Monday, November 10, 2008

The Orthodox Study Bible

Recently I have been able to review The Orthodox Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was very excited to review this because I have friends who are practicing in the Orthodox Faith. As I scanned through the pages, I noticed some difference that separates this text from most other texts. The first difference is the inclusion of the extra biblical accounts (apocryphal writings) such as Bel and the dragon (an addition to the book of Daniel). Another apparent difference is found in the organization of the Old Testament books. Traditional Protestant Old Testaments are set to a certain pattern, and the orthodox pattern differs as to the placement of the prophetic books.

Coming from a mainline protestant denomination with I degree in biblical studies I had a hard time with the inclusion of the extra writings. I have learned over the years about some of the historical and theological inaccuracies found in some of these writings. Jewish and Christian tradition has also dictated that most, if not all, of these extra biblical works are not writing with an authority that would denote inclusion of these writings into what we now know as the Word of God (The Bible). I recently asked my friends, who are Orthodox, if this matters to them that these writings are filled with tradition and historical inaccuracy. She replied, “They do not have to be historically or traditionally accurate if they are teaching us about the theological aspects of God.” I disagree with this analysis. I think that historicity, traditionalism, and theology are all necessary in discern the truth behind the word of God.

I really loved a few things about this study bible. I think that the artwork is professionally done, and brings a life to the time honored stories. Moreover, I really appreciate the addition of the words of the church fathers. Whether you agree with them or not one needs to know what they have said. The church fathers have wisdom and knowledge that can aid us in our search for truth. Another great benefit of this book is the translation of the Old Testament from the Greek. I have about 15 different translations and when studying the Word it helps to bring a fullness of understanding as I see how different translators render certain passages.

My recommendation is that you get a copy of this book. It can only strengthen you by challenging your beliefs. Most Christians cannot explain why they believe what they believe, and my hope is that you will get this book and start to discover the whys behind your faith. My warning is this: if you are still a young Christian read this book with someone knowledgeable in the word. I would hate to recommend this book to you and you fall into confusion or error.



http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0718003594

Friday, November 7, 2008

Storms of life

When it rains it pours. Whatever happened to the light drizzle or the warm summer mists. It seems as of late that the floodgates have been opened. We can no longer keep the storms at a safe distance. Keeping them away from our homemade boundaries of safety. When it rains it pours. We sit back and wonder where the sun is, because we can only see the darkness. We know in our hearts that the hope of reprieve is over the next horizon. As we push through we wonder, "will we ever get through the storm and see the light we have always hoped would be there?"

We all go through hard times. We all go through our valleys where death seems to have power over us. Deep down we know that the storms cannot last forever. We know that death cannot stop us. We know that if we persevere we will see the light of a new day. We know that if we will just keep our eyes off the storm, even for one moment, we will see Him holding out His hand ready to save us.

Life is funny at times. It has its up and its downs. It sometimes is sweet and kind, but often cruel. When trouble hits, it hits hard. When one bit of trouble comes more is guaranteed to follow. When it rains it pours.

But God!

Two words. Very simple. Very ordinary. When put together create something deep and powerful. It says that no matter what we go through. No matter how much pain we have. No matter how much trouble life brings us. God has a plan, and a promise never to leave us nor forsake us.

But God!

He has had a plan for you and me since the beginning. His word tells us of the extravagant grace he has extended to us. His word tells us of the promises he has made to us. He has given us authority to overcome. Joy to persevere. Troubles to grow us. Pain to push us. A destiny to call us too. A plan to prosper. A future and a Hope.

Our lives are written on the canvas of heaven and played on the battlefield of earth. Too often we let our situation determine our perspective. Our perspective will determine our situation.

Storms will come in our lives, But God! Darkness will try to find a way in, But God! People will hurt us, But God! We will not find the money to pay for our needs, But God! Two deaths, a kidnapping, and a legal battle in less than three weeks, But God! Cannot find a job, But God! Called to leave the things you desperately love, like the ministry you help to create, But God! Desperate because the storms of life are raging, But God!

Next time when life gets you down. When the rain is more than a drizzle. When faith seems not to be enough. When church hurts you more than helps you. Remember that God has a plan. That God was not caught off-guard by our current situations.

When it rains it pours, But God.... calmed the storms for the disciples, can you believe he will do the same for you?