Only one way to preach?

There's a quote that floats around out there.

"Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words."

I have recently heard it referenced in two different sermons, by two different pastors, at two different churches (yet, on the same day - thanks to podcasts).

Both pastors were not fans of the quote.

Both thought it was, in a word - stupid.

In a sense, they said, "well, duh, you have to use words to preach the Gospel."

But the more I think about it, the more I think they are missing the point of the quote. Are words the only way to preach the Gospel? About Jesus' message?

Can't actions do that as well...at least enough to pique someones interest to ask us?

Not legalistic, church going, Bible thumping action, ...but living in the footsteps of Jesus, action - the tough stuff.

Can, through our actions, even the day to day mundane stuff, the Gospel be preached?

Are words truly the only way to preach?

Or can actions speak as loud (or louder) than words?

Unvarnished Gospels...finished.

I got through the Unvarnished Gospels.

I didn’t discover anything really revealing…nothing that blew my mind, anyway.

The glossary was interesting, though. As they had the Greek words and their actual (literal) meanings and how they might be interpreted in the Gospels.

When I get a moment, I’ll provide some examples. Otherwise, it was at least and interesting read, and perhaps later I’ll do a side-by-side study…

The Unvarnished Gospels...

I have been reading “The Unvarnished Gospels” – which is a “non-Christian” translation or the four Gospels.

I say, “non-Christian” because (as it’s pointed out in the book) these men who wrote the Gospels (M,M,L,J) were not “Christian” or did not consider themselves “Christian” but rather Jews. They viewed themselves as Jews with a message (Gospel) to other Jews, and gentiles as well.

So the translation I’m reading of the four Gospels is one that tries it’s best to convey the original Greek they were written in, rather than highlighting the Christian viewpoint – which is what other translations do.

Are there big changes? Shocking differences?

No..at least I haven’t found any. Then again, I have not done a side by side comparison – yet.

Even so, I don’t believe there would be any major differences…it’s just another way of looking at the Gospels, to try and get a better understanding, a different viewpoint.

Ask and you shall receive...Book 1

So, I've been praying for some "direction" here. Some guidance,if you will, and well if God doesn't find a way.

This time, he has through two books found at savers - both for .99!

One is called "The Unvarnished Gospels."

This one is very interesting in that it's the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. BUT it's translated from the original Greek to reflect more EXACT how the Gospels were actually written.

Or, as the back cover states, "Let the original Greek speak for itself."

How is that different from the Bible? Isn't the New Testament in my Bible a translation from the Greek?

Well, yes, but as George Witterchein points out in the introduction, our Bibles are "accepted" translations of the Greek. Which arose AFTER the Gospels were written. In short, the Bibles we read are "Christianized" versions of the Greek. AFTER input from Luther, Rahner, St. Augustine. etc.

So, I have started reading it, as I was starting the New Testament over again...I figured I'd give this one a shot.