Ben There Do That » Ministry

How are you translating The Bible?

Ben Patterson — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:05:57 +0000

I love this thought from Mark Batterson:

There are three ways to translate the Bible. You can translate it with:

1 – Your Mind
2 – Your Heart
3 – Your Life

I think a lot of us settle for the mental translation.

But the end result is information. And what happens is this: we learn more, do less, and think we’re growing spiritually. But not if that’s the only translation.

The second translation is emotional. And the emotional translation may seem more subjective than intellectual translation. But that is when our hearts break for the things that break the heart of God. It’s not just information. It’s transformation. For the record, I think one person with one deeply held conviction will make more of a difference than someone with a hundred good ideas.

Finally, there is the life translation. That is when we become a “living epistle.” That is when the noun turns into a verb. And that is how we change the world. At the end of the day, Jesus isn’t going to say, “Well thought good and faithful servant.” He’s going to say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Imagine a church filled with people who are translating the Bible with their lives!

You don’t go to church, you are the church

Ben Patterson — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:03:31 +0000

No joke, the church is people, not a place.

I love Kara Powell’s updated version of “This is the church, this is the steeple”

This is the church building
This is the steeple
Open the doors
And see the church, which is people.

Hope in your own strength or hope in the strength of the Lord?

Ben Patterson — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:11:06 +0000

What are you putting your trust in? Work, money, skill, talent, ability, achievement, or accomplishment?

Where does your confidence come from?

King David wrote:

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Chariots and horses were status symbols of a powerful army and strength. We must remember that if we trust in our own means, we’re constantly going to put a lid on what God can do through us.

The more abilities you have, the more tempted you’ll be to rely on your own strength.

Be a truth teller

Ben Patterson — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:02:50 +0000

Telling the truth may create tension but it is how to make the best decision.

If you’re not willing to tell the truth, you may be sacrificing best results for the team.

Live with passion for Jesus

Ben Patterson — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:01:35 +0000

The early church was not centered around certain types of ministries.
The early church was centered around one man: Jesus.

He was real to them!

Prayer has power

Ben Patterson — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:01:04 +0000

Prayer isn’t just a good idea when we can’t think of anything else to do. It’s not “feel good” medicine either.

Prayer should be the driving force that guides you every single day.

Experience the Easter Story firsthand

Ben Patterson — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:05:47 +0000

It’s not uncommon to hear Bible stories over and over without having read them first hand. We grow accustomed to the Sunday School lessons and Sermons to parcel out God’s Word.

Take time to read the story of the Resurrection for yourself. The Gospels share the story:

Matthew 28
Mark 16
Luke 24
John 20, 21

Sustenance

Ben Patterson — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:07:29 +0000

Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

The way you live life will be dictated by the amount of time you spend in the Bible. It’s your fuel.

If you cannot say it clearly…

Ben Patterson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:01:30 +0000

…you don’t know it completely.

Trying to meet too many needs at once?

Ben Patterson — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:08:51 +0000

When Jesus prayed to the Father just before his death, he said:

John 17:4
I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

Jesus did no more or less than he was created and called to do.

He didn’t get off track with other “opportunities” or distractions. He focused his relationship with the Father and had crystal clear clarity about his mission.