Have you ever wondered how Bible translations are different from each other? One difference is in the philosophy of the translation team. Does the translation intend to be literal (word for word) or more free (thought for thought).

For example, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) intends to be very literal – “word for word” from the Greek or Hebrew into English. Their attempt is to be as true to the original language as possible – even if that means sacrificing fluidity or ease of reading. A word for word translation asks the question: What English word would be best translated for that Greek/Hebrew word? A word for word translation is excellent for Bible study. When I studied Greek in seminary and had to do many translations I was amazed at how accurate the NASB is in its attempt to be a word for word translation.

In the middle of the continuum are “thought for thought” translations. For example, the New International Version is an excellent thought for thought translation. The goal is to be as accurate as possible to the original manuscript in the thought or intention of the passage while making the language modern and flow well. A thought for thought translation asks the question: what phrase best translates the original intent of the author? The NIV is the most popular version of the Bible currently in print because it blends accuracy of translation and ease of reading.

On the right of the continuum are “paraphrase” translations. The Message and The Living Bible are two examples. The translators take the liberty to ask rephrase the meaning of Scripture in language that’s contemporary and connects. There’s another layer of interpretation between you and the original as the translator asks the question: what modern language would convey the same idea in this sentence? The strength of this type of translation is that God’s message becomes updated and fresh. Often a paraphrase translation will catch you off guard as the language is down to earth and straight forward.

The three translations that I use as I prepare to speak are the NASB, ESV, and NIV. I feel that those three give me a nice blend that leans toward the more literal translation slide of the continuum. Sometimes it’s really fun and refreshing to pick up the Message and read well known passages and hear it from a fresh perspective.

What translation do you read? Maybe it’d be fun to try a version that’s on a different part of the continuum. The main thing: reading, loving, and obeying the Scripture. Enjoy more!

Kendrick on the power of initiation from Kendrick Vinar on Vimeo.

How does community and living in harmony come about?

One answer: Reading Scripture and receiving encouragement, hope and endurance. How many people do you know would say that a key to Christian community is reading Scripture.

This morning as I was reading my Bible (for NT 100 days) I was struck by this amazing connection between Scripture and living in harmony.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom 15:4)

Scripture produces in us endurance and encouragement – giving us hope. We think of this in an individual way. I get endurance, encouragement and hope. But watch the connection in the next two verses…

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 15:5-6)

Wow! Living in harmony is tied to our receiving encouragement and endurance from God – which God just said that we get from the Scripture. So…

Community will be experienced by a people who love and read Scripture – learning to receive encouragement, strength, wisdom, humility, and grace from the words of life.

Tommy Zukoski is the lead pastor/planter. He’s been building relationships, taking a church planter’s class, went through a church planter’s assessment, and getting to know his community. He’s determined and patient to do what it takes to make an impact for Christ.

We’ll be serving Tommy and helping him be a success, by God’s grace. He’s fundraising, and we’re putting together a strategic plan for launching. I look forward to seeing what God will do through Synergy Church in Charlotte.

Twestival is a global meeting of the Twitter community on Feb. 12 in 185+ cities around the world to raise support for those without clean water.

Check out the video below as found of charity: water Scott Harrison shares the vision.

charity: water for Twestival from charity: water on Vimeo.

The most impressive thing to me was the character of the leaders. It’s amazing to see the humility and grace expressed by these type-A “change the world” leaders. They really prefer and honor one another. I couldn’t imagine a group of more down-to-earth yet passionate visionaries.

My favorite part of the three days was listening to Jeff Toomer, the Director of Operations from Manna Church in Fayetteville, NC, share about courage in leading troops into battle. Jeff served four tours in Iraq – from Dessert Storm to our current occupation. Forget politics for a minute… the honor and integrity of these men risking their lives to serve our country is humbling and very impressive. They train hard and prepare themselves. They put the mission first, then take care of one another and lastly put self.

Whiling serving in Iraq, Jeff listened by phone as his wife gave birth to his daughter half way across the world. I never missed a birth of one of my kids. I wonder what I was doing that evening? Sacrifice of self is needed to accomplish a great goal.

Michael Fletcher ended the session with a compelling challenge to himself (and all of us). He said, “As I lay my head down on the pillow tonight, I will determine that no other organization on the planet will be more prepared, more committed or more passionate to accomplish their mission than the church. We have greatest cause and mission.”