English Bible Versions
Today’s world-wide web is filled with the ‘modern’ misconception that says that God “pursues” His people to have a relationship with them. This, no doubt, came about with the many, many new (so called) English bible translations; which appear to be more like interpretations of the original English texts rather than actual translations from the original Greek and Hebrew scripts.
Many people who use these ‘knock-off’ English bibles claim that they do so because they are easier to read and understand. Apparently a 6th grade reading level, told to be necessary to navigate through the King James Bible, is too tough for the average English-speaking person of the 21st century to understand? I do not think that this is the reason at all…
The truth of the matter is that the “Middle English” forms used in the King James Bible often use a larger vocabulary, and such words were used with much more precision than those often acquainted with the use of our now modern versions of the English language. The problem then? The problem is that some of the older translations of biblical texts say things that offend the ‘sensitive’ public majority living in this day. It just does not say what they want it to.
Galatians 1:6-10 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into The Grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Make no mistake though: when God does something, it is perfect. Amen? There is no need for a “do over”. He is able to preserve His Word. The King James Version Bible.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
According to History.com (https://www.history.com/news/king-james-bible-most-popular), The King James Version Bible remains to be the most popular English version world-wide. There are said to be more than 6 billion copies in print! In contrast to this, the fastest growing in popularity in the U.S. is the NIV.
Why are there so many different English Bibles in Print?
Why did I start this message talking about the many different bible versions? Because we are about to discuss (if you stick with me please) the definition of some words found throughout the bible and how they were used in the original English version texts, and why. First let’s read why so many versions exist:
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
This pretty much sums it up Folks: deception! Satan wants to deceive as many away from Christ (Truth) as possible! One of his most sharpened skills is to create confusion. Another is to create division. These two evil works go hand-in-hand to promote the kingdom of anti-Christ. But we are here to prove the Truth of God’s Holy Word.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
2 Timothy 2:14-15 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Pursuit
Since we opened talking about God’s “pursuit of man”, let’s define the word “pursue”.
Definitions of “PURSUE” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pursue
1 : to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, or defeat
2 : to find or employ measures to obtain or accomplish : seek pursue a goal
3 : to proceed along pursues a northern course
4a : to engage in pursue a hobby
b : to follow up or proceed with pursue an argument
5 : to continue to afflict : haunt was pursued by horrible memories
NOTICE: the very first definition listed? How about that the majority of these have negative connotations that lead us to the root definitions of the origin of this word.
Now, let’s look up some scriptures from our good old King James Bible on this subject of “pursue” to see how this word was used there. In doing so, I think that we may find that the truth of the matter is a little different than what the modern world would have us to believe.
Here we go…
Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
Exodus 15:9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
1 Samuel 26:18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?
2 Samuel 22:38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.
Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Lamentations 4:16-19 The anger of the LORD hath divided them; He will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders. As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us. They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come. Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
So, what exactly has satan (through man) accomplished in creating all of the knock-off English bibles? Pertaining to the word “pursue”, he has effectively made what was meant to be evil to appear as good in this world.
Isaiah 5:18-21 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: That say, Let Him make speed, and hasten His work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. This was so important that it was put in the bible twice!
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
I would like to point out here and now, that I cannot find ANY references to God “pursuing” us in the New Testament scriptures of the King James Bible, what so ever! I challenge anyone who can to bring this to my attention and correct me if I am ignorant to it please.
The Concept of Predestination is a Lie
The Truth is that God does not ‘chase’ us! He does not force us. We are not predestined to serve him. These thoughts all stem from an age-old protestant movement heresy known as “Calvinism.” This is now the foundation of many Baptist organizational beliefs. Proof that we are not predestined?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
If we do perish, it is our own will that has caused this, meaning that we indeed had a choice in the matter. We simply chose to not believe the Truth, or did not seek Truth diligently. Many will have a profession, that they know Christ, but do not.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Now, I have said this before (for those who are wise, you can search the scriptures for yourself and find this to be true – please do!), that “iniquity” is a person’s claim to be serving God His way, when in reality, they simply are not. This is true whether they are doing it intentionally, or if they are ignorant to God’s Will.
Acts 17:29-31 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
How and Why God “Draws” Us
So, if God does not “pursue” us, then how do we find Him? Well, first, He draws us to His Word so that we are able to gain some knowledge of who He is, and how much He loves mankind – and that we might “choose” which side we want to be on.
He loved us so much that He allowed Himself to be made in flesh, and then gave Himself for us!
John 3:16-19 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
How does God draw us?
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We need to first hear The Gospel in order to be armed with just enough … then, if we hear and accept the ‘principle’ truths that are first delivered of The Gospel, He will continue to draw us. You see, we cannot just simply ‘make a choice’. God must be in the arrangement, or it will otherwise take us down that wide path to destruction.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Why does God need to draw us first?... What can a dead man do? Nothing! Right? Ever watch a zombie movie? You will see what is portrayed as dead men walking, right? Unfortunately, this is a twisted way of mocking mankind! Look at what Jesus says about the dead here:
Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
You see, according to the scripture, we are born dead from our mother’s womb – in sins and trespasses.
Ephesians 2:1-2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience
This means that the natural man (or woman), as born into this world, are “dead in sin”, in the sight of God. What do they do then? The answer is simple – “dead works”. Thus meaning that the things that they do in this life (whether a sinner or a person bound in iniquity), are meaningless when is comes to serving and being justified in the sight of God Almighty.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (Without the Works of God, of course!)
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God
Once we have heard The Truth, it is very likely that this world will lose its glitter in our eyes. This is also part of God’s drawing. He is showing us that there is a better way – a way of true life, and not this fast-lane, ever-tiring world that many succumb to daily.
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Without God’s divine intervention, we would never seek to follow Him! With his intervention, He leaves us with a choice. God does not want slaves, He rather hopes for “friends”. What makes Him believe that we have made a choice and are sincerely sold out to be His friend? Repentance, proven by obedience. This is how He defines a real relationship with Him. He gave the good Will in His sacrifice for us, reaching out with the hand of friendship. Now He is waiting for us to accept…
John 15:13-14 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Make no mistake though: it is ‘our responsibility’ to “open the door” of our hearts to Him and invite Him in. He does not chase us down in hot pursuit. This would be to force us to serve Him. Remember that we found earlier that the only reason that God “pursues” in the bible is for destruction. I therefore do not want Him pursuing me, in this sense of the word!
Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
How and Why God Leads Us
The difference between God’s drawing and leading is this: He must draw those that have not heard of Him, or maybe The Word of Truth about Him. He draws by calling us through The Preaching of The Gospel.
Once we hear and choose to come to Him, He is then able to lead us. You see, it is impossible to lead someone who does not willingly accept your leadership. It is also impossible to lead someone when they cannot see where you are going or, see if you are even going anywhere at all. They must first come to where you are, then you can lead them away on in whatever direction appropriate.
How wonderful it is to truly be led by Our Lord and Savior!
John 10:2-3 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What does it mean to lead? To be led? One thing that I have learned in the work-world is that if your truly expect people to follow your lead, you must stay out in front of them. Leaders do not lead from behind; they follow from behind. That is why “leading by example” is so popular – it works. Imagine that! Perhaps this is because mankind did not come up with this idea on their own, but by God’s Word? For those that are truly led by The Spirit of God, it is through the example that Jesus Christ left us, is it not?
Why does God lead us? Because we are dead and do not know the way to life. It is His Good Will towards mankind:
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
John 10:10-11 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good
shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
John 16:12-13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, The Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Jesus did “no sin” Folks! This is the example that He left us… no let’s not sell God short, we cannot be perfect in the sight of God within and of ourselves – it is the gift of God. It is His life being perfected in us. He leads the way, we follow. It’s really that simple. He came to save us from sin.
I know, I know: man’s age-old saying, “Nobody’s perfect.” But listen:
Matthew 19:25-26 When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Who then pursues us?
You guessed it – satan pursues. If you have ever heard an altar call that takes place nearly every service, in every protestant gathering, you have witnessed a prime example of this!
The preacher typically tells you a sad story (sometimes not) about another person’s misfortune, or maybe something that they are going through as a “life-trial”, and then they ask for people to come to the altar and “get saved”. Is this biblical? Nope.
Here’s is why… remember the scripture quoted a few minutes ago in 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
It is true that “godly sorrow” worketh true repentance. This sorrow comes into a person’s heart once they hear the Truth of God’s Word, believe it, then realize that this world is worthless and that they are eternally separated from the presence of God in their current state of being a sinner.
Contrary to this, we have “the sorrow of the world”. This sorrow does not work true repentance, but, is rather a sorrow founded upon events or conditions of our environment in this world. This type of repentance works death. What that means, is that a person who believes in a false doctrine, and then they repent, believing that they are saved by this false belief in a lie that is called “Christ”: follows whomever has convinced them of this way to a devil’s hell.
Luke 6:39 And He spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Psalms 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
What is one way to know many false “so-called Christian” doctrines? Most teach that salvation takes place in a split-second of time. Nothing could be further from the Truth of the matter, but that is something for another subject. I encourage all who did not already know this though, to go ahead and search the scriptures for yourself, and find out if I am telling you the Truth.
John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Jesus is the Word of God. Does what that is being said line up with it?
satan wants to pursue people so that they will believe a false way before they find the Truth and then (he hopes), that they will stop seeking for God. You see, satan would force us, if he could, but God allows us to make the choice. God does not force us. This does not stop satan from being who he is and trying though.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Let me ask a personal question. Do you claim to be a Christian? If you answered yes: do you feel like you were pursued to follow Christ? If I answered “yes” to both of these questions, after hearing this message, I would do exactly what was mentioned early – search the scriptures. Why?
2 Peter 1:10-11Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Once God draws us, if we truly have “godly sorrow”, we might repent of our life here on earth and seek to follow Christ to heavenly places. True repentance involves, not only being ‘sorry’ for our sin, but also a sincere desire for change. Proof of “being sorry” is a person’s turn, about-face, toward God’s instruction.
If we rather choose to continue in sin, or to make excuses for our sin, we are not truly sorry, and therefore do not wish to serve God in truth. Remember the passage about Jesus being our friend by laying down His life, and us being His friend by obeying His commandments?
By the Grace of God, I hope that we can address the subject of repentance together soon! until then…
James 4:8-10 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Lord, bless them that have an ear to hear with an open heart and mind to receive Truth and to continue on with us in these studies. Amen.
Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
