Bible Cover Store blog

The good news of the kingdom of God is the message that Christ brought to this earth. Much of it is spelled out in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And the message is proclaimed by the apostles in the book called the Acts of the Apostles.

What most people fail to realize is that Christ brought a message that was not a spiritual puff peace designed to jerk people up by their bootstraps. It is a message about a literal kingdom, with Christ ruling over us as King of kings and Lord of lords. The gospel is the good news that this corrupt world, this corrupt society, is coming to an end, and man’s rule of this planet is coming to an end. The good news is that Christ will not come back to be crucified over again. He will rule. And this planet will become a paradise like nothing that the imagination can conceive of. The good news Jesus brought from the Father is how a human being, of the human kingdom, can be born into the God kingdom, the Kingdom of God.

He who overcomes and keeps Christ’s works unto the end will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:26).

The gospel of the kingdom of God is a practical pragmatic solution to all the problems of this earth.

But what happened to that gospel? It is almost unheard of in today’s world. Is it possible for most of the population of the world to be blind as to what the real gospel is?

It’s not only possible. In this twenty-first century it is an incontrovertible fact! The majority of the population of this world is in absolute ignorance of the real gospel, the message brought to this world by Jesus Christ! You may not believe that. And that factor alone accounts for the fact that most people do not even take time to investigate the truth of the matter.

In today’s world you will see a plethora of gospels: the gospel of prosperity, the gospel of grace, the gospel of salvation, the gospel of politics, and the gospel of the kingdom.

In today’s world of relativism and secularism, one might ask “Does it really matter?”

Most have no idea how much it matters!

“…if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:9).

Bingo, it matters!

What gospel did Jesus teach?

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14).

The message Christ brought was the good news of the kingdom of God.

The good news of the kingdom of God, the message that Christ brought to this planet, is the only gospel Christ brought. And the apostle Paul said a person should be cursed if he preaches a different gospel (Galatians 1:9). Why would Paul say that? It’s because the other gospels distract a person from realizing the plan of God. And that distraction has contributed to the spiritual blinding of the majority of the world’s population. Most of the world is blissfully unaware of what the real gospel is.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23).

Jesus taught the gospel of the kingdom. It is called the kingdom of God. It is also called the kingdom of heaven because it refers to a kingdom coming down from heaven to this planet earth. For example, the New Jerusalem is in heaven now. But it will be on earth after the establishment of the kingdom of God on this earth.

“…New Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven from my God…” (Revelation 3:12). Christ will make all things new. The New Jerusalem will bear no resemblance to the Old Jerusalem.

That’s the reason the kingdom of God is, at times, referred to as the kingdom of heaven.

The beginning part of accepting the gift of salvation is to repent and believe the gospel.

Christ said, “…the kingdom of God is at hand: repent (you), and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15).

You cannot believe the gospel unless you find out what the gospel is.

The gospel is sometimes called the gospel of Christ because it is the gospel Christ brought to this earth. This gospel that Christ brought, the gospel of the kingdom of God, is the gospel that has been hidden from most of the population of this world.

“But if our good news be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious good news of Christ, which is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3).

-wilyelder

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Read also about emotional freedom technique as it has helped many people to find the way to spirituality and self empowerment.

A major part of proving the Bible to be the word of God is the fact that multiple prophecies have been fulfilled. This is what distinguishes the Bible from other holy books. The other holy books available to people contain very few prophecies; most of them contain no prophecies at all.

Sometimes people are skeptical about the Bible even after realizing that the Bible contains prophecies that have been fulfilled. The thought is: “That happened centuries ago. I need to see something that is happening how that is a fulfillment of prophecy.”

There are prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled and there are prophecies of the Bible that are yet to be fulfilled. Here is a prophecy that is starting to be fulfilled now.

“And another parable spoke He unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spoke Jesus to the multitude in parables, and without a parable spoke he not unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:33-35).

Matthew was Jewish and he used the term, “kingdom of heaven”, whereas Luke was more detailed, using the term “kingdom of God”. The kingdom of God is the kingdom that will come down from heaven to this planet.

“And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened” (Luke 13:20-21).

What does the leavening signify? The leavening signifies doctrine. When Christ warned the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees (the religious leaders), he was telling them to beware of their doctrine (Matthew 16:11-12).

So the doctrine of the kingdom, the gospel (the good news), is compared to leaven. Unlike the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, this doctrine of the kingdom, this good news of the kingdom, is a good doctrine.

It is starting out small so that less than one thousandth of one percent of the world’s population has even heard of it. Most of professing Christianity has heard only a gospel of the messenger - not the message itself, the message Christ brought. However, logically, its influence cannot continue being small. It must grow like leavening. Leavening is yeast.

There is no name under heaven whereby men must be saved aside from that of the true Messiah (Acts 4:10-12). Therefore it is imperative that the doctrine of the kingdom, the good news, must spread (like yeast spreads through meal), until the entire world is fermenting with the knowledge of the gospel. And, of course, this is exactly what will happen right up to the end.

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).

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Read also about emotional freedom technique - it has helped many people to find the way to spirituality and self empowerment.

This brief article will address in a simple way the question, “Why are there so many Bible translations?” The question is legitimate and many other questions emerge as a result of this one. So, let’s look at the question with some questions, okay?

What is a Bible translation? Properly understood, a true Bible translation is the process of translating the text of the original Greek manuscripts (and a little Aramaic) for the New Testament and Hebrew (and a little Chaldean) for the Old Testament into another language.

The language these New Testament scripts were written in were originally authored in Koine Greek. The Greek of the common man as opposed to Classical Greek. The Hebrew of the Old Testament is still amazingly similar to the Hebrew of today. In a very real sense, the first writings were written in the common language of the people of their times.

The translating of Scripture has been done in several thousand different languages. Whole ministries exist to continue the process of Scripture translation until every tribe and tongue has the Bible, or least a part of it, in their own language.

Are all Bibles you view in a bookstore translations from original manuscripts? More correctly they are translations from a compilation of those manuscripts that exist in book form. An example of this for New Testament translation is the famous Textus Receptus. Greek scholars use these compilations in the work of New Testament translation just as Hebrew scholars use the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament.

It is important for you to understand that all Bibles in a bookstore are not truly translations. Some are paraphrases. A paraphrase is where a scholar basically tries to put the Bible text into a similar meaning that may be more easily understood by a contemporary reader. Technically, this is called use of the dynamic equivalent. In other words, a chariot in Bible days might be seen as a car in our day. Lots of arguments have ensued over these questions between scholars.

Which translation is the best? Between translations some are more wooden (literal), while others may be a little more loose with the translation. Anyway, we will leave the debates to the scholars about which serves a greater purpose. Between strict loyalty to the laws of translating and the need for people to clearly understand there is a battlefield of argument. I say let’s just pursue reading and praying for understanding of whatever version of a translation we do read.

There are many different versions of the English translations of the Bible available today and most Bible readers have their favorite. Some are completely loyal to the King James Version (KJV) of 1611 while others choose the New Living Translation. I personally like the New King James Version and it is the one I also use most on the online bible study site I make available for surfers. I like it because I grew up on the KJV and the New King James Version (NJKV) reads similarly but the antiquated words like “concupiscence” have been updated to words we can actually understand. I do want to clarify that when people argue about the KJV of 1611, it is really not the original KJV of 1611 they are reading. Reading it is like reading the Canterbury Tales. Besides, what about other language groups who do not speak English? To be so inflexible as to allow nothing but an English version of the Bible is a little short sighted in addition to being prideful. We should have respect for the Bible in all its forms.

My answer to the question, “What is the best Bible Translation?” is simply, “The one you can best understand and that draws your heart toward God.” Most translations are really legitimate.

Now back to the question that birthed the title of this article, “Why are there so many translations?” First, because there are so many different languages spoken on the planet. You would have to go back to Babel to try and undo this fact. Secondly, there are so many translations, because the Bible is an absolutely fascinating and inspired book. It is amazing that the same verse of Scripture can produce so many different sermons and most of them good. Like to read sermons? Free sermon outlines are offered online to anyone at anytime. It’s part of my ministry as a pastor.

Yes, the Bible is an absolutely unequaled book. Men have died to protect it, died to translate it, and died to deliver it to others who have never read it. Such a book cannot be left alone. Conversely, others have spent their lives trying to destroy it. It lives on and I encourage you to read it today. God Bless You!

Eddie Lawrence of Sermon Seedbed

Side note: for self balance info, read about EFT (emotional freedom technique); it has helped many people to open the heart to life.

We’ve added several new Bible covers to the Bargain area of our website. So, if you’re looking for a great deal on a new cover to protect your Bible, now is the time to act. Quantities may be limited. Here are just a few.

Women’s Signature Bible Cover by White Dove Designs

Great looking nylon purse-style cover.
Available in X-Large and Large sizes.

List Price: $23.99
Our Price: $12.99

Rejoice Bible Cover by Gregg Gift

Leather-look cover designed by artist Julie Ueland.
Available in X-Large, Large and Medium sizes.

List Price: $17.99
Our Price: $9.99

Red Cross Bible Cover by White Dove Designs

Ballistic nylon cover that is great for men and teens.
Available X-Large and Large sizes.

List Price: $21.99
Our Price: $12.99

Pebble Grain Bible Cover by White Dove Designs

All black leather-look cover with front zippered pocket.
Available in X-Large and Large sizes.

List Price: $15.99
Our Price: $9.99

As you probably already know leather is a very durable material and is an excellent choice for the construction of Bible covers.  Leather can come from a variety of animals, with cattle leather being the most common.  Bible covers are also made from lamb, which can be found in more expensive leather products.

Types of Leather
There are many types of leather and some manufacturers use the following terms to describe them.
Full Grain Leather – This is used to describe the natural blemished surface of the animal skin, such as scratches, wrinkles and grain variation. This is usually a higher quality grain. You get the natural beauty of the hide with all the imperfections.
Top Grain Leather – Sometimes you’ll see a leather Bible cover referred to as “top grain.”  It describes the sanding of the natural grain to remove the defects seen in the full grain leather. It is a little lower quality than the full grain because all the imperfections are removed. A grain pattern is them embossed into the surface. A common type of embossing is the pebble grain surface.
Split Grain – You won’t actually see this term used by Bible cover manufacturers even if it used in the cover. The split grains are the “other” slices of hides left over after the top grain has been removed. These are going to lack a lot of the tissue strength you would get with the top grain or full grain, but it will be less expensive. It is still very acceptable for small surfaces, like Bible covers.
Bonded Leather – These are genuine leather pieces bonded together with man-made materials and usually embossed with a grain design. They usually contain about 90% leather but is much cheaper than the full or top grain leather.
Suede – This type of leather is cut from the inner side of the animal hide which produces a napped finish. It is softer than other forms of leather, but is less durable.
Nubuck – Not as well known as other leather types, Nubuck is top grain leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side to produce a napped surface similar to suede. But nubuck leather is far more durable than suede and will last much longer.

If you shop around you will see vast differences in the prices of leather Bible covers – from 50 dollars to as low as 10 dollars. The higher priced leather covers are probably full grain or top grain leather.  But even the lower priced leather covers can be a good value.  Some are a patchwork design, which means they are made from unused leather scraps stitched together, which makes each cover unique. Some people are attracted to this construction method and others are not.

You can see a great selection of leather Bible covers at the Bible Cover Store.

McDonald’s has reversed it’s position after the Christian based American Family Association called for a nationwide boycott. Apparently, Christians do have a voice that’s heard.

McDonalds had given $20,000 to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The vice president of McDonalds, Richard Ellis, also serves on the board of the NGLCC. 

Initially McDonald’s stood by their support of the NGLCC. CEO Jim Skinner said “Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world … and we do.”

What a difference a boycott can make. The American Family Association announced that McDonald’s has reversed it’s position and agreed to remain neutral on social and political issues. McDonald’s announced that vice president, Richard Ellis has resigned from the organizations board and that membership in NGLCC will not be renewed once it expires in December.

McDonald’s sent an email to it’s franchise owners saying, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”

It would be nice if McDonalds said they don’t support the NGLCC or the gay and lesbian lifestyle, but I guess the netural postition is a victory for Christians.

As a Christian, I have the right to live a abundant life. The life that Jesus Christ died to give me, is all mine. It’s not because of our might, nor because of our goodness, but because of the precious blood, Jesus Christ shed for us in the Cross at Calvary. Because of his innocent blood, millions of sinners are saved from Hell. How precious that is, you ask?

If you don’t realize what Hell is, or what would have happened to you if Jesus didn’t save you, you won’t realize the value of Christianity. There are still millions in the world living without the knowledge that, there exists a dark world beneath the earth named Hell. Where millions of souls are tormented forever, in eternal fire. But this may sound like a fairy tale to you unless you study the Bible deeper and seek for the truth.

Not only is Hell real. But whatever Bible depicts about the dark side and satan, evil and demons are all real. You will know the truth only if you read bible and understand what God saved us from. And the need for that is to save yourself from suffering the torments in Hell. God doesn’t want even one soul to go there, God loves us so much, that he gave his only son’s life for saving us.

Realize what you are saved from. To make you believe that there is a world called Hell. Go read the bible, search bible passages online in sites like bible gateway. Search for the word “Hell” and you will come up with all sorts of details about Hell, you will read exactly where Hell is situated, and you will know what it feels like to be in Hell. You will understand the value of Jesus Christ who saved us from destruction.

If that info on Hell is just not enough for you to believe, then go search sites like YouTube, where you’ll find a real audio recording done by some archeologists, while digging deeper in to the earths core. You’ll be shocked to hear the torments of millions of souls in Hell, also for you to believe that it’s no cooked up story, you can find photographs of newspapers articles that published the incident back in 1940’s if I am right.

I am not saying this all to scare you away from reality. I am telling you these to understand the value of Christianity and the value of what Jesus died to give us. The only person who can save us from destruction and Hell is Jesus Christ. His name is the name above all names, the word above all words. It’s the name of the Almighty who is the Alpha and The Omega, who can answer all your prayers instantly, who can change people’s minds for your good, who can heal your sickness, who can turn any difficult situation and make it to your advantage. Believe in Jesus Christ and Be Saved Forever. The gift is an eternal life, with God in his garden of Love… Heaven…

God will give his angels charge over his sons and daughters who fear him and love him the way he loves you. He is the God who said – If you abide in me and my words abide in you, I’ll do for you whatever you ask me to do. What more can a meager human being like you and me ask for that having God by our side?

For more Encouraging Bible Verses – Visit our Inspirational Bible Verses blog and strengthen yourself for victory, with the most powerful weapon given by God himself – His Words – The Divine Bible Verses.

Answer quickly:

What’s the difference between Christianity and every other religion?

Can you do it in 30 seconds or less?

Well, I’d like for you to be able to do this.

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t good news. The answer is a truth that keeps
so many from being willing to follow God. In fact, it’s really distasteful.

But my job isn’t to please your ears. My job is to tell you the truth. And
here it is:

The Answer

Except for Christianity, every other religion in the world is basically a set
of instructions on how to be good enough for God. Christianity is the ONLY
religion that says, “You CAN’T be good enough for God.” It is the only religion
with a Savior.

The world wants to believe that people are good, or that they can become
good. The truth is that we are NOT good and that we can’t become good.
Period.

You simply can’t EARN your way to God, and that is what all of the other
religions of the world are desperately trying to teach you to do.

Scriptural Proof

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call
Me good? No one is good except God alone. - Mark 10:18

Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become
corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one. - Psalm
53:3

All have turned aside, together they have become useless; there
is none who does good, there is not even one. - Romans 3:12

Everyday Proof

Ask yourself these questions:

1.) Have you ever sinned?

If you are not sure, you can check yourself against the 10 Commandments.
(Exodus 20:3-17). The Bible says that this is the whole reason WHY we were given
the 10 commandments.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by
observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans
3:20

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the
truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

2.) Have you even known anyone who hasn’t sinned?

If fact, even if someone doesn’t accept God or the Bible, you can ask them if
they have their own set of rules to judge what is right and what is wrong.

They will say “yes”, at which point you can ask them “Have you ALWAYS and
COMPLETELY followed your OWN set of rules of right and wrong?” If they are
truthful, they will say “no.”

Scripture backs up this truth too in Romans 2:14-15.

We are not good and we cannot become good. This is a hard truth, but it is
true nonetheless. It is the core of Christianity.

How Does Obedience Fit?

I’ll take a full look at obedience in the future, but for now, just know that
even many Christians get off track because they try to be “worthy” of the fact
that Jesus died for them.

Don’t get me wrong, obedience is important, but it is important only because
of a love response to God. Obedience tells God that you love Him.

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My
Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who
does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own;
they belong to the Father who sent me. - John 14:23-24

This is love for God: to obey his commands.- 1 John
5:3

Sum It All Up

We are not good and we can’t become good enough (on our own) to get to God.
However, God decided to make a way, because He is perfectly loving and perfectly
just. He did this by sacrificing His Son, Jesus.

If confronted about your faith by someone of a different faith simply ask
them:

“Who or what pays for your sins?”

Other religions typically have a strong sense of justice. Where, then,
is justice regarding their own sin?

We MUST have a Savior. Muhammad did not die for your sins, neither did Buddha
nor Confucius. Jesus Christ is the only Savior the world has ever known. Other
religions are counting on the mercy of God, but this denies justice.

It is the most incredible love story that God wanted you so badly that He
made the sacrifice of His Son, so that you could be good enough - perfect, in
fact.

The more I recognize my own sins, the more extraordinary this love story
becomes. Not only that God accepts me, not even that He loves me, but that He
has actually chosen me to be adopted into His family as His very own child!
Amazing, beautiful and humbling.

May you be blessed.

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The Bible Cover Store now has a new toll free phone number that customers can call if they have questions or want to place an order., rather than using the online ordering system.

1-888-342-1633
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm Mountain Time

When buying a new Bible, it makes sense to protect your investment with a Bible cover. People tend to keep their Bible for a long time. After all, it’s got all their notes in it. It’s easier and less expensive to change the cover that protects it.

Consumers have more choices in Bible cover styles that ever before. Sure, any Bible cover will protect a Bible, but some people are looking for more style than a basic black canvas cover, even though those are still perennial best sellers. Here at the Bible Cover Store we try to find a balance between traditional and fashionable styles of Bible covers.

Bible covers that emphasize fashion are more hit and miss with consumers, but the good ones will sometimes outsell the basic covers. For example, as soon as we introduced the Jeweled Cross Bible cover and the Wisdom Bible cover, they became instant hits. On the negative side, a cover that is a great seller today can easily be out of style tomorrow. That’s why, just like car makers, Bible cover manufacturers introduce new Bible covers every year.

Manufacturers look at the latest trends in fashion when designing new covers, as these trends tend to carry over into the Bible cover market. The JC Designer Signature Wedge from White Dove Designs looks more like an expensive handbag than a Bible cover.

Some non-traditional covers have entered the market recently. Gregg Gift’s new Bible Carryall is worn across the body and can hold an extra large Bible as well as other essentials.

The Bible cover you select is really a function of you. Men typically go for basic covers and organizers, but certain designs will attract them, such as camouflage covers or sports covers.

Women will also buy the basics, but they usually go for the more design-intensive covers with images or stitching. Gregg Gift’s line of designer Bible covers have been best sellers for years.

Children and Teen Bible covers don’t sell as well as adult-oriented covers, but we still offer a great selection for this segment of the market. You will find children’s covers in smaller sizes, such as the Treasure Map Bible cover, as they tend to carry smaller youth-size Bibles. Teens go more more design-oriented covers, but definitely have a different sense of style than mom or dad. One popular trend is the distressed and frayed look, such as the Grommet Cross Bible cover.

Some manufacturers are finally making Spanish Bible covers, with either Latin American design elements or Spanish words, such as the Calligraphy Cross Bible cover.

And the Bible cover suppliers haven’t forgotten the giant size Bibles or the extra small Bibles, referred to as Special Size Covers; such as the Compact Canvas Bible cover or the Maxi Study Bible cover.

Regardless of the changes and trends, Bible covers will be an important part of the Christian retail market.