Sometimes we have to DIG!

I work in an office of varied faiths and denominations: Muslim (non-practicing), Jehovah’s Witness, Baptist, Agnostic (perceived), and possibly others. We often have discussions about God, faith and Jesus. This week I was approached by a friend, Gary who is a Christian. He had been having a discussion with another Friend, John, a Jehovah’s Witness. Gary asked me if I had and resources that would help him convince my friend John of the Trinity. I felt up to the challenge, however, the challenge to me is to look for the “disconnect” and seek the truth for myself. So here is what I did and what I found.

This is what I did to answer my questions as to how trustworthy my belief in the Trinity is in comparison to lack of belief in the Trinity. I chose only to look at one major scripture. I must note that the issue is much bigger that one scripture reference, however, my intention is to determine if I can believe their interpretation of scripture. You will see in a moment that their interpretation is MUCH different than ours.

Here is John 1:1

New International Version (NIV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

New King James Version (NKJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

King James Version (KJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

New World Translation (NWT)
“In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.” (emphasis in bold added by me)
NOTE: All scripture from the NWT is copied and pasted directly from their website.

The Dilemma: All English Bibles are translated. What does the original Greek tell us? How did they come at so different an interpretation? My question was, did they use the same Greek manuscripts we used and if not, what words were different in Greek? If they did use the same Greek manuscripts, do they derive their differing interpretation from a difference in the definitions of the words?

A little background information: Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own translation of the scriptures, the New World Translation. First published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society between 1950 and 1960, the New World Translation is used solely by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1969 the New World Bible Translation Committee published The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures, which presented under the Greek text, a word-for-word translation into English.

The Journey: I acquired an Interlinear Greek New Testament Bible based on the KJV. I also acquired a digital photocopy of the cover as well as the first page of John in their Interlinear Greek New Testament so I could compare the Greek.

NOTE: The words under the Greek are the literal translation of each word.

Now, let’s compare the literal translation and the rendered translation out of each Bible:

NOTE: The “rendered translation is how each party has translated the “literal” into what is printed in our/their Bible.

King James Version (KJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Rendered)
“In (the) beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word.” (Literal)

New World Translation (NWT)
“In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.” (Rendered) (emphasis in bold added by me)
“In beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward the God, and god was the Word.” (Literal)

Okay, now I have more question in my quest that I have answers. However, I have come to one conclusion: The NWT translation very much took liberties, in my opinion, in adding the “a” at the end of John 1:1 and translating Theos into “god” rather than “God”.

Q: “Theos” and “Theon”: What is the best meaning for both words (both are translated into “God” in our bible and in the NWT “Theon”= “GOD and “Theos”= “god”) ?

Q: The article “TOV ” (Ton) , what is the definition of this word that is translated into “the”? (this has little bearing on the overall outcome of this journey, it just is a question I am unable to answer and strikes my curiosity).

There will be more to come soon as I continue to study the Greek in both translations (Our versions verses the JW New World Translation). Next, I need to look at more verses and look for consistencies throughout each translation.

I NEED A FULL “New World Translation” Greek-English Interlinear New Testament.

Let others see Christ in us

As I was studying Acts chapter 2 today, I discovered (actually reaffirmed) that in our lives, as we follow Christ and as we are obedient to His Words, that many around us will see that peace and hope as well as a strength in understanding, a strength that trancends understanding. What do I mean here, for example, loving those who disagree with you or loving those that are different than you….this seems to be a foreign concept. However, when people see us putting that Christly concept into action, they are often amazed and respect our strength in “forgiving” and “loving”.  This one example of following the teaching of Christ that seems “foreign” to many but when seen in action….is respected.

In Acts, Chapter 2, a large group of diverse people observed hundreds of diciples of Jesus speaking in their own native languages and dialect. They observed something that was obviously supernatural taking place. They wanted explanations, they wanted answers. What’s interesting is they were not sharing the Gospel message, they were simply praising God (Acts 2:10 “….we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues”). What does Peter do…..he steps up to the plate and shares with them the Gospel message, he tells them the truth of God. I hope you see here that if peopel see Christ in us through our attitudes, our love, our compassion, our works, if they see us shine, if we are”salty”,  we get the attention of others. They often want what we have.

I had a friend at work that I have known for years that came to me one day and proclaimed, “Jan, I want what you have!”, (he wasn’t talking about riches as he makes 3 times what I do). He was talking about passion and attitude, love and compassion. It was funny, but he also said that he wanted what I had, but he wanted it in relation to his work, not God. That was my time to step up to the plate (actually as I had done many times before). I told him that he could easily have what I had. It all starts with Christ, with having Christ in your life and in your heart. With following and loving the one who gave so very much, even His life, for us. I also told him that by seeking God first, he could then even have that in other areas of his life.

Listen to 1 Peter 3:15:  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

Seek Christ, follow, become the salt of the earth, shine with Christ love, compassion and mercy, speak the truth, speak in love and without judgement………others will want what you have, just as all these in Jerusalem wanted what these disciples had. As we read more about Paul and his ministry, we see that these people who were there on that day and observed the Holy Spirit in the disciples of Christ, heard Peter share the Gospel message and went out into the world (often back to their homelands) and laid some groundwork for his further teaching.

 In other words, it all starts with you and your walk with Jesus……it is shared with others primarily by the  way people observe Jesus in your life. They want what you have…..you share…….they seek…….they share in the great blessing of hope and peace we find in Jesus Christ.

Do you have a story to share where someone saw “Christ in you”?

A woman was trying hard to get the catsup to come out of the jar.  During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her four-year old daughter to answer the phone.  “It’s the pastor, Mommy,” the child said to her mother.

Then she added, “Mommy can’t come to the phone right now.  She’s hitting the bottle.”
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Start your day off with a smile….you are loved!

Let’s live today as if it our last….but plan as though our world might last a hundred years

The great thing is to be found at one’s post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.
—C. S. Lewis

The disciples wanted to Know Jesus timetable for the restoration of the Kingdom. Jesus here replies that God the Father set’s the timetable for all events — worldwide, national and personal.

NOTE: Jesus did not correct their thoughts about the restoration of Israel, He only corrected their view concerning the timing of the event. Note also that Jesus uses the words “Times or dates”. In the Greek that is “chronous (refers purely to chronology) or kaipous (refers more to the character or circumstances of the era). So, He is saying that we won’t know when or under what circumstances that God will choose for the restoration of the Kingdom.

Acts 1:6-7 ” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

Let’s witness as Christ told us, by telling others what God has done for us!

Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“  Notice the progression in what Jesus is telling us:

1. They would receive the Holy Spirit

2. The Holy Spirit would give them power.

3. They would witness with extrodinary results!

So very often we try to witness on our own power and authority. We reverse the order that Jesus clearly set.

Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God………….It is showing and telling others what God has done for us.

NOTE: This is the very last recorded statement of Jesus before He ascended to Heaven.

What do you think?

Today was a turning point for my wife, Kelly, and I. It was also a turning point for my daughter, Shannon. First, let me say that I am extremely proud of both my daughters.

Jessica received her Associates degree in Psychology with honors this year and is now pursuing her Bachelors at the university of Central Florida. She has paid for her education entirely on her own with no help from us. I am proud of her responsibility, and her resolve.

Shannon chose last year to go into the Air Force upon graduation. In fact, last year she had me up at 4:30 am for a month or two running with her so she could get in shape. She got me up each morning on her own and we went. I am proud of her responsibility and resolve.

PHOTO: Jessica and Shannon

We had a bittersweet day in Tampa at the Military Entry Point Station (MEPS). Shannon arrived there last night by bus and we joined her just before her swearing in. I have said the oath many many times upon both by enlistments as well as every time I reenlisted:

“I, Shannon Nicole Puterbaugh, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

I am proud and I am humbled at her decision to serve our great country.

Thank you all that attended Shannon’s “departure party”. Below are a few photo’s from the party:

PHOTO: Shane, their cousin Eric and Jessi

PHOTO: The three stooges, friends: Candice, Shane and Abby

PHOTO: Joey, Emma, Loretta, Larry, Sam, and Chris

PHOTO: Jessica and Kelly

PHOTO: Pastor Steve, Kelly holding Autumn, Jillian and Teresa in the back,
My mother, Janet, Kelly’s father, Wendyl and my stepfather, Harry (Boss Moss)

PHOTO: Another shot of Shane and her cousin, Eric

This was the day my little girl stepped out into the world on her own. I am proud. Shane, make sure you find a guy from Florida…….I want you back here!

Lastly, here’s a song I wrote for Shannon a little while ago, I hope you enjoy it:

TAKE A BIG STEP
© DEC 2003, Jan Puterbaugh & Joey Neiman, Spiritual Therapy Music

VERSE 1:
My little girl started walkin’ today….  it reminded me of the day I was saved.
She stepped on out, afraid she might fall…. but she knew in her heart she could do it, she could do it, oh……

CHORUS:
She took a big step, up to the plate! 
She put the Lord in her heart, just trusted and obeyed.
She took a big step, she wasn’t afraid! 
I knew she could do it, my little girl’s so brave!

VERSE 2:
 My little girl started workin’ today…. she makes me proud in such a big, big way.
 She’s up in the morning’ and out on her own,  It makes her daddy proud to see how she’s grown!

CHORUS:
She took a big step, up to the plate! 
She put the Lord in her heart, just trusted and obeyed.
She took a big step, she wasn’t afraid! 
I knew she could do it, my little girl’s so brave!

VERSE 3:
 My little girl got married today…. she’s growin’ in her heart in such a big, big way.
 She’s movin’ out on her own, doin’ what she wants to do. She warms her daddy’s heart, that little girl could be you!

END CHORUS:
Take a big step. Up to the plate. Put the Lord in your heart, just trust and obey.
Take a big step, don’t be afraid. You’ll never forget the day you are saved!
Take a big step!               Take a big step!           
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I look at those big steps that we take in life and those steps that she has taken and will be taking. Often times, discovering a relationship with Christ is like taking that big step. Hard at first because we are unsure, we’re wobbly……but once we have taken that step it becomes like second nature and we enjoy a much deeper and robust life. Take that big step, ask Christ into your heart!

Pastor has guts!!

My friend, Tim sent me this, I liked it! Hope you do too!

Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard: 
 
“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of _expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!”

MY LIFE IS OVER (IN YOU I BEGIN)
© Sep 2005, Spiritual Therapy Music, Jan Puterbaugh

I want that everything that’s in my heart is You…
I want to know you’re in everything I do….
I want to close my eyes and feel Your heart in mine…
In everything I do, I’m so alive!

My life is over, in you I begin
I put the me aside and listen to You’re heart,
A new world has opened, and the old ends.

You were there with me right from the start…
I think you were always in my heart…
But I was blind and so I couldn’t see…
Then I found You…..and now my heart is free!

My life is over, in you I begin
I put the me aside and listen to You’re heart,
A new world has opened, and the old ends.

A new world has opened, and the old ends…..

PHOTO: “Loren Williams”, another local talent that is beautiful, entertaining and has a beautivul voice!

PHOTO: Lifepointer’s: Remember Alan and Tracy McCoy? This is their troupe of local hildren that just blew our socks of, “Children’s Theatre of Florida“. Great job Alan and Tracy!

PHOTO: The headlining act, Central Florida’s own: “LOL: Laugh OutLoud Improve Comedy Troupe”. Thes talented comedians has us rolling in the isles.

All in all…we had a great time. It’s always great to smile and laugh! And even more important, All procedes of this show went to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I was imppresed at not only the amount of talent we have in our area, but the quality of each performance!

Community Group Gathering Success!

We had our first “Community Group Gathering” last night. We’e been having Community Group Bible study for years…but last night was our first real gathering. As I mentioned before, I think we have been pretty well focused on Jesus everytime we get together. However, often times it is just more of a fellowship thing than a Bible Study or a gathering with Christ. I firmly believe that Christ is right there with us when we gather in His name. Fellowship is great, and we do,and will continue to have “fellowship” gatherings. But I felt God tugging at me, drawing me in, saying….”I don’t want just to sit on the outside…I want to be right there with you!”

We had twelve people last night….how appropriate as we celebrated our first Lord’s Supper at our gathering. We started with a few minutes of fellowship as we greeted each other and talked. Then we sang three songs in prayer to God. I was uplifted as I played and prayed. I could hear voices joyfully singing to God and I know He was smiling. We then talked about the Lords Supper. I read verses from Mattthew, Mark and Luke and then focused on last part of verses I read in 1 Corinthians (1:23-26). Here we are told in verse 26: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”……let me emphasize here…….WE PROCLAIM the Lord’s death until HE COMES. Wow………I am now at a loss for words……..

After we prayed and as we each took a cup and broke bread we started our study. For the next hour or so we laughed, we contemplated, we shared, we wept, we bowed in humility, we grew in our hearts and we felt loved and comforted by God who was there in the room with us. Rather than close in prayer where everyone tells me who they wanted us to pray for, and I and someone else prayed for the group…..we knelt in a circle before God the Father, joined hands and feverntly offered our individual prayers to God as we collectively joined in prayer WITH GOD. Woah…my heart was moved. Some prayed silently while most offered their prayers alloud for everyone to hear and pray with them.

I am humbled whenever we gather before God and He joins us in real way. For those that don’t understand that might be reading this……what I’m trying to say is that it is so much more to do something WITH Jesus rather than just talk ABOUT Him. What do I mean? Think of the difference between going out to dinner with someone special in your life, sharing the laughs, the joys, the conversation and the closeness of being with them and what it would be like just talking about going to dinner with that special someone. Going out and being with them is full and vibrant, it’s real, it’s something that brings us closer together…while….just talking about it is , well, it’s just talking about it. We miss out on the closemness, the time shared, the hearfelt connection.

Thank you God, for being approachable, for listening, for sharing your wisdom so that we may live full lives. Thank you for bringing us close to you and for loving us. Amen.