Ben Lemery | Church & Culture

My Church Only Reads the NKJV, NASB, NIV, ESV, etc.

I have noticed a growing trend in ministries and churches sponsoring a certain version of the Bible.  mark Driscoll's church says that the ESV is the Bible for them, Mike Bickle only reads the NKJV, so now all of the International House of Prayer reads the NKJV (and only sells it in their bookstore from what I understand).

When I got saved, the NIV was the Bible of the moment, usually chosen because you didn't need much more than a sixth grade reading level to understand all the words in it.  Of course, then you see the Joyce Meyer Bible, the Spirit-Filled Life Bible, the Read the Bible in 90 Days Bible and I could go on and on. 

So when a major ministry says that one Bible is better than the other, do they get a little patch that they have to wear on their shirt that says, "ESV, The Bible For You!"  Does the pastor's chair have one of those slip covers on it, so when he gets up, you can see the logo for the version of the Bible he recommends?  Before the opening announcements, do we get to hear, "these announcements are brought to you by NKJV, because the KJV was just plain old English."  Then we see a live commercial, done in interpretative dance by the worship team.

I understand the desire to keep everyone on the same page when a church is attempting to build on scripture memorization, Bible teaching and overall lack of confusion when the pastor reads his version and a third of the congregation is reading another version.  But overall, this argument/sponsorship is silly and only builds into the churches efforts to market anything and everything about their church.

Yes, there are crappy Bibles out there.  Anything that distorts or changes the Bible, like gender modification to make it more universal, is complete heresy and not what God intended.  But to say that the ESV is better than the NIV but not as smart as the NASB which isn't as poetic as the KJV which is poorly translated which is why we have the NKJV is a little ridiculous. 

When looking for a Bible, find one that fits your needs both reading wise and study wise.  Ask your pastor which one he recommends and why.  Tell him what you want to get out of your time in the Word because with the marketing of so many Bibles, there are plenty to fit your needs.  If there are versions he doesn't recommend, then once again, ask why.  You should be able to find a suitable Bible for your needs.

The real question shouldn't be "what Bible do you read?"  Instead, it should be, "are you reading your Bible?"

What I Am Thankful For This Year

This has been a very long year.  Looking back to last year, I realize that most of the changes in my life have happened internally vs. externally.  At this time last year, the church I was attending had decided to shut down, I was looking for a new home, not sure where I was going and uncertain what God was up to. 

Through this year I have become thankful for a few things, those sturdy things that keep you going every day. 

1.  Sustaining faith.  Without a true desire to stick with Jesus, I would have gone down many wrong paths this year.  There is always that little voice in my head that pokes at me when I am thinking or moving in the wrong direction for my life's purposes.  It is refreshing to remember that we serve a God that is interested in every aspect of our life.

2.  My friend John.  It is hard to find friends that are as loyal as John has been.  From a guy that I mentored to now one of my closest friends, I have talked with him at least 3-5 times a week.  We challenge, argue, laugh and inspire one another to be better people.  Friends are few, ones that you can trust and love are even fewer. 

3.  My job.  We all know the economy is not very positive right now but I am thankful to be in a job that not only pays me but also supports me to see some of my personal dreams come true.  I have learned a great deal about myself this year simply by working where I work.

4.  Risk.  This next year is all about risk to finish and start anew.  I can't wait to get out of my comfort zone and step into uncharted territory.  It will be an interesting challenge but I hope it shifts the culture overall.

I am also thankful for family, friends and new found friends here in Santa Cruz.  I also am thankful to the readers of this blog.  It is fun to share my heart and sometimes not so fun when it is deeply personal but I appreciate the feedback I receive. 

God is good and we can only hope this next year will be even more exciting.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Workout Prayers #3: What Can I Pray For You About?

This week is typically a time to give thanks to the Lord for what He is doing in our lives.  As I am finding out, many are giving more thanks this year than before.  I am now praying for more than one person in regards to life threatening diseases, several people who need jobs and others who simply are having a difficult time in life right now. 

There is something humiliating about looking in the window while reaching minute sixteen on the elliptical and seeing your chest and body covered in sweat.  In the meantime, you are focusing on those who are simply having difficulty getting through the day, who may be in pain or feeling there is no end to the journey they are on. 

So, what may I pray for you about this week during my 30 minute cardio times?  If you would like prayer or continued prayer for something, please leave a comment on my blog, on this Facebook note, drop me an email or write me a message on Facebook.

Have a great week and let's keep on praying for God's will to be shown in regards to our needs.

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Come on, step in this thing with me.

It is 1:37am.  I should be in bed since my alarm clock starts beeping at 5:50am. 

My mind is full of possibility.  Some of it will never come to pass and some it will.  Dreams are meant to be that way, limitless. 

In the midst of this dream session, I am reminded of the little things I need to work on.  Those little things that will open the doors or close them. 

This has been the longest season of my life but I need to keep on pressing through to finish well. 

Did you know that I am under 300 pounds now?  Eating well, working out is starting to show its benefits.

In one year I should finish something I started a long time ago.

When I look back a year from now I don't want to be the person who gossips, is malicious or has a chip on their shoulder.  That is going to take some new thinking and even better speaking.

The possibilities become endless when we let go and let God do His thing.

Step into this dream with me, I really think we can change the world.  Eh?

Dreams A Reality or Only A Fleeting Snapshot?

I have two blogs I want to start within the next year.  I like writing about what I am passionate about. 

There are a lot of dreams in my heart.

How will God open the doors and will I recognize them when they creak open?

Clearly, the beauty of the Lord's guidance is what makes a dream reality vs. something you wake up from, only to hang onto a few fleeting snapshots.

More than ever, I believe that the dreams of my heart will be fulfilled.  One step at a time.

Will you dream also?  Will you believe that yours too will come true?  It's not too late.