Why Be Sure?

The Bible comes in many forms, namely in various wordings. Some call them translations, others interpretations. It's gone from King James to New American Standard Version, to the Message.

Me? I've been reading out of the NIV (New International Version) since I was sixteen. The majority of verses I use in my writing are from this version and this specific book. The pages are wrinkled, dog-eared- not intentionally because I'd NEVER blemish a page like that!- underlined, tabbed, and there's notes on everything that's ever caught my ear on a Sunday morning. It's well used and well worn... and I still have SO much to learn.

My NIV started falling apart two years ago and my family told me to get a new one. I still have a mint condition NIV in my closest, given to me at my high school graduation. But when you've studied, pondered, and cried over a Bible as many times as I have, replacing it with a new one isn't that simple. So, I bought the great American fixer-upper known as duct tape, and taped the covers of my NIV back together!

Nobody really understood why I was going to all the trouble for an old, old Bible. Truthfully, it's an answer I can't always put into words. But I think about what Peter said,

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone that asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

~1 Peter 3:15-16~   

What am I trying to point out here? Good communication. Owning a Bible DOSEN'T save you; your heart's decision to follow God does. But owning a Bible leads you in what an imitation of Christ looks like. Which can lead to the witness and salvation of others.

You can give someone reasons until the cows come home, but if those reasons aren't solidly articulated, then you've already lost your audience. Part of this solid speech comes from the version of the Bible you quote from. Quoting or citing a bunch of different versions only makes your case for God seem weaker. Think about it... if you're not firm in the Bible that you use, how can you be firm in the One who wrote it?

God wrote the Bible so He could tell us of our history, remind us of the sacrifice of His son, and proclaim His mighty love for us. Be certain of how you use it and, yes, what type you use. A Bible is a tool of your faith... a sword that becomes an extension of yourself and of Christ's example in your life...

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

~Ephesians 6:17~

You practice with a sword so as to master its weight; you practice at your job so as to learn the company inside and out. And be it American Standard, New King James, or New International, practice with your Bible as well and know the word of God! 

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 

meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. 

Then you will be prosperous and successful.'

~Joshua 1:8~