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trans·lit·er·a·tion

def: To represent (letters or words) in the corresponding characters of another alphabet.

In English Bibles there are some significant words that the translators chose not to translate. Three come to mind immediately

• Baptize: def; to wash, dunk or dip
• Apostle: def; emissary or missionary (one sent out)
• Deacon: def; servant or server

Each of these words has quite common and utilitarian meanings in the language of their day (Greek) and have simple and obvious translations in modern, and even archaic, English.

By NOT translating these words with their clear and simple meaning, the religious people are allowed to MAKE UP the meaning for these MADE UP words, even to the point of ignoring and contradicting what was written in the original texts.

I will offer an in-depth discussion of these three words
(and maybe others that y’all choose to point out)

~peace~

Apostles/Missionaries

def; a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
1. specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ
2. in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
King James Word Usage - Total: 81 “apostle” 78 times, “messenger” 2 times, “he that is sent” 1 time

The Greeks had a word for a person sent as a messenger, that word was; “apostolos” -- Modern English has various words (even a religious one) that could accurately translate this word; “messenger” “emissary” “envoy” “ambassador” “representative” “diplomat” and “missionary”

In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark Luke & John) there are the Twelve sent out by Jesus;

1. Simon, who is called Peter
2. Andrew, Peter’s brother
3. James & John the sons of Zebedee
4. Philip
5. Bartholomew
6. Thomas
7. Matthew the publican
8. James the son of Alphaeus
9. Lebbaeus Thaddaeus
10. Simon the Canaanite
11. Judas Iscariot
    (Matthew 10:2-5)

Needless to say, Judas Iscariot lost his position, and the other 11 chose Matthias, by lot (drawing straws), in the Upper Room (Acts 1:21-26)

However, JESUS chose a new “12th” and sent him out; Paul, Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9)
Revelation 21:14 reffers to; “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” In MY opinion the twelth one of these is Paul, rather than Matthias, as Matthias was not chosen by Jesus, and Paul was chosen by Jesus.

The question I want to address here is the LOSS OF MEANING that comes from transliteration…

By making up a word to replace (rather than translate) the greek word which simply means “messenger” Religious people can give it any definition they want. Most don’t even realize there were OTHERS designated as apostles/missionaries beyond the twelve; Barnabas; James, the brother of Jesus; Andronicus and Junia; Titus; and even Jesus himself.

Clearly, The Twelve apostles/missionaries chosen and sent out by the Lord Himself hold a special place, as Revelation 21:14 indicates. But, scripture also plainly says the God chooses Others as missionaries (and prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers) throughout the history of the Church right down to this present day.

~peace~

baptize/wash/dip

def:	1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
	2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
	3. to overwhelm

(for a more complete treatment of this doctrine read this)

First lets look at the words, the language... There are four Greek words that are read as some form of baptize;

Baptizo Baptisma Baptismos Baptistes

These all derive from one root word; "bapto" which means to "to cover wholly with a fluid;"
In four places these words are translated "wash" (Mark 7:4 & 8, Luke 11:37-38, Hebrews 9:10)
In three they are translated "dip" (Luke 16:24, John 13:26, Rev 19:13)
In all other cases we find some form of the word "baptize". This is a word made up by Religious scholars, by simply spelling the Greek word for English speakers... this is called "transliteration" NOT translation

What this means is that the men who WROTE the New Testament had no special word, like "Baptism" for the event they were describing.. they simply said "wash."

For instance;

• Matthew 3:11 the writer actually wrote; "... he shall wash(cover) you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"
• Mark 1:8; "I indeed have washed(covered) you with water: but he shall wash(cover) you with the Holy Ghost."
• Matthew 28:19; "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, washing(immersing, dunking) them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

NO Greek scholar can contradict the above translation.

BUT - is it talking about WATER, dunking, getting people QUITE wet?

John-the-baptizer clearly got people wet! He often stood in the Jordan river, preaching and calling sinners to be baptized/washed for repentance, because the Messiah was coming soon!

Jesus followers were also Baptized/washed, in a similar manner to John's as there were repeated comparison to John's ministry of Baptism/washing.

In Acts chapter eight, the preacher Phillip , while teaching the word to a foreigner, is asked... Here is water, why can't I be baptized/washed? The man clearly understood from Phillip's teaching that he needed to be baptized/washed in water. Phillip, of course, baptized/washed the man. Later in Acts chapter ten, Peter clearly states that water is necessary to baptize/wash those in attendance

Peter's first letter mentions Baptism (chapter 3); first comparing it to the great Flood, then making a point that it not be confused with taking a bath to wash ones body, indicating that there was a similarity. Clearly referring to WATER in both cases.

Definitions From Strong's Concordance (electronic)
911	bapto, bap'-to; a prim. verb; to whelm,i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; i.e. (lit.) to moisten (a part of one's person), or (by impl.) to stain (as with dye):--dip
907	baptizo, bap-tid'-zo; from a derivative. of G911; to make fully wet; :--baptist, baptize, wash.
908	baptisma, bap'-tis-mah; from G907; baptism (techn. or fig.):--baptism.
909	baptismos, bap-tis-mos'; from G907; ablution (cerem. or Chr.):--baptism, washing.
910	Baptistes, bap-tis-tace'; from G907; a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner:--Baptist

(for a more complete treatment of this doctrine read this)

~peace~

an Epiphany

"e·piph·a·ny" n. ... A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.

I was in my prayer closet (okay... a bench at the beach, but I was praying) and after I finished a realization came to me:

"No one needs me,

Everyone needs Jesus"

~peace~

My son asked (about the election).

My son asked what I thought of the election outcome, and here is my answer:
(I know I said "No Politics" but it IS my Blog, after all )

I'm of two minds actually...

Given a choice between the Democrats running the country, and the Republicans.. I'd prefer Republicans.

However; I'm a Libertarian and a fundamental principal of Libertarians is limited government. So, oddly enough; In my opinion, because the Republicans now have control of Congress, I would prefer a Democrat for President, as that would paralyze the federal government's ability to pass laws for the next 4 years

The ONLY good I see in this is that Bush will appoint 2 to 4 Supreme Court Justices (But I'm not sure I completely trust him, even in that)

For those of you who confuse "Libertarian" with "Liberal" (opposites)

The Libertarian Party is committed to America's heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade. (Actually I'm more for Imperialism; "PAX USA")

Please read and consider how we may STILL end up with Liberal Judges, and sign the petition.

~peace~

Depression

When you are depressed... pray for Joy.

God does not look for endless confession.
It is the enemy that accuses the faithful, not God.

Look at how Jesus taught us to pray; (Matthew 6:9-13); start with praise, then simply ask for forgiveness, and move on. God's forgiveness is assured. In fact if there is ANY prerequisite for forgiveness it is not confession, but to BE forgiving.

I feel compelled to add certain standard recommendations for anyone struggling with depression. Get a complete physical (because there sometimes ARE physical causes). Embrace a healthy lifestyle.. eat healthy, exercise, avoid things that pollute/harm your body.

(Posted in response to a Q&A comment asking about Depression)