Religion and Faith

Sun - December 7, 2008

LBC College Bible Study Dec 3 2008 - YouTube video of the lecture

A colleague edited and uploadied the lecture to YouTube. For convenience, I'm putting links to the 7 parts in this article.
[Facebook readers: click on "View original post."]

Posted at 01:16 PM Read More | |

Wed - December 3, 2008

LBC College Bible Study December 3 2008

Originally planned for March of 2008, this presentation on oral tradition and Galatians was postponed due to cancer (lymphoma). In this article:

(1) Historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus: sermon by Prof. J. P. Moreland, Talbot Seminary, at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Anaheim California, April 10, 2006. Discusses oral tradition and how that relates to reliability of the Bible. See also: Lee Stroebel, The Case for Christ, available as an audiobook on iTunes.

(2) .pdf file of my presentation for this lesson.

Posted at 10:15 AM Read More | |

Tue - October 28, 2008

Women and church

Another meditation from my diary.
The baptist blogs seem littered with people who tell women to keep silent in the church. (See the comments here and here.) Yet, the practices recorded in Acts seem to be different. ...

Posted at 07:31 PM Read More | |

Sun - October 26, 2008

A few thoughts on "The Prosperity Gospel"

Taken from a short meditation I wrote in my diary.

Posted at 06:37 PM Read More | |

Wed - August 27, 2008

A word of encouragement from a friend

Jer 17:7-8 (similar to Psalm 1)

Posted at 04:41 PM Read More | |

Fri - August 22, 2008

"So what do they believe?" a critique and my reply

A reader named Darren took issue with my lecture notes on cults. He posted his comment on a blog entry that had nothing to do with the subject, so I decided to move his post to it's own blog entry. My reply follows after his comment.

Posted at 05:52 AM Read More | |

Sun - July 27, 2008

Reflections on Matthew ch 8: which I didn't think had to do with cancer

In part due to trying to maintain a positive attitude, I've been rereading several passages in the Gospels on Jesus's healing ministry. In the process of reading for context, I read this passage several times. It took a few days to see - and hear - the point.
[Facebook readers: click below on "View original post."]

Posted at 08:27 PM Read More | |

Mon - July 14, 2008

Lessons from ... well, it's just a good lesson.

The Wittenburg Door is usually the Mad Magazine of the Christian world. Today it teaches, "Help us cease from striving."

Wow.

Here's the link. http://www.wittenburgblog.com/2008/07/help-us-cease-from-striving.html

Posted at 06:02 PM Read More | |

Lessons from cancer #2 (of 2 or so): July 14, 2008

Upon reflection, I think that cancer provides a crucible in which the issues that I ought to be addressing are forced to the surface. Today's topic is summarized in something I heard Joni Earekson Tada say in an interview on Focus on the Family some years back. She was reflecting on being a quadraplegic and said something to the effect of "I cannot think about being like this for the rest of my life: it is too crushing a thought. I have to live one day at a time." (She said it better than that, but that's the best of my memory.)

That's the second lesson, and it's especially hard for me, in part because I cling to my job (associate professor) as a source of security, significance, and meaning.

[Facebook readers: Click on "View original post" below. Everyone else, read on:]

Posted at 03:46 PM Read More | |

Sun - July 13, 2008

Lesson from cancer #1 (of 2): July 13, 2008

Some time back I saw a review of a blog series by John Piper, Don't Waste Your Cancer. At the time I was healthy. A few years earlier I had lost my mom to colon cancer, and I really didn't want to see this scourge as anything that could be thought of as positive. The word "hate" is still pretty close to how I feel about the disease. In fact, now that I have it, I feel even more strongly than I did before. I don't like the idea of asking, "So what have you learned from your cancer?" Nevertheless, after 6 months of coughing, weakness, pain, fear, isolation, and the like, I can distill two significant points that continue to demand my consideration. I present the first of these lessons here.

Update One reader posted this article by Tony Snow , posted in Christianity Today a year ago. His thoughts are pretty impressive.

[Facebook readers: click on "View original post" below.]

Posted at 07:43 PM Read More | |

Wed - July 9, 2008

Of dreams and inspiration

Due to chemotherapy I was having strange dreams and, as I woke up, hallucinations over the weekend. A friend, Pam B, prayed that my dreams would not be random but would be helpful. Here's a short summary of a dream I had that seems to be an answer to her prayers.

Posted at 07:31 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 28, 2008

Tips for memorizing scripture

A pen pal asked me for some tips on memorizing the Bible. Here's my answer:

First the joke answers:

(1) avoid narcotic pain pills, surgery, sleep deprivation, and other mind-altering activities or elements. They really don't do much for the learning process, although they may make you grateful for it when you can get back to it!

(2) Hospitalization might seem like a great way to get some alone time, but it turns out the pattern of the paint on the wall is about as intellectual as I can get while attached to oxygen, IV, etc. Maybe that's because of the morphine drip, so I guess that's a part of #1 above.

Seriously: take a few moments (days or weeks) to answer the question of "why am I doing this?" The answer to that question sets the method.

My answer is twofold:

Posted at 05:08 PM Read More | |

Thu - June 26, 2008

Reflections on a familiar passage

I sent an email to several individuals at various levels of leadership in my church, from volunteer teachers to a few of the staff. I've gotten some very valuable feedback, and so I thought I'd post the core of the email here, edited to remove names. I'm looking forward to the discussion, provided I can make the teacher's meeting coming up. On to the email:

Posted at 08:56 PM Read More | |

Wed - June 25, 2008

I am embarrassed. Mike Murdock: please stop. Now.

During the channel flipping that occasionally results from my rest from my convalenscence, I briefly see the so-called Christian channels. Mike Murdock, 2 out of 3 times, is saying, "send in your $1000 seed of faith ..." or something like that.

Posted at 10:56 AM Read More | |

Mon - June 23, 2008

Marvin Sapp: Never Could Have Made It ...

Sent to my by one of my students at Auburn. It's just what I needed to hear today. Thanks, Jamal!

Posted at 04:52 PM Read More | |

Sat - May 24, 2008

"Why do you love me?"

I think nearly every couple has asked each other that question, sometimes fishing for a complement, sometimes in disbelief that one could be loved someone so wonderful.

The question misunderstands the nature of love.

Posted at 08:43 PM Read More | |

Mon - May 19, 2008

Do those really mix?

From Christianity Today:
"It can be a little intimidating in a Reformed context to admit that one is Pentecostal. It's a bit like being at the ballet and letting it slip that you're partial to NASCAR and country music. Both claims tend to clear a room. And yet I happily define myself as a Reformed charismatic, a Pentecostal Calvinist."

Posted at 11:25 AM Read More | |

Mon - May 5, 2008

More on yesterday's conversation

I noticed that most of what I wrote yesterday was about what I said ... I thought I'd put a few other thoughts on what I learned.

Posted at 05:23 PM Read More | |

Sun - May 4, 2008

Another interesting conversation: Mormons at the door

Today two Mormon college students from Auburn came to my door to invite me to their church. They weren't the usual door-to-door missionaries. As is my custom, I started a conversation that began with, "What about your faith is important to you? ...

Posted at 07:28 PM Read More | |

Tue - April 22, 2008

Thoughts on race and on service

I've never met Mark Swanson, but we've corresponded with each other now for at least 2, maybe 3 years. He has two blog entries today that struck me: one on race (about Bill Cosby's recent speeches about black America) and one on personal service (a youtube video), both of which I think need to be read/watched a few times to get their full weight.

Black America challenges "people of pallor" to get out of their boxes.
Do you see what he sees? challenges all of us to look outside of our selfish, rushed little lives.

Posted at 02:31 PM Read More | |

Sun - April 13, 2008

You are what you feed

From my brother in law, DuWayne:

Posted at 10:56 PM Read More | |

Thu - April 10, 2008

Douglas Gresham interview about Prince Caspian movie

From Christianity Today http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/douglasgresham3.html

He was asked "I read somewhere that you 'completely surrendered' your life to Christ in 1990. ... Had you walked away from the faith and then come back to it?"

Posted at 01:04 PM Read More | |

Wed - April 2, 2008

Reflections on being a teenager in today's world

Tonight someone in our youth group poured their heart out to me on instant messaging. I won't say what they discussed, I didn't even ask their permission. However, when someone is completely overwhelmed, they need something to help them stay afloat. Here's my feeble attempt. ...

Posted at 09:47 PM Read More | |

Mon - March 31, 2008

Difficult doctrine

I really don't know what to write, so I'll just give you the links.

Posted at 08:22 AM Read More | |

Mon - March 17, 2008

Easter reflections

The Holy Week has snuck up on me. I suppose I have an excuse. ...

Posted at 11:56 AM Read More | |

Fri - March 14, 2008

Reflections on Galatians: Part 4: can we legitimately base beliefs on personal experience?

From my personal log, Dec. 4, 2007.

Posted at 01:07 AM Read More | |

Mon - February 25, 2008

"Hope to See You Sunday"

I enjoy this video series. This particular video is a fantastic parable.

Posted at 12:50 AM Read More | |

Sun - February 24, 2008

Chaplain Gerecke: bringing Christ to unlikely recipients

Posted at 05:36 PM Read More | |

Sat - February 23, 2008

"God has a plan"

Posted at 10:36 AM Read More | |

Sun - January 27, 2008

Don Francisco: an old song with a timeless message

I listened to Don Francisco a lot when I first became a Christian. This is a video someone made with "Too Small a Price" as the soundtrack. Many of the images are from "Passion of the Christ," so it can be gruesome. For me that strengthens the impact of the song: that something so gracious could occur in the middle of such suffering.

Posted at 10:51 AM Read More | |

Mon - January 21, 2008

Depravity, depression, Freud, and self-esteem

Strange alliances of thought sometimes begin to form.

Posted at 09:45 PM Read More | |

Sat - January 12, 2008

The other Mazatlan

A video from one of the missionaries I've supported for nearly 20 years now.

Posted at 11:22 PM Read More | |

Marriage, submission, and so forth.

I saw Mike Huckabee address this question on SBC outpost. It brought to mind two old posts (here and here) that bear repeating ...

Posted at 07:35 AM Read More | |

Fri - January 4, 2008

Signs and wonders: Opiate of miracle mongers or demonstration of God's compassion?

I've seen a few blog entries of late (by people I respect) that condemn people who seek after signs and wonders. They have very strong support for their position. But, as Paul Harvey would say, "Here's the rest of the story."

Posted at 11:05 AM Read More | |

Thu - January 3, 2008

Reflections on Galatians Part 3: Anger or Compassion?

Two parts compassion, one part hurt.

Posted at 09:05 AM Read More | |

Wed - January 2, 2008

Reflections on Galatians Part 2: Anger or compassion?

Why is there a Bible? For a similar reason to why we are called to be Christians. Mostly, I think it's to give us some knowledge of what God is like.

Posted at 08:06 AM Read More | |

Tue - January 1, 2008

Reflections on Galatians Part 1: Anger or compassion?

I wrote earlier that I'm memorizing Paul's letter to the Galatians. Part of that exercise is regular "performances" (on speech team they called it "oral interpretation") in which I try to get inside of Paul's mind and understand his feelings and emphasis in the text. I've had a few realizations that I hope are helpful to some. I'll be posting them over the next few days. Today: anger or compassion?

Posted at 03:37 PM Read More | |

Wed - December 26, 2007

"Confessions of a former religious-right Christian conservative"

David Sanders (in SBC Outpost ).

Excerpt: "I opted for what was then the modern-day political philosophy offered by Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. The downside wasn’t that I became any less conservative, but that I became less Christian."

Posted at 08:08 PM Read More | |

Wed - December 12, 2007

Confusion and clarity in the Bible

I'm nearly halfway through memorizing Paul's letter to the Galatians. In reading, reciting, and rehearsing his words, I'm discovering that some of my habitual practices and beliefs may need some adjustment, while others remain certain.

Posted at 08:41 AM Read More | |

Sun - November 25, 2007

On recent events in the IMB

Well, not so recent. It all started with the IMB anti-tongues policy that came out in November of 2005.

Posted at 09:04 PM Read More | |

Sun - November 18, 2007

Memories of an earlier time

Easter song, the Second Chapter of Acts

Posted at 03:31 PM Read More | |

Tue - November 6, 2007

Spirituality vs Religion

Original article: here ;

Posted at 05:30 PM Read More | |

Mon - October 8, 2007

Childhood forgotten and remembering God's blessings

When my kids were little my wife and I used to read them Sandra Boynton's "Going to Bed Book."

Posted at 07:16 AM Read More | |

Thu - October 4, 2007

Bono interview with Bill Hybels

I saw this on Life Matter, and was so impressed that I wanted to put it here too.

Posted at 06:50 AM Read More | |

Tue - September 11, 2007

More on SBC anticharismatic policies

Posted at 06:56 PM Read More | |

Sat - July 28, 2007

Is THAT in the Bible?

Ps 18:35 "You stoop down to make me great."

Posted at 03:12 PM Read More | |

Sun - May 27, 2007

I have run the good race, I have fought the good fight

I have eaten my chocolate sundae ...

Posted at 07:43 AM Read More | |

Sat - April 28, 2007

A Hindu description of Christianity

Language and culture strongly shape how we understand and communicate. This is an excellent article of how one individual re-framed the message of Christ within his own background.

Posted at 01:14 PM Read More | |

Thu - March 1, 2007

Omitted from last night's sermon

Posted at 06:55 PM Read More | |

Tue - February 20, 2007

On accountability and public disclosure

Reflections on Acts 1-2

Posted at 10:15 PM Read More | |

Mon - January 15, 2007

On reliability of the Gospels

Hat tip: Jeff Weddle @ The Anti-Itch Meditation

Posted at 01:15 PM Read More | |

Fri - December 29, 2006

Skeptics, science, scripture, cessationists and the Holy Spirit

Update My son's reply to this topic is here.

Posted at 08:41 AM Read More | |

My son's answer to yesterday's gripes

From Pilgrim's Progress

Posted at 08:31 AM Read More | |

Thu - December 21, 2006

Reflections on a memorized passage

I've memorized Acts 1:1-2:33. Here's a few items gleaned as I rehearse it in my mind.

Posted at 06:09 PM Read More | |

Wed - November 15, 2006

"It's all gonna burn"

Posted at 06:40 AM Read More | |

Sun - November 12, 2006

I've had an idea

My friend Thad says that I never have small ideas.

Posted at 09:47 PM Read More | |

Thu - October 26, 2006

Baptist undercurrents

A charismatic's slightly different look at a possible spiritual source of the tongues debate.

Posted at 07:28 PM Read More | |

Mon - October 23, 2006

Missionary quotes

This one from Micah Fries . It's worth reading.

Posted at 09:49 PM Read More | |

On Baptists and "private prayer language."

Posted at 09:22 PM Read More | |

Fri - October 13, 2006

Jerry Rankin on spiritual warfare

Jerry Rankin spoke at our church's missions conference last Sunday.

Posted at 06:55 PM Read More | |

Tue - September 26, 2006

Mt 6:33: Devotional for Sept 27

Does God care about me? Can toddlers walk? There's a connection here.

Posted at 07:33 PM Read More | |

Wed - September 20, 2006

Mt 6:33: Devotional for Sept 20

"Seek"

Posted at 06:53 AM Read More | |

Tue - September 19, 2006

Why does God use flawed people?

Posted at 10:28 PM Read More | |

Calvin on man's corrupt nature

Posted at 10:25 PM Read More | |

Sat - September 16, 2006

Why differences in religion are important

A question I've been thinking on a bit, with some help from John Calvin.
Update Sept 16. My son suggested I clarify the point I was trying to make.

Posted at 04:34 PM Read More | |

Wed - September 13, 2006

Mt 6:33 Seeking God's Kingdom: Devotional for Sept 13

Tonight's devotional was more of a discussion: ideas from members of our orchestra.

Posted at 09:33 PM Read More | |

Tue - September 12, 2006

Faith in what?

Jeff Weddle at the anti-itch meditation struck a nerve with me yesterday.

Posted at 06:04 AM Read More | |

Sun - September 10, 2006

Mt 6:33 Seeking God's kingdom

This morning I woke up with Darlene Zschech's "The Potter's Hand" running through my head.
Second in the series of devotionals on "Seek first the kingdom."

Posted at 04:06 PM Read More | |

Sat - September 9, 2006

Mt 6:33 Seeking first God's kingdom

I woke up this morning with Keith Green's "You love the world (and you're avoiding me)" running through my head. This is the first of a series of devotionals on "Seek first the kingdom."

Posted at 08:10 AM Read More | |

Fri - September 8, 2006

Calvin: on doctrinal discord

From his letter to the King of France in The Institutes

Posted at 11:30 PM Read More | |

Wed - September 6, 2006

More on IMB, division, etc.

Posted at 06:31 AM Read More | |

Tue - August 22, 2006

A new perspective on Daniel

I've been studying Daniel for the last few weeks for our youth class. Last night I realized that I was missing a major component of the story: God's grace toward Nebuchadnezzar.

Posted at 08:40 AM Read More | |

Thu - August 17, 2006

On altar calls, baptism, and professions

Posted at 09:02 PM Read More | |

Mon - August 14, 2006

David and Goliath: Lesson 7

Part 7 of 7.
Principle 7: Gifting is proven by action, not talk

Posted at 07:13 AM Read More | |

Tue - August 8, 2006

David and Goliath: Lesson 4

Part 4 of 7
Principle 4: Recognize the source of your strength

Posted at 08:11 AM Read More | |

David and Goliath: Lesson 2

Continued from Lesson 1. Part 2 of 7.

Principle 2 Be wise with the use of your time.

Posted at 08:10 AM Read More | |

David and Goliath: Lesson 6

Principle 6: Expect ridicule Part 6 of 7.

Posted at 06:40 AM Read More | |

Mon - August 7, 2006

Background on Southern Baptists by David Rogers

He published an E-index on his blog today.
I copied it here (mostly for my own convenience).

Update Aug 7: I incorrectly attributed the articles below to David's late father, Adrian Rogers. I've corrected the title now. Sorry for the mistake, David!

Posted at 05:22 PM Read More | |

David and Goliath: Lesson 5

Part 5 of 7
Principle 5: Respect experience and advice, but be true to God's gifting

Posted at 06:41 AM Read More | |

Thu - August 3, 2006

On interaction between Christianity and Islam

Posted at 05:59 AM Read More | |

David and Goliath: Lesson 3

Principle 3: Be confident in the gifts God gave you. Part 3 of 7.

Posted at 05:49 AM Read More | |

Tue - August 1, 2006

David and Goliath: Lessons in the "impossible" part 1

This short blog series also serves as a good summary of personal reminders and lessons I learned while volunteering with misisonaries in S Africa.

Posted at 05:31 AM Read More | |

Mon - July 31, 2006

Summary of a trip to S. Africa

Taken from http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=280384
Written by Cala Flippo, mild edits by me.
Updated July 31, 2006

Posted at 06:31 PM Read More | |

Wed - July 26, 2006

Mormons are not a "sect" to be embraced by Christianity

Don't take my word for it - Joseph Smith said so himself.

Posted at 07:02 PM Read More | |

Thu - July 13, 2006

"Why don't they apply the same logic to tongues?"

Question asked by a friend after reading this transcript. Sent to me by Robert D.

Posted at 08:13 PM Read More | |

Mon - July 10, 2006

On obedience in the Christian life

a short thought from a musician's perspective

Posted at 07:59 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 24, 2006

Religion and Government: part 1

Posted at 04:12 PM Read More | |

Mon - June 19, 2006

In search of the miraculous

If you're easily bored, just scroll down to "The Experiment" written bold face near the end of this note.

After considering of the debate/controversy over the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I decided that debate isn't the way I wanted to approach the subject.

Posted at 10:54 PM Read More | |

The experiment: day 5

Ever felt like you didn't make the grade?

Posted at 10:27 PM Read More | |

Confessions of a bad Christian

Dave Burchett's blog, "Confessions of a bad Christian" is a worthwhile read every time I see it.

Posted at 07:51 PM Read More | |

More on the miraculous

The experiment: day 4

Posted at 07:07 PM Read More | |

Vineyard Ministries Central Mexico: another missionary doing a great job!

Posted at 07:05 PM Read More | |

Sun - June 18, 2006

On cessationism: an interview with Wayne Grudem

Abtract: taken from this article. Dr. Grudem has written more than 60 articles for both popular and academic journals, and his books include: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today, and Business for the Glory of God. He has also co-edited Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A response to Evangelical Feminism and edited Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Four Views.

Dr. Grudem also authored "The Vineyard's Response to The Standard."

Posted at 07:42 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 17, 2006

What does it mean to be Baptist(#2)

Posted at 01:36 PM Read More | |

Harvest Evangelism June Newsletter is on-line

New thrift store to open in Opelika. Click here.

Posted at 01:32 AM Read More | |

Fri - June 16, 2006

The experiment: day 1

Yesterday I proposed an experiment. Here's the results of my first day of it.

Posted at 07:08 PM Read More | |

Missionary news from Malawi

Bob and Pam Brownfield are former members of my church who now serve in Malawi and the southeastern portion of Africa. I asked if I could post a couple of emails they sent me, and they said, "Sure!" I enjoyed reading these.

Posted at 06:38 PM Read More | |

Thu - June 15, 2006

Do Christians in China have a prayer?

Years ago that was the title on the cover of a Focus on the Family Citizen magazine.

Posted at 05:20 PM Read More | |

Wed - June 14, 2006

On youth and church services.

As a youth worker I'm interested in seeing people thoughts in how to integrate and activate (inspire to action) our teenagers. Shane the Methodist youth pastor has two articles on this subject that are worth reading.

Posted at 09:43 AM Read More | |

Random jots and thoughts

Posted at 12:18 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 10, 2006

Wycliffe Bible Translators: Roth's monthly report

Here's some positive news for your enjoyment.

Posted at 10:03 PM Read More | |

Tue - June 6, 2006

SBC, power, and change

A view from the gallery.

Posted at 08:20 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 3, 2006

Note to self: read these articles by David Rogers

Son of the late Adrian Rogers and missionary in Spain.

Posted at 09:39 AM Read More | |

Mon - May 29, 2006

Reflections on the life of Elijah

A short note on I Kings 18-19, since I don't have time to flesh it out.

Posted at 08:28 PM Read More | |

Fri - May 26, 2006

Pastoring: a tough job

Previously discussed on Mark Swanson's blog (I've lost the reference), here's another summary from Mark Driscoll via the anti-itch meditation.

Posted at 09:24 AM Read More | |

Tue - May 23, 2006

Harvest Evangelism newsletter on-line

H. E. is a local ministry that provides support and living quarters for individuals with addictions or other life controlling problem. We've supported them for a long time. Their monthly newsletter is now available on-line here.

Posted at 08:30 AM Read More | |

Mon - May 22, 2006

Are you bored in YOUR church service?

Maybe our expectations need changed.

Posted at 07:41 PM Read More | |

Tue - May 9, 2006

God's calling is not safe.

Hat tip: Micah Fries

Posted at 12:19 PM Read More | |

Mon - May 8, 2006

A voice from the gallery

Sometimes the best lessons don't come from the Sunday School teacher.

Posted at 07:45 AM Read More | |

Wed - April 26, 2006

Well worth reading: chaplain to imprisoned Nazi war criminals.

Jesus said, "do good to those who spitefully use you." This story is an incredible illustration of that difficult precept, and of many others.

Posted at 06:37 AM Read More | |

Wed - April 19, 2006

Is the truth too familiar to us?

Posted at 01:11 AM Read More | |

Tue - April 18, 2006

Doughnuts and dissent

Posted at 07:55 AM Read More | |

Mon - April 17, 2006

"Waiter! Another great God Blog, please"

Posted at 10:50 PM Read More | |

While Best God Blogs is on vacation

Posted at 06:35 PM Read More | |

Tue - April 4, 2006

Methodists on glossolalia

Posted at 07:58 PM Read More | |

A smorgasbord of spiritual observations

Did I spell smorgasbord right? [Click here for an alternate viewpoint. Hat tip: GetReligion]

Posted at 06:07 AM Read More | |

Mon - March 20, 2006

"Why should the Devil have all the good music," er, miraculous events

Another reason I don't like the cessationist viewpoint.

Posted at 06:47 PM Read More | |

Teenage sexuality: Dads have a significant responsibility

Hat tip: BestGodBlogs .

Posted at 06:22 AM Read More | |

Got Faith? Sorry to hear it

Two weblogs on crosswalk.com that hit a common point.

Posted at 06:15 AM Read More | |

Sat - March 11, 2006

God and Geese (sent to me by my Dad)

This is an excellent analogy. You may have seen before; however, this is worth a reminder.

Posted at 02:43 PM Read More | |

I thought it was just a story about a father and his four year old.

Maybe the author even thought so, but after reading this, I thought that maybe there's more to the story.

Posted at 02:35 PM Read More | |

Tue - March 7, 2006

David Rogers, son of Adrian Rogers, on SBC IMB anti-charismatic policy

Original article: here.

Posted at 05:42 AM Read More | |

Tue - February 28, 2006

On crosswalk web logs

Several titles that caught my attention: (these links are mostly to remind me to read them later when I have time)

Posted at 07:14 AM Read More | |

Charismaniac, Charisphobic, or Charismatic

Notes (and an mp3) from a recent sermon at my church. This is a teaching made by Dr. Al Jackson (or Brother Al, as he's known here) at Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn AL, during the evening service on Sun, Jan 22, 2006. The teaching was made in part due to the recent controversy surrounding the SBC IMB policies on missionary qualifications.

Posted at 06:07 AM Read More | |

There once was a man on the road to ...

Original link: http://discjournal.blogspot.com/2006/02/mercy-why-cant-we-just-get-along.html

Something to give me pause when I start writing:

Posted at 05:27 AM Read More | |

Fri - February 24, 2006

Lunch conversation: speaking in tongues over a Wendy's hamburger.

I ordered a happy meal. I hope that didn't affect my analysis.

Posted at 07:08 AM Read More | |

Tue - February 21, 2006

What does one do in the presence of a saint?

This story from Voice of the Martyrs (hat tip: Mitali Perkins) is one of many that leave me speechless.
Original link: here.

Posted at 06:59 AM Read More | |

Fri - February 17, 2006

Olympic Snowboarder

Hat tip: Best of God Blogs

Posted at 06:17 AM Read More | |

The Mormon Church, DNA, and the Truth

Hat tip: Hugh Hewitt

Posted at 06:16 AM Read More | |

Wed - February 15, 2006

Support your Christian missionaries!

Posted at 04:18 PM Read More | |

Mon - February 13, 2006

Contentment and exceptions

Hat tip: Best of God Blogs - Mark Swanson does a good job searching out things worth reading.
Original article: here ;

Posted at 08:59 PM Read More | |

Tue - February 7, 2006

Excerpts from a speech

See if you can guess who (answer at the end)
Hat tip: Best of God Blogs

Posted at 08:39 AM Read More | |

Sat - February 4, 2006

The Love of Money and 12 Daily Pro

Something like this surfaces every few years among churchgoers. Because they ignore the warning of scriptures against "those who desire to become rich," eventually they get burned, usually bringing down their friends with them.

This is hastily written, so please pardon the disjoint and simple writing style. Nevertheless, I think it will be of some profit, both for those who value money and for those who value more.

Updated In response to a reader's comment, I corrected the predicted profits to include the maximum investment rules of 12 daily pro. I've also seen a few articles on some forums that StormPay, 12 Daily Pro's funds transfer agent, is having problems and has had them for some time.
See, for example articles here:
http://12dailypro4dummies.blogspot.com/
http://data.middletennessee.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=2146166
http://www.moneymakergroup.com/

Posted at 08:57 PM Read More | |

Tue - January 31, 2006

The Sermon and the Smart-Aleck.

Guess who's the Smart-aleck?

Posted at 08:07 AM Read More | |

Scientology, Kabbalah, your wallet, and your soul

I've written and taught about other cults. These two I'm only peripherally aware of, other than the fact that Tom Cruise is a nincompoop. Original article here.

Posted at 07:25 AM Read More | |

Fri - January 27, 2006

Holy rusted metal, Batman!

Posted at 07:29 PM Read More | |

Tue - January 24, 2006

A teenager's questions and another teenager's responses

I started to work on these, but my son got to them first. He did a good balance between two choices:
"Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he by wise in his own eyes."
"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him."

Well, you can see how my son handled these questions.

Posted at 09:53 PM Read More | |

Mon - January 16, 2006

On being a baptist Charismatic

This is the text of a presentation I made at my church tonight. The pastor's sermon was on the topic "Charismatic, Charismaniac, or Charis-phobic," and was given in part to address the recent decisions of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. I volunteered to give a short presentation from a "sane Charismatic." My pastor graciously permitted me to do so.

Posted at 08:11 AM Read More | |

A teenager's questions and a layman's response: part 1

One of Kayla's bulletin-board buddies posted a series of questions. She correctly gathered that these questions were put up without the desire to have them answered, but she asked me to look them over so that she could have an answer.

Disclaimer: I'm an engineer, not a theologian. (Why was this line never a part of Star Trek. Bones says, "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer..." but I digress).

Here's my first installment.

Posted at 08:07 AM Read More | |

Thu - December 29, 2005

Faith, Blind Faith, Simplicity, and Stupidity

Redraft of a previous article; this one isn't quite so much of a rant.

For a balancing (rather than opposing) viewpoint, see Spirituality that's only skin-deep? by Pastor Mark Swanson.

Posted at 01:31 PM Read More | |

Mon - December 26, 2005

Thanksgiving - a little late

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Posted at 10:47 AM Read More | |

Fri - December 23, 2005

Reflections on Matthew 6

"They already have their reward."

Posted at 09:43 AM Read More | |

Mon - December 5, 2005

The role of the Holy Spirit in Christian Life

Wow, that's a pretentious title, especially for a layman.

Posted at 11:10 PM Read More | |

Another giant in the faith goes home

July 25, 2005. I don't know how I missed it.

Posted at 10:03 PM Read More | |

Fri - December 2, 2005

ATTN SBC: I am a Charismatic infiltrator.

Posted at 07:05 AM Read More | |

Dear God: Please do not interfere with our missionary policies. Thanks. Signed, the SBC

Posted at 07:05 AM Read More | |

Tue - October 11, 2005

Every Member in Ministry

I daydream a lot. This is a speech related to our church's Every Member in Ministry campaign that I came up with at work. Don't worry, I put of writing it down until the very end of the day.

Posted at 11:31 PM Read More | |

Sat - October 1, 2005

Machine intelligence and God: another viewpoint.

Updated Oct 1

Posted at 05:31 PM Read More | |

Thumpers are offensive? Help me out.

I wrote this in response to a myspace bulletin awhile back. Kayla copied it over to Xanga, and now I'm copying my own work back.

Posted at 01:23 PM Read More | |

Sun - September 25, 2005

Why do I believe in God: Part II

From Adam

Posted at 09:34 PM Read More | |

Why do we believe in God?: Part I

Conversation with Kayla.