At Northside we use the English Standard Version (ESV) because
it is essentially a literal translation of both the Hebrew and the Greek. It is
an upgrade over the NASB, (another essentially literal translation) in the sense
that the language is updated (Although it maintains important theological
words: i.e. propitiation) and is more culturally understandable to the modern
reader. The ESV Bible is a translation from the oldest and most reliable texts.
We are not a church that believes the ESV is the "only"
reliable version. Everyone is free to use any version that they are comfortable
with. We just believe that out of the current translations it is simply the
best.
As we aim to reach more people for Christ we find that having
a specific Bible we preach from will prevent any distraction that might arise
from different wording in other versions. We still do however, encourage others
to cross reference with other versions in their private study. Our aim is to
meet needs and make disciples and we will do everything we can to facilitate
that desire.
In case people do not have an ESV Bible, we print out each
passage we study in the bulletin from that format.
Finally, if you are looking for
a great study Bible, click on the link below to
read about the new ESV study Bible, which is due
out in October 2008. You may pre-order now, I did.
Pastor Kene