Testimony Why I Translate Published Works

My name is Todd Sumrall, and my story is one of God’s unending mercy. At 17, high in a church pew, the Holy Spirit broke through my anger and addiction, leading me to the altar where I met Jesus. I was born again, my heart transformed from rage to a hunger for God’s Word—I read the Bible cover to cover in 30 days! But like the Israelites in Judges, I fell into a 40-year cycle of backsliding. From 17 to 57, I battled alcohol, drugs, and broken marriages, racking up nine DUIs and moments of darkness where I felt hell was my destiny. Yet, God never left me. In a dream at 17, Jesus promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” and He kept that promise through five near-death experiences, including a miraculous car incident where my vehicle was lifted to avoid a crash.

In December 2020, at my lowest—trembling from alcohol withdrawal, bleeding internally, and expecting death—I prayed, “God, before You kill me, make me Yours again.”Jesus showed up in my apartment, delivering me from addiction in just two days, defying medical expectations. My 2021 blood work stunned my doctor: diabetes gone, liver healed, blood pressure normal. “What happened?” he asked. “Jesus,” I replied. My medical records stand as a testimony to God’s glory.

God got hold of me and changed everything. I started the Blood Covenant YouTube channel to share my story and what God reveals through His Word. From teachings to testimonies, my goal is to point people to the Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, encouraging them to seek Him. The channel builds on my earlier success with a 2015 software tutorial channel.

Working with my hands, a biblical precedent, I also own and run Active Gear Solutions, an E-Bike accessories and active gear company committed to worry-free adventure. Active Gear Solutions focuses on high-performance mobility and security, providing durable e-bike accessories like our flagship product Active Crate—a lockable, anti-theft storage solution for securing batteries and valuable gear on bikes, ATVs, and kayaks.

My passion for Scripture led me to write a modern English edition of William Tyndale’s “The Parable of the Wicked Mammon”. Tyndale’s work, written in 1527 AD, answered my prayer questions about grace, works, and God’s law, and I updated it with full Bible references and notes to make it accessible. I pray it opens readers’ eyes to God’s truth, as Psalm 119:18 says, and inspires them to run in the way of His commandments. I have since published some other works too.

My mission is simple:to know God, share His truth, and be transformed into Christ’s likeness. I’m not perfect, but I’m His, and I’m grateful you’re here to join me on this journey.

Why I Translate

My biggest project is translating the Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek Old Testament, into modern English that remains both literal and accessible. I originally named this initiative Project LXX, but because I expanded into translating the Berean Greek New Testament (BLB), I renamed this initiative, The Greek Bible Project to include The New Testament Project (TNT).

While existing translations like the Brenton’s English Septuagint, New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS), and the Lexham English Septuagint (LES) provide valuable insights, I aim to bridge the gap between scholarly precision and everyday readability.

For instance, ancient expressions used in modern translations often differ from contemporary ones; the ancients might say “I love you with all my liver,” whereas today we say “with all my heart.” Capturing such nuances is essential for conveying the original text’s intent to modern readers.​

In addition to the translation, I’m developing word studies and commentary modules compatible with e-Sword Bible software, enhancing the study experience. I’ve also translated portions of the New Testament and selected writings from the Apostolic Church Fathers and other extra-biblical texts significant to early Judaism and Christianity.​

Engaging in translation compels me to delve deeply into the texts, allowing me to experience the promise of 2 Timothy 2:7: “Engage your mind with what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all things.” (Yes, that’s a literal translation I did!)

Published Works

Bible Heroes for Kids: Book 1

Overview

Bible Heroes for Kids: Book 1 offers an exciting collection of 10 Bible stories every child should know. Written for readers (ages 5-12). Written by Todd Sumrall, this vibrant book celebrates foundational themes of courage, miracles, and faith through the lives of young heroes and classic biblical figures. Each story features colorful, cartoon-style illustrations designed to engage children while imparting valuable lessons of bravery, trust, and God’s love.

Featured Stories

The book dives into stories such as David facing Goliath, Noah building the Ark, Jonah’s encounter with the great fish, and the boy sharing his lunch to feed the multitudes. Readers also meet Daniel in the lions’ den, the shepherd finding his lost sheep, Moses parting the Red Sea, Queen Esther saving her people, Joseph in his coat of many colors, and Samuel hearing God’s voice.

 

The Parable of the Wicked Mammon

This volume presents a modern English update of William Tyndale’s influential 1527 theological treatise, The Parable of the Wicked Mammon. Drawing on Jesus’ parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16), Tyndale uses the metaphor of “wicked mammon” to define the true relationship between faith, good works, and salvation. He powerfully argues that faith alone justifies a person before God, but emphasizes that genuine faith will inevitably produce good works as its necessary fruit.

 

Adapted for today’s readers, this updated edition preserves the power of Tyndale’s arguments. It offers a direct challenge to modern legalism, encouraging believers to deepen their understanding of God’s grace and embrace Christian responsibility by seeking God and living according to His Word.

The Harlot’s Shadow: A Christian Thriller

The Harlot’s Shadow is a Christian thriller set in a near-future 2027 where ubiquitous AI surveillance and manipulative social media govern society. The story ignites when Dr. Sarah Ellison discovers an obsidian artifact in Babylon, revealing the Harlot’s Shadow—a powerful Nephilim spirit driving a godless global system via Nexus Corp’s all-seeing Prometheus AI. As billionaire Elias Kane moves to become the spirit’s vessel, Pastor Michael Torres and skeptical FBI agent Daniel Harper are pulled into a race against time.

 

This fast-paced narrative weaves together biblical prophecy and spiritual warfare against a high-tech backdrop. The three must risk everything to expose the conspiracy and counter the Harlot’s deception before the ancient evil successfully raises a new, worldwide Babel. The book challenges readers to examine whether faith can stand against a spiritually and technologically overwhelming enemy.

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