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Dale's Blog - Entries written by Dale SouthActs 2:40b - Lost in Translation
The varied translations of the Bible
available to us offer a richer understanding of the text that one
single translation would. When we read or study a passage using one
than one version, we often find the same idea expressed in different
words. Sometimes though, comparing versions exposes us to
translational difficulties that have deeper implications for the
meaning of the passage.
Let's look at the second part of Acts
2:40 in several versions.
NIV
- "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
NLT
- “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
NKJ
- “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
ESV
- "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."
NAS
- "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
HCS
- "Be saved from this corrupt generation!"
YLT
- `Be saved from this perverse generation;'
Note
how the descriptive adjectives modifying “generation” use
different words to express the same idea: “corrupt, crooked,
untoward, and perverse.” The essential meaning of the text is not
changed but rather reinforced by the different word choices.
However,
in dealing with the verb “save” the translational choices affect
the meaning of the passage. In many languages including Spanish and
Greek, it's not as easy as it is in English to tell the difference
between a reflexive form and a passive form of a verb. For example:
For example, “He hit himself” (reflexive) and “he was hit”
(passive) can look exactly alike.
In
our study of Acts 2:40b, I believe the New International Version, The
New Living Translation, The New King James (and original KJV) and the
English Standard Version, all translate the verb “save” in the
reflexive form when it is should be passive form. The outcome “save
yourselves from … this generation” is not good.
The
New American Standard, the Holman Christian Standard and Young's
Literal Translation catch the passive verb form and give us a better
translation: “Be saved from … this generation.” One of the
central truths of this passage and throughout the Bible is that no
one can save themselves. However each of us needs to be saved by
Jesus the Messiah from this crooked untoward world that is corrupted and
perverted by sin.
 Preparing Our Hearts For The Lord's Supper...
An Excerpt from "A Biblical-Theological Framework of the Lord's Supper" Read the entire article here: Click Here
... Dearly beloved, next Sunday we purpose to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper together as a congregation. It is serve to remind us of the body and blood of Christ and his meritorious cross and suffering, whereby alone we obtain forgiveness of our sins and are made partakers of the Kingdom of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearth thanks to almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that He has given His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a divine and comfortable thing to those who receive it worthily, and a dangerous thing to those who presume to receive it unworthily; my duty is to exhort you, in the meantime to consider the dignity of that holy mystery, and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search and examine your own consciences, and that not lightly.
The way and means thereto is: First to examine your lives and conversations by the rule of God's commandments; and wherever you perceive yourselves to have offended, either by will, word or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if you perceive your offenses to be such as are not only against God, but also against your neighbors, then you shall reconcile yourselves to them, being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the utmost of your powers for any injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being likewise ready to forgive others who have offended you, as you would have forgiveness of your offenses at God's hand, for otherwise the receiving of the Lord's Supper dos nothing else but increase your condemnation. Therefore, if any of you is a blasphemer of God, a slanderer of His Word, an adulterer, or if you are harboring malice, envy or any other grievous crime, repent of your sins, or do not come to the Lord's table.
The point is to say like King David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
The Rationale and Importance of the Benevolence Offering
We have seen in our discussion above that the early church had a keen interest in taking care of those who had need. There was extreme generosity as people even sold property and gave the money to the leaders of the church to make sure their brothers and sisters were not going hungry. We see this in the meals where those who had more shared with those who had less. We also see the early church taking up a special offering to send to the church in Jerusalem which was going through an extremely difficult time.
At Long Green Baptist, it is our traditional practice to receive a special “Benevolence Offering” on the first Sunday of each month in conjunction with the Lord's Supper. We make a distinction between tithes and regular giving in contrast to special offerings. This offering is understood to be in addition to the tithe or regular percentage giving. Though it is a special offering that may require a greater sacrifice, we have chosen to receive it at the same time as the regular giving when the ushers pass the offering plates. You should find a special designated envelope that looks something like this: The Deacons administer this offering in confidence, focusing on those in the congregation with needs as well as some outside the church who are referred to the Deacons by members of the congregation. As you pray and prepare for the Lord's Supper ahead of time, please consider how God might have you contribute via the Benevolence Offering.
Read Dale's Full Article Here: Click Here
Studiously Ignoring Islam's InfluenceAs a follow up to our conference on "Engaging Our Muslim Friends with the Gospel", I'd like to commend an article to you from the January 20, 2009, "Time" magazine - Click Here. The article entitled: "The Fort Hood Report: Why No Mention of Islam?" asks the question, why did the 86 page report on the November 5, 2009 shooting deaths at Fort Hood, Texas not once mention the name of Major Nidal Hasan, the shooter, and why did it not mention his Muslim faith as a factor related to state of mind and motive? This is what the author of the article refers to as "studiously ignoring Islam."
As followers of Jesus, we cannot studiously nor carelessly ignore Islam and its impact in our world. In the increasingly secular, postmodern, relativistic environment in which we live, the politically correct stance of bending over backwards in the name of tolerance is unwittingly playing into the strategy of an Islamic theocratic worldview - one that happens to be among the least tolerant imaginable. This is a case where extreme tolerance and lack of confrontation, results in being unloving - the opposite of the ethic and command of Christ.
Herein lies the challenge for those of us who are serious about loving God and loving others, including those who may want to do us harm. Most of the conversations regarding Christianity and Islam either turn shrill and lead to fear and potential hatefulness or they go to the other pole of trying to show how similar Islam and Christianity are, as if there are no real dividing differences. The differences between the teachings of Jesus and the teaching of the Koran could hardly be more contrasting. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Islam teaches followers to practice jihad on all of the infidels who deny Islam's teachings. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ as God incarnate got so personally involved in redeeming us from sin that He sacrificed Himself on the cross for us. The Koran teaches that Jesus did not die nor resurrect, fully negating the biblical gospel of redemption. The truth is that a good Muslim may be required to kill a Christian, particularly if he/she wants to be assured of making it directly to paradise. In contrast, being a faithful follower of Jesus may mean that we are required to die for a Muslim. Even if we would die for a Muslim, that act would have nothing at all to do with us going immediately to heaven when we die. It has everything to do with Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, the very teaching that the Koran denies.
The fact that U.S. soldiers are dying daily at the hands of Muslims and Muslims are dying daily at the hands of U.S. soldiers only complicates the emotional passion and fear between Muslims and Christians. We must recognize, even when our government may not, that democracy, particularly in its western form, is not compatible with the Koranic teachings and the theocracy it requires with Shar'ia law. Jesus' question: "What does it profit someone if they gain the whole world but lose their soul?" reminds us that no matter how many victories are experienced on the battlefields or on jetliners, the ultimate victory is found in the one who gave His life as a ransom for many. Humanly speaking, there are many reasons to fear but "perfect love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18). The gospel way is not the way of shrill fear mongering. Nor is it a studious ignorance that tolerates everything, even when to do so is unloving. The gospel way constantly speaks the truth as we understand it in love. To faithfully represent Jesus Christ in the world, let's engage our Muslim friends with the gospel that engaged us and won our hearts and minds.
Beating the Natural Drift toward aging and inward focus
I want to encourage everyone to read what I consider an
insightful article by James Emery White called “Forever Young” at http://www.serioustimes.com/ . Dr.
White is pastor of Mecklenberg Community Church
in NC. In terms
of contextualizing the gospel without compromising it he is one of the better interpreters of U.S. culture that I know . I’d love to get some
comments here on the blog and see where the discussion leads.
Days 9-10 - Scotland 09Saturday was originally supposed to be rainy but the rain didn't come until late at night and the day was beautiful. Those who went to Edinburgh had a great time and got back without any problems. I stayed back for a morning of retreat and prayer. In the afternoon, Angus and Carol Mcneil, invited me to go with them to Loch Sween. Angus and Carol are retired missionaries who served in the Congo, Thailand and as executive leaders of the Baptist Mission Society - the one founded by William Carey. Along the way we saw more seals and pups sunning on rocks, two white swans, and a red deer with large antlers. We also viewed some old gravestones, some having Christian symbols dating back to around the year 1000. The history of the USA is really recent history.
This morning, there were several families of children visiting as a result of the Holiday Club. The gospel was presented and there was a cook-out afterward. The rain cleared up enough for us to enjoy being outside.
Tomorrow we and several Scottish friends are going about an hour's drive to the city of Oban for touring and shopping. We plan to get to bed as early as possible tomorrow night as we hope to leave Loch Gilphead at 5:30 am local time on Tuesday to get to the Glasgow airport for our flight back to the USA. Please keep praying.
Day 8 - Scotland 09
We ended the week on a really positive note. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, around 70, low humidity and without a cloud in the sky. Children were very attentive to the gospel presentation and nearly everyone had memorized Psalm 91:15. The youth had their last official meeting this evening with Ultimate Frisbee, touch football and a devotional message led by Whitney. They are all at the huggy stage now, knowing that there are just a few more days to all be together.
Most of the American team plans to travel to Edinburgh. Pray for them as it’s probably a 3 and a half hour drive each way. Pray especially for Aaron, one of the only Scottish teen boys. He is going with the American team to hang with Scott who has been a great encouragement to him this week. Sam will stay with a local family and I will stay back as well to take sort of a retreat day. Also pray for the Sunday service at Loch Gilphead Baptist as the children who attended the Holiday Club and their families are invited with a barbeque to follow.
Day 7 - Scotland 09
Only one more day of the Holiday Club left and the children seem to be having a great time. We’re praying that the truth of God’s word is working its way into their minds and hearts. For many of them, this is the only exposure to biblical teaching that they will receive until next year, assuming they come back to the club. Please pray for a strong finish to the club on Friday.
Thanks for your prayers about my trip to get the tire replaced. I made it there and back without incident on the highway. However, I almost wasn’t able to get the new tire. The tire that was damaged was a Michelin and I called to make sure the shop had the same model tire to put on and they did. For some unknown reason, the other three tires on the car were not Michelin but Continental. The agency insisted on approving only a Continental tire. The shop did not have the Continental tire to match. No one seems to know how the Michelin made its way onto the car in the first place, but after several phone calls they agreed to put a Michelin back on it to get me on my way. Thanks be to God.
Joe, Kjell and Ann went to Inverary this afternoon to climb a large hill there. The weather was perfect.
The teens had their messy games night tonight and the event lived up to its name. It was a hit with the youth. Please pray for a teen name Marion. She is aware of her need for Jesus and seems to be wrestling to make a commitment to Him.
Day 6 - Scotland 09
We are now over the hump for the week of Holiday Bible Club. We thankfully had another smooth day. The children participated in a talent show this afternoon that was very entertaining – everything from ballet and singing to poetry recitation and illusions. Several parents attended the performance.
Plans for the circus this evening fell through, so we had a pretty relaxing night which was probably needed.
Please pray for me tomorrow as I drive about an hour away to try to get a new tire for the rental car. The emergency roadside assistance couldn’t come to where I am until Saturday morning and we need the car before then.
Day 5 - Scotland 09
Today was quite full and gratifying. I took the morning to
prayer walk some of the neighborhoods and try to sense what God might be
saying. I had hardly left the house when I greeted a woman on the sidewalk on
the next block and she said, “I saw you on Sunday.” It turns out that she is
not a member of the Loch Gilphead church but attends fairly regularly with a
friend. She complimented me on the message from Sunday and said that she has
two daughters living in the USA
– one in Oregon and one in Tennessee. I mentioned that Sam, from our
team, was heading to the university in Knoxville,
TN and she said her daughter actually lives in Knoxville
and is getting ready to have her first baby. I said that knowing Sam’s
affection for the people of Loch Gilphead, she would probably be happy to ring
her daughter up and meet her. Trish, the woman, then gave me her contact info
so Sam can get in touch with her. A good start to the morning as it seemed God
was working in the timing of my walk.
The Holiday Club itself went smoothly with a little over 40
children attending. This afternoon, we had a meeting with members of the Scotland team that are interested in coming to
the USA
in the summer of 2010 as part of the mission partnership. We answered as many
questions as we could but plan to give some immediate and serious attention to
suitable projects for a team that could number between four and twelve people
next summer. Input from LGBC members is welcomed and sought.
Tonight the time with the teens was special. I had met a 16
year old girl at the church building earlier in the day. She had volunteered
that she had quit school due to being pregnant (I wouldn’t have known about the
school part but the other I could have easily guessed.) As I was leaving I asked if anyone had invited
her to the teen activities in the evening and she said “no.” When we explained
what was going on, she said she would try to make it. She did make it along
with an aunt and two younger cousins. After the games, Whitney shared a
testimony of recommitting her life to Christ after a time of trusting in things
that had let her down. It was a great testimony that opened the door for me to
ask the aunt about her faith and relationship to Christ. We also had clear
opportunity to share with the soon-to-be seventeen year old single mother. The
gospel hasn’t yet captivated either one of them, but we have introduced it and
are now praying for them. It doesn’t get much better than sharing God’s
redemption story in our own lives and then being able to engage others with how
it can become a part of their lives.
Day 4 - Scotland 09
The first day of the Holiday Bible Club at Loch Gilphead
Baptist went smashingly. Though there was a strong downpour most of the morning
outside (and slight drips in a couple of roof leaks inside) the main room of
the church building housed five classes of children. That open space is about
2/3 the size of the sanctuary at Long Green Baptist. There were probably 45
children participating plus the club staff members from the American and
Scottish teams.
The theme is “Show Stoppers” and incorporates music and
drama as means ofproclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. He was and is
the true “Show Stopper.”
As I write this, we are at a community athletic facility
which is quite nicely equipped with Astroturf, soccer (football) goals and
tennis courts. Whitney and Scott are directing activities for twelve youth on
the soccer field. All but one of the youth are members of the Holiday Club
staff. It’s an encouraging time for them as the church does not have any
ongoing youth ministry for them at this point. There are also ten young
Scottish men playing a game of soccer on the court next to ours and four more
playing tennis just a wee bit down the way. Maybe in the evenings ahead we’ll
have more interaction with some of them.
Tomorrow should be much like today in terms of activities.
There will be a talent show Wednesday afternoon when we’ll hold an audition for
the budding stars of the club. That evening we are scheduled to travel with out
Scottish counterparts to Oban, about an hour away, for the Berlin Circus,
touted as the best in Europe. We shall see, but since it will have been the
only circus in Europe I have seen, I may
simply have to take their word for it.
Please pray that we will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
demonstrate humility and unity with our Scottish brothers and sisters and that
God will open hearts to the gospel of those we have opportunity to interact
with.
Day 3 - Scotland 09This morning's worship service at Loch Gilphead Baptist was very encouraging as we set the stage for the coming week of Holiday Bible Club activities. We set up a relatively large tent outside that will house activities and draw attention from the street. I'm hoping and praying that the wind doesn't turn it into a kite as the current stakes and tie-downs won't anchor much in the soft ground.
After the service and preparation this afternoon, we went to Inverary, about 40 minutes away to tour and shop. There was a power outage though soon after we got there so not much shopping was done. Everyone is doing well.
Please pray for the club in the morning and especially for Whitney and the team heading up a teen ministry for the first time. There is very little for teens to do here and many young people head to the cities for education and work when they complete secondary school. I learned today that movies are seen when an 18 wheeler type of truck comes with a projector and seats inside to show a movie. This traveling cinema doesn't appear too frequently We'd really like to show love to these young people and present the gospel to them clearly. That should take place around 2:00 pm your time thanks for your prayers.
Day 2 - Scotland 09Today was another great day. Most of us are still adjusting to the time difference as evidence of me writing this at 12:07 local time - 7:07 DST. We went to Port Oban this afternoon for a cook-out, games, marshmallow roast and a ceilidh - Scottish square dance - to celebrate the not-so-Scottish 4th of July. The area is on a peaceful bay of the Atlantic and for the first time I saw seals in the wild, swimming and sunning themselves on rocks. One mother seal with babies sharing a rock was spectacular. Hope to get some photos posted here or on Facebook soon.
Everyone on the team may be a bit fatigued, but are otherwise healthy, developing friendships and seem to be having a good time. I was pleased to have some conversations with a couple of pre-Christian young men this evening and hope to have further chats that will bring the gospel into play.
Please pray for our kick--off service tomorrow at 11:00 local time. I'll be preaching on Psalm 78, focusing on the need to pass the gospel message on to succeeding generations. Probably too late to pray for most of you but you can pray for the results :) We'll spend much of tomorrow afternoon making final preparations for the beginning of the Holiday Bible Club on Monday. We'll be remembering those going to Fuquay Varina as well as those who have been "left behind."
Day 1 - Scotland 09It did not get dark until around 10:45 here in Loch Gilphead. We are grateful to be here, safe and sound. The flight from Philadelphia left the gate on time and arrived in Glasgow on time. We had some unexpected challenges with customs officials at the Glasgow airport who grilled us with questions and said groups coming for volunteer activities need to first received permsision from the government. Joe McGraw, our team leader was the last one to make it through and they made us sweat to see if they would allow him in.
We were happily surprised to get a new diesel Volvo station wagons as our rental cars. Someone Volvo's reputation made me feel a little safer as we headed on driving on the left side of the road. Whitney's job was to remind me "Stay to the left ... not too far to the left." She did a great job even though our trip had some complications. Yesterday, a Royal Air Force fighter crashed into the side of a hill casuing the road we intended to take to be closed. We had to detour onto a narrower and more circuitous road ... us and all of the big buses and trucks that would have gone on the other road as well. In trying to share the road with one of those buses who thought it was my responsibility to give him a good portion of my lane, Whitney needed to say "not too far left" as I chose a sharp rock over a closer encounter with the bus. The tire looked like it had gone through a buzz saw. So it was a team effort to put on the doughnut spare as God provided a large pull-off space for all 3 of our vehicles to safely change the tire.
We arrived at Loch Gilphead around 1:00 local time. All of our hosts have been wonderfully gracious. An organizational meeting brought the two teams of Scots and Americans together this evening. We should all sleep well tonight. Thanks for your prayers.
Substitutes for GodI profess to be a lover of God and a follower of Jesus
Christ. It is a process that began decades ago and continues to develop. However,
in my more honest moments, I recognize that too often I love God poorly and
follow Jesus inconsistently. If there really is One true God – Father, Son and
Holy Spirit – who is personal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent, even
to the edges of the ever-expanding universe, the implications for life are as
mind boggling as is His greatness.
If the story goes beyond the greatness of His being to the
greatness of His love … if He literally gave His own life to save mine, I am at
a loss for words and means to express my gratitude and His worth. Reason alone
would indicate that this God would be the focus of my thoughts and my
affections. Pleasing Him would be the goal of my work and play. My
relationships with others would mirror the love and grace He has extended to
me.
My reality turns out to be unreasonable as I allow substitutes
to take the focus of my thoughts and affections … as I substitute pleasing
myself and others for pleasing Him … as my relationships with others too easily
become about how they affect me rather than how they reflect Him. The writings of C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller have reminded me that all sin is at its core idolatry - substituting something or someone for God. The constant
battle of my flawed state is to accept no substitutes for the One who
substituted Himself for me.
There will be many who do not accept my presuppositions
about the God I describe. However, if those presuppositions are true, as I have
come to believe, the implications are unavoidable. I wonder if they would be
more inclined to accept that God if they were to see those implications lived
out in my life and the lives of those who profess to love God and follow Jesus.
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Dale's Blogby
Thoughts on God, Life, Church and Whatever Comes to Mind that's Worth Writing About -
What if there really is an all-powerful omnipresent Creator God who knows us and for some odd reason wants to pursue a relationship with us anyway? What might be some of the implications for life? At times this blog will wrestle with some of those implications. If you would like to be notified when new entries are posted, click on the orange RSS feed button at the bottom of this column.
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