How to Gain Inner Strength~ Abigail Massung

  Unfortunately, it takes more than just wanting to grow strong. It takes determination and God. To become truly strong we need God in our lives 24/7. So guess what, going to church once a week and calling it good won’t cut it. So if you think you’ll go to church, go to youth group, than party with your friends and forget God, think again. You have to determine to turn to God for, and in, everything. He needs to be a part of your everyday life and actions.

   Our strength comes from God. If we want to survive then we have to grow under His light. We have to deliberately take time out to seek Him through focusing on the Bible; praying and just talking to God about life; sitting in the silence to just acknowledge His presence with us; and praising Him with our lives. Don’t just do it when it’s convenient, but push yourself to constantly be seeking God in some way in every aspect of life.

  There are going to be days when the last thing you want to do is go to youth group. Times when you’re tempted to turn back to what’s easier or a lifestyle you’re more familiar with. Those are the times when Satan tests how strong the branch is supporting the new life. That’s when you need to force yourself to open your Bible, pray, talk to your Christian friends about how your feeling, and go wherever you know you need to be. Because those are the times when the branch is tested, and the cost may be high if you don’t.

What Version of the Bible Should I Read? ~ Haylie Gregory

Have you ever wondered what is the difference is between the KJV (King James Version), NIV (New International Version) and NASB (New Age Standard Bible) versions of the Bible? Many people like to read NIV or NASB because it is easier to understand instead of the KJV. I did some research to see if there was a difference between them. There is a major difference which has caused me to be a strong believer in the KJV only.

Matthew 18:11 in the King James Version says, “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” NIV has omitted this verse from the Bible. When I read this, I could not believe that they would completely omit a verse, so I found a NIV Bible and looked it up. They were right. It went from verse 10 to 12, no verse 11 was found. By omitting this verse, you are saying that the Son of man did not come to save the lost! Is that not why Jesus came?

                                                                           

 Matthew 19:17a in the King James Version says, “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good?...” The NIV and NASB says, “Why do you ask me about what is good?” I ask you, how could you get this out of what the KJV said? They did not ask what was good. They called Him, the Son of God, good. They tangled their words around.

Luke 4:4 in the King James Version says, “Ma shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” The NIV and NASB say, “Man does not live on bread alone.” The omitted the ‘but by every word of God.’ So, what do men live on then if not bread? By taking this part of scripture out, you are saying that we are not to live by the Word. What are we to live by then?

Every verse changed had made me very upset, but this one got me fired up. Acts 8:37 in the King James Version says, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” NIV omitted this verse. This verse explains that all we have to do is believe in Christ and we are saved! We don’t have to get baptized (we should, but it’s not what saves us). We don’t have to say a special prayer. All we have to do is believe on the Son. By taking this verse out, they are taking the simplicity of the gift of salvation out of the Bible. How horrible!

Brook Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort noted that, “The modern critical text that forms the basis for nearly all modern versions omits the equivalent of the entire books of 1^st and 2^nd Peter.” Almost two whole books from the Bible are omitted! Mark 16: 9-20 are omitted from a certain version of the Bible. How is the Word supposed to be complete if parts are missing? I think what hurt me the most was finding out that they take the word ‘blood’ out of these versions. How are we saved but by blood?

Revelation 22:19 in the King James Version says, “And if any man shall take away from the 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.”  Note that it says ‘from the prophecy’. The NIV says, “And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy...” Note that this version says ‘from this book of prophecy.’ Now read what the NASB says. “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy...” Just like the NIV, the NASB says ‘this prophecy’.

 There is only one prophecy and that is the one from God which is written in the King James Version. All the other versions go against this verse by changing what the Bible says. How are we to believe anything if they are changing it? How are we to know God if we don’t know what He said? The King James Version gives us the direct translation of the Bible from its original written languages, Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. This is the version of the Bible we should read because it is the complete Bible.

                                                  

Sources:

King James Version Bible

New International Version Bible

New Age Standard Bible

http://av1611.com/kjbp/charts/themagicmarker.html

http://av1611.com/kjbp/charts/various.html

Did you know that Haylie loves horror movies?!
Did you know that Lauren loves vintage clothing?!

Photographs property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Lauren Jaji.

Romans 12:2~ By Heather Young

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12:2

Following the instructions this verse gives is kind of like being a butterfly going through metamorphosis:

1. Do not be conformed to this world.

(caterpillar eating leaves so it can get stronger and bigger;

Christian reading God’s Word so they can grow in knowledge of Him)

2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

(caterpillar in cocoon turning into a butterfly;

God changing their heart so that they can begin to see things through His eyes)

3. Prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(butterfly free and flying around with the help of its new wings;

God giving them strength to face trials and pressures of the world)

I believe that this verse is very applicable to today’s culture. Worldly things get in the way of God a lot. “Oh, I’m too busy to read my Bible; I have to finish this video game.” “How do you expect me to pray now? I’m too exhausted from my busy day.” I’m sure we have all had times like that. Times when we seem too busy with the fast pace of this world to involve God in our lives. Times when it seems like we have everything under control, so why would we need God if we can do it ourselves? Truth is, we can’t do anything in our own strength, but we “can do everything through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13).

“…do not be conformed to this world…”

“Conform: vi. 1. to be or become similar. 2. to be in agreement. 3. to act in accordance with accepted rules, customs, etc…” I think we can agree that the first and third definitions are the most relevant to the content of this verse. Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to this world. To not become like the world. To not act with accepted customs. So even though there is pressure compelling us every day to go with the flow with everyone else around us, we need to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

 

Photograph Property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Tara Willinger.

“…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…

“Transform: vt. 1. to change the form or appearance of. 2. to change the condition, nature, or function of.” The second definition is the meaning of transform in this passage. When Paul says, “be transformed”, he is not saying your outward appearance, as the first definition suggests, but a transformation “by the renewing of your mind”, from the inside out. When you change your mindset, you will change your heart; and once you change on the inside, the change won’t stand not to show through.

“…that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Once you change your mind and heart, your actions will begin to change. You will prove, or uphold, the perfect will of God. What could be more important in than being committed to following God?

In conclusion, if we get caught up in the whirlwind of life, and fail to keep our focus on God, we will get lost in the current of the secular culture. But, if we keep God in the center of our lives, and strive to follow His will, He will help us find our way in this frenzied manner of existence. So, let’s be caterpillars for the Lord!

Did you know that Heather's favorite color is teal blue?!?!