringed with settlements and supported fishing. Jesus recruited four of his Apostles, brothers Simon and Andrew, and brothers John and James, from the vicinity of the Sea (see Matthew 4). The sea features prominently in the testimony of many of the Apostles, including Jesus walking on water, calming a storm, and feeding the five thousand. Jesus also appeared near the sea after his resurrection (John 21).

Word of the Day: Nazareth

Following Herod's death, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned from their self-imposed exile in Egypt, settling in the town of Nazareth, which had been Mary's home before the flight from Israel. 

Nazareth was also where Mary had received the news from an angel of the LORD that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:30-31)

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Having grown up in Nazareth, Jesus was called "Jesus of Nazareth". 

Word of the Day: Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus, located in the West Bank, just south of Jerusalem.

The city was prophesied, in Micah 5:2, to be the future birthlace of Christ, 700 years before Jesus was born.

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

At the time of Christ's birth, the shepherds from Bethlehem raised sheep for Temple sacrifices. 

After Jesus' birth, he and his parents would flee Bethlehem, journeying to Egypt to avoid an order from King Herrod calling for the slaying of all male babies born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-14)

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

Word of the Day: John Wesley

John Wesley (1703 - 1791) was an English theologian greatly involved in the revival movement of the the 18th Century. Wesley's writings and teaching would become part of the Methodist movement and denomination. Wesley was an ordained Anglican priest, but later would push for non-ordained pastors in the Americas. Wesley was a proponent of justification (made righteous) by faith.

You can learn much more about Wesley at the Wesley Center Online

Word of the Day: Darby

John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) is often cited as the "creator" of Rapture theology, while others claim he only popularized the ideology. Born in Westminster, London, he was ordained as an Anglican clergyman in Ireland.

Darby translated the bible into German, French, and Dutch editions, and eventually had a reputation as an interpreter of bible prophecy. Darby is noted by some as the father of dispensationalism.

Word of the Day: Scofield

Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (1843-1921) was an American theologian, pastor, and writer. He is best know for the "Scofield Reference Bible" (1909), which added a commentary on scripture on the same page as verses, instead of in another book.

Scofield helped popularize dispensationalism. 

Scofield was born in Michigan, but later would move to Tennessee, where he lived at the outset of the Civil War. Scofield served in the Confederate Army as a private in the 7th Tennessee Infantry, and fought at Antietam. He eventually deserted and would take the Union oath of allegiance, eventually settling, and marrying in St. Louis, Missouri.

In his lifetime, Scofield served as a US District Attorney (Kansas), a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, and helped found the Central American Mission (1890). He would later go on to found the Philadelphia School of the Bible (1914).

Word of the Day: James Strong

In 1890, Strong's Concordance was first published. This index of all Hebrew and Greek (Old and New Testaments) words appearing in the bible, assigning a number to each word and providing in depth explanation of the meaning of the words. The book was one of many works by American Theologian, politician, and professor, James Strong (1822-1894).

In addition to his theological work, Strong served as a mayor and organized, built, and acted as President of the Flushing railroad in New York.

Word of the Day: Spurgeon

One of the most-quoted theologians in the modern Christian Church, Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher and author. Spurgeon's many sermons, commentaries, books, devotionals, magazines, poetry, and hymns are still cited today. 

Some of Spurgeon's quotes still used today include:

"Storms help to make the sailors sturdy, and trials help to make Christians strong in faith."

"Let us be afraid of having nothing to do, and be thankful for something to suffer."

Word of the Day: Judge Not (Lest Ye be Judged)

Commonly misquoted Bible teaching wherein Christians claim that we are not supposed to judge another. This is an actual misquote of what Jesus is recorded as teaching in Matthew 7:1; 

(1) Judge Not, that ye be not Judged.

Jesus further states, in Matthew 7:20;

(20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

This passage is widely accepted to mean that Christians must follow the same rules and lifestyles that they preach and not be hypocrites. The lesson is that if you judge, the same standard by which you judge others will be applied to you.

"By there fruits" is also frequently used by Christians as a reminder that one can be determined to be a Christian by the actions you perform in life--which requires discernment and judgement by the observer. 

Word of the Day: Once saved, always saved

A Christian concept of eternal salvation once a sinner accepts Christ and (tries) to turn aaway from sin, "Once saved, always saved" means that even when Christians do sin again, they will still have a future with Christ. The concept is taken from John 10:28;

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

It should be noted that not all Christian denominations believe in a perpetual salvation, despite the clear text of Jesus' words as documented by the Apostles. 

See also the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) in which a rich man's son rejects his father and runs away, only to come crawling back later, where he is welcomed with great joy. The parable is generally accepted to mean that Christians who stray from the faith are still considered part of Christ's church, and would thus be welcomed back in fellowship. 

Word of the Day: Washed in the Blood

A modern Christian expression indicating salvation; Christians are expressing that we are saved (from Hell & eternal death) because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, thereby "shedding his blood".

13, For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

(Hebrews 9:13-14)

Prior to Christ, atonement for sin could be made by shedding the blood of an animal in a sacrifice to God. By dying on the cross, Jesus, who was without sin, made atonement for all mankind's sins, even those that had not yet been committed.

Word of the Day: "Not by Works"

The phrase "not by works" is often stated during sermons or conversations about salvation, added to dialogue that salvation is a gift. 

Originally found in Ephesians 2, "Not by works" is part of the concept that salvation is a gift from God, given not because of good deeds, but because God is gracious; 

(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Apostle Paul preached this concept, which runs contrary to other religions that embrace the idea of karma, and a reward in the afterlife for good deeds done in this life. 

Some modern Christian denominations preach that good works are required to be saved, while others preach that good works are a sign that someone is already saved, as shown by their (good) actions.

In some extreme cases, some Christians claim that "works" includes any action by a Christian, including choosing to accept salvation or repentance (turning away from/trying not to sin). 

Word of the Day: Saved by Faith

An expression meaning that faith in Christ is required for salvation, as in Ephesians 2:8; 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

To receive salvation, Christians must turn from sin (try not to sin) and believe (or have faith) that Jesus was the Son of God; that he died on the Cross to pay the penalty for all our sins; that he was resurrected on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); 

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Word of the Day: Saved by Grace

Saved by Grace means saved from a future in hell, and granted eternal life--a gift from God, given to sinners who have accepted His only begotten son, Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)

Pre-Jesus, sinners could seek atonement by making a blood sacrifice and asking for forgiveness. By dying sinless on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for all the sins of mankind, so long as they turn away from sinning and accept Christ as their Lord and savior.

The expression comes from the writings of Paul, who pointed out that salvation didn't come from doing good deeds or works, but was a gift given by God.

Word of the Day: Trinity

The Trinity (or Godhead) is a concept where God exists as three distinct persons at the same time: God the Father, God the Son, and The Holy Ghost

The concept originates from the Christian scholar Tertullian, in the 3rd Century A.D. Believers in the Trinity are called Trinitarians. 

The Trinity is not just a Catholic concept but is used by many Protestant Christian denominations.

Two verses from the New Testament are used to justify the existence of the Trinity; Matthew 28:19 and John 10:30

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matt. 28:19)

I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)

It should be noted that in John 1:1-14, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the Word of God. That is, that a part of God was made flesh (John 1:14), rather than God Himself living as a mortal. 

And, some scholars propose that in the original Greek, it was written that Jesus said he and the Father were hen, meaning united as one, rather than one and the same.

Word of the Day: Father God

Another name for God, often used to distinguish God the Father from God the Son (Jesus). Used in modern Christianity, Father God is part of, and the head of the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Jesus referred to God as the Father, multiple times, as in John 14:28:

Ye have heard how I said unto you, ‘I go away and come again unto you.’ If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, ‘I go unto the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

Word of the Day: LORD & Lord

As used in many English-language bibles, LORD means God (the Father). In the original Greek New Testament, Theos (creator) is translated into LORD.

Lord means master, appearing in the Greek as kyrios. Lord can be  used to describe a king or master, or Jesus Christ. 

Just Say a Prayer

In the 1990s, then-President Bill Clinton adopted a program of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for the US Military, to avoid prosecution of homsexuality within the Armed Forces--an act then prohibited by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Article 125). Being told to "not ask" was hardly a new concept for the military. It's a common theme that soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines aren't supposed to ask questions--they're supposed to follow orders.

That isn't the case with Our Father in Heaven and His only begotten son, Christ Jesus. Requesting assistance of the LORD is highly encouraged throughout scripture. But prayer isn't just about asking God for things as though He is some kind of magic genie. We are to praise the LORD as well. Jesus illustrated both requesting and thanking with his example of what prayer to the Father should be like in Matthew 6:9-13:  

9, After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11, Give us this day our daily bread.

12, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Asking God for help should not be anything to ashamed of. Jesus directed the Apostles and his other disciples, during his Sermon on the Mount, to ask for assistance (Matthew 7:7):

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Yes, God doesn't always answers prayer--don't expect him to gift you a Lamborghini or a million bucks. But, if your request is in accordance with His will, you may get what you request. Not asking guarantees you won't receive it.

Nor should we limit our prayers to just ourselves. A friend once lamented to me that when he was out and about, he would see people begging for money. He was hesitant to help them, fearing they might be faking their need--then he immediately would feel bad for thinking that and passing them by without helping them. My response to this was simple: Pray for them.

There are many people in the world who need help but won't ask for it. This isn't just help from God, but help from anyone. If you see someone in need, if nothing else, you can pray for them, asking God on their behalf.

Prayer doesn't stop with with praise and pleading. There's also just simple dialogue.

Every morning, we greet people with salutations like "Good Morning!" or "Hello". Why not God? Children are often taught to say their prayers at night, before they go to sleep. Why not start the day with a hello to God--and maybe a thanks for another day alive?

Prayer should be a daily part of our life, but it doesn't have to be a public one. While we shouldn't be embarrassed to believe in and speak to our Father in Heaven, we also shouldn't pray to make ourselves seem righteous or holy. Jesus also addressed this in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:2 & 6:5):

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

...

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Neither should we recite memorized prayers as though they are magic spells. When we speak to God, it should be respectful, but done in an actual dialogue no different from speaking to family or pets--God does hear you and understands what you are saying. And of course, Jesus addressed this aspect of prayer also (Matthew 6:7)

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Prayer costs us nothing but a fleeting moment of time, the same time we spend on many around us. Why not spend a moment here and there speaking to God? Thank Him, Ask Him, or maybe just say hi. He is always listening.

Word of the Day: Adonai

Hebrew for Lord or Master, "Adonai" is often cited today as another of God's names. 

In many English translations, Adonai is translated as LORD, with the word being recognized as a title, rather than name, as used in Genesis 15:2; 

And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

And also as used in 1 Samuel 24:8, where David calls Saul his Lord; 

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.