Bible, Translations and Efforts (Issue Based)

Stay Alert ! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1Peter.5:8 (NLT)

In the recent past there is a serious discussion going on the online or with a Church or within the Christian Community, that which is the right version of the Bible or which translation of Bible should we follow. In today's world most of the Churches are using the version that is been suggested by their Pastor. It is good to follow the version of Bible that is suggested by their Pastor, because one can only understand or follow the sermon or the study (meditation) that their Pastor is preaching. But it is also quiet evident that in your personal study you better go through a number of good versions of the Bible to understand the Scripture in right meaning in a right sense. This is what people in Berea did when Paul, Silas and Timothy preached the Gospel of Christ in a Jewish meeting place (Synagogue). The people of Berea not just listened to what Paul and Silas had preached, but they examined the Holy Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true (Acts.17:10-12).          

The KJV, the NIV and on are all the translations of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. The manuscripts from which our Bible was been translated was not from just one set of manuscript but there are many manuscripts that were found around the world (see picture below). These manuscripts are the copy of the copy of the copy of the copy of the .......... copies. It is also important that in that time there was a real urgency for the Scriptures in the early Church. It was the jews that when they are making a copy of their Holy Scriptures, they see that there won't be even a single letter correction in their copy because that makes the whole scroll be wasted (not used in Synagogues). But this is a different issue with the early Church. Even though jews were already spread throughout Asia Minor and to the east who already had their Holy Scriptures with their community; the early Christians has to complete their copy from the original letter or the Gospel was dependent upon the time, because to send either the letter or the Gospel from one corner to the other will take a month journey by ship. This made the transcribers to be quick in their stipulated job. As to complete their job the transcribers used to copy the original scroll to another scroll, or by just copying to another scroll by following the reader who is going through the original scroll orally. While transcribing, there would have been a little mistake like in Revelation 8:13, which says Angel (KJV) and Eagle (NIV). The original scriptures say that the greek word "aggelos" (KJV) meaning 'Angel', "aetos" (NIV) meaning 'Eagle'. While transcribing the word aggelos might be spelled without stressing the letter 'gg' which would have been listened to the transcriber as 'aetos', just make a practice as said above and see for yourself. As said above in the early 1st century there was a real urgency for the Scriptures, so might this could have happened. However the verse at Revelation 8:13, describe of a 'messanger', who was there 'to proclaim just a message only', but there is no real importance for the messanger, the important thing over here in this verse is 'the message to the inhabitants of the earth', but 'not the messanger'. I believe that this would end the discussion; but for more clarification on the subject 'Translation and Efforts', I just want to make it clear that the translation of the Bible is not just from one set of manuscripts. For example Mark 1:41, in KJV the word 'compassion' and you can see the word 'indignant' in NIV are two different words with two seperate meanings. But in NLT (New Living Translation) the word 'compassion' with a foot note for the verse 'anger'; the synonym of the word 'indignant' are given (as some manuscripts also has). Are the NLT translators are just going through one set of Greek Scriptures or two sets of Greek Scriptures ? However the later translations of NIV also printed the word 'compassion' in place of 'indignant'. The actual word that was there in the Greek Scripture was "speiro", which means 'to sow'. This word is in passive voice, I mean in verse 40 the leper asking Christ with full knowledge and faith that he can be healed. Where did this faith come from to the leper ? This faith seed was already sown in him by (occasionally or intentionally) listening to the teachings of Jesus Christ where the result was healing out of compassion. One has to note that there are certain number of words or phrases that are been added while translating the Greek Scriptures into english language to derive to the right meaning of the sentence. The reader (english) cannot understand the message of the Scripture if the original Hebrew or Greek Scriptures have been transliterated (meaning=to write words or letters using letters of a different alphabet or language) from Hebrew or Greek to English or into any other language it might be (without having a proper gramatical order). Now, I want to ask where are the two words 'compassion' and 'indignant' in this verse (41) are ?

Below are given some verses that are said by some were completely ignored or omitted from NIV Bible. Matthew.17:21, 18:11, 23:14. Mark.7:16, 9:44, 9:46. Luke.17:36, 23:17. John.5:4, Acts.8:37. These are the verses which are said to be intentionally ignored or omitted from NIV. I don't think that these verses were completly ignored or omitted. We have already read above that the different versions of the Bible are not just from one and only one set of manuscripts but which were gathered from different areas (see picture below). However when it's comes to the question of omitting or ignoring or rejecting some of the verses it is just the ignorance and innocence of the reader. The translators of the NIV or any of the versions don't just go with one set of manuscripts but they also take into consideration the other souces (manuscripts) which were discovered around of that time archaeologically or with any other source that corelates with the source that they are currently working on. If the translators of NIV ignored or omitted or rejected the above given verses intentionally then the verses in the NIV Bible just don't jump leaving the next adjacent verse to another verse (number). See carefully, the above verses are given at the footnote and also note that these verses retain their verse number (continued usually). If the translators wanted the version of their own then the verses (Verse Numbers) should be continuous, but it's not the case. One can see the jump in the verse number leaving the omitted or ignored or rejected verse to another. By this we can say that the translators of the Holy Bible are very much careful in translating, taking into consideration by corroborating the source with the other reliable sources of that perticular time or period.

Now, we will see those kind of verses which are been allegedly reported that the words or phrases of these verses has been changed. Below are given the verses Matthew 6:13, 9:13, 19:17, 25:13, 26:29, 27:48. Mark 2:17, 9:29, 9:42, 10:24. Luke 4:4, 11:2, 21:19. John 3:36, 6:47. Romans 11:6. Galatians 5:12, 5:22. Philippians 2:6. Colossians 1:14. 1Timothy 3:16. Hebrews 10:34. 1Peter 1:22. 1John 4:3, 5:7-8. Revelation 2:15, 16:17, 21:24, 22:14. The ignorance and innocence of the reader is again clearly evident. The change that is observed in the above verses are actually the change in the form of the statement (gramatical) or the words of the verse is jumbled providing the same meaning of the verse or some words in Greek gives different synomyms which dosen't change the meaning of the verse or to some verses extra phrases are added as well as subtracted (to) of the original scripture to derive the reader to a more clearer understanding of the verse. All this is done by the translators in the light of corroborating the manuscripts on which they are working using the then already existing original manuscripts or versions (see picture below). For a more clear reference I am writing down all the verses in KJV, NIV, NLT, NASB, and RV (Recovery Version) with it's footnote (fn); if needed explanation was written in [ ].

Matthew 6:13.                                                     KJV - 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. NIV - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one1. (fn) 1.Or from evil; some late mss one / for yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.                                                                   NLT - And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one1. (fn) 1.Or from evil. Some mss add For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NASB - And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil1. [For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen]2. (fn) - 1.Or the evil one. 2.This clause not found in early mss.                                       RV - And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For1 yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (fn) - 1.This sentence is omitted in the earliest mss.

Matthew 9:13                                                           KJV – But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.                                                               NIV – But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have bot come to call the righteous, but sinners.                                      NLT – Then He added “ Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘ I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’  For I have come to call the sinners, not those who think they are already good enough. “                                NASB – But go and learn what1 this means: I desire compassion2, and3 not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (fn)- 1.Lit.What is. 2.Or mercy. 3.I.e. more than.           RV – But go and learn what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.

 Matthew 19:17

KJV – And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good ? there is none good but one that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.  [CALLEST greek word ‘lego’ means to say, speak, discourse, to ask, to call, to name]

NIV – Why do you ask me about what is good ? Jesus replied “ There is only one who is goo. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” [Check with the greek word of KJV]

NLT – “Why ask me about what is good ?”Jesus replied. “Only God is good. But to answer your question , you can receive eternal life if you keep the commandments.”

NASB – And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good ? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

RV – And He said to him, Why do you ask me concerning what is good ? There is only One who is good1. But if you want to enter into lif, keep the commandments. (fn) - 1.Lit.the good.

 

Matthew 25:13

KJV – Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

NIV – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

NLT – “So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.

NASB – Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

RV – Watch therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

 

Matthew 26;29

KJV – But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.

NIV – I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.

NLT – Mark my words – I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.

NASB – But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.

RV – But I say to you, I shall by no means drink of this product of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.

 

Matthew 27:48

KJV – And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and give him to drink.

NIV – Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.

NLT – One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a stick so he could drink.

NASB – Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink.

RV – And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he soaked it with vinegar and put on a reed, and gave to him to drink.

 

Mark 2:17

KJV - When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

NIV – On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

NLT – When Jesus heard this, he told them “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.”

NASB – And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I do not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

RV – And when Jesus heard this, He said to them, Those who are strong have no need of a physician, but those who are ill; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

 

Mark 9:29

KJV – And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

NIV – He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer1.” (fn)  - 1.some mss prayer and fasting. Also check with footnote of Matthew 17:21 (omitted verse) NIV.

NLT – Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer1”. (fn) – 1.some mss add and fasting.

NASB – And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”

RV – And he said to them, This kind cannot come out by any means except prayer1. (fn) - 1.some mss add, and fasting.

 

Mark 9:42

KJV – And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. [OFFEND greek word ‘skandalizo’ causative meaning to cause to offend, lead astray, lead into sin, be a stumbling block]

NIV – “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. [check with the KJV greek meaning]

NLT – “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.

NASB – “Whosoever causes one of these little1 ones who believe to stumble, it would2 be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had3 been cast into the sea. (fn) – 1.I.e humble. 2.Lit is better for him if a millstone turned by a donkey is hung. 3.Lit has been thrown.

RV – And whoever stumbles one of these little ones who believe into me, it is better for him if a great1 millstone is placed around his neck and he is thrown into the sea. (fn) - 1.Lit.millstone (turned) by a donkey.

 

Mark 10:24

KJV – And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God !

NIV – The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is1 to enter the kingdom of God ! (fn) – 1.some mss is for those who trust in riches.

NLT – This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is hard1 to get into the kingdom of God. (fn) –1.some mss add for those who trust in riches.

NASB – The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God !

RV – And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus again answered and said to them, Children how difficult it is for1 those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. (fn) - 1.some mss omit, for those who trust in riches.

 

Luke 4:4

KJV – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

NIV – Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone’.”

NLT – But Jesus told him, “No! The Scripture say, ‘People need more than bread for their life’.”

NASB – And Jesus answered him, “It is written, man shall not live on bread alone’.”

RV – And Jesus answered him, It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone1. (fn) - 1.some mss add, but on every word of God.

 

Luke 11:2

KJV - And he said unto them, When ye pray, say Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed bw thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

NIV – He said to them, “When you pray, say:” ‘ Father1, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come2.  (fn) – 1.some mss Our Father in heaven. 2.some mss come. May Your will be done on earth as it is heaven.

NLT – He said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be honored, May your kingdom come soon. (fn) – some mss Lord’s Prayer as it reads in Matt 6:9-10 (NIV), “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

NASB – And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘ Father hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. (fn) – Later mss add phrases from Matt 6:9-13 to make the two passages closely similar.

RV – And He said to them, When you pray say, Father1, Your name be sanctified; Your kingdom come. (fn) - 1.some mss read, Our Father who is in the heavens.

 

Luke 21:19

KJV – In your patience possess ye your souls.

NIV – By standing firm you will gain life. [For word life see Matt 16:25 (NIV) (fn) – The greek word means either life or soul; also in verse 26.]

NLT – By standing firm, you will win your souls.

NASB – By your endurance you will gain your lives1. (fn) – 1.Lit souls.

RV – In your endurance you will possess your souls.

 

John 3:36

KJV – He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

NIV – Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.

NLT – And all who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”

NASB – He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not1 obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (fn) – 1.Or believe.

RV – He who believes into the Son has eternal life; but he who disobeys the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides upon him.

 

John 6:47

KJV – Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

NIV – I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

NLT – “I assure you, anyone who believes in me already has eternal life.

NASB – Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

RV – Truly, Truly, I say to you, He who believes has eternal life.

 

Romans 11:6

KJV - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

NIV – And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were grace would no longer be grace1. (fn) – 1.some mss be grace. But if by works, then it is no longer grace; if it were, work would no longer be work.

NLT – And if they are saved by God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s wonderful kindness would not be what it really is – free and undeserved.

NASB – But if it is by grace, it is no longer on1 the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. (fn) – 1.Lit out of.

RV – But if by grace, it is no longer out of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.

 

Galatians 5:12

KJV – I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

NIV – As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves.

NLT – I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves1. (fn) – 1.Or castrate themselves; Greek reads cut themselves off.

NASB – I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate1 themselves. (fn) – 1.Or cut themselves off.

RV – I wish that those upsetting you would even cut themselves off.

 

Galatians 5:22-23

KJV - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

NIV – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

NLT – But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

NASB – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

RV – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control, against such things there is no law.

[In the series of the fruit of the Spirit in Gal.5:22-23 (NIV), from all only 1.Patience, 2.Kindness, 3.Gentleness and 4.Self-control seem different. We will see each of it one by one. 

1.Patience(NIV) – Longsuffering (KJV)  - Greek word is ‘makrothumia’, which is showing patience in respect of persons while bearing up under things or circumstances. ‘makrothumia’ is associated with mercy and is used of God. 2.Kindness (NIV) – Gentleness (KJV) – Greek word is ‘chrestotes’, means benignity, kindness, usefulness, which has the harmlessness of a dove. It can be translated as good, kindness, gentleness. The word is descriptive of one’s disposition and does not necessarily entail acts of goodness. 

3.Gentleness (NIV) – Meekness (KJV) – Greek word is ‘praotes’, mean mildness {Mild in Oxford Dictionary mean (of people of their behavior) gentle and kind}. Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of the God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him. 

4.Self-control (NIV) – Temperance (KJV) – Greek word ‘egkrateia’, meaning self-control. Source : Greek Dictionary].

 

Philippians 2:6

KJV – Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

NIV – Who, being in the very nature1 God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (fn) – 1.Or in the form of.

NLT – Though He was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.

NASB – Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped1. (fn) – 1.I.e. utilized or asserted.

RV – Who, existing1 in the form2 of God, did not3 consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped. (fn) - 1.The Greek word existing from the beginning, implying the Lord's eternal preexistance. 2.The expression not the fashion, of God's being (Heb.1:3), identified with the essence and the nature of God's person and hence, expressing them. This refers to Christ's deity. 3.Although the Lord was equal with God, He did not consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped and retained; rather, He laid aside the form of God (not the nature of God) and emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.

[This verse is more of a theological issue than of a translation issue. We don't find a stright meaning for the word rather the word is explaining something embedded within it; like the complete essence of the Word of God within it. This verse in NIV is much more clearer than the verse in KJV; the translators have put their best efforts in deriving to a meaningful sentence without degrading the deity of Christ; {although the word ‘robbery’ in KJV is used as Anarthrous construction, where these words are most often intended to point out the quality of something, which in this verse the word ‘robbery’ of KJV, ‘Christ truly being in the form of God could not render His claim of equality with God as robbery. Christ continued to be in the form of God which is what He was before He became man and had always been, for in essence He has always been God. His divine existence in relation to the world is indicated by the phrase, “He did not think being equal with God a robbery” as He was God among men and thus on earth He was God-Man. In outer appearance He was man, in essence He was God. When He became man, He truly took the form of a servant. He esteemed not His equality with God as something requiring an act of force against the world or a thing to be forced upon the world. Source : Greek Dictionary}]

 

Colossians 1:14

KJV – in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

NIV – in whom we have redemption1 the forgiveness of sins. (fn) – 1.a few late mss redemption through his blood.

NLT – God has purchased our freedom with his blood1 and has forgiven all of our sins. (fn) - 1. some mss do not include with his blood.

NASB – in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

RV – In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

1Timothy 3:16

KJV – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest1 in flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angles, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (fn) – 1.Gr.manifested.

NIV – Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He1 appeared in the body2, was vindicated by Spirit, was seen by angles, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (fn) – 1.some mss God. 2.Or in the flesh.

NLT – Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ1 appeared in the flesh and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit2. He was seen by angles and was announced to the nations. He was believed on in the world and was taken up into heaven3. (fn) – 1.Greek who; some mss read God. 2.Or in his Spirit. 3.Greek in glory.

 NASB – By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who has revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated1 in2 the Spirit, Seen by angles, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. (fn) – 1.Or justified. 2.Or by.

RV – And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angles, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. 

[As like in Philippians 2:6]

 

Hebrews 10:34

KJV – For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in1 yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (fn) – 1.Or, that ye have in yourselves, or, for yourselves.

NIV – You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

NLT – You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.

NASB – For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.

RV – For you both sympathized with those in bonds and accepted with joy the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better possession and one that abides.

 

1Peter 1:22

KJV - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren. see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

NIV – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart1. (fn) – 1.some early mss from a pure heart.

NLT – Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters1 because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts2. (fn) – 1.Greek can have brotherly love. 2.some mss read with a pure heart.

NASB – Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere1 love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the2 heart. (fn) – 1.Lit unhypocritical. 2.Two early mss read a clean heart.

RV – Since you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned brotherly love, love one another from1 a pure heart fervently. (fn) - 1.some mss read, from the heart fervently.

1John 4:3

KJV - And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

NIV – but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the Spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

NLT – If a prophet does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is going to come into the world, and he is already here.

NASB – and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

RV – And every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming and now is already in the world.

 

1John 5:7-8

KJV – For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water and the blood: and these three agree in one.

NIV – For there are three that testify: the Spirit1, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (fn)- 1.Late mss of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one, And there are three that testify on the earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the fourteenth century).

NLT – So we have these three witnesses1 – the Spirit, the water and the blood – and all three agree. (fn) – 1.some very late manuscripts add in heaven  - the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And we have three witnesses on earth.

NASB – For there are three that testify: the1 Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in2 agreement. (fn) -1.A few late mss add …in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth, the Spirit. 2.Lit for the one thing.

RV – For there are three who testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and the three are unto the one thing.

 

Revelation 2:15

KJV – So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

NIV – Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

NLT – In the same way, you have some Nicolaitans among you – people who follow the same teaching and commit the same sins.

NASB – So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

RV – In the same way you also have some who hold in like manner the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

 

Revelation 16:17

KJV – And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven from the throne, saying, It is done.

NIV – The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!”

NLT – Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne of the Temple in heaven, saying, “It is finished!”

NASB – Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple1 from the throne, saying, “It is done.” (fn) – 1.Or Sanctuary.

RV – And the seventh poured his bowl upon the air; and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, It is done.

 

Revelation 21:24

KJV – And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

NIV – The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

NLT – The nations of the earth will walk in its light, and the rulers of the world will come and bring their glory to it.

NASB – The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will1 bring their glory into it. (fn) – 1.Lit bring.

RV – And the nations will walk by its light; and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.

Revelation 22:14

KJV - Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

NIV – “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

NLT – Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.

NASB – Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.

RV – Blessed are those who wash their robes that they1 may have right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city. (fn) - 1.Lit.their authority will be over the tree of life and they may enter......

I have tried my best to give you a view and understanding about the Holy Scriptures, their translations and their efforts under the guidance of Holy Spirit. I believe that this article will help those who have listened or been questioned by ambiguous statements that quaver their faith in One True God.

The translations KJV as well as NIV or NLT as so on are all painstakingly made for the reader to enjoy the Word of God and to have a complete faith in the Word of God. There are no best versions or atleast the best version; the translators are striving hard to get to the nearest meaning as much as possible at evey updated print keeping the present vocabulary of the language in mind. 

NOTE : One has to be aware of these below Versions of so called Bibles as they pervert one's faith. The versions that are to be careful of are as follows

1. Jehovah Witness's Bible. 

2. Mormon's Bible Joseph Smith Revision. 

3. Christadelphian Version with Elpis Israel (Hope of Israel) and Christendom Astray from the Bible. 

4. Christian Science's Bible with Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by May Baker Eddy. 

5. Swedenborg's Bible. 

6. Children of God's Holy Bible. 

7. Unification Church Holy Bible (Moonies). 

8. Unity School of Christianity's Holy Bible. 

9. The Way International's Holy Bible. 

10. Seventh Day Adventists Teachings. 

11. Scientology Teachings 

Source : Encyclopedia of world religions, Cults and the Occult

12. A new Arabic and Turkish translations. Here are three examples native speakers give:

(a).Wycliffe and SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) have produced Stories of the Prophets, an Arabic Bible that uses an Arabic equivalent of "Lord" instead of "Father" and "Messiah" instead of "Son."

(b).Frontiers and SIL have produced Meaning of the Gospel of Christ , an Arabic translation which removes "Father" in reference to God and replaces it with "Allah," and removes or redefines "Son." For example, the verse which Christians use to justify going all over the world to make disciples, thus fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) reads, "Cleanse them by water in the name of Allah, his Messiah and his Holy Spirit" instead of "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." 

(c).Frontiers and SIL have produced a new Turkish translation of the Gospel of Matthew that uses Turkish equivalents of "guardian" for "Father" and "representative" or "proxy" for "Son".

Source: http://pamelageller.com/2012/01/new-bible-versions-remove-father-and-son-of-god-because-it-offends-muslims.html/

These are a few I have come across are. I want to end this article with the verse we started with "Stay Alert ! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1Peter.5:8 (NLT).

Article Source : Damerakulas' Pankaj Christian Library, Kurnool. Andhra Pradesh State, India.

The Father's Letter

         Letter from the Almighty Father

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.     Ps.139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.      Ps.139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.        
Ps.139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.       Matt.10:30

For you were made in my image.        
Gen.1:27

In Me you live and move and have your being.       Acts.17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.       Jer.1:5

I chose you when I planned creation.  
Eph.1:5

You were not a mistake for all your days are written in My book.     Ps.139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.  Acts.17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Ps.139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.
Ps.139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.          Ps.71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.      Jn.8:41-44*

I am not distant and angry, but ‘Am the complete expression of love.  I Jn.4:16*

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.       I Jn.3:1*

Simply because you are My child and I am your Father.      I Jn.3:1*

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.      Matt.7:11

For I am the perfect Father.       Matt. 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand.      James.1:17#

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.          Matt.6:31-33*

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.         Jer.29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.       Jer.31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.     Ps.139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.   
Zeph.3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.      
Jer.32:40

For you are my treasured possession.   
Ex:19:5

I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul.         Jer.32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.      Jer.33:3

If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me.      Deut.4:29

Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.     Ps.37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.    
Phil.2:13*

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.     Eph.3:20

For I am your greatest Encourager.        
II Thes.2:16-17*

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.     II Cor.1:3-4

When you are broken hearted I am close to you.       Ps.34:18

As a Shepherd carries a lamb I have carried you close to My heart.    Isa.40:11

One day I will wipe away all the pain you have suffered.      Rev.21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My Son, Jesus.     Jn.17:23*

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.       II Cor.5:18-19*

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.      Rom.8:31-32*

And nothing will ever separate you from My love again.      Rom.8:38-39

I have always been Father, and will always be the Father.          Eph.3:14-15*

With Love.
Your Dad,
Almighty Father.         

*Summary of the collective or single verse.
#To understand in Passive Voice.

Adapted from www.fathersloveletter.com

Un-noticed Things

             The 7 Un-noticed Things

For a number of days we were been listening to number of messages on the Passion and Death of Christ, every message is worth listening. In the heard messages we were been taken through the series or the process of crucifixion of Christ, through meditation on the word of God and as on. Here is a simple article that will speak to you differently. Go through the article and listen to what God is speaking to you. 

The seven sayings of the Savior on the Cross is a series of sayings of our Lord, but here I tried to explain the seven things that were hidden in the series of numbers as like; where most of us do not give more importance to these small un-noticed things. I tried to focus on these very small things which gives us a deeper understanding of what God is, and we can see the finger prints of our Lord at every pause. Glory and Honor be to God for ever and ever.

One     Kiss
Two    Planks
Three  Lies
Four    Judging's
Five     Wounds
Six       Renewing of Man
Seven God is Working

Kiss - In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. On earth He choose an appropriate place for  man and his partner wife, called Garden of Eden. When it was all well with life, the created man and his wife both were been betrayed by satan with a word of his mouth and here at the Garden of Gasthemene this Son of man, God Himself was betrayed by one of His own men with a word of his mouth and a Kiss. As the thing that came from the mouth at garden of Eden placed man and his wife and his whole generations away from God, here at garden of Gasthemene, this same thing (word and a kiss) started a process of getting man near and much more nearer to God. The thing that created distance between man and God; now process of getting man nearer to God took an initiative. Lets thank the Lord for what He has done for us.

Planks - These are the two logs of wood that were dragged by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from Jerusalem to Calvary. The two logs as been said by some people that, it is as if striking of "I", if the vertical log is "I" and it is like striking away the vertical log by the horizontal log, that is like taking off the pride of "I" from yourself. Studies suggest that the vertical log is of 6ft to 7ft tall and weighs about 35kgs to 57kgs and the horizontal log is of 5ft to 6ft and weighs about 35kgs to 57kgs and the distance Jesus Christ travelled carrying and dragging the cross is of about 650m. In spite of His physical condition carrying this cross by Christ himself, takes not just to have spiritual strength but also a great deal of stubborn determination to fulfill the plan of God the Father for the sake of mankind (not giving up determination). It is like carrying away two key things that were involved because of satan in the life of mankind, one is eternal death and the other is judgment. Both these things were taken up by our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross to set us free from bondage of satan. Look what the Lord has done for us. Are we ready to take upon our cross and follow Jesus. Let's do it.

Lies - Every man and woman would have lied either to their parents, teachers, friends, relatives, co-workers, wife or children etc., It is the ultimate weapon of mankind to come out of that particular situation without getting hurt. It all started in the Garden of Eden by satan, it used lies in convincing humankind who doesn't know what lie would be like. After man was sent out from the Garden of Eden by God, man took up lies (as we can see it in Cain) as to escape from the hard situations. The same attitude is shown here by one of the elderly disciples of Jesus Christ in telling a lie. The person who has been with Jesus since not less than three years, who saw Jesus doing miracles, signs and wonders, who accepted Jesus as God Himself, now not at all ready to get into a situation like this. A person who always been in the middle of appreciation, because of being one of the disciples of Jesus (after seeing every miracle), who never been in want after becoming the disciple of Jesus (fishing in the boat for his livelihood or to get a doctor for his ill mother-in-law) is now not ready to fall into such a situation. May be his heart for his Master would have been troubled, but that timid heart wasn't ready to stand for his Master. He didn't keep up his promise that he made to his Master. Jesus had made up His mind to follow the plan of God and wanted to see, to how far are His disciples ready to take up the challenge. God wants those hearts who not just accept Jesus as Lord and Savior but to follow Him earnestly at every situation. God hasn't given us a timid heart but a heart full of courage that would not just stand but to take up every situation for the sake of His kingdom. That is why, in the later days when the Holy Spirit was given onto them, they never stepped back even to die for the sake of truth. So why should we be worried about, as like the birds which were fed, as like the wild flowers which blossom so are we in the sight of God, when we are ready to follow Him earnestly.

Judging's - After Jesus was arrested at Garden of Gasthemene by the temple guards and the roman soldiers, Jesus was taken first "to Anna father-in-law of the high priest as well as the head of the Sanhedrin" and then "to the high priest Caiaphas", from then on to the Sanhedrin early in the morning, from there "to governor Pilate" and from there on "to Herod Antipas the tetrarch" and then back to Pilate and from there to Calvary. These are the four judging's that Jesus has faced. None of these proved that Jesus was a culprit. Yes, with pressure and with a pre-plan the high priest and others brought forward some people as false witnesses to speak against our Lord Jesus Christ, but their plan was un-noticeable. So was HE judged to make us free of judgment before the sight of the Lord the Father. God the Father will let us sit on His right thigh because He sees the blood marks of His Son's crucifixion upon us. So are we free. Let's thank the Lord for this ultimate freedom.

Wounds - As we all know that our Lord Jesus Christ took two of His wounds on the hands one in the legs one stabbing and flogging on His back. To share some information the nails are of about 5 to 7 inches long and the head of the nail is of 1 inch.  The wounds that were made by the nails will result in pain usually but much more when the culprit is inhaling and exhaling on the cross. The roman flogging is different with the Jewish flogging. Both of these floggings were given to a person who has done against the law. But there is a slight difference in process between these two. In Jewish flogging the culprit will be taken to the doctor first and been asked to how far or to how many floggings his health would permit. The whip is made of leather, the handle to the half of the whip is made out of Ox and the other part till the tip is made out of Ass. This is to say that the culprit has degraded himself lower than the Ox and the Donkey. One of the Rabbis will stand with the whip and the other Rabbi will be reading the scriptures regarding repentance for what he has done. This process will make sure the culprit that he has over crossed the law and the words of repentance will make the culprit ask for forgiveness for what he has done. In the roman flogging the culprit will not be taken to the doctor for advice. The whip will be made with both leather and metal and bones (sharp). While the flogging is in process, one will be scolding or cursing and showing all his anger towards the culprit by flogging. Just imagine how much pain and suffering Lord Jesus Christ could have gone through for our sake.

Renewing of Man - We are all aware of that God created man on the sixth day in the process of creation. As like we all know how he was created, how he came to life and his lifestyle. The man who was been created by God with a fist full of mud and who was been given independence in his life, committed sin and was ashamed even of showing his face to God. God sent away man and his wife from the Garden of Eden. Man who lost the communion with God because of his sin, came into restoration by the act of Atonement. This act only covered the sins man committed, but did not erase them away completely forever. Because of our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, we are free of sin and all of our sins are cleansed for the rest of our life (if we believe and accept the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ). This sacrifice was done on the fifth day of the week that is Friday and was been buried in a tomb on the same day. The sixth day Jesus was still in the tomb dead for the sake of our sins and curses. As we all know Jesus rose again on the seventh day. As Jesus was in the tomb on the sixth day it is like renewing our relationship with God Himself and making a covenant between man and God, like who was been sent away from the created Garden was now been given an access to dine with God at His own table, who was been ashamed of showing his face to God was now standing before God because of the sacrifice of Lord Jesus Christ as His children, who has lost the communion with God is now having a strong covenant with God Himself, whose sins were covered by the act of Atonement was now cleansed and is pure for his lifetime. This is the process, the renewing of man that was going on.

God is Working - We are all aware that God created everything within six days and God rested on the seventh day. As God rested on the seventh that day is called as Sabbath. Did God really rest on the seventh day ? Was God really without work on this day ? What would rest mean to God ? Lets find out. The Bible says that Our Lord Jesus Christ was there with His Father at the time of creation, and without knowing Him nothing was made. After this process, the Son was always with the Father and united with the Father. As we all know that the Almighty God was always watching over us from then on. Now, as we read above that God rested, Did God really rested or was He always at work ? He was and He will and always be. As Jesus Christ promised to His disciples, our Comforter descended over us, and now Jesus is at work as our Advocate, taking up our case before His Father, plea Him for our sins, the cause of His sacrifice for our infirmities. As Jesus was the only begotten Son to the Almighty God, so are we because of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God is always at work, even as we rest, He is at work.

To me these are the 7 Unnoticed Things that go un-noticed while we meditate upon the Passion and Death of Christ, these are very tiny things but has a very broader meaning as like the others. Thank you for going through the article. I pray that this article would do something great in your lives, which would be a sweet smelling and an acceptable sacrifice to God. God bless you.

Knowing God

Knowing God - Every person has his own personality. If someone asks to introduce him/herself, then the answer would be his/her name, family, habits, habitats, likes, dislikes, ambitions, targets, goals etc., These are all the known facts or in other words his/her personality that a person has come to know about himself/herself. One has to know that, he/she has also some hidden personalities that he/she would experience in the due course of time. As a matter of fact, we have reached at a point where we can now say that we know about ourselves a little.

If as humans who knows about ourselves a little, how can we know about God whose attributes and personality (this word should not be used to God) are unexplainable and incomprehensible. So then can't we know and understand God. Yes, it is possible to know and understand God.

As we see in fig.1, we notice an elephant picture which has circles where we take them as slots which are to be filled with coloured marbles.

As we see in fig.2, here we notice that the empty slots of fig.1 are been filled up by the coloured marbles in the pattern as it has to be by the manufacturer.

Now to fig.3, as we notice in this picture that the empty slots of fig.1 were also filled with the coloured marbles, but not according to the pattern. 

The person who is arranging the coloured marbles has to have an idea on the place of slot which he desired and the colour of the marble that has to be placed there. If he does them properly, then he will get the right picture that the manufacturer of the toy has desired. Even if the person who is placing the coloured marbles dosen't go with the pattern of the manufacturer is also successful in placing all the mables in the empty slots as we see in fig.3.

Now my question would be, who was successful in placing all the mables according to the manufacturer ? Obviously, the answer would be the one who places all the coloured marbles according to the pattern of the manufacturer.

To the conclusion part, this is how we have to know and understand God, placing all His attributes and His personality at the right place and according to the time. Lets see an example, Some would argue as God of OT and God of NT, there is nothing like God of OT or NT, He was the same yesterday, today and forever. It is only to our understanding that the God of OT is jealous (Ex.20:5). Because He is jealous, can we find an attribute Envy in God ? To make it clear, the word jealous here is an adjective form of the attribute of God. If we see this word in a verbal form, we will come to know that God dosen't want to lose not even one soul  of his creation, so He disciplines by His word. We can see this narration more clearly in (Is.11:10-15) when prophet Isaiah is speaking it is the heart of God which we look at, wanting them to restore the land that He has promised them. Here we see His LOVE (jealousy for His people, envy for His people) for His people which we notice with one of the attributes of the God of NT. Has God actually changed His nature or is it that our understanding that changed ? One more, in (Ex.9:12), God hardens the heart of Pharaoh. Is God deliberately hardening the heart of Pharaoh ? By the verse it seems so, but when we look at the verse from an another dimension, Pharaoh inspite of experiencing all the ten miracles of God personally, repeatedly God has proved His nature, that He is the Living God in all the ten miracles to Pharaoh. Inspite of enlightening and acknowledging the Living God, Pharaoh hardens his heart himself. Then why is the verse portrayed in this manner ? Because, it was written in Israelites perspective. Does God hardens somebody ? Does God have favourites ? Is God selfish ? If it is so, then there is no question of Jesus. Because of Jesus, these questions are void.

From the above discussion, I want to make it clear that one cannot come to a conclusion with a very little knowledge and understanding of God. It is good to have a desire in spreading the gospel of God, but with proper knowledge and understanding. Let us know that there are certain attributes that we donot know about God or which God haven't revealed to mankind. God wanted certain things to be hidden to us by Apostle John in his Revelation. Do you know why ? Because God wants our deep love and our curiosity to know Him. God reveals Himself to those who has ears which listen. Those who listen to God will know and understand Him. Let us know that we are on a mission (Matt) in spreading Christ, let us do it with fear and honour of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us ask God to reveal His attributes to our understanding, so that we can preach Him with more knowledge and understanding. Let God guide us daily.

Peter goes on fishing.

There could be times in our lives where no one will be around us to compell or to be with us in times of trouble. Every relative, friend could have left you when you much needed them. It was the same with Peter where his toil all through the night has gone on vain. The only business that could earn his food is fishing. Disappointed Peter, wasn't there in that situation for a long time. A small encouragement from God, where God was given little space in the boat, got Peter ready again to cast his nets according to the will of God. Perfect this time, got into business.  There are people who need a small encouragement from the capable. It is not the plan of God that the blessed keep their blessings themselves, but to share a bit, so that they too can be blessed. Have a good day.

Yes, in times of feeling alone or of no help,  you definetely needed some one who could give you encouragement. That is what Christ has done with Peter while fishing all through the night. It is not just what God has done but there is something what even Peter has done in response. What was that, showing Obedience to what was ordered to do. Even after all through the nights hard work, Peter didn't spoke of his tiredness or restlessness but just followed the words of encouragement with obedience. In this matter there is something what each one of them are perceiving into one another. As for as Peter is concerned, he has to run  his daily life, his occupation fishing. He is definitely a hard worker. And for Jesus, its the character of showing Obedience. There would definitely be days where Peter had gone home with empty nets. But this time, the words of encouragement and enough hope where Peter could rely on. This character of showing Obedience to the word brought Peter the day his best. Listening and showing Obedience to the word of God is one of the primary characters of a good Christian living. Have a nice day.

It was in the hardest of times we need a word of encouragement. It is right for a man to show obedience to the word of God, which God definitely expects. These are the two characters at which we have gone through, and now the extra mile. Yes, it was all the hard work that Peter had done through out the night. This is for the first time that the encounter between Christ and Peter is taking place. Christ's intention is to see the heart of Peter, expecting to show Obedience to His word. And Peter is ready to take the extra risk for his purpose. Just with a word of little encouragement from a person who is unknown,  led Peter to take risk by going deep into the sea. Why risk ? Because a depression in the climate may put Peter's life at risk and even end up in disaster. But, Peter listened to the wisdom words of God and showed obedience. This character of Peter made him to take risk to walk on water, first person to take the gospel of Christ out of Israel, to be a martyr for Christ. God wants to build His Kingdom in this world by those who can take that extra mile for God. It is not just the desire of a man that could lead him to be used by God but the character of listing to His Word and showing Obedience and by risking it practically and personally for the Kingdom of God. Have a nice day.

Till now we have gone through the points of Encouragement from the capable, Obedience to the Word of God, Taking an extra step for the Kingdom of God in the last three posts from the fishing of Peter lesson. Now, Giving a little space to God in our situation. Peter after all through the night's hard work he didn't catch even a single fish. Peter runs his household on fishing. Usually a fishing boat could contain two to three members. May be Peter and his servant or his assistant would have tried fishing the last night which was in vain. But now listening and seeing a ray of hope in Christ's words, its my assumption that Peter could have dropped his assistant and got in Jesus on his boat, taking the extra works of rowing for himself, using the rudder for himself, if that boat had a spinnaker even handling that by himself included using the nets for fishing. Taking up all these responsibilities just for a cause of fish and his house. By handling these responsibilities successfully, Peter had a bounty. All this happened because Peter opted to have a Good Guide rather than an assitant by guiding himself. A little space for God in a helpless situation made a difference. Let us invite God into our situation rather than listening to the world in a helpless and much needed time which could give us the best results. Let us rely on God. Have a good day.

We have concentrated on Encouragement from the capable,  Obedience to the Word of God,  Extra step for the establishment of the Kingdom of God, Giving space to God in our situations in the last four of my posts. Today we will concentrate on Unaware of the Circumstances. Unaware means not knowing or realising that something is happening or that something exists. It's the situation Peter was been in. Peter is in a waried situation,  for not got the fish all through the night's hard work. He was in his immense thoughts about his daily business and about his family and their needs. That was the time Jesus steps into the life of Peter. A little conversation between Peter and Jesus gave Peter a great amount of belief and hope. It was not just Peter who was alone in the sea last night, definitely he would have been accompanied with the other fisher men of same occupation. May be they could have got some fish, but Peter didn't. May be Peter could have been closely watched by his accompanies. With just a simple words of encouragement from God, Peter giving a deaf ear to all those who were accompanied with, without watching his circumstances, leaving his accompanies or assistant behind just rowed into the deeper sea with Jesus. Peter listened to God's word with his conscience and just followed his conscience at the right time. That is what with us too today, how ever bad or weary the situation might be with us. The people around you who you think your friends or relatives might be. Many around you come with great ideas and knowledge. It is important that you listen to Holy Spirit God, what He is speaking to your conscience. Take the decision with consciousness under the guidance of Holy Spirit God. That is what Peter had done and got his bounty. Let's listen to His voice and act. Have a nice day.

Good Morning, I thank God for being with us all through this week. Let us thank God for being with us. In the past five posts I have learnt something which I shared with you from the lesson Peter goes on fishing all through the night. Today, we will see what Peter was on. Peter was on a MISSION into the deep sea with Jesus on his boat. As we all know the meaning of Mission is being on a purpose. Peter's mission after listening to the wordsof Jesus was just going into the deep sea. Till then Peter know not who Jesus was. As he was satisfied and compelled by the words of Jesus this drove Peter into the deep waters. Even Peter wouldn't know that he will catch the fish or won't. But the driving force in doing this are the words of Jesus. Even today every man and woman in this world are here with a mission. Thing is we all accept thatwe are here with a mission. But in making our mission successful, who are we been guided with ?  Are we are guided by ourselves with our own consciousness and conscience or are we ready to be guided by the Holy Spirit God to be successful in our mission. Till that day Peter was successful in fetching the fish with his own planning but the difference is when he was guided by our Lord Jesus Christ he had not just enough fish but it was bounty, awesome, fullest of the full. This is the difference between leading our life's mission by ourselves and by the guidance of the Spirit of God. God is always ready to guide us in all through our toil. Let us invite God into our mission. Let God guide us daily. Have a nice day.

ENCOURAGEMENT, OBEDIENCE, EXTRA MILE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, GIVING SPACE TO GOD IN OUR SITUATION, UNAWARE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, MISSION these are the points that we have already meditated and learnt by the grace of the Holy Spirit God. In this post we are going to meditate on CELEBRATING SUCCESS. As like evey person Peter would have felt very happy and joy deep inside his heart, when he achived what he desired for. I believe that he could have thanked Jesus when ever their eyes met in their return journey. Peter could have celebrated the event with his fellow companions who were there with him last night on sea and returned back with their fetch. Even Peter could have celebrated with their family members explaining the event. This little success in the life of Peter has drawn him so much nearer to God that as the days passed on he has come to know that Jesus is God Himself incarnated, and not just that this little success and belief on the Lord made him ready to be a martyr for Christ. This little success in the life of Peter made him to celebrate Jesus every day in the midst of a multitude after the ascension of Christ. God has taken us through many successes till today in our lives, Scripture says us to remember, celebrate and rejoice with others the success that God has given us. Even if we don't have a success on that day meterialistic cause, we have a point to celebrate that is we are been freed and given success by the accomplishment done by Jesus Christ on the cross from every bondage of sin and satan. Are we celebrating Jesus. Let's celebrate Him in all the good things He has done for us. Have a nice day.