Which version of the bible is used in the Baptist Church?

Many Baptists/others r confused on the criteria 4 choosing a Bible. 4 40+ yrs Iv studied the whole Bible, some parts many times: Get the English Standard Version (ESV) [genuine leather if u can afford it - an 8 yr old can use it {with help} - start with NT-Jn] as its the easiest 2 read (details below). Well-meaning ppl suggest others but theres issues: i.e. Many suggest the King James Version (KJV) b/c its the only version authorized by a human king [not God] (drawback - its written in older English not spoken 4 over 130 yrs, good in its day but a huge speed bump now - helps promote Biblical ignorance). Others suggest the New International Version (NIV & all related NL[living]T,TNIV, etc) but its made 2 appeal 2 humanist ideas (a novel/bedtime story/appeal 2 human nature [what ppl like] NOT what the Bible is 4 = huge roadblock). God's eternal truth that never changes is present in most standard translations but theres serious issues b/c of various objectives (i.e. so-called missing bks dont belong in the Bible (see below)).

BIBLES

Many dont trust God, r stuck in old traditions & miss the right criteria 4 finding the real truth (buying a Bible b/c u like it isnt a good criteria). U want a version that gives u the quickest path 2 the truth (least amnt of speed bumps/roadblocks) 4 the best chance not 2 b confused, which u'll hv along the way - especially 4 young ppl - what u feed a child spiritually affects the outcome (input = output) - Ur approach/methodology/purpose & attitude (in)directly affect what u learn. I hv access 2 30+ translations. Iv found the best 2 versions (1 or 2 others r almost as good but not needed). Why I use these 2:

The wise know there cant b many versions that can b the best/close 2 old texts. Theres 3 main types of translations with overlaps/mixtures within each category (dependent on agendas/philosophical approach - some may classify some in 1 category when they belong in another - especially within B&C below - 2 a degree more than 1 method may b used 4 readability or depending on agendas/theology concepts - some overuse):

A. Word 4 word with right amount of literal translation method

B. Dynamic equivalence/thought 4 thought - overused Literal

C. Concept 4 Concept/Paraphrased (free translation) - overused Literal

1a. Word 4 Word

I use Bibles based in "word 4 word" with right usage of "literal" (4 readability) translation methods. The reason is they adhere best 2 original text. The translations, best 1rst, r King James III (KJ III) (newest update) by J. P. Green - also published a Literal Translation & an Interlinear Version (IV) - includes Hebrew&Greek, **English Standard Version (ESV) - the "easiest good version" 2 read (related update of Revised Standard Version (RSV - best older 20th Cnt translation).

1b. Older English Versions

Regrettably all other English translations hv inherent issues/errors. Old English versions like the KJV, American Standard Version (ASV, AmV), Revised English Version (REV), Darby & similar versions r written in older English thats not been used 4 over 130 yrs. While poetically nice the Bible ISNT about poetry. The Bible's hard enough 2 understand without trying 2 decipher an outdated language - even word 4 word trans. wont help.

The truth's hidden in the Bible. It takes lots of time/energy 2 mine it as is. Again, many ppl claim the KJV is the only "authorized" version (KJV is authorized by a "human" king not God/has errors). Many older English words rnt even rightly definable any more. Use of OLD so-called "modern" English only helps promote Biblical ignorance, overriding its value 4 knowing God.

2. Dynamic Equivalence/Thought 4 Thought

B wise stay away from all other (un)popular versions b/c they, 2 1 degree or another hv rewritten passages/verses. While many were well-meaning they watered down/caused significant changes 2 the meaning of God's actual message/block the true power of God's word from being rightly understood.

Many well-meaning ppl tried 2 make versions so-called easier/more pleasurable 2 read - the Bible isnt a storybook/novel. They were trying 2 please humans instead of God. They used dynamic equivalence, thought 4 thought & used some literal/word 4 word method translation 4 where the original was obviously better. Where these methods went wrong is b/c they tried 2 1 degree or another 2 rewrite verses in their own words (calling them so-called modern English, etc.) or styles (sentence structure/other issues/errors). The more liberally applied the worse the version (especially 4 hidden agendas).

These versions include: The [NASB], RE, NAV, JB, NEB, KJV, NKJV, NRSV, HCSV, CEV, GNB, NCV, NJB & others with similarly applied methods & sad 2 say all Catholic versions [especially with inclusion of so-called "lost" or Apocrypha books, which dont adhere 2 the same foundation/structure, message or contradict God's 66 true books].

3. Concept 4 concept/Paraphrased/FT

This set includes but isnt limited 2 the NLB, LT, NIV, NIRV, NLV, NLT, TNIV, NLV, The Way - Paraphrased + the Message Bible (worst offenders but all versions listed here r almost as bad as these 2 - they make the Bible more like bedtime stories than the word of God). The more liberally applied the worse the version (especially 4 hidden agendas) - perversion 2 1 degree or another.

These translation methods bend/rewrite &/or water down what was originally intended ([un]intentionally 4 various preferences/agendas). If u want 2 know God's actual message dont use these versions - they will give u a distorted message & u could wind up remembering them that way - especially our impressionable children. Use the 2 versions I list under set 1 2 get 2 know what God actually intended.

---

In reading the Bible 1 must know this - theres many ways that seem right 2 men but its end = death & verses must b judged with right judgment. The Bible isnt 2 b read as a novel/a bedtime story. Many think they can just read & understand it or its rubbish or pick parts of the Bible not easily understood even by seasoned actual Christians.

No matter how much well-meaning ppl (religious or not) read the Bible they cant find Jesus w/o going directly 2 Him thru His Biblical instructions (Jn 5:39; 10:1,7; 3:3,5). God outsmarted man - the Bible's the only 1 that cant b properly understood w/o Jesus (Jn 14:6; II Cor 3:14; Is 29:11-12 - If Jewish ppl cant pierce the veil over the OT w/o Jesus then 4 sure all gentiles cant) - why theres many interpretations & many thinking its just fairy tales (Jesus came with the sword of division).

The Bible severely warns us not 2 trust humans, not even ourselves, clergy/churches/scholars/scientists (Jer 10:2-5,23; Is 2:22; Job 12:11; Prov 14:12; Acts 17:11). So carefully think over what I say. Dont just believe or dismiss what I write so u wont make the mistake many hv, getting caught up in religious beliefs that cant lead u 2 God (things written about the Bible r by man not Jesus - like books/commentaries).

Many miss this - Jesus is the only 1 in history who said He's "the" way, "the" truth & "the" life & NO1 can know God except thru Jesus (Jn 14:6 - ref Acts 4:12; Jn 5:39; 10:1,7). So "the" whole truth was complete/finished thru what Jesus taught/did or God doesn't know what He's doing & cant b God. The truth is either fully true or its a lie. The full truth cant contain a lie - the absence of any lie. So any so-called new teaching/other religious beliefs or from self-proclaimed prophets/teachers r invalid & cant lead u 2 God. But God always knew what He's doing & all Jesus would do.

Jesus couldnt have done/said what He did unless He fully knew the entire OT (NT didnt exist @ the time of Jesus) - only possible if God sent Him. The Apostles couldnt write the NT unless Jesus allowed them 2 remember/know His purpose (Lk 24:25-27,45). Only God could cause it.

Religions made many fatal errors. They built religions on what man would like God 2 b like. They cant all b right (i.e. Theres 1 Bible, why so many interpretations? - II Pet 1:**19-21). Religion wont teach u much about God (they cant teach what they don't know).

I know many Biblical things but most important is do u know about being Born Anew (Jn 3:3,5)? Whats Biblical is built on it (start with NT/John - the whole Bible is connected 2 John). Im not religious under "church" type labels b/c the Bible is about eternal life not how many rituals u can do (wrong use of the Bible - partly why theres many interpretations). By loving the truth 1rst u'll learn the true love of Jesus Christ.

2 begin 2 find our real Jesus, go 2 Jn 3:1-14 - note: Nicodemus was very religious but Jesus flat-out told him he had missed the 1rst most important step - being Born Anew. 2 be Born Anew u must 1rst know that no1 can live w/o breaking God's Law = sin separates us from God (Rom 3:23; Acts 3:19). So, u must pray 2 Jesus asking Him 2 forgive ur past sins, accept Jesus Christ as ur Savior, ask Him 2 give u God's Holy Spirit (Lk 11:11-13; Jn 15:26; 14:26), seek 2 know/follow Him - u always need a Bible (Jn 7:17; Jn 1:12,13; 3:16,17;21; 36; 5:24: 6:37; 8:12; 10:9; 11:25; 14:6; 20:31; Is 34:16; 46:10 - memorize this verse set - later it helped).

Neither a label (like brother/sister/friend), title, name, its history, no. of members/converts, amount of time it existed nor claims made about them (like persecution) means anything (u can call anything anything). Its whats practiced that makes them either the whole truth or a lie. A dictionary definition doesnt necessarily encompass God's full definition/usage of a word (or His exceptions thereof). I.e. neither Jesus/Biblical prophets were ever muslims no matter what islam claims (calling a dog god doesnt make it God).

voyc4rmwldrns

Well - there are literally hundreds of baptist denominations, and probably thousands of independent baptists churches.

As far as I know, NONE of the larger denominations have a teaching regarding which Bible to use. However, many of the teachings of baptists are specific to each congregation. That means that one congregation may insist on one Bible, while another congregation in the very same denomination may insist on another Bible, while a third congregation in the same denomination may allow the use of any Bible.

I personally know of two baptist churches that are "King James Version Only", but I know of several others which do not require any particular Bible.

SO - the first thing to do is check with the church you want to attend. If they teach that a certain Bible is superior to all others, they should let you know.

Second: not many Bibles are geared for readers of that age. I recommend the NIrV (New International Reader's Version), but the ICB (International Children's Bible) and the NCV (New Century Version) are also appropriate for that age.

http://www.bibleselector.com/reading_level.html

Jim

Some churches are dogmatic about which translation to use, but they really shouldn't be. The different Bible translations can be confusing—but I hope you won't give up. The Bible was originally written in the ancient languages of Hebrew and Greek, and I'm grateful for the dedicated translators who have made it available to us in modern English. Our language has changed over the years, and that's one reason for new translations. God wants us to understand His Word, and a good translation can help us do that. God told His prophet to "write down the revelation and make it plain" (Habakkuk 2:2).

A good translation should be both accurate and easy to understand; take time to sample some of them by reading the same passage in several different versions. Your pastor or Christian bookstore should be able to help you choose the right one for you. In YA! I usually quote from the New International Version, which is the most widely used modern translation.

No matter which translation you use, however, the most important thing is your attitude. Do you see the Bible as God's Word, and are you listening to it with an obedient spirit? The Bible says, "Do not merely listen to the word. ... Do what it says" (James 1:22).

For a FREE easy-to-understand Bible e-mail me.

David

believer_in_jesus37421@yahoo.com

i pass to a Southern Baptist Church and consistently have. This so referred to as Church isn't a member of the SBC and for my area is in basic terms a hate team. No Baptist I even have ever met believes the way those terrible hateful human beings do.

I talked with a Baptist about religion and he used one similar to mine, although there was not as many footnotes in it. I'm Mormon and we use the King James version. In the footnotes in my Bible are JST's which stand for Joseph Smith Translations.

Baptist churches are very diverse - so many use different versions.

my church is Baptist and it usually uses NIV version. I'm pretty sure it varies from church to church, though.

Depends on what type of Baptist.

Many I use the NIV many use KJV NKJV, Its all good truly personal preference.

Some churches use NIV ---some use NKJV -- some the KJV -- some use NAS.

The important part is Reading it. :-)

It's a matter of personal preference.