by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
The New International Version (NIV) is a popular English translation of the Bible that has undergone several revisions since it was first published in 1978. The latest revision, the NIV 2020 edition, was released in August 2020 and includes a number of changes and updates to the text.
One of the main goals of the NIV 2020 revision was to make the translation more accurate and faithful to the original biblical languages. To achieve this, the translators used the latest available biblical scholarship and resources, including updated lexicons and dictionaries, and consulted with experts in fields such as linguistics and archaeology. The NIV 2020 also includes a number of changes to the text that were designed to make the translation more readable and easier to understand for modern readers.
One notable feature of the NIV 2020 is its gender-inclusive language. The translation uses inclusive language where appropriate to ensure that the text is accessible and meaningful to all readers. This includes using gender-inclusive terms such as “brothers and sisters” instead of “brothers” to refer to groups of people, and avoiding using male-centric terms or phrases when referring to God or other biblical figures.
The NIV 2020 also includes a number of other updates and improvements to the text, such as the use of more consistent language and the inclusion of more cross-references to help readers understand the context of the passages. The translation also includes additional study resources, such as a concordance and maps, to help readers delve deeper into the text.
Overall, the NIV 2020 is a significant update to the popular NIV translation, and it aims to provide a more accurate and accessible version of the Bible for modern readers. Whether you are a seasoned Bible reader or new to the text, the NIV 2020 is a valuable resource to help you better understand and engage with the biblical text.
So what are the main differences between the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020? Here are a few key points to consider:
- Gender language: One of the main differences between the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 is the way they handle gender language. The NIV 1984 used masculine language when referring to God and to people in general, which caused some controversy among readers who felt that it was not inclusive enough. The NIV 2020 addresses this issue by using more inclusive language that is sensitive to the diversity of genders and experiences represented in the Bible.
- Terminology: The NIV 2020 also updates some of the terminology used in the translation in order to make it more accurate and consistent with the original text. For example, the NIV 2020 replaces the term “prodigal son” with “lost son” in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) because the term “prodigal” can be misleading and does not accurately reflect the meaning of the original Greek word.
- Translation philosophy: The NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 also have slightly different translation philosophies. The NIV 1984 follows a formal equivalence approach, which aims to preserve the formal structure of the original text as closely as possible. The NIV 2020, on the other hand, follows a functional equivalence approach, which aims to convey the meaning of the text in a way that is natural and easy to understand for modern readers.
- Readability: As a result of these differences in translation philosophy, the NIV 2020 is generally considered to be more readable and easier to understand than the NIV 1984. It uses more natural English and avoids some of the more archaic language and word choices that were present in the NIV 1984.
Overall, the NIV 1984 and NIV 2020 are both reliable and respected translations of the Bible, but they do have some notable differences that readers should be aware of. Whether you prefer the NIV 1984 or NIV 2020 will likely depend on your personal preference and what you value most in a translation. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a translation that you can understand and that helps you connect with the message of the Bible.
by avministry | Dec 28, 2022 | Blog
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a popular translation of the Bible that was first published in 2001. The translation was developed by a team of biblical scholars and translators who sought to create a text that was both accurate and readable and that would be suitable for a wide range of readers and settings.
One of the key features of the ESV is its commitment to fidelity to the original biblical languages. The translators of the ESV sought to produce a text that was as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, while still being easy to understand for modern readers. To achieve this goal, the translators used a formal equivalence approach, which aims to maintain the structure and wording of the original texts as closely as possible.
In addition to its commitment to accuracy, the ESV is known for its clarity and readability. The translation uses simple, straightforward language and avoids overly technical terms or jargon that might confuse some readers. This makes the ESV an excellent choice for those new to the Bible or looking for a translation that is easy to understand.
The ESV also includes a number of study resources to help readers better understand and engage with the text. These resources include cross-references, maps, a concordance, and introductions to each book of the Bible that provide helpful background information.
Overall, the ESV is a highly respected translation of the Bible that is known for its accuracy and readability. Whether you are a seasoned Bible reader or new to the text, the ESV is an excellent resource to help you better understand and engage with the biblical text.
The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible was translated by a team of biblical scholars and experts in the English language. The translation was sponsored by Crossway, a Christian publishing ministry, and the translation committee included men and women from a variety of denominations and churches. Some of the scholars who served on the translation committee for the ESV include:
- Leland Ryken: Professor of English at Wheaton College
- Wayne Grudem: Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary
- J.I. Packer: Professor of Theology at Regent College
- J. Daryl Charles: Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Bruce Waltke: Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary
- D.A. Carson: Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
- Douglas Moo: Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College
- Vern Poythress: Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary
- Moisés Silva: Professor of Biblical Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary
- Craig Blaising: Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
This is just a small sampling of the scholars who were involved in the translation of the ESV. The full translation committee included over 50 scholars from a variety of different academic institutions and denominations.
Here are the top 5 most popular verses from the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, based on data from the Bible Gateway website:
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
- “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
- “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
These verses are all well-known and frequently quoted in Christian circles. They are popular because of the encouragement and hope they offer and because of the timeless truths, they contain about God’s love, purpose, and sovereignty.
by avministry | Nov 27, 2022 | Sermons
Audio Sermon:
Video Sermon:
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
John 6:48 I am that bread of life.
I. THE PHYSICAL BREAD OF LIFE.
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
With this bread, people are gonna bless me that I don’t even know their name.
Those who planted and harvested and transported the crop and those who
prepared and cooked it but it all goes back to the Lord who provided it.
God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our food.
By his hands we all are fed. Give us Lord our daily bread.
Everything we have comes from God
John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given
him from heaven.
Martin Luther said: “Everything necessary for the preservation of this life is bread,
including food, a healthy body, good weather, house, home, wife, children, good
government, peace.”
II. THE SPIRITUAL BREAD OF LIFE.
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Revelation 10:8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again
and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who
stands on the sea and on the earth.”
Revelation 10:9 So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.”
And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it
will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”
John 21:16 … He(Jesus) saith unto him (Peter), Feed my sheep …
Revelation 10:10 Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it,
and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach
became bitter.
Revelation 10:11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many
peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood
of all men.
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that
that trusteth in him.
A person with experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument
1 Peter 2:3 (NIV) Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
III. THE LITERAL BREAD OF LIFE.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life …”
John 6:48 I am that bread of life.
1. Jesus the Bread of Lfe and manna came down from Heaven.
John 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave
them bread from heaven to eat.’”
John 6:33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives
life to the world.”
2. Jesus the Bread of Life is permanent sustenance, while manna was temporary.
John 6:58 This is the bread which came down from heaven–not as your fathers
ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
3. Jesus the bread of life and manna had to be received.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me
shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes
to Me I will by no means cast out.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, to those who believe in His name:
4. Jesus the Bread of Life and Manna were free.
5. Jesus the Bread of Life and Manna had to be replenished.
Exodus 16:4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven
for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day,
that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.
John 6:55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.
John 6:56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Numbers 11:6 But now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except
this manna before our eyes!
by avministry | Nov 13, 2022 | Sermons
Audio Sermon:
Video Sermon:
Sermon Series: Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
So many prayers are ” Now Lord bless what I already plan to do ”
J Hudson Taylor said, ” The greatest mission in the world is submission ”
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) Seek his will in all you do and He will show which path to take.
I. THE SINFUL SUBSTITUTION OF FEELINGS FOR THE WILL OF GOD.
Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah …
Jonah 1:2 “Arise, go to Nineveh …
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
Luke 6:46 But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the
manner of some,
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for
those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should
abstain from sexual immorality;
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Titus 2:4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love
their children,
Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,…”
Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
1 John 3:20 (NLT) “…God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
Feelings come and feelings go, And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God, Nothing else is worth believing.
II. THE SINFUL SUBSTITUTION OF MONEY FOR THE WILL OF GOD.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one
and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your
body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death.
III. THE SINFUL SUBSTITUTION OF PRESUMPTION FOR THE WILL OF GOD.
Jame 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and
such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;
James 1:14 Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for you know not what a day
may bring forth.
James 1:15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this
or that.”
Instead of “Lord, bless what I’m doing,” it should rather be “Lord, help me
to do what You’re blessing,” in order to really find the will of God.
James 1:14 Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is
your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
John Chancellor said, ” If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.
You don’t tell God your plans. Don’t tell Him what you’re going to do.”
Acts 18:21 ” … but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from
It is foolish to try to live our lives ignoring the will of God because we’re leaving
out the very blessing which can give meaning to our life.
James 1:16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Psalm 19:13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not
have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of
great transgression.
Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked,
while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”
Acts 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.
2 Corinthians 6:2 “… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day
of salvation.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,
but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should
come to repentance.
by avministry | Nov 6, 2022 | Sermons
Audio Sermon:
Video Sermon:
Sermon Series: Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Romans 12:2 … what is that good, acceptable and perfect, will of God. ”
Hebrews 6:3 And this we will do if God permits.
C.S. Lewis said, “Every prayer in the universe falls into two categories:
Your will be done or my will be done ”
I. THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD.
Romans 12:2 … what is that good, acceptable and perfect, will of God. ”
Perfect carries the idea of being complete, of something’s being everything it
should be
God’s perfect will means no plan of ours can improve upon the plan of God
Nothing can be added to it, nothing can be taken from it.
Perfect means to reach the goal that was originally intended by almighty God.
II. THE PERMISSIVE WILL OF GOD.
Hebrews 6:3 And this we will do if God permits.
The permissible will of God is what God permits.
Permissive will is God’s allowance of circumstances to occur, whether good or bad,
He allowed or permitted it to happen.
If we make our own decisions, and He allows it as His permissive will, the outcome
will prove why it was not His perfect will in the first place.
III. THE PERFECT WILL VERUS THE PERMISSIVE WILL.
God’s perfect will was the innocence of man.
Genesis 2:25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
God’s permissive will was the fall of man.
Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they
were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
God’s perfect will is the salvation of man.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord … is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should
perish but that all should come to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge
of the truth.
God’s permissive will is the condemnation of man.
Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart,
You are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his
righteous judgment will be revealed.
God’s perfect will for couples is marriage.
Genesis 2:24 . . . a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,
and they will become one flesh.
Matthew 19:6b “…Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.
God’s permissive will for couples is divorce.
Matthew 19:8 Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts
were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.
Job 1:9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
Job 1:10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and
around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his possessions have increased in the land.
Job 1:11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will
surely curse You to Your face!”
Job 1:12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power;
only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence
of the Lord.
Job 2:4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that
a man has he will give for his life.
Job 2:5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and
he will surely curse You to Your face!”
Job 2:6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”
Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with
painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you,
that he may sift you as wheat.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail;
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall
shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive
the very elect.
Romans 8:34 “… It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even
at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Why does God permit it?
Luke 22:32 “… and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
IV. CHOOSING GOD’S PERFECT WILL OR GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL.
2 Kings 20:1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the
prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord:
‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ ”
2 Kings 20:2 Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying,
2 Kings 20:3 “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in
truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.”
2 Kings 20:4 And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court,
that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
2 Kings 20:5 “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the
Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your
tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
2 Kings 20:6 And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city
from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake,
and for the sake of My servant David.” ‘ ”
2 Chronicles 32:24 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death, and he
prayed to the Lord; and He spoke to him and gave him a sign.
2 Chronicles 32:25 But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him,
for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah
and Jerusalem.
J. Vernon McGee writes:
“This may seem like an awful thing for me to say, but Hezekiah should have died
when the time came for him to die. Three tragic things took place after God
extended his life; he showed his treasure to Babylon, He begat a son, Manassah,
who was the most wicked of all kings,…and His heart became filled with pride…
You see, it might have been better if Hezekiah had died at God’s appointed time.”
So often the perfect will of God comes to the rescue of the permissive will of God.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life,
that both you and your descendants may live;
Deuteronomy 30:20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His
voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;
