The Relationship Center

Bible Brain Teaser

firstpresvisalia — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:07:31 +0000

There are the names of 16 books of the Bible mentioned below. See how many you can find. A minister found 15 in 20 minutes, but it took him three weeks to find the 16^th one.

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu,
kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation.
Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not
capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers;
to others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments
for you. Yes, there will be some easy ones to spot, others may require judges
to help them and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady
says she brews a cup of tea. Now compete relax and enjoy the fun, for there are
really sixteen names of the Bible in this paragraph.

Jesus & the Law

firstpresvisalia — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:55:55 +0000

QUESTION: Why should I read the Old Testament if Jesus fulfilled the law?

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17).

In fulfilling the Law, Jesus did not do away with it. He showed us what the point was. What do you think the point is?

- Pastor Karl

Does God Speak Prophetically?

firstpresvisalia — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:51:12 +0000

QUESTION: Does God speak to the church prophetically today according to the bible?

Prophecy is a spiritual gift, as described in-depth in 1 Corinthians 12-14, and one that Paul encourages people to pursue. Prophecy is God’s spoken word for the church (1 Cor 14:4). Certainly, however, it is important to ensure that in a prophecy God is speaking through someone and not someone speaking on behalf of God (this, clearly, was the problem that Paul was addressing in writing this section of 1 Corinthians).

Our tradition as Presbyterians affirms all the spiritual gifts as listed in the Bible, but we don’t often see prophecy practiced in our community.

- Pastor Karl

Accurate Bible Version?

firstpresvisalia — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:44:22 +0000

QUESTION: Which version do you feel is most accurate?

You’re not going to be misled by any of the major English translations. They’re all excellent and highly reputable. Just look for the one that you can read best.

Every version is “accurate” in one sense or another. As Pastor Dave mentioned, versions are either literally accurate or periphrastically accurate. If you want a literal (word-for-word) translation, check out the NASB (New American Standard), NRSV (or New Revised Standard), or KJV (King James). These are going to be a bit awkward reading–not as smooth as spoken English. If you want a more conversational translation that is easier to read and is more conversational, check out the NLT (New Living Translation), (NCV) New Century Version, or The Message. All these versions capture the meaning in one way or another.

To see a continuum of all the major translations, try this document: Compare Bible Versions.

- Pastor Karl

Guidance in Hard Times

firstpresvisalia — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:31:51 +0000

QUESTION: So where in the bible would u find the right chapter for guidance to get thru hard times and to find shelter?

It’s a good thing the Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of life being hard and awful at times. Here are a couple helpful chapters: Psalm 22 is particularly good, and it’s the Psalm that Jesus quoted when he was on the cross. It’s also helpful to remember how enormous is God’s reach, love, and ability. We see this in Isaiah 40. Blessings in finding God’s reassurance and direction.

- Pastor Karl

Text your Questions

firstpresvisalia — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:22:12 +0000

Many of us texted questions during worship on Sunday about the Bible. Great questions, everyone. We’ll begin responding in separate posts to the questions so you can comment on each one as you like.

Feel free to keep texting if you like: 697-3793. Just don’t text to the wrong number. Someone did and it created quite an interesting conversation.

Bible in a Year Details

firstpresvisalia — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:59:15 +0000

Check out how to get further connected with the Bible in a Year campaign, check out the First Pres website.
This includes emails, small groups, reading communities, prive and public questions and discussions, reading resources, etc.

Also, read more about all the books of the Bible: Brief Summary of the Books of the Bible.

HIStory forms OURstory

firstpresvisalia — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:25:06 +0000

Do you believe that HIStory forms OURstory? That’s the history that God created. That’s the history that’s in the Bible. That’s a series of real events that shape people. That’s the history that we’re part of. God’s story forms our story.

If you want to discover more of what your story is, what our story is, and where it all came from, then join the campaign to read the Bible this year.

February 1, 2011 marks the beginning of our Bible in a Year effort. We hope you’ll join in by:

READING the Bible daily on course to read the entire Bible in one year
HEARING the Bible preached every Sunday
DISCUSSING the Bible with a community of friends or family
LIVING the way the Bible calls us to as followers of Jesus Christ

This should prove to be a rewarding experience as we try to capture more of what God’s story is. Here are a couple of items to get started.

How do I read the entire Bible in a year?
Check out the ingenious Bible in a Year Reading Plan.

How do I get connected with some other people to make this more significant?
Email the church office to get involved in a group. OR
Come to church on a Wednesday from 6:15-7:30pm in Geneva Hall (dinner starts at 5:30pm) to get connected with a group.

What do I do if I have a question about the Bible?
Post it here and wait for some friendly responses.