Bible Study | What Difference Can a Bible Translation Make? The Story of the Bible - Part 2

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WHAT DIFFERENCE CAN A BIBLE TRANSLATION MAKE?
The Story of the Bible - Part 2
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 9, 2023
Most Christians understand the importance of having the Bible in your own language so you can read it, understand it, and connect with Christ through it. In fact, that’s been the motivation for translating the Bible into more than 1900 languages to date. But, “What was it like when the Bible was first translated into English? What effect did it have on the world? What difference did it make?” In this message, we’re going to explore the answer to those questions, help you choose a Bible for yourself, and remind us all how easy it is to abuse the Bible.
SERIES: THE STORY OF THE BIBLE
Throughout history, the Bible has been burned, banned, ridiculed, distorted, outlawed, and abused - but it can’t be ignored. If we listen to its message, it has the power to change not just our lives and our cities but even the entire world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What Bible translation do you use? Do you like it? And if so, why? If not, why? After hearing about the differences in translations, is there another type of Bible you’d like to read? On the web, Bible Gateway is a great source to check out different translations and how they read before purchasing a Bible. Are there any precautions you would offer to someone making their first Bible purchase?
2. The translation of the Bible into English has had a major impact on society. Pastor Keith mentioned 5 different ways; language, literacy, literature, laws, and lives. What stood out to you most about the Bible’s impact and why? Can you think of other ways having the Bible in our own language has benefitted society?
3. The debate in Europe that centered around the proliferation of the Bible in English cut against the unjust system of feudalism. All because people began reading the Bible for themselves and discovering the message. What ought to impact us most when looking at the impact of Scripture’s message is how the people in those days didn’t restrict its message to the spiritual life. They saw God’s word as applying to all of life including the very economic and political system that surrounded them and kept them oppressed. Few people do this today. How might our world be different if the people of God began taking the word of God seriously?
4. Of course, not all of the Bible’s legacy has been good in that those who have professed to know Christ have used God’s word to wound, control, dominate and oppress others in bold contradiction to its message. Scripture is abundantly clear in regards to how we influence society and it is not through condemnation, judgment, or domination. Take some time to re-read the Scriptures regarding a believer’s relationship to outsiders. What stands out to you about these injunctions? How can the church do a better job of modeling the spirit of Christ when it comes to all of these attitudes and behaviors? What do you find most compelling in a Christian who loves and relates in this way?
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