In these last days, we are seeing a lot of new ideas, in the area of ministry: E.G. Video presentations, Power point presentations, You tube videos, sites like this etc.. And although there is nothing wrong with these tools, there is "something wrong". Because during this same period of time, the Church's mission is failing. (i.e. People's lives aren't being changed). Therefore, we must be doing something wrong.
Before I continue, let me explain how we can tell, that people's lives, aren't being changed. It all has to do with, a lack of true repentance. Some Churches may be full, but the people's hearts are empty; And the reason we know this, is because of all the open sin in their lives. When Jesus is changing people, they are going to be dealing with their sin. And when people are dealing with their sins, pornography and alcohol sales, start dropping off. -This isn't happening.-
Now back to my main point; i.e. "The question is, how we can have all the latest technology at our disposal, and yet our message seems to be powerless to really change people's lives?" The source to this problem, has to do with a lack of power. How can we be preaching, "the right message", yet see that same message, powerless to change people's lives?
The answer to this question, boils down to "words". We may have "the right message" but are we using the right words to convey it? There is a doctrine, that all true believers accept, but many misunderstand it. That is, the doctrine of "verbal inspiration". We all agree on what "inspiration" means: (i.e. "God breathed") but what about that word, "verbal"? The word verbal, means "using words". God gave us our Bible, using "words", and not simply ideas. Therefore, the true power of God's message, lies in His Words, and not just in His message.
This is the whole issue with the King James Version, of the Bible. These who translated the King James, believed that the words were important, therefore they translated the original languages into English, word for word(as close as it could be). But the philosophy behind "every other English translation", is that "words aren't important, but the ideas are;" This is why they feel free to change the words, any way they choose. (Like has be said for years, "If you change the words you change the meaning!")
But something else has happened. When the words are changed, the power of the words is taken away.
Today, most ministers, are trying to get God's message out to the world and the Church; But they are overlooking a vital component, to God's message. We must use "God's Words", to get God's message across, with power.
God's powerful message is,
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
and not,
"For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life."
Note: When you change the words, you rob the message, of God's power!
