James F. Linzey

James F. Linzey, M.Div. (born September 26, 1958) is an American ordained minister in the Southern Baptist Convention. The chief editor and executive director of the Modern English Version Bible, he is the author of The United States Space Force Hymn, Creator of the Universe.

His degrees include a B.A. from Southern California College and an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary; also, he attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Asheville, North Carolina.

History After the creation of the United States Space Force in December 2019, Linzey wrote a prayer petitioning God for safety for the Space Force Guardians on each flight into space.

In the meantime Linzey made a move to Kansas where he finishing writing the hymn. Linzey says he then reached out to churches across the country, hoping they would use it in services and that the hymn's acceptance gained momentum. The Baptist Press published a headline article on the hymn, which assisted in this matter.

Creator of the Universe came to him while studying koine Greek at the California campus of Westminster Theological Seminary in the City of Escondido where he resided. "I was thinking about the awe and wonder of God. The words just flowed," Linzey said.

The Baptist Messenger stated that Creator of the Universe joins other hymns often associated with various branches of the U.S. military: Air Force: Lord, Guard and Guide the Men who Fly; Army: Eternal Father, Hear our Prayer; Coast Guard: Ruler of the Land and Sea; Navy: Eternal Father, Strong to Save; Marine Corps: Serving for Thee."

Books

A Bible translator and writer, Linzey authored and edited numerous Bibles and books:

Modern English Version (MEV) Bible (author/chief editor), 2014. Passio. "Acts of the Apostles:" Modern English Version (translated with Michael Pacella, III), 2014. Passio. The Leadership Bible: The Seven Principles of Leadership (chairman, editorial committee), 2013. Military Bible Association. Baptism in the Spirit (co-ed. with Verna Linzey), 2012. Military Bible Association. The Holy Spirit, 2003. Xulon Press. A Divine Appointment in Washington, D.C., 1999. Huntington House Publishers. "The Ten Commandments As the Root of American Culture:" Why the Conservative Mind Matters, 2009. Higher Standard Publishers.