03/05/21 SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

03/05/21 SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
I have been wanting to share these thoughts with folks. I hope you will take the time (it won't take long) to read and consider my post. I only scratch the surface, but the subject is very important.

Careful and faithful study of God's word includes honest and accurate translation of words. Knowledge of grammar in the source languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) and the target language (in our case, English) are essential for accurate translation. This requires translators and teachers to look beyond translations by being familiar with word studies, linguistics and the history, culture, habits, social structures of the times and people of the Bible.

For instance, most (if not all) translations of the Bible give a very limited view of what God's word actually says and means. Often the translators use a single word in the past tense, when the original text uses grammar that includes much more detail and nuance. The work of translating Koine Greek (the Greek language of the Bible, which differs from modern Greek language), takes into consideration:
(1) the basic emphasis of the tense, voice and mood (accidence [inflections] or morphology);
(2) the basic meaning of the particular verb (lexicography); and
(3) the flow of the context (syntax).

While it is true that the gospel is simple, it must be remembered that translating the Bible is a very exacting and complicated task. Though we cannot all be linguists, we must give "due diligence" to the study of God's word and understand what God said and what He meant when He said it.

It is the responsibility of the Pastor to provide scholarly, spiritual, accurate Biblical instruction.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

Colossians 1:24-29
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Acts 20:26-32
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

(search the Scriptures)
Acts 17:11
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 1:19-21
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.