Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Page 19 of 19

Bible Translations

January 26, 2021 / / 0 Comments

The languages of the Bible are unique to their time! 

This is excellent and here is why

Language scholars can go back to the original writings and clarify the meaning. They can discover how the original text was used and written. Often, the words in the original language have several possible meanings. Yet, only one of those meanings fits best within the context of how the word was used and also stays consistent with the whole of other scripture.
None of the manuscripts or letters are in the original writer’s hand. They were all copied by scribes over and over again from whatever types of paper or stone they were on prior.
 
With the “King James Version,” all the manuscripts available at the time were combined into the books of the Bible. The translations were done by a large group of about 50 very profound scholars. These scholars checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the letters and manuscripts they had. Bumping every piece against a set of rules they had created to ensure they had correctly translated them. The scholars also defined the chapters, verses, and punctuation that help us read, as these were not part of the original languages.

Since the “King James” translation

More transcripts have been found. Some were older writings than those used to create the KJV. Many of today’s newer translations used the KJV as their base to translate into words that are easier for us to read today. Some versions compared the manuscripts used to translate the KJV to older manuscripts found and then made changes in the new versions, prioritizing the older manuscripts.

Note: Even though, in a few cases, an entire verse was removed using the older writings they found. The changes were all minor and did not change Scripture.

Many translations of God’s Word have been created in multiple languages; not all versions were translated with the same care. In fact, some translations are no more than one person’s interpretation, while some are created by groups with an agenda other than a strict translation; this is why it’s essential to understand how a translation came about. So we can decide how much credibility we should apply.

Personally, I like the ESV, KJV, NKJ, NASB1995, and the ASV the most. I also use other versions occasionally to help understand some verses. The most meticulous interpretation of scripture was done under the threat of life by the scholars of the 1600s with the KJV.

As a follower of Christ, not a scholar of biblical languages, I rely heavily on the versions I believe were created with the most care.

All this said; I trust God

I believe God’s Holy Word is just that: God’s Holy Word. I trust each word and believe it is possible to understand everything God wants us to understand clearly.

We just need to remove our desires and expectations to open our hearts and minds and pay attention to God’s desires and will.

The Bible is not a book of confusion.

What makes it seem confusing is us. When we try to twist what it says into what we think it should say. We also need to remember that the Bible is several books that make one book. So, when we look at one verse using the word faith, it does not discount all the verses that included baptism and vice versa..

What’s the whole picture?

What do the books combined tell us is necessary for Salvation? If we’re willing to admit to ourselves that we may have more to learn. The complete answer is available to us in Scripture

The Bible continues to be the #1 bestseller

I cannot Phantom God giving us His complete Word in forms we can’t possibly understand. Can you?

, I just can’t perceive that God went through all this effort, including the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross so that we might have eternal life, that He spent thousands of years bringing all of this to fruition only to give us a Bible, we can’t trust to be accurate or understand with a little effort, reasoning, and discernment; this would be ridiculous.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

God First!

Seeding Social Media

Seeding Social Media

January 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

We can plant seeds of evil or seeds of good. Some view social media as the devil’s playground because many abuse it. Some air their dirty laundry, some are disrespectful and hateful, some spread gossip and the list goes on and on.

I view Social media as farmland, farmland with equal opportunity to spread good seeds, good thoughts, praise, laughter, accolades, and the message of Christ. We can just as easily spread seeds that build each other up as we can spread the seeds of Satan.

We need to keep in mind the things we like, share, and say on these platforms are an extension of ourselves. Wouldn’t you love to see social media inundated with uplifting posts, shares, and likes by good people wanting to make positive change? It starts with us.

If we’re not planting good seeds in the farmland, the seeds of weeds Satan plants will take over the land.

God is good; let’s share the goodness!

God First!

Stop Cheating yourself

God draws closer as we draw closer

January 24, 2021 / / 0 Comments

If you want to become close to someone, do you reach out by ignoring them?

Many people say they believe in Jesus. Some will shout it from the rooftops, yet few take time to get to know Him.

I’m not talking about feelings like when you listen to music and become emotional. No, I’m talking about getting to know Jesus through His Father, His life, His words, His example, and His message.

It’s when we study God’s Holy Word that we truly get to know and understand Jesus. Because when we study, we draw closer to God, closer to our creator.

The creator of the world and everything in it. In John 1:1-2 we find: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, He was in the beginning with God.”

What an opportunity we have!

We cheat ourselves immensely when we don’t spend time in God’s Word, when we don’t spend time getting to know our Heavenly Father or make an effort to draw closer to God so that God will draw closer to us.

If we are in God’s Word daily, it’s only natural that God will be part of our daily conversations. Is He?

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you…” James 4:8

  • John 1:1-17
  • 2 Timothy 2:15

God First!

Choices are Real, regret is lifetime.

Choices are real and regrets, are lifetime

January 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

You have two lines. One line promotes the murder of babies, and the other promotes the protection of life. Your decision is black and white, Not gray. You simply have one line promoting evil and one line for pure love.

It’s been pointed out God is not Democrat or Republican. Amen to that!

There is no evil in God! GOD IS LOVE, GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.

If Jesus was asked: Is it ok to kill babies in the womb? Would love answer: sure, go ahead, or would that be Satan?

Choosing the right line is important; I choose the Life-Line of love.

Which line do you stand behind?

  • 1 John 4:8
  • Psalms 145:9
  • Psalms 100:4-5
  • Mark 10:18

God First!

Old Covered Wagon

Choosing Change

January 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

In biblical studies, I’ve noticed many names have unique meanings that identify personality traits and paths of individuals. Some were even given new names that identified new paths.

I’ve always been a little disappointed when I read (as a child) that the meaning of my name “Wayne” meant: “Old Covered Wagon.”

I’ve joked about this ever since.

In the last 12 years or so, this “old covered wagon” and his wife embarked on a new journey in life as we began trying to grow closer to God by pursuing a fuller understanding of God’s will, the message of Christ, and how to be disciples of Christ. So far, our journey has been exciting, challenging, and sobering; I repented and returned to the Church and my wife was later baptized for the forgiveness of her sins being added to the Church. (Acts 2:38-41) These changes have made the last few years much more meaningful than those before.

Following Christ introduced us to a new level of peace, contentment, and joy, even amidst growing health concerns. In fact, I can’t imagine facing any of the hardships we’ve had to face without our faith and trust in Jesus.

With a mutual love of God, open minds, open hearts, and a desire to do God’s Will, according to God, We all have what we need to build and strengthen our understanding of God’s will, our roles as disciples of Christ, and build friendships in Christ.

I would like to encourage you to follow and comment on the posts you find on Advocate for Christ.

God First!

Father Children Picture

Does God love some more than others?

January 20, 2021 / / 0 Comments

I’ve been thinking about this question and believe the answer is that God loves the “response” of some more than others.

Like parents and children, one child might do as directed most of the time while the other doesn’t. It’s not that parents love the obedient child more than the other; however, they do love the response of the obedient child more than the disobedient response. The obedient response shows a desire to please the parents by doing as told. (Love)

In Scripture, we learn Jesus died for all the world. That God shows no partiality. Scripture tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus told us, if we love Me, you will keep My commandments.

David was considered a man after God’s heart? Why? God tells us: “He will do my will” Saul, on the other hand, lost his kingdom for doing his “own” will, not God’s.

King David made many huge mistakes and was far from perfect yet he constantly relied on God and pursued righteousness. (Doing God’s will)

We all have the same choice!

Follow God’s will to the best of our ability by studying and following God’s instructions. Or, follow our ideas or the ideas of others.

When we choose to follow God according to God’s will we spend our lives pursuing righteousness? In James chapter 5 we find the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. This should be one of our goals, to have our prayers accomplish much because we pursue righteousness.

God First!

John 3:16 we were told:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

Acts 10:34-35

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”

Acts 13:22

—–But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

Samuel 13:14

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

James 5:16

Mike the Baker

January 15, 2021 / / 0 Comments

by: Wayne R Johnson

Mike is your new friend who happens to be a baker, you mention to Mike that you have the perfect cake recipe. Mike knows your Birthday is coming up and offers to bake it. You give Mike the recipe and write across the top.

“IMPORTANT! Follow the recipe as written, Don’t add or leave anything out of it”

The recipe specifies the types of ingredients, the order to mix them, even what brands to use. You reiterate the importance of following the directions and Mike, agrees! While at the store Mike decides (in his mind), some of the ingredients specified are not the best so; he makes the choice to get what he believes is better for all. When Mike arrives home, he begins mixing all the ingredients together according to your directions, well almost. The directions say to mix ingredients in a certain order, but that doesn’t fit with Mike’s ideas on baking, plus, it will take longer. The recipe could use one more ingredient, so Mike adds it. He then invites your family over to enjoy this special cake. Mike is so pleased with his efforts he is grinning ear to ear, he just knows you’re going to love it.

The moment has arrived, the cake looks awesome and you and your family are finally digging in. Hmm, The cake is not moist, in fact, it’s dry. It’s bland and is not at all what you expected. You have no idea why, when you notice, the cake has nuts in it, you immediately look at your daughter and see her gasping for air and you call 911 for help.

In this scenario, you have knowledge Mike does not have but you gave him a detailed recipe with very specific instructions and said; don’t add or take away from this recipe. You had your specific reasons.

Sound familiar?

1) Mike exercised free will and did things his way, although he agreed to do them your way. Was that the right decision?

2) Were you pleased with Mike’s efforts on the cake? He did not follow your instructions. He changed things, He added things, Mike’s choice ruined your afternoon and harmed your loved ones, His intentions were good, does that matter?

3) Rather than being sorrowful and humble for not following your recipe as He agreed, Should Mike blame you, for not giving him more information?

God’s instructions were given for specific reasons, God has knowledge; we do not have, Scripture tells us God’s recipe has serious consequences if we add or take away from His Word.(Rev. 22: 18-19)

God knows what’s best for us, He cares! God is love and wants us all to take advantage of the ultimate sacrifice that was made for us and, all of mankind. He gave us both examples and commandments on how to best live our lives. On how to be “In Christ” and heaven-bound. How to show God we love Him. Shouldn’t we strive to follow God’s recipe? His will not ours be done. (John 14:15)

If we are Grinning ear to ear it should be in the joy we get from doing God’s will according to His will which does not change.

  • [Belief]
    • John 3:16 ‬, Heb 11:6, Mark 16:16‬, Acts 8:36-37, Acts 16:31 
  • [Confess]
    • Matt 10: 32-33, Rom 10:9-10, Acts 8:37 ‬
  • [Repent]
    • Luke 13:3, Matt 4:17, Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30‬
  • [Baptized (Immersed)]
    • Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Pet 3:21, Gal 3:26-29, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 22:16, Rom 6:3-4
  • [Live faithfully]
    • John 14:15, Rom 6:4, Matt 7:21, Matt 28:20 

Newer posts »

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Sign up now

We attempt to post daily, but it’s not always possible to post that often.

We don’t spam!

Contact us:

Contact us: wa***@***************st.com

© 2025 Advocate for Christ

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Sign up now

We attempt to post daily, but it’s not always possible to post that often.

We don’t spam!