We are having a great time up here in Superior, WI and touring the Duluth area. It was a good wedding at the lake on Saturday. We stuck our feet in the COLD Lake Superior yesterday (Monday), watched a ginormous boat go through the canal, took in Australia at the Omnimax theatre and much, much more.
Abigail absolutely loves swimming at the hotel pool. Audrey is not so sure about the water, but she had fun too. Everyone is happy and healthy and we will begin our journey back home southward today sometime. We might have to stop at a few outlet malls along the way. :)
We have lots of good pictures and will post a few when we get back home. That's all for now!
By the way, Grandma Susan, Audrey wants to "talk to you on the puter", and I'm having a hard time explaining that we are in the hotel lobby and not every computer can talk to Grandma Susan like we do at home.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
GRASS!!!
She's supposed to stay on the blanket. Yeah right.
Grass feels funny and apparently it tastes funny too.
Yes, I did what any good Mommy would do... grab the camera,
snap photos, then help the poor kid stuck in the grass. :)
Grass feels funny and apparently it tastes funny too.
Yes, I did what any good Mommy would do... grab the camera,
snap photos, then help the poor kid stuck in the grass. :)
Fireman's Parade
They came up with this for the church float this year in the Fireman's Parade. Catchy isn't it?? :)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Listening to the Radio
Yesterday I spent a lot of time on the road, taking 4 Sr. High campers to camp. Yeah, 7 hours roundtrip will wear on you. Mindy knows this and puts up with it: When driving, I prefer listening to talk radio more than music.
I listen to sports talk radio, and it causes me to think. I don't listen to everything, and I don't think that every sports talk radio show is appropriate for a Christian. Sports talk radio shows I enjoy include FSR's "Gametime React" with JT the Brick, and "The Third Shift" with Ben Maller. I enjoy the Dan Patrick Show. I absolutely love the "The Colin Cowherd Show" on ESPNradio.
I used to listen to and enjoy the Jim Rome show, but as the show progresses, it is pop culture/entertainment with a little sports sprinkled on top. I guess what it comes down to when discerning what I listen to is: If I can't play it in the car with my wife sitting present - I shouldn't be listening to it by myself. Period. If you're a Christian - you shouldn't be listening to the Jim Rome show, no matter how entertaining it is. It's crude and inappropriate in many areas.
Other shows annoy me, and are simply a waste of time. Shows like the Drive with Chris Myers disturb me because they are all about ratings, the hosts form no opinions of their own, all they do is take phone calls from listeners (letting them do the show), and they are always trying to be potically correct. Once in a while they will talk to an athlete, but they talk about the same topics for hours and hours, not forming any opinions, only moderating. Yuck.
My philosophy when it comes to radio talk shows is this: the fewer the hosts, the better the show. If you've got 2 hosts, 1 is usually annoying and just tells me that the better one isn't disciplined enough to have his own show. What are the most successful shows? Jim Rome. Rush Limbaugh. Colin Cowherd. Etc. Single hosts - hosts that take a stand, defend it and once in a while take a call from a listener.
I came to the point yesterday where I just had to turn the channel. I was listening to the Chris Myers show, and I realized, in the past 2 hours I haven't learned anything more than I could have learned in a 30-second update - and heard a lot of callers saying the same thing. That's a waste of time.
I turned the station to the FM dial and listened to some CCM, but after a few songs realized that I have problems with that movement and wasn't comfortable listening to it. I don't listen to secular music, so I found an NPR station, and in the remaining 1/2 hour I learned a lot and loved it because it wasn't time wasted!
I listen to sports talk radio, and it causes me to think. I don't listen to everything, and I don't think that every sports talk radio show is appropriate for a Christian. Sports talk radio shows I enjoy include FSR's "Gametime React" with JT the Brick, and "The Third Shift" with Ben Maller. I enjoy the Dan Patrick Show. I absolutely love the "The Colin Cowherd Show" on ESPNradio.
I used to listen to and enjoy the Jim Rome show, but as the show progresses, it is pop culture/entertainment with a little sports sprinkled on top. I guess what it comes down to when discerning what I listen to is: If I can't play it in the car with my wife sitting present - I shouldn't be listening to it by myself. Period. If you're a Christian - you shouldn't be listening to the Jim Rome show, no matter how entertaining it is. It's crude and inappropriate in many areas.
Other shows annoy me, and are simply a waste of time. Shows like the Drive with Chris Myers disturb me because they are all about ratings, the hosts form no opinions of their own, all they do is take phone calls from listeners (letting them do the show), and they are always trying to be potically correct. Once in a while they will talk to an athlete, but they talk about the same topics for hours and hours, not forming any opinions, only moderating. Yuck.
My philosophy when it comes to radio talk shows is this: the fewer the hosts, the better the show. If you've got 2 hosts, 1 is usually annoying and just tells me that the better one isn't disciplined enough to have his own show. What are the most successful shows? Jim Rome. Rush Limbaugh. Colin Cowherd. Etc. Single hosts - hosts that take a stand, defend it and once in a while take a call from a listener.
I came to the point yesterday where I just had to turn the channel. I was listening to the Chris Myers show, and I realized, in the past 2 hours I haven't learned anything more than I could have learned in a 30-second update - and heard a lot of callers saying the same thing. That's a waste of time.
I turned the station to the FM dial and listened to some CCM, but after a few songs realized that I have problems with that movement and wasn't comfortable listening to it. I don't listen to secular music, so I found an NPR station, and in the remaining 1/2 hour I learned a lot and loved it because it wasn't time wasted!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Book Review: Fool's Gold
In May of this year, I took a module from FBTS on Contemporary Christianity. The Professor was Dr. Robert Delnay, now residing in Florida. In fact, in the mid-1980's, he founded the seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed the 1-week class, and learned a great deal about when Christianity is now (in contemporary times).
I didn't take the course for credit, instead I audited it. What does that mean? Attendance and learning are the same, but I am not required to take the final exam, do the required reading and pay the full tuition amount. ($100 as opposed to $850 or so.)
There weren't required books to buy, instead, a list of several "recommended" books to read. I did want to do some reading on Contemporary Christianity, so I bought "Fool's Gold" by Dr. John MacArthur.
Here's what I thought of it:
I've always enjoyed reading John MacArthur's books, as well as his commentaries. His doctrine is solid, and he's an evangelical. I would agree with him on many issues.
"Fool's Gold - Discerning Truth in an Age of Error" is not solely written by MacArthur, he's the general editor. He wrote 4 of the 12 chapters, with the remaining 8 being written by men on staff at his church and ministry. This book is solid, I think anyone would profit from the insights presented in it.
A major premise in the book is that every Christian must be discerning, not just accepting anything that "glimmers" as gold. There's a lot of fool's gold in the Christian world today. There are 4 chapters that deal with Christian movements we are all familiar with - and they are dealt with masterfully.
1. The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren
2. The New Perspective of Paul's writings
3. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
4. The Revolve New Testament (in the form of a magazine!) - Biblezines -
MacArthur ends the book with a practical plan for developing discernment:
1. Desire wisdom
2. Pray for discernment
3. Obey the truth
4. Follow discerning leaders
5. Depend on the Holy Spirit
6. Study the Scripture and
7. Keep growing.
This book is well-written, and enjoyable to read. Scripture references are used throughout, and this will cause you to evaluate WHY you believe what you believe. Don't just accept something - study it and form convictions. A great book. Nicely done.
I give it a 9 out of 10, and recommend you read it, as well.
I didn't take the course for credit, instead I audited it. What does that mean? Attendance and learning are the same, but I am not required to take the final exam, do the required reading and pay the full tuition amount. ($100 as opposed to $850 or so.)
There weren't required books to buy, instead, a list of several "recommended" books to read. I did want to do some reading on Contemporary Christianity, so I bought "Fool's Gold" by Dr. John MacArthur.
Here's what I thought of it:
I've always enjoyed reading John MacArthur's books, as well as his commentaries. His doctrine is solid, and he's an evangelical. I would agree with him on many issues.
"Fool's Gold - Discerning Truth in an Age of Error" is not solely written by MacArthur, he's the general editor. He wrote 4 of the 12 chapters, with the remaining 8 being written by men on staff at his church and ministry. This book is solid, I think anyone would profit from the insights presented in it.
A major premise in the book is that every Christian must be discerning, not just accepting anything that "glimmers" as gold. There's a lot of fool's gold in the Christian world today. There are 4 chapters that deal with Christian movements we are all familiar with - and they are dealt with masterfully.
1. The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren
2. The New Perspective of Paul's writings
3. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
4. The Revolve New Testament (in the form of a magazine!) - Biblezines -
MacArthur ends the book with a practical plan for developing discernment:
1. Desire wisdom
2. Pray for discernment
3. Obey the truth
4. Follow discerning leaders
5. Depend on the Holy Spirit
6. Study the Scripture and
7. Keep growing.
This book is well-written, and enjoyable to read. Scripture references are used throughout, and this will cause you to evaluate WHY you believe what you believe. Don't just accept something - study it and form convictions. A great book. Nicely done.
I give it a 9 out of 10, and recommend you read it, as well.
A Farewell Fellowship
Last night at church we had a "Farewell Fellowship" for the Langlois family, members of our church, who are moving to West Virginia in less than 2 weeks. They will be missed, and we continue to pray for God's comfort, strength and guidance in this time of transistion.
Tamie, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Caterina, Kris and myself. Absent were Skip and Jon. Kris and I are holding a gift from the church: a wall hanging that says, "Welcome Friends to our Garden." Members signed the back with notes of encouragement.
Monday, July 7, 2008
New or Old King James Version?
This is an article by Pastor Ted Ertle, a Baptist minister with 40+ years of ministry experience. In fact, he was the interim pastor at the Walnut church just before came here. Such a wise man, I trust you enjoy this article. I hold Pastor Ertel in the highest regard.
Were I beginning ministry, I would use the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. Am I changing now? No. There are also a multitude of older Believers like me who are not likely to change. I do read the NKJV often and have read it through many times.
I have said, "If a red button appeared on my desk with a label that said pushing it eliminate every other translation and paraphrase .. I would unhesitatingly push the button!" The NKJV is a good translation. The traditional King James (KJV) is also a good translation .. neither is perfect. No translation is without flaws.
There is a group, however, that says the old KJV is without flaws, or virtually so. They live under the banner of "KING JAMES ONLY" and print blistering attacks on every other version, including the NKJV. They are difficult to oppose because of their strategy. They point to perceived flaws and call the NKJV counterfeit, corrupt, and evil. It is hard to win a battle on defense. And you see, I will not oppose the KJV nor insult it. I hold our Traditional Version in too high regard. The KJV is a blessed Book, used of God, and loved by His people. Could I write a tract that blasted its weak points? Certainly I could .. but I wouldn't. I think those who ridicule the NKJV shouldn't either. It is the Word of God, and in my studied opinion, it frankly has less flaws than the KJV.
I. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT
I do not mean they are unspiritual, but rather, it is not a movement that stands out for being the most prayerful, the most sacrificial, the most missionary, or evangelistic. They may do all these, but the majority of God's most profitable servants are outside their movement .. because the movement is small and most Believers are outside!
Their churches split, their people divorce, their Pastors fall into sin at the same rate as those outside the movement (to the shame of all, of course). No one will be more saved or Christ-like for being in the "KJ ONLY" group, as opposed to other Bible-believing Churches who are fundamental in Doctrine and earnest in following our blessed Lord.
II. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SCHOLARLY MOVEMENT
I have seen two anti-NKJV tracts. I have one in hand that (I beg pardon) is pitiable. The writer obviously knows nothing of the Greek Text or language. No student, trained in Theology and Greek, would feel anything but sorrow for such a sad, unenlightened attack on the NKJV.
The writer harangues changes that in some cases are clear improvements in updating language and clarifying verses. In nearly all other instances, he ridicules changes that are totally true to the Original Text, and are thoughtful and purposeful. Are all these changes necessary or improvements? No. (See, I still love the KJV). Are any of those changes devious and undermining to the Sacred Text? The answer is again, No.
The KJV is a translation. No translation is perfect. The NKJV is also a translation, and also not perfect. But the NKJV deserves respect for reflecting the authoritative Original-Language Texts very, very well. Its enemies misrepresent it. If the Lord tarries, in years ahead there will be more translation improvements. A New New King James Version will be needed to keep up with language changes. God's Word never changes, but languages do. Translations should speak to living people in the clearest, most succinct manner possible.
III. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS SOMETIMES AN IRRATIONAL MOVEMENT
1. I know of one adherent who doubts the salvation of anyone who was not led to the Lord using the KJV version of the Bible.
2. I am aware, having read their material, of those who exalt the English KJV above the Greek Texts .. the Texts of the Apostles! This is madness! It is saying, "Don't confuse me with truth or facts, my mind is made up." They have created their own truth.
3. I am aware of those so steeped in "King James Only" that they actually believe Missionaries should go to other lands, teach them English, and use only the KJV. This is irrational and absurd. Are all Believers in the "King James Only" camp this way? No! But it is the same movement (in a fanatical form) that is carried to its logical extreme, believing their favored translation is the inspired, final edition, forever.
4. It is not uncommon for "KJ Only" Churches to withdraw their fellowship from other Churches and organizations which are identical in Doctrine but use the NKJV. They truly seem to believe they are the last of the orthodox people, the last bulwark agaisnt the collapse of Biblical faith. "Translation Fixation" is not a Christian distinctive.
The "KJ Only" movement will become smaller, dated, and more marginalized as years pass. Their supportive group of people over 50 will slowly pass away.
As long as there are good, fundamental, Bible-centered Churches available, I would not choose to regularly attend a "KJ Only" church. I am offended by their irreverence and contempt toward anything not of that version.
IV. THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION IS EASILY JUSTIFIED
1. Those who are aware of manuscripte issues should know that, like the KJV, the NKJV uses the same Majority Text family of Greek manuscripts. It is the only modern translation that does. This is a position where I have conviction and agree. In Textual Origin, the KJV and NKJV are sisters.
2. The NKJV actually tries for compatibility to the earlier KJV. Many verses are identical. Either can normally follow the other. This is not true of other English versions.
3. The NKJV corrects obsolete words, some totally meaningless even to traditional readers, not to mention new students. I have a fairly long list of these words. Will I print that list? No. I am not against the KJV. I will not oppose it, but in many areas, I like the NKJV better, especially as a vehicle to reach and disciple our current and coming generations. If someone buying a Bible for himself or another asks my opinion, I say, "Get a New King James Version in a study Bible edition."
4. The NKJV more consistently translates Greek words with the same English words, a help in comparitive studies. I am thinking of two words in the Greek that are confused in the KJV, resulting in the loss of some specific insights. I am thinking of an unnecessary word added in the KJV in five to six occasions that affects an aspect of the Doctrine of Christ. Once again, I will not print these flaws as they do not hinder this marvelous translation (KJV) from leading us into understanding God's truths.
This is not a comparitive study, pitting these two translations against each other. I regard them as friendly versions that should not be made to struggle against each other in an adversarial way. The NKJV is a worthy translation for this generation. I praise God for it, as I have praised Him for the KJV that I also continue to use. I freely use them both, and God blesses me in both. I believe He will do the same for you.
Were I beginning ministry, I would use the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. Am I changing now? No. There are also a multitude of older Believers like me who are not likely to change. I do read the NKJV often and have read it through many times.
I have said, "If a red button appeared on my desk with a label that said pushing it eliminate every other translation and paraphrase .. I would unhesitatingly push the button!" The NKJV is a good translation. The traditional King James (KJV) is also a good translation .. neither is perfect. No translation is without flaws.
There is a group, however, that says the old KJV is without flaws, or virtually so. They live under the banner of "KING JAMES ONLY" and print blistering attacks on every other version, including the NKJV. They are difficult to oppose because of their strategy. They point to perceived flaws and call the NKJV counterfeit, corrupt, and evil. It is hard to win a battle on defense. And you see, I will not oppose the KJV nor insult it. I hold our Traditional Version in too high regard. The KJV is a blessed Book, used of God, and loved by His people. Could I write a tract that blasted its weak points? Certainly I could .. but I wouldn't. I think those who ridicule the NKJV shouldn't either. It is the Word of God, and in my studied opinion, it frankly has less flaws than the KJV.
I. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT
I do not mean they are unspiritual, but rather, it is not a movement that stands out for being the most prayerful, the most sacrificial, the most missionary, or evangelistic. They may do all these, but the majority of God's most profitable servants are outside their movement .. because the movement is small and most Believers are outside!
Their churches split, their people divorce, their Pastors fall into sin at the same rate as those outside the movement (to the shame of all, of course). No one will be more saved or Christ-like for being in the "KJ ONLY" group, as opposed to other Bible-believing Churches who are fundamental in Doctrine and earnest in following our blessed Lord.
II. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SCHOLARLY MOVEMENT
I have seen two anti-NKJV tracts. I have one in hand that (I beg pardon) is pitiable. The writer obviously knows nothing of the Greek Text or language. No student, trained in Theology and Greek, would feel anything but sorrow for such a sad, unenlightened attack on the NKJV.
The writer harangues changes that in some cases are clear improvements in updating language and clarifying verses. In nearly all other instances, he ridicules changes that are totally true to the Original Text, and are thoughtful and purposeful. Are all these changes necessary or improvements? No. (See, I still love the KJV). Are any of those changes devious and undermining to the Sacred Text? The answer is again, No.
The KJV is a translation. No translation is perfect. The NKJV is also a translation, and also not perfect. But the NKJV deserves respect for reflecting the authoritative Original-Language Texts very, very well. Its enemies misrepresent it. If the Lord tarries, in years ahead there will be more translation improvements. A New New King James Version will be needed to keep up with language changes. God's Word never changes, but languages do. Translations should speak to living people in the clearest, most succinct manner possible.
III. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS SOMETIMES AN IRRATIONAL MOVEMENT
1. I know of one adherent who doubts the salvation of anyone who was not led to the Lord using the KJV version of the Bible.
2. I am aware, having read their material, of those who exalt the English KJV above the Greek Texts .. the Texts of the Apostles! This is madness! It is saying, "Don't confuse me with truth or facts, my mind is made up." They have created their own truth.
3. I am aware of those so steeped in "King James Only" that they actually believe Missionaries should go to other lands, teach them English, and use only the KJV. This is irrational and absurd. Are all Believers in the "King James Only" camp this way? No! But it is the same movement (in a fanatical form) that is carried to its logical extreme, believing their favored translation is the inspired, final edition, forever.
4. It is not uncommon for "KJ Only" Churches to withdraw their fellowship from other Churches and organizations which are identical in Doctrine but use the NKJV. They truly seem to believe they are the last of the orthodox people, the last bulwark agaisnt the collapse of Biblical faith. "Translation Fixation" is not a Christian distinctive.
The "KJ Only" movement will become smaller, dated, and more marginalized as years pass. Their supportive group of people over 50 will slowly pass away.
As long as there are good, fundamental, Bible-centered Churches available, I would not choose to regularly attend a "KJ Only" church. I am offended by their irreverence and contempt toward anything not of that version.
IV. THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION IS EASILY JUSTIFIED
1. Those who are aware of manuscripte issues should know that, like the KJV, the NKJV uses the same Majority Text family of Greek manuscripts. It is the only modern translation that does. This is a position where I have conviction and agree. In Textual Origin, the KJV and NKJV are sisters.
2. The NKJV actually tries for compatibility to the earlier KJV. Many verses are identical. Either can normally follow the other. This is not true of other English versions.
3. The NKJV corrects obsolete words, some totally meaningless even to traditional readers, not to mention new students. I have a fairly long list of these words. Will I print that list? No. I am not against the KJV. I will not oppose it, but in many areas, I like the NKJV better, especially as a vehicle to reach and disciple our current and coming generations. If someone buying a Bible for himself or another asks my opinion, I say, "Get a New King James Version in a study Bible edition."
4. The NKJV more consistently translates Greek words with the same English words, a help in comparitive studies. I am thinking of two words in the Greek that are confused in the KJV, resulting in the loss of some specific insights. I am thinking of an unnecessary word added in the KJV in five to six occasions that affects an aspect of the Doctrine of Christ. Once again, I will not print these flaws as they do not hinder this marvelous translation (KJV) from leading us into understanding God's truths.
This is not a comparitive study, pitting these two translations against each other. I regard them as friendly versions that should not be made to struggle against each other in an adversarial way. The NKJV is a worthy translation for this generation. I praise God for it, as I have praised Him for the KJV that I also continue to use. I freely use them both, and God blesses me in both. I believe He will do the same for you.
Pastor Theodore W. Ertle
73602 Sixth Avenue
South Haven, Michigan 49090
(Telephone: 1-269-639-8588)
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