Growing my parents did not allow us to picky when it came to eating or really anything. They provided the best they could and we were to be appreciative of what we had. The food that was set in front of us was expected to be eaten. Luckily for me, it was pretty simple food – hamburgers, chicken, pork chops. The veggies were also basic corn, peas, green beans. I wasn’t sitting there staring a plate of asparagus, brussel sprouts or lima beans. Actually, I don’t think I had a brussel sprout until I was in my 30’s. (Lucky me! )

Now, I had to make a choice what “spiritual” food I was going to have to help me as I started my life’s journey as a Christian. So off to the Christian books store for me…. (that was some years ago when there were still books stores.)

As I walked in, I was amazed to see so many different Bibles – not only styles, shapes, and sizes but also translations. Which one should I choose? Which one is best? Does it really make a difference?

Yes, it does.  God says…

2 Peter 1: 20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

God used men to speak and write His words.

Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

God promised to preserve them FOREVER – and remember God cannot lie (Titus 1:2)

Through the centuries God used men with a love for the Bible to keep it from harm. Zealous Jewish patriots, Bible-believing Christians have kept the scriptures available, many of them sacrificing their lives to do so.

Fortunately for us, we have one translation that is based on God has preserved Word. That is the King James Version – KJV. Let me give you a few reasons.

• 1.       The KJV has stood the test of time – it was commissioned in 1604 by King James the First and completed in 1611. It was accepted as the standard English Bible for over 400 years from mid-17 century to early 20th century.
• 2.       It was translated by a group of 47 scholarly men from Cambridge, Oxford, and Westminster trained in ancient languages they were the authority in ancient languages.
• 3.       It is a formal equivalence translation – The translators translated word for word as close to the original Greek and Hebrew writings to keep as much of the original wording of the Bible as possible – not thought for thought or a paraphrase of the meaning.
• 4.       They included the “Italic” text – these helper words were added to help us understand not to change what the original language was saying.
• 5.       KJV is considered a stable translation – since 1611 only minor changes have been made – change in font styles from the old English calligraphy and word spelling (and example: sonne to son). In 1769 was the final revision and will most likely be the same as the KJV version we have today.
• 6.       KJV is based on the Received Text – which is made of the two texts. Masoretic, Old Testament, and Textus Receptus, New Testament. Over 5000 ancient manuscripts of the New Testament, along with some 2,000 select readings still exist today – the majority of them confirming the correctness of the Received Text.
• 7.       KJV is not inspired and should not be considered better than the original writings of the Prophets and Apostles. It is the closest to the original writings that we have available to us today.

Start with a simple Bible that does not have any notes or comments. Allow God’s Word to speak to you, remember He wants a personal relationship with you and will help you understand His Words.

My prayer for you today: 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. in Jesus name Amen”