The word ‘slave’ is only found twice in the entire King James Version Bible (KJV), yet in many modern day translations, it is found from 100 to 300+ times in both Old and New testaments, and in some bibles it is found from 30 to over over 150 times in the New Testament alone. This is truly an astounding change and variation in the way bibles are translated, but more importantly it is greatly impacting the way in which the Bible is perceived and received. In this post, I want to explore the use of the Greek word δοῦλος (transliterated: doulos) in Romans 6, and discuss whether it should be translated ‘servant’ or ‘slave’ or something else. This won’t be an exhaustive study, but I hope it will open our eyes to how we look at the scriptures, and more importantly, what God is trying to show us through the apostle Paul in his teaching to the church about grace and its relation to sin in Romans chapter 6. Read More
So, where does ‘Easter’ come from?
Almost every Christian in the world today knows what the term “Easter” refers to? Usually it refers to the death, burial and (primarily) resurrection of Jesus Christ that occurred around 33 AD. However, Easter does not only seem to refer to celebrating/remembering this past event. With it also comes talk of the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, Easter egg hunt, and the numerous types of chocolate delicacies associated with these. There is also Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, and let’s not forget the period of Lent leading up to all of this. With all of these traditional celebrations and events being recognized by almost every Christian, why do I question where it comes from? I mean, everyone knows, right? Well… maybe the origins of Easter may be different from what we all really thought. Read More
Original Greek Text
When studying the New Testament, it is important to understand the source of the text. I believe that the scriptures, as written by the apostles, prophets and scribes are inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. I do not subscribe to the idea that any translation is inspired, or without flaws. However, I certainly assert that regardless of any translation’s flaws, they do not take away from the inspired word of God presented through the scriptures. Some people would certainly disagree with me, as they see certain differences in various Bible translations to correspond to (deliberate) attempts to influence, change or alter established church doctrines. My view is that anyone who seriously studies the scriptures doesn’t really depend solely on a particular Bible translation to understand the teachings of scripture. When I study the scriptures, I use various search tools, lexicons, dictionaries, original Greek/Hebrew texts, and even various Bible translations. Read More
How to understand the Bible
I have been reading the Holy Bible ever since I could learn to read. I still read it now as an adult. I study it, and preach the Gospel from it. I also give Bible study classes from it. Yet, I often hear persons say that the Bible is so hard to understand. I also hear people claiming to quote from the Bible to prove how it contradicts itself or how what it says proves Christians wrong. There are many claims being made from various people about the scriptures that are partially or even completing inaccurate. So, how do you start to understand the Bible? I think that understanding the scriptures first start with your heart being in the right place, and your mind being open to understanding what the Holy Bible actually is, and what it is designed to accomplish. Read More
Sticks, Stones & Words
When I was a little boy, my grandmother often told me words of wisdom that I still remember today and apply to my life. One of the things she used to say often to me is,
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me!
As a child, I used to hear this not only from my grandmother, but from other elders, old folk, teachers, older family members. It was something that we heard, especially when you came home and told your family about what mean things others have said to or about you.
Now, I am almost 40 years old and I rarely hear this being said to kids now. What I hear a lot about now is people encouraging kids to focus on how they feel. Read More
Announcement: Welcome to the family!
Hi Everyone!
I am pretty excited to announce that my wife delivered a healthy baby girl last night at Mount St. Johns Medical Center in Antigua! I was there for the delivery just as I was with my first daughter!
Although I am a bit tired now, I am very excited! I may post some pictures later this week or so. Both my wife and daughter are doing well so far!
I won’t be able to answer any emails until Monday or so. So, please bare with me, everyone.
Blessings,
Michael
Key Tip to making a single installer for Joomla 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 extensions
This is a short tutorial that I have made to share with everyone on how I was able to make a single installer for my Easy Folder Listing module. This installer works on Joomla 1.5, Joomla 2.5 and Joomla 3.0. Now, you may be wondering… “Mike, how did you do that?!” Well, it’s actually quite simple. Let’s me give you a little introduction before we get into the gist of things.
ALWAYS test your code!
Hi Everyone! I just want to post a quick note tonight before I go to bed. I am *almost* ready to release my new component: Advanced Folder Listing. My policy has always been to ALWAYS test your code before final release. I have been testing my code at every step of development, with every added feature. I was so tempted Read More
Invitation to Church Meetings on Integrity!!!
Christianity and Politics
Hi Everyone! I haven’t written a post at my blog site in a few months, and the first post I decided to write in a long time involves my thoughts on Politics and Christianity. Run for the hills!!! No… wait. Just kidding! In all honesty, I wanted to write about this since Read More