Gods Child

Bible Illuminated: The Book, New Testament

This new format for our beloved Bible is arousing quite a stir among Christians and non-Christians alike.  That is exactly what the creators of this “magazine formatted” Bible intended.  Most of the controversy centers around the graphic illustrations scattered throughout the pages.  The rest of the controversy is in the formatting style of the publishers.  The staff at Bible Illuminated were extremely helpful when I inquired about their “Book”.  They graciously sent me a copy to review and I must say that I was impressed.

The first thing I noticed was the absence of chapter and verse numbers.  I found this quite refreshing especially in view of the fact that the original books of the Bible never contained chapters and verses.  This enables one to read the books of the New Testament in the manner in which the original author intended and makes it much more difficult to take verses out of context.  This format makes for very easy reading.  allow me to reassure you that this is not a new translation of the Bible.  This is in fact “The Good News Translation” of the Bible which is published by the American Bible Association and has been around for some time now.  The publishers have simply removed the chapter and verse numbers.  The text is entirely the same.

The real controversy arises from the graphic photos which have been placed strategically throughout this “magazine”.  these photos are designed to create controversy and get people to talking about the m and the verses they represent.  I have read other reviews of this “magazine” and must respectfully disagree with some of my esteemed colleagues whom I deeply respect.  You see I found that after searching through the “Bible Illustrated” and carefully considering the accompanying verses that each photograph was appropriate for the passage in which it was placed.  The only exception I would really make is the one of Andy Warhol in make up.  I’m not real sure of the intention that one.

I would say that my personal favorite  would have to be the photo of the skater on fire at the beginning of the book of Revelation.  I found this one to be quite appropriate on so many levels.

This book/magazine is available for purchase in the US as of October of ‘08.  I feel that they have accomplished their goals and I look forward to seeing the Old Testament which will be released this spring.  If you are looking for a conversation starter for your friends (saved and unsaved) this is a great book to have around.

As for me, I will keep mine for personal reading just to be able to take a break from the numbers and read without concentrating on where I’m at.  I also think it would be great to take out in public to read while waiting for appointments.  I would hope that those around me would see some of the photos and ask questions.  We are out to reach the lost and God could very easily use this as a means to do so.  I would say to those of you who question that you should consider the words of Paul when he says in Philippians 1:18 (NKJV)  “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”

Yes I would buy a copy of “Bible Illuminated: The Book, New Testament” for others to enjoy and talk about.

Verse of the Day

Luke 21:28 (NKJV)  Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

President Bush

President Bush says he prays in the Oval Office and his faith has changed his life but he can’t say if God chose him to be president, ABC News reports.

“I just, I can’t go there,” Bush said in an interview that aired Dec. 8 on “Nightline.” “I’m not that confident in knowing, you know, the Almighty, to be able to say, ‘Yeah, God wanted me of all the other people.’ “ (more…)

After the events of today it would seem that it was more like bleak Friday as opposed to “Black Friday”.  What has become of people?  Today on “black Friday”, the beginning of the Christmas holiday three people were killed in two different popular stores.  This happened on either side of the US as shoppers stormed the stores to purchase their Christmas gifts.  On the East Coast a temporary employee was trampled to death.  On the West Coast two men shot and killed each other in Toys R Us as their women argued and punched one another.  What has Christmas come to?

People ask me all the time why I do not celebrate the Christmas as a Holy holiday.  I do not see that the actions of people toward Christmas are so Holy and I refuse to take part in this kind of chaos.  How does participating in this kind of thing tell others the love of Christ?  If I choose to give a gift to someone I want it to be from my heart not my wallet.

I pray that none of you guys were involved in anything so unrighteous today or any day.  No one really wants a gift that needlessly cost a human life to obtain.  such a waste.  Christ gave His life as a gift to us.  Isn’t that enough?  Black Friday is a term that discribes a time for stores to make money.  Does that mean that Christmas shopping is for the stores to make money and people to lose their lives.  some how that just not line up with what I thought Christmas was all about.  therefore I will not celebrate this year.

www.stlouiscathedral.org 

travel.webshots.comOctober 28,2008 

     Today’s story “The Great Show Down” takes place in New Orleans famous Jackson Square a couple of years prior to Katrina as told to me by my daughter who witnessed the whole event.  If you have never been to Jackson Square, I must describe it to you briefly. 

Jackson Square is the heart of what is called “The French Quarter”.  The whole area is a must see tourist attraction.  In the center of the square is a beautiful small park fenced with 8’ decorative wrought iron.  On the outside of the fence is where the street venders set up.  This area is limited to artist and Tarot Card readers.  They set up their small tables in the walk way between the park and the buildings that surround the square.  2 two story block long buildings are on opposite sides of the square.  One remaining side is Decatur St. which is where you find buggy drivers lined up to take you for a tour through the French Quarter.  Opposite from this sits the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest operating Catholic cathedral in the United States along with the Presbyter on one side and the Cabildo on the other.  These are magnificent buildings.    

     A group of Christians was in town to witness to the locals there.  Most of those who are a part of this culture are of the “Pagan” belief.  During their rounds they encountered a Pagan Tarot Reader who suggested that both groups sit down to discuss their view points.  The Christians agreed and thus the meeting was set.  Both groups agreed to meet in front of the Cathedral later in the day.  The time for the great show down arrived.  Both sides were there.  The Pagans came with their tribal drums.  Other than the drums they looked just like everyone else around.  The Christians arrived with their giant signs proclaiming “Jesus Saves”, “You are going to Hell”, and other such sayings.  They also brought their 10’ cross and bullhorns.  They were ready for battle. 

     And thus the discussion begins.  The Pagans went first.  They stated their beliefs backing them with Bible verses (the Devil knows the Bible well).  The Christians had to look these verses up and they were in there.  This infuriated the Christians who began their side of the debate quickly turning to the use of their bullhorns.  The Pagans also stated the history of the Church and the Holidays we commonly celebrate that originated in Pagan culture.  Christians turn again.  The longer the Christians spoke the louder and angrier the Christians became.  When they could not get through with words and bullhorns they resorted to their fists swing on the Pagans and connecting.  The police were called and the Christians were hauled off to jail.   

     I truly hope that these Christians did not think that they were being persecuted for the righteousness of Christ and consider themselves blessed.  Tell me, did any of the Apostles teach this behavior by their examples?  Or did they just get so frustrated that they took things into their own hands instead of allowing God to use them in this amazing opportunity to witness?

What kind of witness is this?