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“In the beginning was
the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
(John 1:1)
Calendar Search Contact Us FAQs
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This page contains responses from our volunteer team to Frequently Asked Questions. Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of this website?The purpose of this website is to present information in a user-friendly way to help individuals learn more about The Word Class and to help our website visitors apply knowledge of the Word in daily life. Back to TopHow can I receive regular announcements?To receive announcements about events being sponsored by the Word Class, go to the "Reminders" page and submit the information requested. Back to TopWhich version of the Bible does The Word Class use?From among more than twenty (20) English versions (translations) of the Bible currently being published around the world, it appears that our invited guest speakers at The Word Class most frequently cite the New International Version (NIV), the New King James Version (NKJV), or the New American Standard (NAS) version in their presentations. Our focus is on what we can discern of God's will for us from the Word regardless of the version (translation) used. Back to TopHow do the versions differ from each other? To compare differences in grammar, punctuation, usage, etc. among translations visit BlbleGateway.com and view your favorite Bible passages on different versions. We think you will agree that the fundamental truths contained in various mainstream versions (translations) are common to all. Having a version (translation) that you are comfortable with and use regularly is more important than having one that exactly matches any particular presenter's. By clicking this samples link, you can view (or download) a 17-page document assessing the reading-levels and communication styles of many popular translations. Back to TopThe term "apocrypha" was coined by the fifth-century biblical scholar St. Jerome and refers to the biblical books included as part of the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), but not included in the Hebrew Bible. Several works ranging from the fourth century B.C.E. to New Testament times are considered apocryphal--including Judith, the Wisdom of Solomon, Tobit, Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, First and Second Maccabees, the two Books of Esdras, various additions to the Book of Esther (10:4-10), the Book of Daniel (3:24-90;13;14), and the Prayer of Manasseh. The apocrypha have been variously included and omitted from bibles over the course of the centuries. Protestant churches generally exclude the apocrypha (though the King James version of 1611 included them). The Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches include all of the apocrypha (except for the books of Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh), but refer to them as "deuterocanonical" books. In this context, the term "apocrypha" generally refers to writings entirely outside of the biblical canon and not considered inspired (such as the Gospel of Thomas). Back to Top |
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