DR from Nebraska wrote:
Is the difference in the choice of words in the Lord's Prayer due to human differences? Some say trespasses, some say debts, some say transgressions. I can see that they all have similar meaning, but which is scripturally correct?

Bill replies:
DR, thanks for the question. The Lord's Prayer is found in both Matthew 6 and Luke 11. Let's look at Matthew first, in 4 different translations. The KJV, Amplified, NASB and NIV all use the word debts and debtors.
The Greek word that is here translated debtor is "opheiletes" which means, an ower, a person indebted, delinquet debt, transgressor (against God) and sinner.
The Lord's Prayer is found in Matthew 9-13, but it is very important to look on to verse 14&15 which says, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
The Amplified expands on the trespasses word by adding, reckless, willful sins.
The NIV simply uses sins in both places.
In Luke 11, the KJV and NASB both say essentially, "Forgive our sins as we forgive, (or for we also forgive) everyone that is indebted to us."
The NIV says, "Forgive our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." and the Amplified expands on the word sins by adding, (who have offended us or done us wrong.)
So, after all this rambling, the Greek word "opheiletes" which is in the original manuscripts can mean debtors, transgressors, trespasses, or sins. any one of these would be scripturally correct.
As an interesting side note, Matthew records the whole Lord's Prayer, whereas, Luke, the physician and usually the one who recorded the most detail ends the Prayer with, "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." KJV
Again, thanks for the question, I love to be challenged to dig out the truths of the scripture.
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Bill

BLH from S.D. asks:
I was reading in Revelation 2:6 where it says that Jesus hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans. Who are the Nicolaitans?

Bill replies;
Thanks for the question BLH. I've wondered about that myself many times. To understand what Jesus is relating here to John, who wrote the book of Revelation, we need to remember that the New Testament was written in the Greek language.
The word Nicolaitans is derived from a combination of 2 Greek words; "nikao" which means to conquer, and "laos" which means, the people, or laity, what we call laymen, or in other words, not the clergy.
It appears that Jesus never intended for the church which was originally an equal brotherhood to be divided into clergy and laity.
What was "deeds" in the church at Ephesus in Rev. 2:6 had become "doctrine" in the church at Pergamos in Rev. 2:15.
This points out to us how difficult, and how necessary it is to hold fast to Jesus original teachings, and not let our faith in God, become a faith in man and man's institutions.
Again, thanks for that thought provoking question. Have a blessed day.
Bill

DS from Louisiana asks:
I was reading in the Bible where a man asked Jesus for time to go bury his dead father before following Jesus, and Jesus told him to, "let the dead bury their dead, but you come follow me."
Don't you think this is just a little harsh?

Bill replies;
Thanks for the question DS. To start with, what I think doesn't really matter, what matters is what the Word says. This story is found in Matthew 8:19-22 and also in Luke 9:57-62.
To understand what Jesus is saying here, we need to look at the context in which He said it.
Jesus had just healed a leper, (Matthew 8:2-3), He had healed the centurion's servant, (Matthew 8:5-13) and He had healed Peter's mother-in-law, then a whole bunch of people that evening.
There was surely a lot of excitement among those following Jesus, as they were caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment, and wanted to be a part of it.
Jesus was pointing out to this disciple, and thus to us that following Him came at a cost. He/we would need to be prepared to put following Jesus ahead of our daily concerns if he/we were to be effective in serving Jesus.
Hope this helps.
Bill

BJR from Texas says:
Very nice! Congratulations on this new venue.

Bill replies;
Thanks BJR, we are really excited about the website. Laura has done a great job with it. We are so fortunate to have so many talented people in our church who are willing to help.
The website opens huge possibilities to spread the gospel message of God's love for His creation with the "world".

JP in India asks;
"Bro Bill, I would like to communicate with fellow servant of Christ." Please see pictures I send you of our ministry. I would like to hear about your ministry so to pray for you."
Bill replies;
Bro JP, It was good to hear from you. Wow, you are busy overseeing 50 recently planted churches, serving orphans in your Favor The Helpless Ministry home, taking care of the needs of destitute widows, and even trying to help folks with HIV/AIDS.
May God richly bless you in all you do there. You are , as our Lord said, "Laying up treasures in heaven," with each soul you reach for Christ, and each "helpless one" that you serve.