Pick a set of initials and you'll be close to the name of a translation or a paraphrase of the Bible. KJV, NLT, ESV, NIV, FNVNT, AMP, GNT, NASB, or WEBBE are just a short list of the hundreds of versions of God's Word.

So, why so many and what's the correct one to read?

First of all, instead of quibbling over them, pick one and begin reading it, if you aren't already. And then obey it. Get it in you and out of you.

If you're a Greek/Hebrew/Aramaic scholar, then let's sit down and share why a certain translation is our favorite.

Do you know the difference between a translation of the Word and a paraphrase? It's important to know.

Are you casually reading it or launching into a study? Which kind is more beneficial than other?

What is more important? Reliability or readability?

To give you a hint, when Jay and Tom study, they usually have multiple versions open at the same time, gleaning the nuances of the translation wording to get to the meat of the scripture.

This podcast isn't a school lesson on the history and development of the versions we have today but a bird's-eye view of the importance of getting into the Word and the Word getting into you.

Work - a four-letter word to some people.

But what about Good Works? What's the difference?

Some people have gotten the idea that once you've "prayed the prayer," you're in for an eternity of harp playing and feasting. However, the Word expresses in many places how we are saved for good works.

But not saved "by" good works! The apostle Paul is very clear on that one. Jesus was, too. It's faith in Christ that brings us to salvation. No two ways about it.

Unfortunately, there are so many religious people who think they can be good enough or work their way through to the Pearly Gates. Good works are the result of a changed life in Christ.

Faith and good works - in that order - is the hallmark of a true believer's life.

So, what are these Good Works? Today's podcast gives the what, why, and how to walk in the zeal of good works.

Great blessings require great responsibility. We've been blessed by God with incredible blessings, not for us to hoard but to use in order that "they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Apologetics isn't apologizing.

In fact, it's just the opposite, when you come right down to it.

There are some very brilliant people who go toe-to-toe with people who are detractors of faith in Jesus Christ. These apologists have the ability to see both sides of the issue of faith in Christ and atheism and bring truth to the discussion that provides evidence for faith.

Most of us aren't like that.

But that doesn't mean we have to tuck tail and run from anyone who has sincere struggles and questions about faith. With some study and confidence that comes through honest discussion among ourselves, we can be better prepared to "give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

This podcast will not only equip you for some of the most common questions pre-believers ask, but will show that, with time and effort, it's possible to continually expand our ability to field honest questions to help people come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Who is your best friend?

What is your favorite restaurant?

How can you be so peaceful when the world is falling apart?

To be honest, telling other people about the God who saved you and has planned eternity with Him is something people need to know.

If Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, why do we sometimes struggle with telling others about it?

Some people have the "gift of gab," where they find it so easy to strike up a conversation with people around them. Others become easily tongue-tied.

Today, we talk about the wide spectrum of being a witness. And that's one of the main keys: Yes, we witness but according to the first chapter of Acts, we ARE witnesses. Therefore, our very lifestyle should be the loudest thing we say.

But we also need to "be ready to give account for the hope that lies within us." 1 Peter 3:15.

We don't need to be great apologists to share our own story. And if questions come up that are difficult to answer, "I don't know, but I know someone who can answer that question" is a valid response.

Most importantly, we don't witness on our own power or wisdom. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the one who opens the doors and gives us the words to say. We just need to be willing to take the opportunity and open our mouths.

People need "Jesus with skin on."

When the Word refers to our bodies as temples, does it mean physically or spiritually?

The resounding answer is "Yes!"

Today's podcast isn't to shame anyone but to lay out some very important insights as to why many people are struggling with unwanted pounds.

The food industry is one of our greatest enemies. But deeper yet is the spiritual issue of the lack of wisdom when it comes to what we put into our bodies, as well as why we do it.

What is the difference between obesity and gluttony?

Why is "what is eating us" as important as what we eat?

What makes processed foods such a challenge for us to digest?

Body shaming isn't the answer.

Gaining God's perspective and wisdom can turn the tide so we can walk in health and freedom.

Isaiah 55 says, "Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."

Eating isn't the problem. Eating what is good makes all the difference in the world.

Why Israel? Good question!

You don't have to be a Bible scholar to know much about this Middle Eastern country the size of New Jersey. The country of Israel is in the news on a very regular basis.

What is Zionism, anti-semitic, and the End Times nation have to do with Christians in the world? Let's find out.

Today, we look at the history - His story - of how God has raised up a nation to be the instrument of God's revelation of Himself to the world. We delve into the history of this nation that has been a pivot point in international politics and faith for millennia.

Why has so many nations sought to eradicate the Jewish people from the Earth? Why, after not being a nation for so many centuries has Israel established itself in spite of the surrounding nations seeking its destruction.

One thing is for sure: "He is faithful Who promised." Hebrews 10:23. Israel is an incredible example of God's enduring faithfulness.

How do you fit in the wealth scale of the world? (Tom's million dollar bill is obviously not real.)

- $2,920 is the approximate median annual income across the globe.

- The average global income is $12,235.

- Monaco's average income is $186,000 per year.

JD Rockefeller was asked how much money is enough. His simple answer was, "Just a little more."

That seems to be the attitude of a vast majority of people. We see wealth as a goal to reach yet many have no clue just how wealthy they already are. And because of this ignorance, they continue to chase the gold while at the same time amassing more and more "stuff."

So, the biggest question is, "Is your wealth a blessing or a burden?"

Today we look at the Biblical foundation of what and why we are wealthy and also the snare of chasing wealth.

Is having more wealth really the answer to life's problems or is there something to this "contentment" idea?

Biblical fasting is not just a diet.

Need to lose a few pounds? Not eating for a while help with that.

But there's more to Biblical fasting than just not eating. And the benefits of this kind of fasting are more than just losing weight.

There's one declared fast in the Old Testament that the whole nation of Israel participated in: The Day of Atonement. It was a face to face dealing with sin.

And like the feasts we talked about last week, this day pointed forward to the sacrifice Jesus gave to set us free from sin.

We deal with the different types of fasts, from the 40 day fast of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah to the different partial fasts like that of Daniel.

It's important to remember that we're not just hanging around here on earth awaiting our final trip to heaven but we have been called to fight spiritual battles. It takes discipline and intention to walk in Christ's victory.

Fasting with a spiritual purpose is so much better than just trying to lose some weight.

Eating is a necessity for living, but it's also a luxury for many in the world. When it comes to smorgasbords and potlucks, it's way too easy to overeat. But enough said about that.

In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, God established seven festivals in which eating was a major part. So, why was this so important?

Today, we walk through those seven festivals/feasts, not only to find out the why of back then, but to also discover how each one of them points to Jesus.

The most important aspect of these celebrations is how they connect people to God. Many people get lost in the ritual while God is constantly drawing people into a personal relationship.

It's time to celebrate!

Most everyone knows The Lone Ranger. And most everyone knows that he wasn't really alone. That's how he survived many of his encounters with those he faced who were on the bad side of the law.

Moses also had a couple of sidekicks or, in today's vernacular, his posse. One was his older brother and the other a friend of the family.

If it wasn't for Aaron and Hur, Israel would have been defeated as they fought the Battle of Rephidim against Amelek, the grandson of Esau.

We tell the account of how these two men came along side of Moses and turned the tide of the battle through their faithfulness.

Too many people don't have someone to "come along side them." They fight life's battles alone and too often end up on the losing side.

In this podcast, we encourage those who need an Aaron and Hur as well as those who can be an Aaron and Hur, to activate that relationship and win the battle.

We aren't supposed to do this alone.