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Hi! Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow (Monday) for Tour 4 of the Truth Project. Keep in mind the prayer requests from the inidividuals in our group during your prayer time! Also, just a reminder that the memory verse is John 18:37 -"You are the king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Come "pre-prayed" and ready to study/discuss "The Truth." See you tomorrow!
Grace always,
Jim

Jim and Mary, I feel like I was not prepared yesterday for the Truth Project, because I never opened up the e-mail til today. So, I apologize it led to my appearing to be out of line by offering only to read from the Amplified. (Thank you for allowing it, too.) Next time I will hope to be more prepared. Which Bible did you say was a good translation, please? Maybe I could pick one up. Thanks for your minute and the reminder to pray for everyone.
Always Receiving Grace, Kiva

Hi Kiva
I just want you to know to take everything I say with a grain of salt, and if you like the amplified that is fine, just always go back somehow to the original. Just in the past I found some things that just seemed out of line. What you read was beautiful and was a great way for us to get what was being said. God knows our hearts, and I pray that we are never led astray from who God is and what God is trying to tell us through His Word. You are cared for and loved and I continue to invite you to be real, and I will as well.

If you like the King James version that is good just hard for most people to follow along. My brothers like the New American Standered, and the research I did say that is the most accurate translation, a little clumsy at time in the way it is communicated, but that is the way it is when translating from Hebrew or Greek to English. Remember God lives in us, and when we read the Word, we ask God to reveal what we need to grow in our relationship with Him and others. That is the greatest Commandment, Love God with everything then love others.

I do like the NIV for reading but a lot of people that I know and respect say that is not the best one out there. A good friend of mine prefers the New Living over the amplified. You and I will keep praying that God leads you to the one that will help you grow.

In Christ and His Grace always, Jim

Jim,

Thank you for your lovely reply.

I do like the KJV, because the research books out there (at least the ones I have) all go back to it. The concordance, the Peshitta (I think), and others. I was raised on KJV and I really think culture has talked us out of its beauty--no one needs to be especially educated or anything to understand it--it is what I'm used to, though.

A wise pastor I know once wrote, "[...] just always go back somehow to the original." (Lenz, 2009) Where do you find the ability to get to the Original Word of God? What is your method? This has been my desire since a child.

Yes, I believe God reveals Himself, and we also must have the Truth with which to line up those thoughts. I believe they should match. It scares me to think that what I have learned could be such a rocky foundation that I cannot grow. It's important to me to know the Absolute Truth, if you know what I mean. (Of course you do.) A lot of people say a lot of different things. Sometimes I just feel stuck. I do not like settling.

Just because someone believes something does not make it so. Experience is not truth either. The Word can be misconstrued. I believe God has given His people power over the adversary and that we are to imitate God and Jesus through the workings of the Holy Spirit. Exerting that power is not always pretty, and even when it is it can confuse people, but that does not mean it is wrong, either. One REALLY must know who God is, so that life can be lived out properly to receive His promises.

I endeavor to get back to the Original, and I know there are different ways this is tried. I prefer ecclecticism so far.

Maybe somewhere in there I have exposed my deepest and most shallow understanding. That is as real as I know how to be. Everythiing else I perceive as sin for myself. I do not often allow God's grace, and I need to while I am in this huge growth spurt. I really feel the groanings. I just want to know the Truth. I am loving The Truth Project.

Anyway, I like having many translations to check, and I think the NAS is one I will add to my library.

Your thoughts are welcome at any time. I am humbly at your feet, even if I seem reticent. I believe you have everything to offer in Christ's love.

You are God's Best,

Agapao,

Kiva