I wish there was a translation of the Bible ... or at least a study bible with lots and lots and lots of notes ... for ex-evangelicals. Really, I think I might not be the only one to benefit from it.
Here are a few examples that come to mind:
- Matthew 28:5-6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." The way that I would wish this were annotated: It's okay. I know you are afraid. Seeing an angel of the Lord can certainly be a moment of fear. But I am not here to tell you how to feel, now or in the future. I am hear to tell you the very good news that Jesus has risen from the dead. So, go ahead and have feelings other than joy at that news, if you are still afraid in this moment, because the point is not about how you feel but about your risen Savior. God understands and wants you to know and remember that, not regulate your feelings.
- Philippians 4:6-8: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The way that I would wish this were annotated: It's okay. If you are anxious, tell your anxiety that Jesus, your Savior and Mediator who ever prays for you, is waiting to bring your cares, you worries and fears and anxieties and hopes and dreams all to your Father in heaven. And while you might still struggle with anxious feelings regarding your circumstances, you can tell those feelings that God doesn't answer prayer on account of the person, on account of your trust or belief, but on account of His Son and has promised to hear you. So, even in times of struggle and trial, you can add to those struggles the truth that the peace of Christ, His perfect fulfillment of the Law and covering of all your sin, is yours and in your prayers, be they full of hope or doubt, you are reconciled to God, who will always care for you. He isn't expecting you never to be anxious; He's reminding you that He is ready for your prayers.
- Galatians 5:19-23: Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions,factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. The way that I would wish this were annotated: Your flesh is full of sin, sin that will hurt others and yourself, sin you cannot deny or escape. You will always struggle with it, and your flesh will always lead you to death. But, in Christ, you are also a new creation, a saint through whom the Holy Spirit will work fruit of the faith you receive from Jesus Christ. That fruit is also a gift, evidence that you are saved and redeemed and righteous. You might not see the fruit or understand it. And my point is not that you are to go out and make yourself fruitful or take spiritual inventories to see if you have fruit in your life, but to rest assured that the Sanctifier is at work in your life, building and sustaining your faith and working His good.
SIGH.
I am Yours, Lord. Save me!
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