As I read the headline I almost started to shout then I read the rest of the story. The headline said,”Texas Megachurch Quits Using NIV Over Accuracy Concerns”. I thought to myself, “It’s about time!”–anyone should be able to see that it isn’t accurate! But, now for the rest of the story. Here’s the article:

Pastor Gregg Matte of Houston’s First Baptist Church recently made the announcement, deciding that the church would use the Holman Christian Standard Bible instead.

“Upon review of the changes made to the NIV, Pastor Gregg believes that it is no longer as accurate in terms of reflecting the meaning of the original biblical texts,” reads the church’s website.

“Members and guests are welcome to use any translation of their choice – during the worship services, in Life Bible Studies, or for personal study of God’s Word.”

I guess he then would have to admit that for all the time he has been preaching from the NIV that he hasn’t been preaching the Word of God! I doubt we will ever hear that apology from him–but it is certainly in order. Sadly, instead of turning to the KJV he turned to another modern version. He was almost right, but altogether wrong!

I just don’t understand it. Two people hold in their hands different versions of the Bible that flatly contradict each other (70 vs. 72, Luke 10:1) and then they speak to their neighbor about having the very Word of God –speaking boldly about its trustworthiness, claiming it is without error. But even a first-grader is smart enough to know that both cannot be right.

The Bible is either perfect or it isn’t. If it is truly God’s Word it is without error. If it has errors it isn’t God’s Word. If the “Bible” you hold in your hands is wrong in one place it is less than perfect, and if you can’t trust it in one place how can you trust it in another.

The unbelievers must be laughing at us Christians, and who can blame them? They can clearly see the inconsistencies of our claims. Even they are smart enough to know that the NIV and the KJV cannot both be right. Yet we keep right on quoting the modern versions as though they are infallible, without any regard for what others think. Most of the people who tout the new versions do so because they like how they are written, as opposed to the old English of the KJV. They claim they are easier to read and understand–which isn’t true. They boldly assert their belief that their favorite version is indeed the very Word of God, although they have never studied the facts. They just like it and use it, but they have no evidence that it’s true. Corner them about it and they couldn’t debate their way out of a wet paper bag to prove their assertions if their life depended on it. They have made up their mind and no amount of facts will change them. They seem totally unconcerned about how foolish they look in the eyes of their neighbor, or what God thinks.

For people like this, personal preference is more important than truth. They feel comfortable with their belief and refused to be challenged by the facts. They feel even more confident in their error when some modern “preacher” is in agreement with them. They reason that if ” Dr. Know it all” agrees with them they must be right. But they are wrong more often than not. The most dangerous people on earth are not unbelievers, but those who claim to be God’s messengers and aren’t. They deceive folks into embracing error. Be careful who you follow!

Another thing I find strange is that folks who claim the NIV, etc. is the Word of God get incensed when someone points out the error of their ways. They act as though you have no right to use the KJV. They get fighting mad when someone suggests that the KJV is the most accurate translation of the Bible in the English language—never stopping to think, “Where was the Word of God to the English speaking world before the modern versions came along? They act as though it did not exist until their pet version came along, which is nonsense! If the KJV was God’s Word before the new versions existed it still is and if it is the modern versions aren’t. Think about it!

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Well, we’ve almost reached the end of another year. Much has been written and published by a host of commentators about the ominous signs ahead for our country’s government, economy, health and spirituality. In my near eleven years of writing a regular column, I can safely say that things have dramatically changed in all four of these categories – and not for the better. But, that’s not really news.

There seem to be two kinds of people in our world today: those who are preparing for the inevitable and those who are, for whatever reason, ignoring it. The warnings are everywhere. They’re like blaring civil defense sirens that never shut off. You would think everyone could hear them – but only a few have responded. The rest just continue on as they always have, unaffected by the unrelenting sound of the sirens.

Have you ever considered what your life would be like without just one modern day element, like electricity? In the 1800s it wouldn’t have been a big deal; but here in 2010, it would be catastrophic.

Remember that strange missile that soared through the sky unannounced and undeterred off the coast of California recently? If a small nuclear device had been aboard one of those and detonated high enough over Middle America, chances are, most, if not all of our country would have gone dark and stayed dark for months or years. And, many of the things we take for granted every day that are powered by electricity would have been indefinitely shut down, having had the insides fried by an electromagnetic pulse generated from the explosion.

Forget the abrupt halt that would have come to Wall Street and Main Street, not to mention our out-of-service cell phones, telephones, televisions, radios, computers, traffic lights, streetlights, coffee makers, microwave ovens, hairdryers and all those plug-in appliances we rely on each day to keep and prepare food for our families.

What do you think powers all the pumps and filtering systems that keep “clean” water coming into your house, condominium or apartment? Imagine life without drinking water and running water for showers and flushing toilets. Guess you could build a little outhouse in the back yard or alleyway if you’re not the shy type and your neighbors don’t object. But, don’t build it around any nearby creeks or ditches because that may be where you have to go for water to drink – that is, if you don’t mind the taste of fertilizer, weed killer and animal feces.

Think there will be plenty of bottled water for you to buy at the grocery store when the power goes out? Even if any are open for business or have anything left on the shelves, you’ll need lots of cash to make your purchases since today’s registers and payment card systems are all electronic and computerized. Remember, those ATM machines are electronic and computerized too, so if you don’t already have plenty of cash on hand, you’ll probably be without the means to purchase food, water or anything else when the grid goes down.

Maybe you have some non-electronic items around the house you could take with you to the store to barter with. Not really sure you’ll have many takers though. After all – it is food and water we’re talking about here and supplies would be limited. And, that’s assuming your highly computerized automobile will even start or run to get you there. I suppose you could ride your bicycle to the store if you have one – if it’s not freezing or icy outside. But, I really don’t think you’d be able to carry much back home with you on that bike anyway.

Logic suggests that when the power goes out for an extended period of time, desperation will eventually lead to growing violence and theft as a means to survive. Are you prepared for that? I’m not trying to frighten anyone here. I’m just trying to point out how easily, quickly and dramatically things can change under certain circumstances and how important it is that we all thoughtfully and carefully prepare ahead of time – not wait to see what happens.

And if you think the government will help you under these conditions, remember, they’re going to be without electricity too and many of the electronic and computerized systems, equipment and devices it runs.

But the most important inevitability we should prepare for is our own demise. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior – the One who gave His life on that cross 2000 years ago to pay for your sins and mine, then I encourage you to get on your knees right now in repentance and faith and confess that you are lost, dead in your sins and in desperate need of His salvation. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the forgiveness of sins and the everlasting life only He can provide.

None of us know how much time we have left in this life or whether we will even survive another night – much less the difficult years ahead. Heed the call right now and surrender your heart and life over to the only begotten Son of God. Don’t wait for another time, another invitation or another opportunity, because it may not come.

Faith doesn’t procrastinate or panic – it prepares.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13