GodThoughtsWired! Archives: February 2006

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

NIV: New International...or Non-Inspired?

GodThoughts Wired!

NIV: New International...or Non-Inspired?
Brad Reiches
Feb 28 2006 01:00AM

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"NIV"

New International...or Non-Inspired?

Part 1

In the deepest recesses of my soul, at the very core and essence of my relationship with God, I have an intense hunger and thirst to become the man that God intended. A large part of that quest transcends my ministry as a pastor and the author of GodThoughts.

The Lord has extended an invitation to me to become "skilled in His word" (see Proverbs 22:29). The following study reflects this desire. My goal is certainly not to offend anyone. Nonetheless, I'm utterly compelled to report my findings. To reveal the results of an ongoing personal study that is currently entering its third year. The next couple of days will be devoted to an introduction to the most literal of "Bible Studies."

It begins with an ever-increasing concern regarding the myriad of books you can find at the local Christian Bookstore called, "Bibles." We know, of course, that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God, as originally given. We also are aware that there no longer exist any of the original writings (specifically referred to as the "original autographs") as penned by the biblical authors. However, we also know that the copies of such documents that do remain are utterly reliable (miraculously so).

But who is monitoring the books that are showing up in the bookstores called, "Bibles." Who are the "watchmen" of the 21st century to assure us that the "book" we study on Sunday mornings in church is an accurate representation of the inspired words, originally given.

Well, enough formalities, let me just jump right in.

Deuteronomy 4:2 says, "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it." (bold mine, See also, Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19).

And yet, "an appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land" (see Jeremiah 5:31). For example, Matthew 6:13b:

The original Greek: "hoti (for) sou (yours) estin (is) he (the) basileia (kingdom) kai (and) he (the) dunamis (power) kai (and) he (the) doxa (glory) eis (to) tous (the) aionas (ages). amen (Amen)." Indeed, the original is the perfect and inerrant, inspired (God-breathed) word of God.

The King James Version (an "old English," word for word translation): "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." An absolutely accurate translation; completely true to the original.

The New American Standard Version (a modern English, word for word translation): "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Another absolutely accurate translation; completely true to the original.

And then there's the New International Version ("a completely new translation...they have striven for more than a word-for-word translation"*), the most popular version in America. A book used by thousands of pastors, read and preached from thousands of pulpits across the United States:

Matthew 6:13b says...NOTHING! IT'S GONE! YOU CAN'T FIND IT! IT DOESN'T EXIST! Over 99% of all Greek New Testament documents in existence contain what the NIV leaves out! The apostle Paul quotes from it in 2 Timothy 4:18 but the NIV deletes it! But someone says, "Oh, pastor Brad, that's just one example." To that person I say, "Oh, no, no, no, no, NO! I'm just getting started my brother."

But even if it was THE ONLY EXAMPLE, is it not enough to engage the warnings in Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:6 and Revelation 22:18-19?

"And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy..."

NIV: New International Version...or Non-Inspired Version?**

*NIV, translators preface.

**Brothers and sisters, oh how I want to encourage you to pass this series along to your pastor if he/she uses the NIV version. I'd be happy to send them some complementary resources to encourage them in their own studies. My purpose is not to discourage, but to instruct.

Monday, February 27, 2006

Live Your Prayers!

GodThoughts Wired!

Live Your Prayers!
Brad Reiches
Feb 27 2006 01:39AM

Monday, February 27, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"Live Your Prayers!"
NOTES FROM YESTERDAY'S SERMON

"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says

he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?"

James 2:14

So do you? Live your prayers, I mean. Or, more appropriately, "Are you willing to be a part of the answers that God might provide?"

Scenario #1: As the offering plate starts down her row, the woman acknowledges God as Jehovah Jireh (The Lord, our Provider), and then asks God to continue to provide for the church as she watches the plate pass right on by, without giving a dime.

Scenario #2: As the offering plate starts down his row, the man acknowledges God as Jehovah Jireh (The Lord, our Provider), and then asks God to continue to provide for the church as he places his tithe check into the plate as it passes by.

Do you see what I'm talking about? Do you get the gist if what I'm trying to say? James goes on to say,

"If a brother or sister is without clothing

and in need of daily food, and one of you says

to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,'

and yet you do not give them what is necessary

for their body, what use is that?"

James 2:14-16, bold mine

So, do you? Live your prayers, I mean?

Friday, February 24, 2006

Goals & Goalsetting

Goals & Goalsetting
Brad Reiches
Feb 24 2006 02:23AM

Friday, February 24, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"Goals & Goalsetting"

"I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished

the work which Thou hast given Me to do."

John 17:4

When it comes to goals and goalsetting, the disciples work is to do the will of God and accomplish the unique and specific work that He has designed for each one of us. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand that we should walk in" (Ephesians 2:10).

"Not to do My own will,

but the will of Him who sent Me."

John 6:38

What are we to invest in? Strive for? Diligently pursue? His will as He reveals it. Nothing more...nothing less.

"My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me,

and to accomplish His work."

John 4:34

Gear everything you do around

your relationship with God.

EVERYTHING! Few of us can relate to this way of living because few of us prioritize our relationship with God. Many have the right words and beliefs, but few actually do what Jesus did. "I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 5:19).

"Cease striving and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Alert!

GodThoughts Wired!

Alert!

Brad Reiches
Feb 23 2006 02:01AM

Thursday, February 23, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"ALERT!"

"They will fight against you,

but they will not overcome you,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 1:19

As many of you picked up on, the last message you received from me...WAS NOT FROM ME! For the first time ever, someone was able to "hack in" to GodThoughts Wired! Again, the message dated, February 17 entitled,

I will be in PRAYER for you . . .
Ordained to Speak
Feb 17, 2006

Was not from me. Praise the Lord! I believe this enemy has been defeated and literally, "CAST OUT!" I was very impressed by how many of you discerned that the strange content was not mine.

As we move forward, two things are clear: 1. The Lord continues to "expand our borders" and increase our influence world-wide. 2. We are attracting more attention from the one who seeks to "kill, steal, and destroy" (see John 10:10).
As I write tonight, my greatest area of encouragement stems from our establishment of a "GLOBAL PRAYER ARMY." "I thank my God upon my every remembrance of you" (Philippians 1:3).

"Greater is He who is in you,
than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4

Friday, February 17, 2006

I Need You!

I Need You!
Brad Reiches
Feb 17 2006 04:36PM

Friday, February 17, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"I Need You!"

"So it came about when Moses held his hand up,

that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down

Amelek prevailed."

Exodus 17:11

These first 48 days of 2006 have been the most intimate (with God) and fruitful (ministry) of my ENTIRE LIFE! The correlation between these two beautiful realities, and the fact that we have been humbling ourselves with a 50 day corporate fast and prayer, cannot be denied.

I've never been so "covered in prayer" as I have during these first 48 days of 2006. A portion of our daily prayer time has been to pray for our leaders each day - which INCLUDES ME! As a result, I've come to learn, as never before, how significant and meaningful, are the specific, focused, and daily "prayers of the saints" are to me.

"But Moses's hands were heavy...and Aaron and Hur

supported his hands, one on one side and one on the

other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set."

Exodus 17:12

Thus, beginning NOW!, I am building a global prayer team of individuals that God would call to "hold up my hands" in daily prayer. This request could not be any more serious. Would you prayerfully consider this request?

Would God commission you to pray DAILY for me?

Are you among the few that God has called to join with me in "EVANGELIZING THE CHURCH" through the GodThoughts Ministry?

If so, please send me an e-mail with the simple word "YES" in the subject box. I will then place you on a special "prayer list" to which I will periodically send out an update of my current needs. THANK YOU.

"And Moses built an alter,

and named it, 'The Lord is my Banner'

(Jehovah Nissi)."

Exodus 17:15

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Glory to God: Conclusion

Glory to God: Conclusion
Brad Reiches
Feb 16 2006 01:26AM

Thursday, February 16, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"Glory to God"

Conclusion

"The people whom I formed for Myself...

Whom I have created for My glory."

Isaiah 43:21; 7

"Glorify:" To ascribe honor, celebrate value.

Do you see it? God created us for His glory. The way that glory is achieved is through intimacy with Him. Intimacy with God enables us to hear His voice and follow His lead, thereby "accomplishing the work that God gives us to do."

BRILLIANT!

And as we spend time with our Lord we "grow up in all aspects unto Him" (see Ephesians 4:13) and develop a relationship that enables us to hear that still, small voice from behind us saying, "This is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

And that's when the FUN BEGINS! Ever-increasingly, we "walk in the good works that God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in" (see Ephesians 2:10) and thereby,

"Let your light shine before men

that they may see your good works,

and GLORIFY your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16(caps mine)

Do you see it? "Glory to God!"

And,

"If you abide in Me, and My word abides in you;

ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you.

By this is My Father GLORIFIED..."

John 15:7-8 (caps mine)

Do you see it? "Glory to God!"

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, bold mine).

Do you see it? Fitness, sexuality, nutrition.

"Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do,

Do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

"Do all to the glory of God..."

It's why we've been created!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Glory to God: Part 1

GodThoughts Wired!

Glory to God: Part 1
Brad Reiches
Feb 15 2006 01:38AM

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"Glory to God"

Part 1

"The people whom I formed for Myself...

Whom I have created for My glory."

Isaiah 43:21; 7

"Glorify:" To ascribe honor, celebrate value.

QUESTION #1: HOW DO WE GLORIFY GOD?

ANSWER: We glorify God by "accomplishing the work that God gives us to do" (see John 17:4; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16).

QUESTION #2: HOW CAN WE DISTINGUISH "GOOD WORKS" IN GENERAL, FROM THE "SPECIFIC WORKS" THAT GOD HAS UNIQUELY PLANNED FOR EACH ONE OF US? (see Ephesians 2:10).

ANSWER: The same way Jesus did; by spending time with the Father. Jesus excelled in accomplishing His Father's plans because He prioritized His relationship with God. Consider the following descriptions of how Jesus lived:

"The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing..." (John 5:19).

"I can do nothing on My own initiative...I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 5:30).

"I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38).

"I do nothing on My own initiative" (John 8:28).

"I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works" (John 14:10).

"As the Father has sent Me,

so I send you."

John 20:21

Jesus geared EVERYTHING He did around His relationship with God, and this is our goal as well. One of my favorite passages in all the Bible is the following:

"As the waistband clings to the waiste of a man,

so I made the whole household of Israel and the

whole household of Judah cling to Me, declares

the Lord, that they might be for Me a people for

renown, for praise, and for glory..."

Jeremiah 13:11

BRILLIANT!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Glory to God: Introduction

Glory to God: Introduction
Brad Reiches
Feb 14 2006 10:20AM

Valentine's Day, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"Glory to God"

INTRODUCTION

"The people whom I formed for Myself...

Whom I have created for My glory."

Isaiah 43:21; 7

"Glorify:" To ascribe honor, celebrate value.

We are here for one reason. The purpose for your life and my life is exactly the same: To glorify God. The sole reason for our existence is to glorify God. "Whom I have created for My glory" (see above). Jesus is our model. Nearing the completion of His time on earth He said to the Father, "I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do" (John 17:4). And then He instructed us:

"As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

John 20:21

Thereby, our strategy for glorifying God has been revealed, To Get To Know Jesus Christ and Represent Him In Everything We Do. Jesus Glorified God, perfectly. How? By "Accomplishing the work" that the Father had given Him to do.

How do we glorify God, practically? By "Accomplishing the work" that the Father has given us to do...just like Jesus: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 210, bold mine).

"Let your light shine before men in such a way

that they may see your good works, and

GLORIFY your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16, caps mine

Glory to God.

Friday, February 10, 2006

"No Striving Necessary"

GodThoughts Wired!

Amazing...But True!
Brad Reiches
Feb 10 2006 01:39PM

Friday, Febuary 10, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"No Striving Necessary"

"For He give to His beloved

even in his sleep."

Psalm 127:2

What a commentary! NO STRIVING NECESSARY! Look at the context: "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep" (Psalm 127:1-2).

"Cease striving and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

NO STIVING NECESSARY. Herein lies the concern with much of the "Church Growth Movement." Man can build amazing things...without God. Man can even build "churches" without God, but the scripture warns, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain..." (Psalm 127:1).

"I will build My church;

and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."

Matthew 16:18

Our role: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Psalm 16:3).

Our part: "Walk in the good works that God has prepared beforehand, for us to walk in" (see Ephesians 2:10).

Our challenge: Hear and obey the still small voice within us saying, "This is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:20).

The goal: To Get to Know Jesus Christ and Represent Him in Everything We Do. And in so doing, "I only do what I see the Father doing...I do nothing on My own initiative...as I see the Father do, these things I do in like manner" (see John 5:19; 30; 36; 8:28).

In other words, be so tight with the Lord that you are able to identify what He is doing and...PLUG INTO IT.

NO STRIVING NECESSARY.

Amazing...But True!

Amazing...But True!
Brad Reiches
Feb 10 2006 01:39PM

Friday, Febuary 10, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"No Striving Necessary"

"For He give to His beloved

even in his sleep."

Psalm 127:2

"Cease striving and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

"I will build My church;

and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."

Matthew 16:18

NO STRIVING NECESSARY.