On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I was privileged to be included in a dinner party with one of President Bush’s advisors. Her job is primarily to supply him with information regarding disasters that take place all over the world. During Hurricane Katrina, she played a big role in communicating to the President the needs of those desperate people who were struggling to find dry land. She has seen all types of devastating calamities from earthquakes to volcanoes.

This very articulate and outspoken woman was interesting to me. She was very passionate about her career, so I was compelled to ask her at least one poignant question: “After traveling to so many different countries and seeing the suffering that goes on every day, what do you think is the world’s biggest problem?” Her countenance changed to a thoughtful expression. She was pleased with my interest in her vocation and my faith in her experience. After a few moments of contemplation, she confidently stated, “I think the world we live in suffers most of all from intolerance. If we would simply tolerate one another’s cultures and beliefs, the world would be a better place.”

Everyone at the table was impressed with her answer, and for a moment we went about enjoying our meals again. Then suddenly she fixed her gaze on me and asked politely, “What do you think?” Up until that moment, I was known to her only as an elementary school science teacher, but I revealed my true Christian identity when I stated, “Well, I’m a spiritually-minded person, and I’m also a Christian, so that question is pretty simple for me to answer.”

How do you think this outspoken proponent of tolerance reacted to my expression of Christian beliefs? Do you think she praised my convictions? Did she concur with my reasoning? Did she want to hear more? Friends, I must tell you sadly that this was not the case. A fire was lit in her eyes as she asked, “Do you think that Christianity is the only true religion, or do you believe that Buddhism and Islam are just as legitimate?” When I told her about my belief that Jesus Christ is the only Savior and the only Way to God, she replied, “See, I’m a Christian, but I don’t believe that.”

Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter said of Him, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” Acts 4:12. The Scriptures state plainly that Jesus Christ is our only Avenue to God, yet the world at large is ignorant of this basic truth.

What is the world’s biggest problem? I believe that it is most definitely ignorance. The world is grossly uneducated about even the most basic characteristics of God and His holy Word. This ignorance is killing us just as Hosea prophesied, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (4:6). For the sake of illustration, consider a worldly example: that of the spread of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Right now, the disease has reached epidemic proportions in that region, yet it is almost 100 percent preventable. Efforts are being made in the afflicted country to teach everyone how to keep themselves from being infected, but it is difficult to educate such a large body of people. Look at what is at sake! At the end of 2005, approximately 24.5 million people were living with HIV in that region.

The problem of sin in our world greatly outweighs the spread of AIDS. Fortunately, the antidote is available in unlimited quantities. However, many will not take advantage of it. As a matter of fact, God says that many have “rejected knowledge” (cf. Hosea 4:6). The world is struggling. Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

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Several years ago the elders made a decision to regulate the translations that were being used in the classroom as well as the public scripture reading. They asked that only three versions be used; the King James Version, the New King James Version, and the American Standard Version (1901 edition). There are many translations/versions out there these days, but the ones mentioned above have been proven to be doctrinally sound.

We may prefer a different translation for our personal study, but by following this directive of the elders in public worship and Bible classes, we are doing exactly what we should be doing as Christians and members of this congregation. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

We should have great respect for those men who have taken on the responsibility of watching for our souls. "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (Hebrews 13:7).

Elders do not make rules arbitrarily just to make rules. They have a serious responsibility to make sure of the teaching that is being done. As Paul said in Acts 20:28 (from the NKJV), "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd (feed, KJV) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

One of the complaints that we hear when a variety of different translations are used, is that people have a difficult time following along in the reading. As mentioned before, we may have a preference in translations, but when it comes to the assembly of the church, we should be careful not to create undue confusion. Remember, "...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

It is true that various translations can be used in comparative study, but the time to do the necessary explanation of the passage, is not usually done during the scripture reading portion of our worship. May we always be considerate of one another that we may worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) and "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).