King James Verson: Original or Not?

Nothing annoys me more than to hear someone say "the King James Bible is the 'original' translation of the Bible." I’ve been in churches across the state and have seen a clinging to the KJV. People are almost afraid they’ve lost God if they deviate from the translation. Therefore, they are willing to kick, fight and bite to get the message across that it’s KJV or hell.
It's an argument that can carry on forever, especially for those fundamentally correct, KJV thumping, traditionalists. I've been in those debates. For the most part, they're not pretty. I can see nostrils flaring when I mention some other good translations of the Bible. Why would people be so bent on believing this fallacy? Well, I believe that there’s only one good explanation—people are not educated on the origin and perpetuation of the Scriptures.

People have sat in Sunday Schools for hours and listened to hours upon weeks of sermons, but do not understand some simple truths about the KJV. They have heard their mom’s Pastor, aunt’s pastor, and yes, their own Pastor share that you should try to stick with the ‘original’ translation—the KJV.

It took me some time to embrace change in the way I seek God in the Scriptures. I was one of those people that said KJV was the ‘original’ translation. However, upon studying throughout my walk with Christ and teaching others, I’ve found that I was in error about translations.

I think the biggest wake up call for me was when Rob Taylor (M.I.P Pastor) had me write a paper on translations. Of course I’m not a scholar, but God got my attention. Believe me, when God speaks truths, you listen. When I was writing the paper, I noticed that the King James was written in 1611. Then, I noticed that John Wycliffe, an Oxford University theologian, actually translated the Scriptures to English in 1384. God begin to speak to me about my translation. He said, “you’ve had the KJV for less that 400 years and your ancestors did without it for over 1600 years.” How can I argue that it’s the original translation? I mean, if we really wanted to have the original, we might need to learn Aramaic or Greek.

So, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are much better translations out there for people to study God’s word. As long as the message is the same, the translations wording can totally be at the discretion of those reading. Some people who have been raised with the KJV have been taught to understand it, or someone has interpreted the 1700^th Century jargon. But, others who have not had any exposure to this type of writing, it becomes complicated and confusing to them.

Sickness WIthin

Is it really what’s inside that counts? If so, what’s going on inside you? Worry? Doubt? Loneliness? Lust? Sometimes the internal struggles that no one else sees are the ones that blind us the most. In this series, Pastor Lewis will give you the inside story on how God offers hope and strength for overcoming these battles in this series, The Sickness Within.

King Herod's Tomb Found?

Researchers from a University in Israel are claiming to have found the tomb of King Herod the great.
Althought there is no body in the tomb, they believe the sarcophagus with ornate displays is that of King Herod; however, researchers say they must have some sort of "name inscription" to confirm this.
Herod the great came into power under the Romans in about AD 40. The walls that can be seen around Jerusalem today were built under the leadership of King Herod, during the time of the rebuilding of the second temple. He also was involved in the massive construction projects in Caesaria, Jericho, the hilltop fortress of Massada and other locations.
Interestingly enough, he was also blamed in the Gospel of Mathew for ordering innocent male infants to be executed in Bethelehem, because he feared losing power to the "new king" which was prophesied to be born there.
One researcher has been on this site since 1970. He claims that there is a long road ahead of them to confirm the identity of King Herod. But, he states that he is on the right track.

A Praise for the Praise Band

Our praise band rocks. God has allowed Life Pointe to be tapped into the most amazing musicians and vocals in Charlotte County.
I remember a few months ago, we were struggling with just pretty much a "one man band." now, that was great for that season we were in and the people involved done an excellent job, but we are moving up into a full scale worship band...and I'm stoked.
We recently brought on Joel Burritt to lead our worship with an acoustic guitar. I was overwhelmed with his ability to belt the praises of the most hight and play that guitar like it's nobody's business; but, I think his greater gift is the ability to organize a full worship band and lead an entire congregation into the presence of God. I believe our worship is epic in proportion!
Joel is an awesome leader, but it takes more to be great than just one person. It takes a team! Joel is surrounded with a great team of vocals and musicians.
Joe, Nancy, Sheri, Aaron, Melanie, and Mike you guys are one of a kind. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. you've been patient and faithful. and, it takes every one of you to make this a TEAM.

Funny Church Moments

Free From Religion

MVP in the Making

Last night we scurried down to the baseball park to watch my son play his first game of the season. Not only was this Luke's first seasonal game, but it was also his first game ever playing. Was I nervous? Of course! but, I sat there calmly while my wife cheeredc every player on like they were her children(even the other team).
the first two times Luke went to bat, he struck out. now, that was discouraging to such a proud dad. but, when I saw many of the veteran players fall prey to the rifling arm of the Astros' pitcher, I felt like he was fitting right in where he needed to be.
By the end of the sixth inning, we (the Cubs) were up 10-0. The morale of the team was soaring. then, Luke came up to bat again. this time, he cracked one for a single. My wife was bouncing up and down shaking every inch of the bleachers . She give out a screeching yell, "that my baby." admittedly, I was pretty proud myself. finally, I calmed her down enough that I could focus on the game again.
So, by the end of the 7th inning(the last inning in jr. baseball), the Astros finally scored one point, which give us a 10-1 victory. I am looking forward to another game this week. I'll have my Cubs hat on and cheering my "baby boy" on. Who knows, one day he might be the MVP!

Doubters Anonymous

There's no doubt about it. We all doubt at some point in our lives. Whether we doubt our faith, God's goodness, or just His willingness to work miracles in our lives, we could all subscribe to "Doubters Anonymous."Think it's doubtful that God can use you? In this series, Pastor Lewis will show you beyond the shadow of a doubt that He can!

Here's an insider's peak:

1/28--Bout with Doubt

2/ 04--Doubting God's Goodness

2/ 11--I doubt God Will Do It For Me

2/18--I Doubt God Can Use Me

Mike Hirst Concert

Unwrapping Christmas

Gifts, gifts, and more gifts! That’s what many are looking for this time of year. But, that’s not the kind of gifts God has in store for every believer. God’s gifts are PERFECT like His son which was sent into the world to be clothed with humanity. During this Christmas season, Pastor Lewis will challenge you to focus on the “best gifts” in this series titled "Unwrapping Christmas.”

Here's an unwrapped peak:

12/17--The Gift of a Purpose-Filled Life
12/24--The Gift of Jesus
12-31--The Gift of No-Limit Living
01/07--The Gift of a Spirit-Filled Life

Famous Last Words

Our dying Savior blessed us with His famous last words. In this series “Famous Last Words” Pastor Lewis unpacks the depth and practical application of the final words Jesus uttered before giving His life.

Text Google to Get Your Info

We are definitely in the technology age. Recently, I seen on the news that you can text Google SMS for information such as: Phone numbers, addresses, driving directions, definitions, local businesses, etc. This is a big deal for me! I can't tell you how much I’ve spent on 411 calls.
Now, I can send a text to 46645(googl—without an “e”) and receive the information I wanted in less than 10 seconds…that’s big. If you are skeptical, don’t worry I’ve tried it. It works!
The greatest thing about this feature is that standard texting rate applies. So, grab your phone and give it a shot.
For more information on how to use Google SMS, click here

Schoolhouse Rock

Invisible Image and Something like Simon did the school house rock at the "Night of Jam" Saturday night. That’s right, we literally did rock the schoolhouse, as our venue is the Port Charlotte High School auditorium.
Although a local radio station dropped the ball on our advertisement (we won't discuss who), we had a great crowd show up for the two best bands around.
We launched the show with some awesome creativity. We played a 60 second countdown that led to a climactic intro of the band Invisible Image. I was awestricken!
During the switch over to SLS, we gave away our first of five Ipods. One of the youth workers from Pastor Oz Ramkissoon’s church won the Ipod. Congrats!
Then, SLS took the stage. They didn’t give any slack to their ability to perform and captivate a crowd. Every time I have used them, they have surpassed the previous show.
What could cap the night of better than the H2o Youth Ministries, led by Pastor Ken Mcbeath, leading us in some songs of praise. It was amazing to watch the talent of this young crowd.
All of this was great, but it was not possible without the great leaders of Life Pointe. Awesome job!

iGod: Little "i" and a big "GOD"

Little "i" and a big "GOD"--thats how it should be! Instead, we go through life without the satisfaction of knowing God's greatest purpose for our lives.
This Life Pointe message series will help you download, shuffle, sync, and live a God interactive life.

Night of Jam

Casey's First Born

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally come. Chris and Ashley Casey are the proud new parents of a beautiful baby boy. Ethan Bradley Casey was born on August 16, weighing 6 lbs 3 oz .
I have the privilege to meet him for the first time tonight…I can’t wait.
Congrats Chris and Ashley we love you!

Cyber Athletes Cash In

My dad and mom used to tell me that I was going to rot away in front of a video game. I loved to play Mike Tyson Punch-Out, Zelda, and John Madden's Football. I didn’t have a Nintendo of my own, but my best friend David Manning had one with all the accessories. That is where I would slip away occasionally. We` wasted hour after hour just sitting around a television gripping a controller tightly, eating potato chips and drinking gallons of Pepsi.
Although games have changed (thank God for change) radically over the last 20 years, it’s still proving to keep folks entertained. Video game consoles and software are expected to bring in a staggering 30 billion dollars this year. That’s more than twice the revenue brought in by the NFL, MLB, and the NBA. Wow! Who would have ever though that it could be lucrative for the game player? With such an outrageous amount of cash spent in the gaming industry and the rapid growth of gaming console gurus, there was a need for a new breed of athletes—cyber athletes. Cyber athletes play all year long via the internet with other gamers from around the world. Then, they gather together once a year to compete in World Cyber Games. They really have it together. They even have coaches.
A young man known as 'Fatality' recently won $150,000. Of course, at the beginning of his vision to be the greatest game player in the world, his mother didn't approve. So, he moved in with his dad and pursued his dream. Well, as you can tell, it paid off.
At the San Francisco World Cyber Games, the purse was over $400,000. Just think next time before you criticize those for 'wasting time' playing video games.

Getting to Know Your Pastor

Today, Michelle Rumreich and I had the privilege of meeting Laura Chase from the Joy FM 88.1. She treated us to an amazing lunch at the Turtle Club in Punta Gorda. Thanks Luara!
The purpose of the meeting was to do a pastoral interview. Joy FM has created a program that airs a short interview with pastors from various churches. I was chosen to do the interview. My interview was a series of quick, relative questions that I had to fire from the hip to answer. The questions vary from what’s the fastest you’ve ever driven, to what’s your favorite cd? The answers to these questions gives listeners (30% of which are not churched) a chance to hear what it’s like to know a pastor as a “real person.” Whoever came up with this is a genius. “Getting to know you pastor” is probably the MOST creative idea I’ve seen in a long time.
Anyhow, the interview was fun and inspiring. Of course, Joy FM has the right person doing the interviews. Laura made Michelle and I feel like we were the most important church in Charlotte County. Not only that, but after lunch, she took a picture of us for her “prayer wall” and pledged to pray for our church. That’s what ministry is all about!
The interview will be airing soon, so watch this blog to find out when you can hear ‘Getting to Know Your Pastor.”

Baby Showers: a Place for Men to Play

After an exhilarating Sunday morning celebration service, I headed down to Punta Gorda for Ashley Casey’s baby shower. This is the first shower that I have ever attended. It was interesting. And, the food was amazing!
The women started playing some games that were baby related. Of course the guys helped out with some of them. Iwas really amazed at how much Joey knew about baby stuff...more than some of the ladies.
But after the women played their games, the men were up. The object of the men’s games was to suck four ounces of water through a baby bottle. Now, some may think that’s easy. But, I assure you that it’s not as easy as it seems. The nipple hardly had a hole in the end. It was like sucking a banana through a straw.
Anyhow, Joey Marchese won the challenge. He won a die-cast car (which he already collects). I knew he was a SUCKER!

Sunday's Highlights

Sunday was one of those mornings that seemed nothing could go right. My family woke up late (after an exhausting week of moving and laying wood laminate), struggled with some last minute preparations, and hit the door running. We needed to be at the school to set up for worship service by 8:30 AM.
Well, we didn’t get there until 9:15. But when we arrived, a great team of volunteers had already set-up the auditorium. That’s what it’s all about! Great leaders rising to the occasion and making things happen, when circumstances arise that are out of the norm. Great job guys and ladies!
Brian had an amazing line-up for the worship. Not only was it a great line-up, but the worship band resonated the auditorium with high quality, energetic worship. I enjoyed every song.
By the time the worship ended, I was chomping at the bit to get on stage. The people were ready to hear the Word. I have been doing a series on baggage. This series has offered a season of revelation and restoration. As I finished preaching, I felt like there was a strong connection made to the people with the Word.
However, the highlight of the service was not the worship or the preaching…it was the altar call. Everyone in the building was at the altar seeking to be free from various “baggage” issues. It was a touching moment. Tears were not lacking. Even the strong melted in the hands of the King. I tarried there for some time as I didn’t get a release to close the service. So, I just continued to pray.
All of a sudden, I looked up at the back of the auditorium, and there was a young man (whom I’ve never seen before) standing there crying. I immediately motioned him down and asked him if I could pray for him… he said, “sure.” So I prayed for him as I would anyone. He wept and cried, but it seemed he didn’t understand what was going on.
After the service, I caught the young man and asked him about his faith. He could not answer me verbally. The only thing he could do was cry and nod his head( with stammering lips). So I asked him several questions about his walk with God. Bottom line, he did not know any thing about God or Jesus. I asked him if he felt Jesus. He nodded that he did. So, I asked him if he wanted to accept Christ and he shook his head, yes! We prayed, he repented of his sins, and accepted Christ.
When he came around enough that I could communicate with him, I asked several questions. Was he there to pick someone up? Where did this he come from? How long had he been there? How could I help him? Etc. His response elated me. He said he’d been jogging at the school and wanted a drink of water, so he went up into the school. When he got in the school, he heard us praying in the auditorium. He then went into the auditorium to see what was going on. Everyone at the altar praying and he stated, "I was captivated." He watched for a couple minutes, and then He said, “I could not move…I felt something like I have never felt before.” And that’s the moment I looked up and motioned him to come down.
I was pumped! And to think, he didn’t even hear my sermon.