My name is Michelle Menkhus Rouse (Misha to my friends) and I have been an ordained minister since 1995. I felt compelled by God to get ordained and start planting seeds about His Word. My spiritual journey led me down a very diverse path through life. I attended a variety of churches starting with Catholic, then Episcopalian, Methodist, Mormon, Friends, Fellowship, Baptist (7th Day and 1st), Assembly of God, Church of God, Messianic Judaism, and even Wiccan (a Pagan religion). Thankfully, I never once denounced God, His Holy Spirit, and His Son, Jesus Christ, during this search.
There have been several periods in my life where I stopped attending church altogether. I was simply unable to find a church home that seemed centered on what I believed was God’s true message. When I found the “non-denominational” Christian church, I knew I was home.
Many “non-denominational” Christian churchs are frought with people leading God's children astray. Some take advantage of His message and preach only the good side or ask the congregation to look inward to seek direction. These churches claim to preach the Word of God; yet, they deliver a twisted message. Even the most well intentioned ministers can lead their church astray by falling into the world a little too much. Because of this, every follower of Christ must discern what parts of the teachings are good Biblical principle and what should have been left out.
Unity Christian Church was founded on the principles I was taught in the Bible and through many great “Sunday School” classes and amazing teachers. These foundations progressed and grew with each Biblical book I studied and the classes I took during my quest for Knowledge. I always attempt to see the “bigger picture” and the “deeper meaning” that God intends for us. While I never want to add to or subtract from the Word of God, I have read many versions of the Bible and I have a deeply rooted interest in finding the most accurate collection of the Word.
Do not add to the Word which I command you, nor diminish from it, to observe the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
I prefer to study scripture in parallel, using a variety versions side by side. I also study the Hebrew language in order to better discern God's intended meaning of certain words. If you have ever read more than one version of the Bible, you probably realize that a single word taken out of context or translated differently can be interpreted in many ways. Knowing the historical times and the definitions used during those times can have a great impact on intentions.
Many words we use today did not have the same meaning as they did in the ancient days. For example, when someone says the word snowflake today, we need to know the context in which the word is used in order to discern if they are talking about ice crystals that fall from the sky in winter, or someone who thinks they are special and should get their own way. Another example taken from Olde English is rice. This usually meant powerful rather than the tiny white grain we eat. Also in Olde English, the word bill usually refers to a sword rather than a paper piece of money or the front piece sticking off a baseball styled cap.
When relaying the spoken word into the written word, some believe the meaning could have been lost during translation. I even believed this at times. However, many Christians believe every book of Scripture was inspired by God and given through His Holy Spirit directly to man. In fact, there are still many people that believe the translations could have been skewed by man when writing or copying Scripture.
Compare the four gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They each contain similar periods of Christ’s life and teachings; however, they each vary slightly in the details of what actually transpired. This does not mean that one is right and the others wrong. Each disciple has their own perspective of the events that transpired; while the overall truth of Christ’s life remains the same.
I believe the same stories, parables, and instructions are repeated in many different places within Scripture in order to relay the teaching in a way that different groups of people would be able to understand. Repetition or parallelism is a literary technique that is used frequently in the Bible to emphasize an important point or help the reader better understand what the portion is trying to convey. There is also a similar benefit to re-reading Bible passages many times. When I read a chapter or book for the umpteenth time, I may get a better understanding of the intent behind the words. Some also say that God’s Spirit may reveal something new that we had not already considered.
I do not believe the authors, scribes, or translators of the various Bible versions ever intend to change the meaning of any of the original text. God tells us directly in Scripture that all Scripture is given to us by God and His Holy Spirit, all Scripture is worthy of teaching and learning.
2 Timothy 3:16—17)
The entire Word of God is God-breathed and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
That a man of God may be proficient, having been equipped for every one of the good acts.
On that note, I have no intention of changing any of God’s original meanings in my writings. Unless stated otherwise, everything I write is of my own personal interpretation. Additionally, I always ask God for the wisdom to understand what His intent is for certain passages and to allow me to pass along His word rather than my own.
Some of the Bible’s books are historical records and some are tools to teach us how to be good to each other and to come closer to God. But, no matter which translation or version you choose, know that God’s Word has remained true over two thousand years. I am only another author, inspired by God, to spread the Word to as many as I can reach.
May you understand through God’s holy intervention, exactly what you are meant to receive. I always try to be a humble servant of the Lord, answering God’s calling. I pray every day that God keeps me on the path that HE has chosen for me to follow. While I ask for the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, I also know that my opinions will nevertheless influence my choice of words. Even so, my hope is always to give clarity to God’s message while opening the reader’s heart and mind to the fullest of possibilities.
Written By:
Michelle Menkhus Rouse aka ~Misha