I’m writing because I’m sure there are other couples and families in the same position my husband and I have been in who may appreciate this.

We have long struggled to find a place of worship that believed in and taught from one Bible version. (Important because it fosters better alignment, clarity, consistency and even confidence in the understanding and meaning of a message.)

For us this version has always been the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible (the accurate translation of Hebrew and Greek Texts).

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any (outside the L.D.S. faith) teaching from just the KJV. These days so many churches are afraid to make an unwavering statement of faith in fear of not being politically correct or worse yet, scaring away perspective followers.

We visited many, only to see children asking, “My Bible says this, why does his say that?” or adults saying, “Versions don’t matter as long as they teach the love of Jesus.” But, for us, it mattered.

So many other versions teach partial scripture, partial truths, and even altered intent of God’s words. In some cases, you’ll find entire verses simply omitted from “their version” of God’s word? Why?

Many attempt to justify why. But, I’m reminded of God’s words in Deuteronomy 4:2, “2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

Other times we hear, “It doesn’t matter how you worship God as long as you worship him.” But, is it really him we’re learning of and worshiping when the Bible version we study omits things about him or changes his name…?

During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount he said, “21. Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'” (Matthew 7: 21-23) For many years, I worshiped something subtly different than the true God of Abraham and didn’t even realize it.

I’ve learned to be careful of other Bible versions. Some have been changed so subtly, you don’t even realize the new wording actually changes the meaning.

I was so relieved when we finally stumbled across Victory Baptist Church in Orem. For us, it seems like the “best kept secret” in Utah County. It’s just a small little church; but has more passion, hope, inspiration and love than many we’ve attended… and… “Yes Virginia,” it only teaches from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible. I invite you to visit them (300 S. 1200 West, Orem). God Bless.

– Cathy Miller, Orem

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