Weekly Newsletter

Hello Friends,
Do you have a favorite Bible? I have been reading the Life Application Study Bible New Kings James Third Edition. The copyright of the third edition is 2022. I like it because it contains over 500 maps and charts, 10,000 notes and features, insights, practical applications, and so much more.
Some people like to read the Contemporary English Version (CEV). This translation was published in 1995. It uses a very simple, contemporary style. It is independent of traditional translations and freer of “biblical” terms.
The New International Version (NIV) is another translation which was published in 1978. This translation became the best-selling English version. It combines contemporary literary English with traditional biblical vocabulary.
The Harper Collins Study Bible is a New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and was published in 1989. This translation eliminated much of the archaic language and uses gender inclusive pronouns to replace male pronouns when the original writers meant both men and women. The NRSV does not change masculine pronouns referring to God.
Some people also like to read The Living Bible (LB) which was completed in 1971. The Living Bible is Kenneth N. Taylor’s paraphrase of the American Standard Version. It is easy to read and very popular although it is often criticized for adding too much commentary to the biblical text.
The Message (MSG) is also a paraphrase of the Bible. Written by Eugene Peterson in 2002, he takes great liberties with words in his attempt to effectively communicate both the original thoughts and tone of the scripture. Many people like the simple way The Message clarifies certain passages, for instance:
Matthew 5:13-14 New Revised Standard Version:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.”
The Message paraphrase of the same passage:
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill…”
As you can see there are numerous translations; I barely touched the surface in this newsletter. Do you believe there is life in the Bible? According to the Bible, knowing God is the meaning of life because He is the “author of life” (John 17:3).
I believe when we come to God with the right motives and attitudes, the Bible can change our lives. I hope as you read it, your life will be changed too.

This week we conclude our sermon series, On Purpose. This Sunday we will talk about Will Purpose Make Me Happy? The scripture that supports the message comes from the Gospel of Matthew 16:24- 26.
Here are your weekly scripture readings. Feel free to incorporate them into your daily devotions.
Week 6: Will Purpose Make Me Happy?
Sunday: Matthew 16:24- 26
Monday: Matthew 20:25-28
Tuesday: Jeremiah 32:19
Wednesday: Job 42:2
Thursday: Proverbs 16:4
Friday: Isaiah 46:10-11
Saturday: Matthew 28:18-20

This is the last week for school supplies. Please bring them into the church by Sunday July 28th so they can be delivered to Caring Hearts, Helping Hands.
Items needed: Spiral notebooks, Pens, Pencils, Pencil sharpeners, Small packs of tissue, Stick glue, Crayons, Wide and thin colored markers, Composition/essay notebooks, 3 ring folders, 1" or 2” 3 ring notebooks, Notebook paper, Pencil cases or bags, Scissors, Lined index cards, Highlighters, Colored pencils, Ruler’s, Notebook dividers.

See you Sunday at 10.
God bless you all.
Pastor Robyne