Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 11

What is Sin? Why do We Need a Savior?

The following post is adapted from my upcoming new book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans.” Romans is a beautiful exposition of the gospel. This Bible book not only answers the question “What is sin?” it also clearly shows how Jesus is the only answer to the problem of sin.

Our family enjoys playing Cornhole. This old game, which is enjoying renewed popularity in recent years, involves tossing bean bags at one of two large boards, each with a hole in the middle. Players get a single point for keeping a bag on the board and three points for getting a bag through the hole. In my experience, the game is much harder than it looks. I rarely win. When my bean bag falls short, I over compensate and fly over the board on the next toss. 

But, just a few weeks ago, I experienced my best game to date. My husband and I played against our son and daughter-in-law. Two of my first four tosses shot straight through the hole and the other two landed on the board. I kept that momentum throughout the game and carried us to a strong, decisive victory. But I’m not naïve. Although I did very well in that game, I know I’ll probably slip right back into Cornhole mediocrity next time. I’ll miss the mark more than I’ll hit it. (You may also be interested in “True or False? All Sins are the Same.“)

What is Sin?”

The Bible says that every person who has ever lived has missed the mark spiritually. The Greek noun translated “sin” in Romans 3 (verses 9, 20) literally means “a missing of the mark” (The Complete Word Study New Testament). Similarly, Chata, the primary Hebrew word for sin in the Old Testament means “being off target” or “coming up short of the goal” (The Complete Word Study Old Testament).

In his book on systematic theology, Wayne Grudem defines and describes sin like this:

Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature… Sin is directly opposite to all that is good in the character of God, and just as God necessarily and eternally delights in himself and in all that he is, so God necessarily and eternally hates sin. It is, in essence, the contradiction of the excellence of his moral character.

Sin is a universal condition. None is righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). Not one person is exempt from its effects or its death sentence. We are trapped by sin, held captive by its power. We cannot break free. We cannot work hard enough to free ourselves. We cannot do enough good works to earn right standing with God. We are all helpless sinners who desperately need to be rescued. 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Our condition sounds dire because it is. We stand before the divine Judge as condemned sinners. Without God’s intervention our situation is hopeless. But, thank God, there is good news! What we cannot do for ourselves, God has provided for us through His Son. 

Let’s talk: In what ways do you think people often misunderstand the meaning of “sin?” Was there anything about the definition that surprised you?

News about the newest Deep Rooted book!Watch for the Launch Team Application

I need your help launching the latest volume of the Deep Rooted series! Next week we will asking for people to join the launch team! Come back here next week for a link to the application!

More about Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans

The 3rd volume of the Deep Rooted series will greet the world in early October. Like Mark and Acts, Romans will be formatted around the 4R Bible study method. Find out more about it here: “Deep Rooted Romans.” (You may also be interested in “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” and “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts.“)

What is Sin? Why do We Need a Savior? by Kathy Howard.

4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels

The 66 books of the Bible include various kinds of literature, but the Gospel may be the most unique literary genre included in God’s Word. So how should we handle these four books? Keep reading to discover a few tips for understanding the Gospels. (You may also be interested in “5 Tips for Understanding Biblical Narrative,” “8 Tips to Help You Understand the Epistles,” and “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.”)

What is a “Gospel?”

The book of Mark begins like this: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” The Greek noun translated “gospel” is euangelion. The word refers to an announcement of good news or “glad tidings.” It was in common use in the Roman world when Mark connected it to his account of Jesus. However, Mark claimed it and redefined it, declaring the ultimate good news to be Jesus Christ and His message of salvation. (Note: Most scholars believe Mark was the first Gospel written.)

Sometime around the end of the 1st century, the church formally began to use the word “gospel” to identify the written accounts of Jesus’ life. The Gospels became a new and unique literary genre. 

The Gospels share some similarities with biographies since they focus on the life of one person. However, the Gospels don’t cover all of Jesus’ life, but instead focus primarily on His ministry, death, and resurrection. They also feature the teachings of Jesus. As a literary genre, the Gospels uniquely blend history and theology. They combine a narrative of Jesus’ life with large blocks of His teachings. And each is presented from a different eye-witness account. 

4 Tips for Gospel Interpretation

The following tips will equip us for more properly understanding the Gospels!

1. Read Horizontally

Since many of the actions and teachings of Jesus appear in more than one Gospel, we can expand our understanding by reading the different accounts. Scholars refer to this as “reading horizontally” or reading across the Gospels. For instance, the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 4:13-12, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-15.) Keep in mind, that each Gospel writer brings their own distinctiveness to the account. Each chose to highlight different aspects of an event of teaching for a specific purpose. Differences between the Gospels don’t equal contradictions. For a good resource to help you read horizontally, look for a synopsis or parallel of the four Gospels.  

2. Think Vertically

Each passage must be kept in the larger context of that individual Gospel. Ancient Jewish writers were more concerned about overall structure and theme than they were strict chronological order. The Gospel writer strategically placed each event and teaching in a particular order within the book for a reason. Pull back from your primary passage and look for themes and similarities in the larger surrounding context.

3. Keep the Purpose & Audience in Mind

The apostle John ended his Gospel like this: “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). None of the Gospel writers recorded the whole story. Each selected the specific events and teachings to include, arranged them in a particular order, and presented them in such a way to fulfill a writing goal and connect to his audience and their needs. For instance, John’s purpose was theological. (See John 20:30-31). That’s why John’s Gospel contains more of Jesus’ teachings than any other Gospel. Matthew’s Gospel is very “Jewish” and Luke’s is more oriented to the Gentile reader. This kind of background helps us better appreciate the author’s intent. 

4. Recognize the Genres within the Genre

As mentioned above, the Gospels uniquely combine historical narrative and Jesus’ teaching. Even Jesus’ teaching includes a variety of styles and literary devices like parables, metaphors, hyperbole, and more. To properly understand a passage, we need to correctly identify and deal with each style. (See also “Quick Tips for Understanding 8 Different Biblical Genres.“)

An Invitation to Practice Understanding the Gospels

You are invited to join me to read through and discuss the Gospel of Luke. It all happens in a private Facebook group. The introduction to the book posted Saturday, September 3rd. Readings and discussion begin Monday, September 5th. If you struggle to get in and stay in God’s Word, the structure and encouragement this group provides can help.

The day’s reading and questions post Monday-Friday at 5am central. But it’s always “come and go.” Pop in on whatever time schedule works for you. If you’re interested, follow this link – “Reading the Bible Together” – request to join, and answer the 3 easy questions! (This group is for women only.)

Let’s talk! What’s your favorite Gospel? Why?

4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels by Kathy Howard.

Why is Jesus the Way, the Truth, & the Life?

Today my friend Pam Farrel is our guest! In this post , Pam explains why Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This is one of the 7 “I am” statements by Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Pam is one of the co-authors of the new Bible study “Discovering the Good News in John: A Creative Bible Study Devotional Experience.”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV)  Jesus is the Way

What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the way?” Jesus meant that He is the path or road, and journey to the presence of the Father in Heaven. (See also, “At the Risk of Sounding Intolerant.”) But, the good news is Jesus wants us to not only know the way to God, He wants us to know the will of God. . 

When people ask, “How do I know God’s will?” I describe a decision- making skill I like to call The Happiness Decision Cycle, which reflects Jesus as the Way. Jesus told us: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21 NIV) This cycle of love and obedience helps us better understand God’s will. As we obey, God shows His love by revealing more of who He is. We show our love for Him through obedience. Obedience draws us closer to the heartbeat God, where it is easier to discern His will. (For more about the “Happiness Decision Cycle” see Pam’s book 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman.)

Jesus it the Truth

Jesus is not merely truth based on opinion, sincerity, emotion, ideas, polls, or presentations. Jesus is truth based on fact. God, the Creator, is the litmus test and plumb line of Truth. (See also “God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time” & “Truth or Lie? How Can we Tell?”) You can value Truth by layering the Word into your life. Here are some ways to do that:

Listen: Take in the Word through the audio Bible, media and podcasts, internet Bible videos, worship music and by recording yourself reading the Bible. L ook: Read the Bible, create and read verses and memes, read Christian books, commentaries, bible studies, blogs, etc.,Link: Take the Word with you! Enjoy Bible art or create art, Wear clothing or practical items that display Scripture. Keep Truth before you constantly.Lavish: I give out the Word in speaking, sharing in live and virtual conversations and when I give through gifts to others in Christ’s name.Live it! Obedience to Jesus is a powerful tool for good news in the plans of God. Often God tells His Story using our life as the illustration.Jesus is the Life

When Covid entered our world, most people experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Soon, the news reported a steep uptick in anxiety, depression, and suicide. As I was packing my bags to shelter in place in an RV where we could care for my in-laws full time, (one frail of mind, the other frail of body), I felt Jesus’ whisper. “Keep believing. All those verses are still true. I am God, and I am good.”  I knew this was a watershed moment for my faith, and most believers worldwide.

We can choose to RISE rather than RETREAT when tough times hit. We have LIFE in us! The Greek word translated as “life” in John 14:6 is Zóé. Here’s its meaning: “All life (physical and spiritual), throughout the universe, is derived… it always (only) comes from and is sustained by God’s self-existent life.”   

This life links back to Gen 2:7, “…the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” The same God who breathed life into humankind, is the Christ who is the bread of LIFE, who is the light of LIFE, the resurrection, and the LIFE, who gives eternal LIFE and the abundant LIFE. Pray and ask Jesus to breathe LIFE into you and your circumstances today. 

Let’s share! In what way do you need to experience Jesus as the Way, the Truth, or the Life today?

Our guest today, Pam Farrel is an international speaker, author of 58 books including her newest Discovering Good News In John: A Creative Bible Study Devotional Experience (co-authored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher) Pam and her husband Bill Co-Direct Love-Wise ministry where they encourage, enrich and inspire people in their most vital relationships. Pam enjoys kayaking, especially with her family, from her liveaboard boat docked in Southern California (www.Love-Wise.com)

Why is Jesus the Way, the Truth, & the Life? by Kathy Howard.

4 Different Ways to Read the Bible

Why have a post on “ways to read the Bible?” Approaching the Bible for the first time – or the thousandth time – can be overwhelming for many of us. According to the 2022 “State of the Bible” report by the American Bible Society, almost 25% of Americans don’t read the Bible because they “don’t know where to start.”

I long to help more and more women get into and understand the Bible for themselves. So, hopefully ideas for different ways to read the Bible will be helpful. Sometimes we just need some direction getting started!

4 Ways to Read the BibleRead it through from cover to cover – Some people commit to read the Bible through in a certain time frame. They begin at Genesis 1:1 and keep going until they get to Revelation 22:21. I have done it several times over the course of a year. Some industrious people do it in 3 months, but that would be really flying! Some people do this every year. If you’ve never done this before, I encourage you to try it at least once. Reading the Bible all the way through helps us grasp the Big Story (Meta-Narrative) of Scripture. But unless you do it over a period longer than a year, the pace is too fast to be able to linger and digest smaller portions. (Here’s a one-year plan for reading through the Bible.)Use a Chronological plan – The books of the Bible are arranged by category or topic, not necessarily in the order things happened in time. (See “Why are the Books the Bible Placed in a Particular Order?”) If you want to get a good overview of the history of God’s dealing with mankind, a chronological reading plan will help. Since some books cover the same events from a different perspective (like 4 Gospels), this reading plan doesn’t use every book and chapter of the Bible. So, it’s a little less time-consuming than the whole Bible plan.One Bible Book at a Time – This is the method I’ve been using for the last 4 or 5 years. First I do my homework on the background of the book to set the proper context. Facts like author, recipients, historical and cultural setting all aid our understanding of the original meaning. A good study Bible, Bible dictionary, or online tools like Biblegateway.com can help. (See “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.”) Then I read through the Bible book at a pace that allows me to really chew on what I’m reading. (See “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use” for how I dig into a passage.) This is the method I use with the daily Bible reading group on Facebook for women, “Reading the Bible Together.” We will be finishing Judges and starting Luke soon. Join us!Topical plan – Sometimes God leads us to dive deep into a particular topic, theme, or Bible character. You can find lots of topical plans online and I have some on my resources page. Or, you can develop your own by looking up your topic or character in a Bible concordance! Word of caution: Make sure you use good study skills and don’t pull small portions of Scripture out of context.Final Thoughts

There is no one right way to read the Bible. And the four ideas above is not an exhaustive list. I do encourage you to use good, solid Bible reading/study tools and methods. (The 4 R Bible Study Method is a simple, but solid study method.) Overall, the most important thing is that we read it! God wants us to know Him and the Bible is His revelation of Himself to us!

4 Different Ways to Read the Bible by Kathy Howard.

8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from “Want To” to “Get To”

Most of us want to spend quality quiet time with God. We know that regular time with Him will foster our relationship and develop intimacy. So we plan to do it. We commit to it. But then the reality of life and its demands get in the way. We oversleep from exhaustion. Or the kids wake early. Or the phone rings.

Yes, as Christian women we long to sit at our Savior’s feet, to linger there, to hear His heart. Yet often, something breaks down between the “want to” and the “get to.” Desire for a daily quiet time is not enough. Whether you’re a young mom, empty nester, or work full time, we all need to put some purposeful strategies in place to increase the likelihood of it actually happening.

A while back, I asked my Facebook pals what strategies they use to keep regular time with God a priority. I wanted to know how they go from “want to” to “get to.” The women who shared represent all shapes and stages of life. I want to share their great insight with you!

I developed the following tips based on their comments and my own experience. “Discipline” and “priorities” are not included in this list of tips because unfortunately, they are required constantly! I know, they are “hard” words, but God is more than worth it! (You may also enjoy “The 5 P’s of the Lord’s Prayer” & “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.“)

8 tips to help make a regular #TimeWithGod a reality
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8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from “Want to” To “Get To:”Start the Night Before – Success begins with planning. That means doing things like going to bed on time, setting an alarm, setting the timer on the coffee pot, and gathering your quiet time materials in one spot. (Check out this post for more planning tips.)Put a “God Reminder” on the Bathroom Mirror – After you wake up, when does God first enter your thoughts? One FB pal wrote that she trained herself to think of God in her first waking moments. If God is the first thing on our minds in the morning, we are more likely to make time for Him.Establish a “Quiet Time Signal” – This was a brilliant suggestion from a FB pal. She keeps a small battery operated candle at her quiet time spot. When it’s turned on, her kids know that Mom is spending time with God. They’ve learned to only interrupt her in emergencies. This would take patience and time to establish with your kids, but it would sure be worthwhile! And for us empty-nesters, it could work for the hubby too!Pack a Quiet Time Play Box – Fill a plastic tote, box, or large basket with special toys your kids especially enjoy. But to keep the toys “desirable,” only bring it out to keep your little ones occupied during your quiet time. Use this for early-risers or for an afternoon quiet time for the whole family!Leave a Healthy Snack for Early-risers – Your kids may be old enough to occupy themselves for a bit in the morning. Unless they get hungry! If this is your scenario, prep a healthy snack the night before. They can munch away while you feed on God’s Word!Implement Offensive Measures – Determine your biggest distractions and time-suckers then take disciplined measures to eliminate the threat. For me, the biggest distraction in the morning is email. I’ve learned to leave the laptop closed and open my Bible first. Some days, I also have to close our dogs up in another room. Between barking at the wind, whining for food, or wanting me to throw the ball, they can be major distractions!Utilize Periods of “Busy Hands, Free Minds” – Establish ways to immerse yourself in God’s Word when your hands are busy but your mind is not. Washing dishes, vacuuming, and weeding the garden are all good examples. You can sing along to praise music, listen to an audio Bible, work on your Scripture memory, and more! (For instance, listen to audio Bible at BibleGateway.com)Fill Your “Time Pockets” – These are those small chunks of time that usually go to waste, such as waiting at the doctor’s office or in the carpool line. Determine in advance what you would do with 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there and be prepared to take advantage of it. I have the Scripture memory passages I’m working on in my phone. That way, I can review whenever I have a minute!

I hope these tips help and encourage you in your relationship with God. And I’d love to hear your suggestions! Share them in the comments!

8 practical tips to help #BusyMoms make time for #QuietTime w/ God
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8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from “Want To” to “Get To” by Kathy Howard.

3 Steps to Help You Choose a New Bible

Time to choose a new Bible, but overwhelmed with the sheer volume of the choices available? Dozens of translations combined with a myriad of features yields hundreds – if not thousands – of specific Bibles to choose from. Selecting a new Bible can be a daunting task!

Before you throw your hands up in surrender, keep reading. This post will walk you through a simple 3-step process to help you choose the Bible that will best meet your needs.

Since many of you probably already have one or more Bibles, the first step is to determine why you need another Bible and which Bible that should be. For study, I use this single-column, ESV journaling Bible. And yes, I need the large print!

Need a #NewBible but overwhelmed with the #choices? 3 steps to help you choose
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3 Steps to a New Bible!Determine Your Primary Purpose – How do you intend to use this new Bible? Your purpose will guide the next two steps. Maybe one of the following describes your intended purpose:In-depth study (For practical Bible study help, see “4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.“)Devotional reading (You may enjoy “How to Get the Most Out of Your Daily Devotional.“)Casual reading/simple enjoyment!

Time for new #Bible? Determine your purpose to help you choose
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2. Choose the Translation – Unless you read Hebrew and Greek – the original language of the Bible – you must choose from one of the many English translations of the Bible. There are three basic levels or groups of translations. One of these groups will better align with your purpose than the others. Also, it’s always helpful to have more than one translation. You can compare the same passage in different translations for a greater understanding. (Also see “Why are there so Many Bible Translations?” and this helpful translation chart.)

Word-for-Word (also known as Formal Equivalent) – These translations are the closest to the grammar and syntax of the original language as possible, but they can often sound wooden. Also this kind of translation makes no consideration for cultural changes. This kind of translation is a great choice for in-depth Bible study. (Ex: Amplified, NKJV, NAB, ESV, NASB. Note: NIV falls somewhere between the Formal and Dynamic Equivalent)Thought-for-thought (also known as Dynamic Equivalent) – These translations work to keep the overall original thought rather than attempt a literal word for word translation. Although not as literally as accurate as the Formal Equivalent, they are much easier for 21st century westerners to understand. For instance, Dynamic Equivalent translations change idioms, figures of speech, and measurements into “equivalent” terms that we will understand. This kind of translation is still close enough to the original to be good for Bible study, but it can also be used for devotional reading. (Ex: NLT, CEV)Paraphrase – This translation group departs the furthest from the original language but it provides a fresh reading experience. A paraphrase is more of a big idea-for-big idea translation. This translation group is fine for devotional reading but not a good idea for study. With the paraphrase’s “storytelling” format, it would be great for family devotions with young children. (Ex: The Message)

Which #BibleTranslation is best for you?
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Select the Features You Want – Ah, there is no end to the possible tools, special editions, and unique features you can get in the different Bible translations. Select the ones that best meet your needs and circumstances. By the way, at ChristianBook.com you can refine your Bible search by translation and features! Here is a sampling:Study Bible – includes book introductions, character studies, notes, etc.Tabs – helps you quickly find individual booksCross-references – read related passagesConcordance – alphabetical index of words and where they are found in the BibleDictionary – definitions of Bible words and termsJournaling space – empty wide margins on every page gives room to journal or drawLarge print – hard time reading tiny print? This may be for you!Maps, charts, timelines – helps you step into Bible timesDevotional – will help you meditate on and apply the passagesFocus on a select audience like women, students, men, childrenParallel translations – shows more than one translation side-by-side

What features do you need in your #NewBible?
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You’re almost there! Choose the translation based on your purpose. Then add in the features you’re most interested in. Congratulations on your new Bible!

What was the last Bible you purchased? Why did you choose that particular one?

Helpful articles and posts:

Choosing a Bible TranslationWhy are there so Many Bible Translations?Bible Verse ComparisonBible search at ChristianBook.com

3 Steps to Help You Choose a New Bible by Kathy Howard.

Do You Read the Bible All Wrong?

Many of us often struggle to understand the Bible. And many sincere Christians understand some parts of Scripture differently from each other. While there are many reasons for our individual struggles and the doctrinal differences between groups and denominations, there is one problem that affects many of us: We often read the Bible incorrectly.

Christians have a God-given responsibility to handle God’s Word with the utmost care. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).” But even those of us who genuinely long to be good stewards of God’s Word are susceptible to faulty handling of Scripture.

We truly want to know the Bible. We commit time to reading and studying it. But if we employ unsound interpretation methods, we will misunderstand the passage and miss what God has for us. While there is no end to how we might misuse and misunderstand Scripture, there are three interpretation trends in widespread use today.

3 Faulty Ways to Read the BibleApplying culture to Scripture instead of applying Scripture to the Culture

We’ve all seen examples of this popular trend. And it isn’t just those outside the church who follow it. Some Christians today – even prominent Bible teachers and ministers – have allowed pressure from the culture to shape the way they see the Bible. (Also see “God’s Truth Trumps Culture Every Time” & “4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture.”)

Sometimes this happens as a misguided attempt to be relevant. Sometimes we focus on God’s love and grace while ignoring His justice and holiness. And other times, we give in because we simply cannot handle the push back from the culture. But none of us have the authority to reshape or rewrite God’s divinely inspired Word.

God’s Word reflects His character. God is truth and determines truth. Therefore, His Word is truth (John 17:17). God does not change; His character does not shift or move to reflect the tides of time (James 1:17). Therefore, His Word is unchanging, established forever.

“’I the Lord do not change’ (Malachi 3:6a).”

The Bible is relevant today and forever. It is not static or bound by time. It crosses all cultural barriers, language differences, and geographical borders. Culture constantly changes, but God’s Word never changes. The Bible is the constant against which everything should be measured. When culture conflicts with the Bible, God is always right.

“Yet you are near, Lord, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever (Psalm 119:151-152).” 

Me-Centered Focus

The Bible is God’s revelation about Himself to us. It is by God and about God. Yes, His Word is for us, but not primarily about us. The Bible’s objective is to reveal God, His character, His purposes, His plans, and His ways, including His provision for salvation through Jesus.

“…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

Yet in our 21st century, western mindset – even if it’s unconsciously – many of us make the Bible about us. We read it with ourselves as the main character because that’s what our culture – and our sin nature – has taught us to do in our everyday lives.

But reading the Bible this way causes us to miss the main point of Scripture – to know the Author. Going to the Bible with a me-centered perspective hinders us from understanding God’s true meaning. Instead, let us keep our focus on God. Let us approach Scripture looking for truths that elevate and glorify Him. Let us search for what the text teaches us about God’s character, purposes, and ways. When we do this, we will learn about ourselves, but it will always be through God’s perspective. (See also “Do You Look for God When You Read the Bible?”)

Straight to Application

This is probably the most common trend in incorrectly interpreting the Bible. This faulty tactic often begins with the question – “What does this mean to me??”  Or, if in a group, “What does this mean to you?” – We want to go straight to how the passage impacts us, to application. Sometimes, it’s because we are looking for a quick emotional lift to get us through the day. But asking this question has the potential to lead us far astray.

Honestly, it does not matter what a Bible verse or passage means to us. It only matters what it means to God. We must find the original meaning of Scripture before we can apply it. Yes, the Bible has endless application for our lives, but only one original meaning.

A passage can never mean what it never meant. Every part of Scripture means the same thing today as it did when it was written. If we fail to discover the original meaning, we will misuse, misapply, and possibly even abuse God’s Word. In our desire to understand the Bible, our goal should be to discover that one original meaning. To grasp the eternal truth God gave us through the pen of man. (For help on discovering the original meaning of a Bible passage, see “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible.”)

Instead of asking “what does this mean to me,” let us ask “what does this mean for me.” After we understand God’s original meaning of a passage, with the Holy Spirit’s help we can determine how God wants to apply His Word to our lives. God wants His Word to impact us, encourage us, shape us, equip us, and lead us to Christ. Yes, His Word is for us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

You can understand the Bible

Not all Christians have seminary degrees. Few of us can read the Bible in its original language. But all Christians can comprehend its truths. (For a simple method for reading and understanding the Bible, see “The 4 R Bible Study Method.”) God wants us to understand His Word. He has given Christians the capacity for understanding the Bible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). He is our Teacher (John 14:26). Unfortunately, the biggest hinderance to correctly understanding God’s Word is usually ourselves. Let us not fall back on faulty ways of interpreting Scripture. Instead, let’s read and study the Bible with the right attitude and proper focus, and rely on the Spirit to help us understand and apply God’s truth to our lives.

Have you ever fallen into one of these faulty traps? What other faulty methods have you seen?

Do You Read the Bible All Wrong? by Kathy Howard.

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations?

So. Many. Choices. Really, why do we need so many different Bible translations? Isn’t one enough? Unless we read Hebrew and Greek – the original language of the Bible – we must choose from the many English translations of the Bible. But there are dozens and dozens to choose from. How do we decide? Do we need more than one?

Why do so many different Bible translations exist?

If you speak more than one language, you know that everything doesn’t easily translate between one language and the other. Sometimes you have to make choices. And, if these languages are based in very different cultures, you also know that even if the words translate, the meaning may still get lost.

The Bible was not only written in a different language than ours, it was written in the context of a very different culture and time in history. Translators of the Bible have to consider not only the language but also the culture and the many changes brought by thousands of years. Even everyday things like units of measurements, money, calendars, and the way we keep time have changed. (See also “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?“)

Range of Translations Philosophies

Bible Translations are done by a team of biblical scholars. (The few exceptions are for paraphrases, not translations. For instance, The Message paraphrase was done by an individual.) The primary reason English translations differ depends on the philosophy of translation used by the translation team.

The translation philosophy determines how far the translators will go to bridge the gaps between the languages, culture, and time. They must decide what balance they’ll find between staying true to the original language and making it understandable to the reader.

Four Basic Groups of Bible Translation Philosophies

There are some defined groupings of translations, but they all fall along a spectrum from highly literal to highly paraphrased. (Feel free to download this Bible Translation Chart PDF!) Keep in mind there is no perfect literal translation from one language to another because of inherent differences in the structure and vocabularies of languages. The Bible is inerrant in the original manuscripts, not the human translations. (For more on this see “What we Misunderstand about Bible Translations” by Katie Orr.)

Formal Equivalent (also known as Word for Word, literal) – These translations are the closest to the grammar and syntax of the original language, but they can often sound wooden. Also, this kind of translation makes no consideration for cultural changes. (Ex: Amplified, KJV, ESV, NASB, RSV, ASV.)Dynamic Equivalent (also known as Thought-for-thought) – These translations work to keep the overall original thought rather than attempt a literal word for word translation. Although not as technically accurate as the Formal Equivalent, they are much easier for 21st century westerners to understand. For instance, Dynamic Equivalent translations change idioms, figures of speech, and measurements into “equivalent” terms that we will understand, but also try to maintain historical and factual accuracy. (Ex: NLT, CEB, REB) Example of a need: Translating “it’s raining cats and dogs” into another language.Optimal Equivalent – This “in-between” philosophy group is not on all the lists. But the NIV is the prime example. Desire to soften the stilted reading of the Formal Equivalent but still stay closer to the original language than the Dynamic Equivalent. (NIV, NJKV, CSB, NRSV)Paraphrase (Free) – This group departs the furthest from the original language but it provides a fresh reading experience. A paraphrase is not technically a translation but more of a big-idea-for-big-idea. It takes liberties with the literal words to create a “storytelling” feel. This translation group is fine for casual and inspirational reading but not recommended for study. With the paraphrase’s “storytelling” format, it would be great for family devotions with young children. (Ex: The Message, The Living Bible, Phillips)The Translations I Use

When I read my Bible each morning, I usually read from two different translations to expand my understanding of the passage. First, I read it from a Word-for-Word translation since that will be more literal. I use the ESV. Then I read it in the NLT, a thought-for-thought transition, to help explain some of the more “stiff” places in the ESV. However, I use the NIV for memorization because that’s the translation I used for decades and many passages are more familiar to me from the NIV. There are so many great translations. And the good thing is, we don’t have to use just one! (See also “3 Steps to Help You Choose a New Bible.”)

A more literal translation is best for study, but a thought-for-thought or paraphrase is great for devotional reading or family devotions.

What translation do you use? Which one would you like to try?

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations? by Kathy Howard.

4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context

Anyone who commits to read and study the Bible probably desires to correctly understand it. While numerous things may hinder that process, likely the most common hindrance to proper understanding is failing to consider biblical context. (Philippians 4:13 is a primary example of this problem.)

We cannot properly understand a single verse unless we consider the meaning of the surrounding passage. We cannot fully understand a passage unless we consider the purpose, background, and genre of the Bible book in which it’s found. (See also “Do You Read the Bible all Wrong?”)

Unfortunately, many of us read a verse or passage and go straight to application. We ask “what does this mean to me?” or “What does this mean for me.” (See also “Don’t Ask ‘What does this passage mean to me?‘”) But before we can apply God’s Word, we must first understand its meaning. And we can only do that if we understand the context. Every verse in the Bible has the same meaning today that it had when it was written. It may have unlimited applications depending on the individual and her circumstances. But God’s meaning never changes.

The good news is, we can easily grasp the context of any verse or passage. The following 4 tips will give you a solid start.

4 Things to Consider in Understanding the Biblical Context

Although numerous volumes exist on the subject, there are a few things we can quickly consider to help us deal correctly with God’s Word.

Literary Genre – Are you studying poetry, wisdom, prophecy, narrative, or apocalyptic literature? The genre of the book affects the interpretation. For instance, narrative simply tells us what happened and not necessarily what we are supposed to do in a given situation. And wisdom literature, like Proverbs, states general life principles and not solid promises of God. (See “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Literary Genres.“)Literary Context – Every sentence is part of a paragraph. Every paragraph is part of a larger passage. Every passage is part of an entire book. We cannot assign meaning to a verse without considering the greater context. For instance, knowing that Jacob stole the birthright from his brother Esau in Genesis 25 and Esau’s blessing from his father in chapter 27 helps us understand why Jacob was afraid of him in chapter 32. (See “How Literary Genre Helps You Understand the Bible.”)The Context of the Book – A book’s author, his audience, and his purpose impact the meaning. For instance, knowing that the author of the book of James was the half-brother of Jesus and not James the Apostle, definitely changes the way we understand the letter. (See also “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?“)Historical-Cultural Background – Every biblical author wrote in a specific time in history, to a specific people, in the midst of a specific set of circumstances. We cannot accurately understand them outside of that context. The political climate, current customs, and speech idioms are just a few of the things that impact the original meaning of a passage. For instance, references to Jewish religious practices pack the book of Hebrews. We won’t be able to grasp its rich meaning unless we go back and study things like the Day of Atonement and the Levitical priesthood.A few resources to help with context

We cannot cover everything here, but the following resources will help you go deeper: 

Read the introduction to a Bible book in your study Bible.Get a good Bible Dictionary. I have a copy of Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible.Another great resource is the two-volume set of The IVP Bible Background Commentary. Bible handbook like the classic Halley’s Bible Handbook 

Have you ever misunderstood God’s Word because you failed to consider the context? What is a verse that you think is regularly taken out of context?

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4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context by Kathy Howard.

Inviting Revival

I am excited to have my sweet friend Erica Wiggenhorn as my guest blogger today! The following post is an excerpt from her new 8-week Bible study of Ezekiel, “An Unexpected Revival” published by Moody Publishers. This post is also a GIVEAWAY!! Go to end of post to learn how to enter for a chance to win a copy of Erica’s book.

When you think of revival, what pictures come to mind? Giant crowds? Megachurches? Emotional pleas from polished preachers? Lots of church folks involved, right? We’d hope so. We all have our preconceived ideas of what revival ought to look like. Ezekiel certainly did. He thought revival would happen in Jerusalem. The religious epicenter of his nation. He thought it looked like political freedom, economic prosperity and religious fervor. And he was wrong.

The prophecies of Ezekiel give us a different picture of revival. The people God chose to spark revival were counted out, cast aside, displaced and disregarded. They were the lot whom everyone decided God had forgotten. The ones out of favor, lacking supposed fervor, and forced into captivity by their enemies. In the Jewish way of thinking, removal from the land signified God’s displeasure and a consequence for unfaithfulness. (See Deuteronomy 28:36-44.) People who believed their doubts and doubted their beliefs. But God insists those are the exact people ripe for revival. Seems so backwards, doesn’t it?

God starts revival in unexpected places

Instead of searching for revival somewhere out there, I believe God invites us to revival in here, meaning right inside the caverns of our very own hearts. God promised Ezekiel He would remove their heart of stone and give them a new heart and a new spirit. Revival comes when the mother standing over a sink of dirty dishes, exhausted and weary from her daily duties cries out, “God, help me!”. When the man or the woman sit in their cubicle at work, battling the same bad habit they just cannot get a handle on begging, “God, change me!”. When the student on their campus longs to make a difference in the world and for God to reveal His will prays, “LORD, use me!”. And as He sparks revival to one solitary heart, that flickering flame spreads, creating a wildfire of faith across our land. 

Revival comes unexpectedly. In places that seem unknown and obscure. Abraham found it in a desolate desert. Moses found it on the edge of civilization in a burning bush. Elijah found it in a snarky, unbelieving pagan woman’s home. John the Baptist found it in the blazing Judean desert. Peter found it in an empty fishing net he could not find a way to fill. Paul found it on a murderous mission. John Mark found it through the shame of quitting and disappointing his leaders. All pretty unexpected places, wouldn’t you agree?

Will revival start with you?

I love this quote by Dallas Willard: The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians, and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes– a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power. The ordinary man, living his everyday life, and God comes to do the extraordinary. God seeks one man, one woman who longs for revival, whom He can fill with fresh fire. Will it be you?

How to enter the giveaway

One winner will be drawn on Saturday, July 2nd. You can enter up to four times. Leave a separate comment below for each time you complete an entry task. (The winner will be randomly drawn from the comments.) Here’s the various ways you can enter:

Leave a comment on the original blog at KathyHoward.orgShare this post on FacebookIf you received this blog by email, forward it to a friendTag a friend in the comments on my Instagram postMore about “An Unexpected Revival” by Erica Wiggenhorn

Do you long to feel a closer connection to God? To discern His voice, experience His peace, and live in His joy? We are not the first people to believe our doubts and doubt our beliefs when circumstances spiral out of control. In those times, God pursues us with His goodness, desiring to bring revival to our broken hearts. An Unexpected Revival, an 8-week Bible study through the prophecies of Ezekiel, sparks a fire in our longing hearts to feel renewed excitement in our relationship with God. Ezekiel teaches us to come close and invite God to fill us with fresh fire. God offers His joy, peace and purpose to any who seek it. Do you long for revival? See “An Unexpected Revival” now on Amazon.

Founder of Every Life Ministries, Erica Wiggenhorn longs to bring the truth of Scripture to transform your life. An award-winning author with Moody Publishers, Erica loves to share the Word of God wherever she can! A frequent speaker at women’s retreats, large conferences or her own kitchen table, Erica also writes for the First 5 app with Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can find her almost every day on Instagram.

For help with doing better Bible study every day, see “4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use”

Inviting Revival by Kathy Howard.