Pope Francis wants the Catholic Church to adopt a better translation of the of the phrase, “And lead us not into temptation”
“This is not a good translation,” it is not God who brings people to the temptation. the Pope said in a television interview on Wednesday night.
Source: Reuters / Author: REUTERS / Damir Sagolj
Francis pointed to the fact that the Catholic Church in France had decided to use the phrase “do not let us fall into temptation” as an alternative to 13 And lead us not into temptation, and indicated that it or something similar should be applied worldwide (Source: Reuters).
Apparently, this will be the SECOND CHANGE…because they have already omitted the last portion of the verse…”For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
The passage the Pope is referring to is famously known to us as the “Lord’s Prayer” found in Matthew 6, and reads as follows in the King James Version:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. –Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV).
Here is the Roman Catholic Version, which omits “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
“Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil”
Here is the rendering of the verse in the Greek Septuagint: notice that the WORD TEMPTATION means trial
So, is what The Pope saying true- “it is not God who brings people to temptation” ? There are TWO questions we must ask ourselves to find that answer, and fortunately, both can be found in SCRIPTURE.
- Does God lead us to trials/temptation?
- I immediately would say, that If Job were judging this, his answer would be, have you read the BOOK OF JOB? Are you aware that God put the Jews through 40 years of TESTING? God allows trials to discipline us, because he loves us. He is patient, but he wants us to repent so that we are not condemned with the rest of the world (1 Corinthians 11:32)
- Does this proposal change and or alter the meaning of what God said?
- YES. Because GOD ABSOLUTELY leads us to trials.
According to a video, a priest speaking on behalf of the Pope said, “God does not create evil.”
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things. –Isaiah 45:7 (KJV).
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. -Colossians 1:16-17 (KJV).
God allows us to be turned over to evil when we do evil.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. -James 1:13-15 (KJV).
37 Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? 38 Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good? 39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? 40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.-Lamentations 3:37-40 (KJV).
First, let us take a look at the definition of “Temptation”-rendered both in the lexicon and the septuagint, the term means “TRIAL.”
We will discuss “scripture interprets scripture” down below, but let’s take a look at whether God leads and allows trials/tribulations, these are just some of the examples given to us in the Bible. Besides the ENTIRE BOOK OF JOB.
What saith the scripture?
- And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. -Luke 22:40 (KJV).
- I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.-John 17:15 (KJV).
- There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV).
- The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: -2 Peter 2:9 (KJV).
- And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; -Romans 1:28 (KJV).
- Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. -Revelation 3:10 (KJV).
- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.-John 16:33 (KJV).
- 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. -Luke 21:35-36 (KJV).
- 13 And the Lord‘S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed. Numbers 32:13 (KJV).
- My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2 (KJV).
- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.-James 1:12 (KJV).
- In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. -Ecclesiastes 7:14 (KJV).
- Still not convinced, read the entire Chapter of Ezekiel 20
What exactly the Catholic Church’s intent is, always has and always will be immediately clear to me, and that is it seeks to USURP the power of GOD and deploy their own rules and understanding. I would advise all to take heed to the flashing FALSE PROPHET ALERT.
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. -2 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV).
And so, it is not surprising that the Pope seeks to change the WORD of God. They did so when they canonized the Catholic Bible, by including books that were not inspired. Seven books, known as the Apocrypha (1 and 2 Maccabees, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch, Tobit, Judith, 2 additional Chapters to Daniel, and Esther) were adopted by the Roman Catholic Church, and REJECTED BY JESUS himself (Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:51). I will highlight just a few of the false teachings contained in the “Catholic Bible”
- The command to use magic (Tobit 6:5-7).
- Forgiveness of sins by almsgiving (Tobit 4:11; 12:9).
- Offering of money for the sins of the dead (2 Maccabees 12:43-45).
- In contrast to JESUS and the protestant BIBLE, the “Catholic Bible” has what is called a Liturgical translation, which is a nice way of saying, TRANSLATIONS are based upon THEIR interpretation, and are usually done by local Catholic Churches in coordination with the Vatican.
So, what seems like a small change suggested by Pope Francis, turns out to be a rather BIG ONE, which enlightens us to a more magnified revelation- The clear warning that MAN would attempt to “ADD AND TAKE AWAY” from the WORD OF GOD (Ezekiel 13:9, Jeremiah 23:16, Matthew 16:11-12,Matthew 23:1-29, Matthew 24:24, Matthew 7:15-20, Luke 6:26, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Acts 20:28-30, 2 Peter 3:14-18, 2 Peter 1:12-21, 1 John 4:1-6, 2 Peter 2, Titus 1:6-16).
For this reason, it is important to mention the variances between Bible Translations.. Which brings me to my next point. While God promised to preserve his WORD,(Psalm 12:6-7, Psalm 138:2, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 33:11, Psalm 119:152, Psalm 119:160, Isaiah 40:8, Isaiah 59:21, Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:23-25, John 10:35), and did, that does not mean that all “Bible” translations were created with this thought in mind! (I would not want to be the author of some of those bible translations on judgment day!)
- Example: It is amazing too, that the very verse GOD warned of adding or taking away from his WORD, is the exact verse where we see this done! Look at Revelation 22:19- The KJV says “book of life” while the other versions translate “tree of life.” These are TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT CONCEPTS.
So, you might be thinking, how does a Christian know which translation to read, OR NOT TO READ? If you have not already noticed, all of my teachings are based on the King James Version, WHY?
- The King James version is translated to preserves God’s written word using a “formal equivalence.” All other versions use a “dynamic equivalence,” where the translators are free to add or take away words as long as the general idea is conveyed. This includes using a noun where there should be a verb. In some instances, entire sentences are removed. Some translations use both techniques.
- Now, having said that, that does not mean that there are no drawbacks to the KJV, because there are. As anyone who studies and reads languages knows, it is impossible to preserve at all times a word for word translation. Some words that exist in one language do not exist in another. In these instances, the KJV renders an equivalent that requires the reader to understand the word in its original language of the text. This is why I always stress, that SCRIPTURE interprets SCRIPTURE. God’s meaning of a WORD is taught through several scriptures, not just a single verse!
Sources to help you determine what Bible translation is for you
- Chick publications puts out an excellent explanation about Bible translations, and explains the Roman Catholic influence of heresy seen in their “inspired” translations.
- Author David Daniels has also done a complete study on the topic in a book entitled “Look What’s Missing“
- Why So Many Versions is a free online source that explains the differences and drawbacks of each version
Having said all of this, I also believe that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BREAK SCRIPTURE. So while I do advocate for KJV, I also know the incredible power of GOD and I can attest that his thumbprint is all over SCRIPTURE. Every scripture is tied to other scripture in some form or fashion!
I also know that GOD is the creator of all LANGUAGES, and it is HE who imparts our WISDOM, so I believe without a wavering of FAITH, that GOD will REVEAL his WORD to all who diligently seek him in FAITH and TRUTH, and have the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT, our MARK of SALVATION. My advice to anyone is that you should always read passages and chapters, NOT VERSES, and it really is a good practice to refer back to the septuagint and older transcripts when studying the Bible. There are a host of online sources that have put the septuagint online.
As teachers, preachers, and the salt, the preservation of Christ and all that HE is, we are commissioned to share the completed WORD OF GOD, in truthful speech, not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God (Galatians 1:9, Jeremiah 23:16, Romans 16:17, 2 Corinthians 2:5;17, 2 Corinthians 6:7,Ephesians 4:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:3).In addition to the punishment for adding and taking away, God also warns that teachers of the Bible will be judged more harshly. So teach according to the WORD of GOD and his meaning!
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” -James 3:1 (KJV).
How do we decipher God’s Meaning? Simple. Scripture Interprets Scripture.
God’s scribe law requires that there be “two or three witnesses to confirm a matter.” (Deuteronomy 17:6, Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, Luke 10:1,2 Corinthians 13:1) That rule is seen throughout the entire Bible, there are endless examples of Scripture quoting Scripture, prophets quoting other prophets, apostles quoting prophets, other times we see references to Old Testament incidents being addressed in New Testament Scripture, sometimes even symbolic meanings are expressed both literally and later figuratively to show their relation. These are all examples of Scripture interpreting Scripture, all revealing the consistent, orderly authority that God has maintained for the preservation and teaching of HIS WORD. The inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture is so profound that by studying it we can clearly see how every single chosen word and teaching ties together, it is the absolute harmony of all things working in accordance with the divine will of of our perfect GOD.
But there is also a sure test to GOD’s meaning, In the context of biblical meaning, scripture is impossible to break, it has an orderly way designed by God, that we discover when we truly study it, —an undeniable pattern.The Bible is self-authenticating— not merely complete, but that it is also internally self-consistent. By the way, scripture confirms this, too!
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; -John 10:35 (KJV).
What this verse is saying, is that GOD himself spoke through and acted through those he gave the words and powers to…hence the reason, they are called “gods.” When they opened their mouth, God gave them the words, when Moses stretched forth his hand, it was the power of God that performed the miracles, and the same is evidenced and TOLD TO US DIRECTLy in the story of Elijah (Hebrews 11:37 and 1 Kings 18:16-46). and countless other stories. But the main point is,all scripture is God breathed,
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. 2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV).
That is why IT IS deceitful to read one verse, quote it and call that UNDERSTANDING!
- Example: “Do Not Judge” is a commonly misused, abused and misunderstood verse. Some will be very surprised to learn that the BIBLE does in fact teach us to JUDGE, but RIGHTEOUSLY and only when we are not guilty of the same sin as our brother or sister (Matthew 7:2-5, Luke 12:57, John 7:24, John 7:51, Zechariah 8:16, Leviticus 19:15). But if we fail to read the other corresponding verses, we fail to grasp GOD’s meaning, and then scripture becomes “private interpretations.”
Peter describes the people who twist Scripture in this way as “untaught and unstable” (2 Peter 3:16)
The Deeper things of God -Are Revealed in the Bible, but comes through Study and Understanding of Multiple Verses and Chapters
Our failure to recognize that scripture interprets SCRIPTURE has led many to come up with their own unique rendering of God’s Word, and this has caused a myriad of false teachings, divisiveness, and an overall failure to understand the Bible and prophecy. All of this confusion, whether realized or not, is the working of the Antichrist spirit. God is not a God of confusion, and did not just leave his WORD without a way to navigate it. The Bible is structured according to a DIVINE order, with a DIVINE message!
Just look at Psalm 119, all 176 verses, is a testimony of this very fact! There are 22 sections of 8 verses each, total of 176 verses. There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Every section of eight verses begins with a word whose first letter is that letter of the alphabet in sequential order. For instance, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is aleph. There are 8 verses that begin Psalm 119, verses 1 to 8. Every verse in the Hebrew begins with a word whose first letter is aleph. When you come to the second section, verses 9 to 16, it’s beth. And every verse begins with a word whose first letter is beth. And it goes that way straight through the Hebrew alphabet. Many people who have studied that passage in Hebrew say that if there ever was a reason to believe that the Bible is the word of God, it is because of Psalm 119. Human ingenuity just could not have done that.
Therefore, it is a requirement, that every reader MUST BELIEVE that GOD inspired HIS WORD, with a promise to preserve it! In that promise, we must TRUST that GOD is more than CAPABLE of doing what he promises. The absence of explanation means we are not to interject or project our THOUGHTS, but HEAR and understand the focus of what GOD is saying. Every WORK and ALL GOD’s WORD is perfect. We do not need to add, take away, or imply our own interpretation, SCRIPTURE does that for us!
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. -2 Timothy 2:15-16 (KJV).
There is NO BETTER TEACHER than JESUS! Let the HOLY SPIRIT guide you, listen to him.
Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? -Job 35:11 (KJV).
In the Faithful Service of Jesus Christ,
-Lisa Muhar
May you be caught up in the Holy Spirit today!
Do you know where you will spend eternity?
I pray that everyone that reads this is saved and knows Jesus as their personal savior. Remember, not one single day is promised to us. You can be saved and know JESUS today as your personal savior, by simply asking him into your heart!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:13 (KJV).
God promised if you receive and trust in Jesus Christ -you are saved! Notice it does not say, MIGHT, could be, would be, it says, “SHALL BE SAVED”!
Salvation is turning your life over to Jesus Christ, believing that Jesus is the son of God, and renewing your mind with his spirit, that is done through repentance of sin, and following JESUS with all your heart, mind and soul. JESUS transforms lives, if you are ready for this life saving step, call upon your savior TODAY! Learn more here.
PROPHECY:
- Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. -Acts 20:30 (KJV).
- Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils – 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV).
- Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ- Colossians 2:8 (KJV).
- But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction – 2 Peter 2:1 (KJV).
- For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.– 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (KJV).
- 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 -Matthew 24:24 (KJV).
- And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. – Matthew 24:11(KJV).
- These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence– Colossians 2:23 (KJV).
- Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.– 1 John 2:18 (KJV).
DO NOT ADD OR TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORD OF GOD
- 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. –Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)
- 32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. –Deuteronomy 12:32 (KJV).
- 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. -Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV).
- 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: –Revelation 22:18 (KJV)
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Saints, according to Rev. 22:18-19, the Lord told us not to add to or take away from His Word. He said the adding to and taking away from His Word has caused His Word to be watered down and become powerless. Mark 7:13 (GWT): “Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority (Power) of God’s Word…» Find out if you have made God’s Word ineffective and have kept His Word from working for you.
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Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Devin Schmitt
Score: 4.7/5
(9 votes)
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. … “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deut. 12:32.)
What does the Bible say about editing the Bible?
«All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.«
Does NIV say do not add or take from Scripture?
Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. … See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.
What proverbs do not add to God’s Word?
«Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. … Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, `Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Do not add or subtract?
God’s Timeless Warning
In Deuteronomy 4:2 Moses declares, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commands of the Lord your God which I command you.” The only way in which we can rightly “keep” God’s commands is to not add or subtract from his word.
35 related questions found
Do not add to his words meaning?
What, then, does John mean when he commands anyone who reads his work not to add words to it or to take words from it? He means that no one should tamper with the text of his scroll in any way.
Where in the Bible does it say all Scripture is inspired by God?
2Tim. 3 Verses 16 to 17
[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.
Do you not add one jot or tittle?
Content. In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Where in the Bible does it say God does not change?
His attributes never change. God’s will never changes. Psalm 33:11 says, “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.” His Word is Timeless and His Promises are Everlasting!
Do not add or take away KJV?
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. … 22:18–19.)
What does the Bible say about holding to God’s Unchanging Hand?
Daniel 10:12-13: “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. … Don’t give up but hold on to the unchanging hand of God.
What does it mean that God is unchanging?
When it is said that God is unchanging, or immutable, it does not mean that He can change but simply does not. It means that He cannot change. God was the same when He created the earth as He is today. … God is unchanging in His being, perfection, purposes, and promises.
What did Jesus mean by jot and tittle?
Jot or tittle is a phrase that means a very small amount. … The passage is in Matthew 5:18, quoting the King James Version: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
What is a jot in Hebrew?
A jot is the name of the least letter of an alphabet or the smallest part of a piece of writing. … This, in turn, was derived from the Hebrew word jod, or yodr, which is the the smallest letter of the square Hebrew alphabet. The word iota came into English as iott, later abbreviated to i.
What is meant by jot and tittle?
In English the phrase «jot and tittle» indicates that every small detail has received attention. The Greek terms translated in English as «jot» and «tittle» in Matthew 5:18 are iota and keraia (Greek: κεραία).
What does the Bible say about rightly dividing the word of truth?
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. … to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly.
What does it mean that all scripture is inspired by God?
Biblical inspiration is the doctrine in Christian theology that the human writers and canonizers of the Bible were led by God with the result that their writings may be designated the word of God.
What is scripture used for?
They are interpretations about divine truth and divine commands, or stories that illustrate how persons, exalted or lowly, have acted (with or without awareness) in response to a divine stimulus.
Do not go beyond what is written?
The little saying “do not go beyond what is written,” is found in Paul’s argument to convince the Corinthians to be one in Christ (1 Cor 1:10– 4:21). … Paul is vehement in his critique, using a wide range of complex theological arguments and literary techniques to challenge them.
Do all that I command you?
In the King James Version of the Bible it is translated as: 20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. … Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.» Amen.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Who wrote this book? Moses is the author of Deuteronomy. Throughout the book we see Moses fulfilling his divinely appointed role as “the great law-giver of Israel” (D&C 138:41). Moses was also a prototype of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (see Deuteronomy 18:15–19).
What does jotted down mean?
transitive verb. : to write briefly or hurriedly : set down in the form of a note jot this down.
What is the dot over the i called?
The small distinguishing mark you see over a lowercase i and a lowercase j is called a tittle—an interesting name that looks like a portmanteau (combination) of tiny and little, and refers to a small point or stroke in writing and printing. … Many alphabets use a tittle specifically in the case of the letter i.
What Raca mean in the Bible?
Insults. The word Raca is original to the Greek manuscript; however, it is not a Greek word. The most common view is that it is a reference to the Aramaic word reka, which literally means «empty one«, but probably meant «empty headed,» or «foolish.» Scholars seem divided on how grievous an insult it was.
Who wrote Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand?
Career. Wilson wrote thousands and published hundreds of Christian hymns; she was known as the «Fanny Crosby of the West». She also wrote poetry and spoke at Bible conferences in Indiana. Her hymn «Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand» (1905) was especially popular in the 1910s and 1920s.
“Do not add or take away from my words. Do not take away or add to what I just instructed you. Just DO what I have asked you to do.” Those words just came out of my mouth to a certain 12-year-old boy who thinks my instructions need improving on every single day. When I asked him to make his brother a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, all of the sudden it turned into a full-fledged production and somehow oatmeal, baby carrots and mixed several flavors of drink mixes ensued. My kitchen was now in need of a serious cleaning and all the extra food he decided make went uneaten because all his little brother wanted was a simple pb&j. Raising kids who obey the specifics is not for the faint of heart!
When asked to clean a room according to the standard chart, he also figured that the dusting doesn’t need to be done and a fort needed to be built in the corner. What?! Any other moms out there with creative kids that constantly need refocusing??? “Buddy, I asked you to clean according to the chart– the chart that has a specific list from top to bottom in the order that I want you to clean. NOWHERE does it say to build a fort. If it says dust, then dust is what you must do. Don’t deviate from the plan, don’t add to or take away from the list, just do what it SAYS.” Didn’t I just say this???
We All Have Tendencies Like The Israelites
I suddenly wonder if that is how God felt when He included the instruction in the book of Deuteronomy 4:2: “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”! Seems like the Israelite children of God needed the same reminders as my 12-year-old.
Come to think of it, I often need that reminder myself. We all have tendencies like the Israelites, don’t we?. Like the time I got involved with every ministry under the sun and ran myself so ragged I ended up with mono. 3 weeks into the illness and a whole lot of crying out to the Lord and I realized that most of what I had agreed to do, God never asked me to do. Or the time I signed up for a bake sale because I felt like God told me to contribute. All I needed to do was bake a couple loaves of banana bread- not 2 loaves of banana bread, homemade cinnamon rolls, 6 dozen cookies, and a cherry pie. As you can see, I used to have a tendency to add to whatever God is telling me.
Just Obey
Once God told me to go speak something to someone and I was afraid so I wrote them a letter instead. It didn’t go well and when I ran to God with my outcry about the outcome, He reminded me that He told me to go SPEAK to them, not write a letter. All of a sudden, my heart goes out to my 12-year-old.
I don’t know why our flesh is so quick to sway from God’s Words, but I do know that we must be diligent in training ourselves and our children to completely obey what He says. Just obey. Have you ever noticed that God’s favor and blessing seem to be found in obedience to the specific, small, seemingly insignificant details? I have. God was leading me to give someone $5 one time and I almost didn’t do it because it seemed so silly to just give $5. I was embarrassed but I decided to just buck up and give it anyway. Well, it turned out that that person needed exactly $5 to make up the difference for a utility bill that would have been shut off if they didn’t pay the full amount that week. $5 didn’t seem so insignificant anymore!
Their obedience now will be directly linked to their obedience to God later.
Raising kids that obey the specifics will help them to obey God in even the small things. Their obedience now will be directly linked to their obedience to God later. My son was required to clean up the kitchen that day. And he had to tear down the fort, put everything away and start from the top of the list all over again to clean the living room the way it is expected. “Isn’t that being too hard on him?” some will ask. I’d rather my children learn the lessons of obedience now than later when the stakes in life are much higher.
Is it inconvenient for me to do this? YES. Yes, it is. It takes a LOT of time to train your kiddos to fully obey because they are, you know, kids. There are days when I want to pull my hair out and there are days when I have crumpled in bed and actually cried. But there are also days when my heart swells with pride and thanksgiving to God because my kids are learning character lesson that will serve them well all the days of their life. THAT’S fruitfulness! And when they go through seasons of testing and rebellion, I know God will use it all for good too. Nothing is wasted in Christ.
Nicci Anna Kilcoyne is a seasoned, professional blogger, author and freelance writer for hire. Whether you are a Christian brand looking to collaborate or in need of writing services, Nicci has the knowledge and skill to produce quality, creative and efficient work that will make you shine.
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by Erik Jones
Deuteronomy 4:2
“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Moses gave this strong instruction within the context of his pleading with the Israelites to remain faithful to God after they entered the land of Canaan. Essentially he was telling them to be faithful and diligent to keep exactly what God had commanded and taught them through His law. Obeying this command would lead to blessings and make them an example to other nations (Deuteronomy 4:6).
Jesus Christ reinforced this vital teaching throughout His ministry. He specifically taught that human beings were not to subtract from His law and Word (Matthew 5:17-19) or add unreasonable requirements that God never intended (Matthew 23:4; Mark 7:8-9, 13).
Jesus Christ taught His disciples to be diligent and faithful to God’s Word just as Moses taught the Israelites. Christ defined His people as those “who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21).
God is so serious about this that He inspired similar words to be recorded among the last words of the Bible in Revelation 22:18-19.
To learn more about the diligent faithfulness God wants us to have, visit the “10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life” section of Life, Hope & Truth.