A group and the Bible

[Rich]

Greetings,
I am new here this evening and this is third posting.  Figure just excitement but promise will be last of the evening.
Is there a Bible version that is recommended most highly.  Additionally, years ago read something of translation of The Jews to The people.  Does anyone recall this?
Thanks for this site.
Peace to all.
Rich

[redhotmagma]

This is a good article from Gary.
http://www.tentmaker.org/Biblematters/bestbibletranslation.htm

[jabcat]

Hi Rich. I don't know about the translation to which you refer.  I recommend Young's and Modern Young's.  Although still with some orthodox leanings/interpretations within the translation, I also like to reference www.bible.cc where there are versions like New American Standard, English Version, etc.  They also have the Aramaic Bible version on there, which I also like.

Anyway, welcome and blessings.

[Lazarus Short]

My recent experience:

The Message was a total non-starter.  :doh:

The KJV II has updated language, and I began with enthusiasm, but "Hell" was still in place.  :sigh:

The Ferrar Fenton Version I read and enjoy, but only the OT in the past - presently exploring the NT, and it looks promising.  :thumbsup:

The Gospel of History is like a chronological New Testament - fascinating.  :declare:

The Unvarnished New Testament is fresh, readable, and insightful.  Worth a read.  :thumbsup:

Almost any Bible is better than no Bible.

[redhotmagma]

I personally use the NET bible mostly online.  I saw it as the gold standard before coming out of "orthodoxy", and was comfortable with the search tools.  It has some good points.  It translates Gal 2:16 as

we know  that no one  is justified by the works of the law 3  but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. 4  And 5  we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ 6  and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one 7  will be justified.

And it translates 666 as the number of mankind instead of a man so its got my vote  :Egyptdance2: (Rich this is an ongoing debate I've been involved in in the Prophecy thread)

And its notes give a lot of info about textual variants, and the literal readings. 

It also has a lot of negatives, which I think you will find with all translations.  Bias.  For instance if you click on the word all (pan) in the definition they have a commentary by a very famous ET preacher that tries to explain why all can't really mean all. :doh:

So I try and look at the usage of the word in all contexts to get a feel for what the word means, look at the roots that the Greek or Hebrew word comes from, and then look at some other translations side by side.

Ultimately though "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life".  Without dependance on the Spirit, no matter what translation its death.

[Rich]

Hi,

Thanks for all of the recommendations.  A little bit overwhelmed tonight so think will call it quits after this.  Thanks seems like is not enough, but thanks for sure. 

In closing do wish to ask one more question of everyone:  Where do you go to Church, if you go? 

"the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life".  Amen!!!

Thanks for all that you have eached shared so graciously with me tonight. 

Peace to each.

Rich

[eaglesway]

I use E-sword which has numerous translations in parallel. I can check the Greek and Hebrew when the versions disagree and get all of the views from the various dictionaries and lexicons at will.

When I need to get the magnifying glass out I use the interlinear and lexicon functions of Biblos.com

[jabcat]

Rich, there's a whole lot more I don't know than I know, and God will eventually correct me where I'm wrong.  But I don't believe the written scripture kills, except in the sense that it makes us realize how unable we are without Christ and without His Spirit.

When Paul made the statement, "the letter killeth but the Spirit gives life", I personally understand that, in context, to mean "strict observance of the letter of the law".  As in, the Law doesn't save.  As Paul further said, the Law showed him he was a sinner, and he came to know that his only salvation was in the Savior.   Same as with Jesus telling the Jews they didn't have life just by reading the scriptures.  As I understand, He was telling them that in their effort, they were missing Him - not recognizing Him as the Messiah - and that through Him was the only way they could be reconciled to God (made alive).  :2c:

So anyway, Rich, keep digging into the scriptures, all the while looking to God to open them up by His Spirit, revealing Himself to you more and more.  Read them through the love of a Father for His children, and take it to Him for understanding and revelation.  And that's what I need to do too, thanks for the reminder. :)   Blessings.

[ded2daworld]

Hi Rich and welcome,
Having read approximately 15 different versions from gen to rev. The advice I give you is NOT to read a version
IF that is the only version they recommend to you. I find that if a person only recommends a single version, they either haven't read other versions or the other versions they read seemed to conflict with their preconcieved ideas.
Many denominations recommend one version or another as being Closest to what their denomination believes.
Some cults have their own translation which is the same as the denominations except, because it is a cult, there is some wild stuff in there. (JW's, Mormons, KJV only) -even Catholics have their "preferred" version.
All in all, every translation has some disputable words, sentences, or passages in them.
Read 3 or four different versions right from the start. The texts are online for free so cost shouldn't be a problem.
If you really want to start with just one hard copy I would recommend the Amplified. The other ways a word can be said are put in parenthesis after the questionable words. It is also easily readable (at least it was to me)
Readability is another factor. For example, Young's literal may be the most accurate but is certainly not the most readable and the key is to read as much of God's word with understanding that you can. The more readable it is, the easier this will be.

[Rich]

Greetings,
Thanks for all of the responses.  I do think take "the letter killeth but the Spirit gives life" in same context as you and took from redhotmagma.  I get the nuance and quite frankly, think the folks here do as it manifests itself all over the forum.  Even when have seen a degree of animus, how you all here deal with it is simply refreshing.  Wish could say how much seeing this means.

Plenty to think about from all offered.  Have read only from KJV, NIV, and NKJV.  Think will take advice given.  Have app on phone that has many of the versions and easily searchable but being a bifocal type, do not spend so much time with.  Will download to p.c. so will be able to have access. 
Also, as new here and will learn where to respond, do appreciate the humor also that has been shared with me already via responses.
Last question for what think fits here:  Is there a place on forum where it has been discussed about where to attend church.  This is something have missed and do think it has been at families' detriment. 

Thanks very much.

Rich

[redhotmagma]

I've heard that CGI.org are UR or at least very friendly towards UR.  Also united Methodist churches are supposed to be open to it.  I had no fellowship for a while after coming to the glorious knowledge of UR.  I decided to do a google search for Ultimate Reconciliation Detroit, and found a site of a church that used to meet but had a website still.  From meeting that guy, I met another couple that brought me into a home "church".  I tried universalism but that only brought up unitarian universalist websites, which from what I hear are more like community service organizations, and have little spirituality, even of the "false" kind.  But again  :dontknow: I have no first hand experience. 

Where do you live (generally)?  I know of a few places that have regular meetings and are UR.

[Rich]

Thanks for this.  Think Unitarian would be error on my part.  Whether them or Quakers, some of nicest and spiritual folks have met but think this would only cause confusion at this point.  Reside in middle of the state of West Virginia.  Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA are not so far from us.  Not ideal but would be doable if something there.  Also, in D.C. and Arlington, Va area somewhat frequently.
Thanks for responding to this as a group would be a very positive thing.
Peace.
Rich

[jabcat]

I get the nuance and quite frankly, think the folks here do as it manifests itself all over the forum.  Even when have seen a degree of animus, how you all here deal with it is simply refreshing.  Wish could say how much seeing this means.

Thanks very much.

Rich

This is nice to hear, thanks Rich.  Yes, most folks here, even when seeing some things differently, are able to express how they see it, show why, even say "I disagree" - but then move on, respecting the other person's right to their view and believing God has each of us at different places in our walk, none of us have all the truth, etc.  It's an over-used phrase, but kind of "disagreeing without being disagreeable" :).  So thanks again.

RHM, I'm going to need to check out CGI.  Not sure I'm familiar with them.  I personally would have been interested in checking out a Methodist church, but then I recently saw where their denomination had joined a group of churches in declaring that abortion is "an acceptable alternative".  That's one thing I've found since believing in UR.  So many groups/folks seem to, with the revelation of UR, then depart from many other things are seen as "traditional" beliefs - often, IMO, even if some of them are truly scripturally sound beliefs.  In other words, "throwing out the baby with the bath water".  So I've yet to find a satisfactory worship group.  That's great that you were led to a house group.  Awesome.  Would that we all.     As far as the UU, yeah, I've read about them.  They are very secular, if not even at times occultic.  One can believe in God, be an atheist, Buddhist, pagan/wiccan, etc., and they don't care.  IMO, it's a form of "spirituality" that's not necessarily (or likely) the Spirit of God.  So I personally just try to walk each day with Him, share things with my family and friends, and trust God that He'll lead me where I'm supposed to be.   :2c:

Blessings today!

[ded2daworld]

Jab.
You know I usually agree with you. I'm against abortion but was it a good idea to mention abortion and then use the phrase "throw out the baby with the bath water. :dontknow: :laughing7:

[Rich]

Jabcat, your point you make is another thing found impressive about this site.  In searching/reading the site and info. well before I joined last night, I thought the information provided to the reader makes it clear that what is presented is sound and not meant be universalism in another context. 

Still way too young (fifty years old in a minute but..) in learning about UR, but at some point what redhotmagma suggests sounds like a goal for the future and is encourgaing to me. 

Thanks.

Rich

[jabcat]

Alright Rich, watch this;

Jab.
You know I usually agree with you. I'm against abortion but was it a good idea to mention abortion and then use the phrase "throw out the baby with the bath water. :dontknow: :laughing7:

:punish:

:laugh:

[Rich]

Hi I may be just obtuse or missed seeing by using phone for viewing. I did open and read link at bottom and if that is what meant to share is comforting.  Thanks for this. 

[jabcat]

I'm glad you found something helpful.   :thumbsup:

But yeah, what you missed was a little emoticon regarding ded's comment.  You can check it out when you get to a computer.  No big deal, just playin' around.  :)

[lomarah]

Was just jab living up to his name.  :wink2:

[Rich]

Lomarah,
Since joined yesterday, have been slow on uptake three if not four times.  Hoping to get home and respond to him from P.C..  Because I am not so witty I could only come up with one pun and you just used it.  Darn.  On the upside, my error lead me to read the rules.  Thanks Jab.

[lomarah]

Oh no sorry Rich lol! I enjoy puns but am not always the quickest wit either LOL. Feel free to use it anyway... I'm pretty sure I used it once before also. Just wait a month or so and it'll seem fresh. ;)

[jabcat]

:)