Category: Pastor’s Blog

Elizabeth was a Christian

Most importantly for Elizabeth, she was a Christian. She believed in Jesus. She was a follower of Jesus. She read her Bible every day for God’s wisdom in her own life and as a monarch. Here is her prayer request during her first Christmas broadcast as queen: ‘Pray for me … that God may give […]

God Save the Queen

I awoke to the news that Queen Elizabeth the Second has been placed under medical supervision because the doctors’ are concerned about her health. Family members are gathering at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This may or may not be the end of her long life on earth, but it provides for an opportunity for reflection. […]

How Martin Luther’s Bible Unified the German Language and brought identity to the German People

While under the protection of a German prince in Wittenberg castle, Martin Luther translated the bible into German. At the time, there were variants of the German language. Martin Luther provided a unified language that has been used to this day. Togther with his preaching, Bible commentaries and other writings, Martin Luther influenced and continues […]

An update on Wycliffe’s Bible from Wikipedia

“Wycliffe advocated translation of the Bible into the common vernacular. According to tradition, Wycliffe is said to have completed a translation direct from the Vulgate into Middle English – a version now known as Wycliffe’s Bible. While it is probable that he personally translated the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, it is possible he translated the entire New Testament. At any rate, it is […]

Bible Translation from the Middle Ages through the Protestant Reformation

In my first Bible translation post I traced translation efforts through Jerome’s Latin “Vulgate” (meaning the common language at the time. That translation was used into the Middle Ages but something very sad happened: people no longer spoke or read Latin; only some priests and other church officials understood it. Also, the church opposed efforts […]

Schism

Schism is a very serious word. Being called a schismatic is a very serious charge. It means to break away from a group and form a new group. There is a need for unity but only that which is based in sanctity and truth (see Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17). Sometimes groups start […]