Saturday, August 31, 2013

More On Noah...

Sunday's sermon is on Noah. Here's some more information on Noah you might be interested in:

Bible scholars have many different views on the same subject and it is sometimes difficult to gather a consensus. We've used a compilation of sources, cited at the end of Teaching the Bible, so you are given different sides of the research. Enjoy using these resources and others on discovering new views about Noah and the ark.
  • It took 120 years to build the ark. 
  • Noah preached righteousness to the people, while he built the ark.
  • The people had 120 years to turn it around.
  • Noah and family and animals sat in the ark seven days before the first drop of rain. Even more time for people to rethink their life styles.
  • God sealed the ark. He didn't let human will or human timetables affect the departure.
  • God gave directions for a floating ship, not a sailing ship. Noah received no instructions for a rudder. 
  • The ark was one and a half football fields long.
  • It was three stories tall within the hull.
  • They were on the ark one year, one month and twenty-seven days. 
  • There are two accounts of the number of animals. Gen. 6:19 tells Noah to take male and female of every kind of animal. Gen. 7:2-3 tells him to take seven pairs (male and female) of clean animals and only one pair of unclean animals.
  • The clean animals were presumably for food and sacrifice.
  • There are many flood stories, all have a boat, animals, and a hero. The Gilgamesh Epic is the Babylonian version of a flood story that mostly resembles Noah's excursion. The gods were annoyed by the noises of man so they decided to destroy the earth. Atrakhasis was warned in a dream to build a boat, take his family, and animals. He was to announce to the rest of the world that he was being punished, but they would benefit from this action. The gods caused it to rain and flooded the earth. Atrakhasis sent out birds to determine whether or not to get off the boat. He offered a sacrifice to the gods and they promised never to destroy earth with a flood again. The Genesis flood story is so similar that many suggest they are one and the same.
  • Noah's ark was 450 feet long; the Mayflower was 90 feet long; the Cutty Sark is 212 feet long; and an aircraft carrier that can carry 5000 people and hold 90 planes is 1000 ft. long.
  • One account said the ark was large enough to hold 330 railroad cars. Another source says 520 railroad box cars.
  • "Only 150 box cars would be needed to comfortably carry two of each air-breathing creature in the world today!" That's just one floor of the ark. 
  • Noah was 480 years old when he began building the ark.
  • Noah didn't have any children during the first twenty years of building the ark.
  • According to the Hebrew calendar the ark voyage started about the middle to the end of our November. 
  • Noah didn't race off the boat. He waited for God's signal. Not like passengers on the plane when you get to the gate.



A Prayer for Trusting Jesus with the Impossible

A Prayer for Trusting Jesus with the Impossible - ...and we all must.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Tapestry: A Vision for Trans-Cultural Church

Tapestry: A Vision for Trans-Cultural Church- Leonce Crump describes the vision as “trans-cultural.” Not multi-cultural, but trans-cultural. Crump pastors Renovation Church in Atlanta and has found the image of a tapestry to be helpful. The individual pieces are essential, but the whole is more beautiful than the parts. Says Crump, more important than being African-American is being a child of God.

In this five-minute video, Crump wonderfully articulates his trans-cultural vision, walking us through the biblical storyline and sharing his church’s experience of unity in diversity.


You Do Not Labor in Vain

You Do Not Labor in Vain - Sometimes our work feels satisfying and fulfilling. Often, it's just hard work and tedious. This article provides a helpful Labor Day weekend view of our labors.

The Cul-de-sac of Stupidity

The Cul-de-sac of Stupidity - This is a good article from Matt Chandler (for the title if nothing else).

Is Your Heart an Idol Factory?

Is Your Heart an Idol Factory? - John Calvin famously said that the human heart is an "idol factory". This article both agrees and challenges that quote.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Modern Worship Wars

Modern Worship Wars - "The vast variety of expressions of worship to our ever-worthy Savior is an incredible opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and express praise in new and fresh ways. But these tools ought not become the deterrents from or objects of our exaltation."

Religious Compromise as “the price of citizenship”

Religious Compromise as “the price of citizenship” - This is another follow-up on the significant ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court against a Christian couple who declined to serve as photographers for a same-sex wedding.

Seeing God in Your Work

Seeing God in Your Work - On a Labor Day weekend, it's important to revisit work from God's perspective.

Why Desmond Tutu Is So Right and So Wrong

Why Desmond Tutu Is So Right and So Wrong - "Earlier this summer Desmond Tutu, former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town and primate for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, pronounced his belief that God is not homophobic, and he himself would not want to reside in a heaven characterized by homophobia. He would rather go to "the other place." 

The article uses the example of Tutu to illustrate where many well-meaning people end up so right and so wrong on an important cultural topic.

The Three Most Amazing Letters in the Bible

The Three Most Amazing Letters in the Bible – Little words can be filled with great value.

4 Principles for the Exercise of Christian Liberty

4 Principles for the Exercise ofChristian Liberty – This is a good discussion on principles of law and grace, freedom and responsibility (to and for others).

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Content of Our Character—Fifty Years Later Many Challenges Remain

The Content of Our Character—Fifty Years Later Many Challenges Remain - Al Mohler reflects on the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. King's speech. 

In addition, you might like to hear the speech Martin Luther King Jr. delivered to the students and faculty of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary on April 19, 1961. King challenged the seminarians that the church had a central role to play in ending segregation.

There is No Such Thing as “The One”

There is No Such Thing as “The One” – “Marriage is much more formed than it is found. You don’t find a marriage so much as you make one.” If you’re tired of hearing that love is found like in the movies, this article is for you.

9 Things You Should Know About the March on Washington

9 Things You Should Know About the March on Washington - This is a good read.

Takeaways from the 2013 Global Leadership Summit

Four Takeaways from the 2013 Global Leadership Summit - It's all about courage.

Three Reasons to Pray for President Obama

Three Reasons to Pray for President Obama - The freedoms for Christian discipleship in the United States seem to be shriveling, albeit slowly. American Christians may be entering a day when the civil authorities tell us we must not do what we know is right. And at the same time, could it be that we also are entering a day when God tells us what’s right regarding the civil authorities, but we don’t want to do it? The government may tell us we can’t do what we know is right, while God may be telling us to do what’s right and we refuse to.

The Mystery of Testing

The Mystery of Testing - "You hear this phrase all the time in the context of trials: God is “testing our faith.” Christians rightly talk about tests of faith because James uses the phrase in his epistle (James 1:3). But do we know what we mean by it? And do we mean the same thing James did?"


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Common, Flawed Vessels

Common, Flawed Vessels – The disciples were just ordinary, run-of-the-mill kind of people. More than that, they had more flaws than you could shake a stick at. But they had something else—or should I say Someone—who made all the difference.

Strangers to Missionaries

Strangers to Missionaries – This article speaks to being intentional about our interactions with others. How can we move toward being missionaries on mission in our current relationships? 

Jesus on Every Page: 7 Reasons to Study Your Old Testament

Jesus on Every Page: 7 Reasons to Study Your Old Testament - Seven reasons to stop shrugging and start studying the other 60 percent of our Bibles.

Don’t Be Blind to God’s Love

Don’t Be Blind to God’s Love - The primary problem for both believers and unbelievers is the same—blindness.

Transgender Politics vs. the Facts of Life

Transgender Politics vs. the Facts of Life - Nancy Pearcey writes regarding the new transgender law in California, “Every law has an implicit worldview, a set of assumptions that justifies it. The worldview implicit in the transgender movement is that our physical bodies have no particular value -- that our biology is irrelevant to who we are as persons.” 

Monday, August 26, 2013

A Prayer for a Teachable Heart

A Prayer for a Teachable Heart - It's easy to become satisfied and unteachable.

9 (More) Things You Should Know About Duck Dynasty

9 (More) Things You Should Know About Duck Dynasty - You know you want to know...

Make the Bible Your Native Tongue

Make the Bible Your Native TongueTim Kimmel writes,Our limitless access to prepackaged devotional, inspirational, and theological insights from others can unwittingly give us a BSL — Bible as a Second Language — orientation on God.”


“It is the Price of Citizenship?” — An Elegy for Religious Liberty in America

“It is the Price of Citizenship?” — An Elegy for Religious Liberty in America – Al Mohler writes, “Anyone who still doubts that the normalization of homosexuality and the legalization of same-sex marriage will represent a seismic shift in the culture at large needs only to look to New Mexico to see that nothing less than religious liberty is now under threat—and in a big way.”



Friday, August 23, 2013

Teens and Unrestricted Access: Time to Repent

Teens and Unrestricted Access: Time to Repent - Are we spiritually intentional as parents in leading our children in their access and use of technology?

What Is Discernment?

What Is Discernment? – The Bible mentions the need for believers to have discernment. So what is it and why is it important? Sinclair Ferguson provides some good answers.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

A Prayer for Those Times When You Want to Flee, Even from God

A Prayer for Those Times When You Want to Flee, Even from God - There are times when we are tempted to take a boat to Tarshish just like Jonah. This is an encouraging prayer thought for such times.

10 Most Admired Qualities in Leadership Today

10 Most Admired Qualities in Leadership Today – It’s a list worth considering - and not just at church.

Healthy Churches are Messy

Healthy Churches areMessy – Sam Rainer explains why a healthy church is one with people in all stages of spiritual life. If everyone in your church is at the same point spiritually, something is definitely wrong.

Youth Ministry Bridges Parents and Church

Youth Ministry Bridges Parents and Church - Good thoughts on ministry to students for both pastoral staff and student ministry volunteers.

9 Things You Should Know About Child Brides

9 Things You Should Know About Child Brides - You really should know even if you'd rather not.

Just Call Me

Just Call Me  - Pastor Paul W. Martin writes, “I have often told people to just call me when they are tempted to some terrible sin, thinking that if we could just talk at that moment I could help them choose wisely. That always sounds good. But I don’t think it typically works.”



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Why We Won’t Back Down

Why We Won’t Back Down -" In the increasingly post-Christian worlds of Europe and North America, society relentlessly pressures biblically faithful Christians to back down. Back down on your stance against abortion. Back down on your refusal to condone homosexual practice and so-called “gay marriage.” Back down on claiming your Bible is inerrant. Back down on male leadership in the church and the home. Back down on the exclusive sufficiency of Jesus’s person and work for salvation, and your claim that there is only one name given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)."

Is God Disappointed In Me?

Is God Disappointed In Me? - A helpful illustration and simple application in this article may encourage you in your relationship journey with God.

What Does it Mean to Fear God?

What Does it Mean to Fear God? - I get asked this often and here's a good response.

Three Things You Don’t Know About Your Children and Sex

Three Things You Don’t Know About Your Children and Sex - This is a tough article on hard subjects. It's the kind of things we just don't want to think about. My experience with people says we need to. It may not all apply to you but it applies. You may find the comments section at the end of the article interesting as well.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Craziest Statistic You'll Read About North American Missions

The Craziest Statistic You'll Read About North American Missions - Interesting stats from Gordon-Conwell. An astonishing number of non-Christians in the U.S. and Canada don't know any Christians. Here's why...

When the Doctor Calls

When the Doctor Calls -  Gordon MacDonald writes, “One doctor's insistence prepared me for another doctor's report.”

Is Your Job Useless?

Is Your Job Useless? - Today, three-quarters of Americans feel unfulfilled in their work -- and job dissatisfaction may be an even greater struggle in the Christian community. What do we do, then, when we feel our work is useless?

The Dangers of Anti-Sharia Laws

The Dangers of Anti-Sharia Laws - This discussion is becoming more common on this topic. This article is not the beginning and end of all discussion on the issue but it raises some points worth considering. The author writes:

Opposing Sharia law may appear to be commonsensical measure. But there is a compelling reason why Christians should join in rejecting anti-Sharia legislation: By helping to push the idea that religious beliefs should be kept private, anti-Sharia laws are a threat to all of our religious liberties. 

What I Wish I’d Known About the Church

What I Wish I’d Known About the Church - Trillia Newbell shares her experiences of growing in Christ and what she wish she had known about the church, herself, others, and marriage. Her list is common to many.

Loved by the Good Shepherd

Loved by the GoodShepherd - An encouraging devotional thought from John 10:11-15.


When the Battle Was Lost

The Importance of Your Gag Reflex When Discussing Homosexuality and “Gay Marriage” - This is a straightforward article on tough subjects. In the article, Thabiti Anyabwile describes how the "battle was lost" in the gay marriage debate.

Five Reasons We Don't Evangelize

Five Reasons We Don't Evangelize - These reasons point to the fact that evangelism is not in our "spiritual DNA".

We Cannot Manipulate God, But We Can Trust Him

We Cannot Manipulate God, But We Can Trust Him - ...and that is far better. A good article by J.D. Greear.

Monday, August 19, 2013

My Lord Is Near Me All the Time

My Lord Is Near Me All the Time Frank Lewis, Senior Pastor of First Baptist, Nashville, shares how he learned the value of holding on to hope in the midst of his daughter's recovery from alcohol addiction.

A Prayer When Feeling a Bit Down and “Blah-ish”

A Prayer When Feeling a Bit Down and “Blah-ish” - Prayer thoughts for a Monday.

The Number One Reason for the Decline in Church Attendance and Five Ways to Address It

The Number One Reason for the Decline in Church Attendance and Five Ways to Address It - It's an issue to be aware of and for churches to address.

Jesus Moves into the Neighborhood

Jesus Moves into the Neighborhood Through Bible Translation - We have rarely considered the importance of language’s role in the Great Commission. And yet, language is the backbone of culture—the means to fulfilling it.

The Temptation of Jesus Is Not about Your Battle with Sin

The Temptation ofJesus Is Not about Your Battle with Sin - This is an often forgotten perspective on the story of Jesus's temptation in the wilderness.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Jesus Has Overcome the World

Jesus Has Overcome the World - The Bible is thoroughly realistic about life in our sinful, broken world. It's going to be tough. Yet, God's word doesn't leave us to despair.

“Quick to Listen” to Whom?

“Quick to Listen” toWhom? "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). We usually apply this to our situations of conflicts with others. Maybe the admonition to be "quick to listen" has a more significant focus.

10 Things I've Learned About Marriage by Ed Stetzer

10 Things I've Learned About Marriage by Ed Stetzer - Ed Stetzer has a great list of marriage wisdom to encourage couples forward.

Why You Can Trust Your Bible

Why You Can Trust Your Bible - Justin Holcomb: “Critics who doubt the reliability and trustworthiness of the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life have issued a make-or-break challenge to the church. They ask us: ‘How can we be sure the Bible can be trusted as accurate?’ It’s common to see the argument that the Scriptures we have today aren’t the same as what was written by the apostles in the first century. Such arguments attempt to portray the Bible as unreliable and therefore irrelevant. As we will see, however, these challenges do not stand up to scrutiny.”

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Measuring Church Health: How Many People Are Connected in Groups

Measuring Church Health: How Many People Are Connected in Groups - We find we are well above average but always needing to grow our "connectedness". The article poses an interesting insight that first connection beyond worship may be service with a group rather than a group.

Busyness - Our Badge of Importance?

In this brief video, pastor and author John Ortberg speaks well to the plague of our time - busyness.

The Egyptian Crisis and the Gospel

The Egyptian Crisis and the Gospel - Russell Moore comments on the current crisis of direction in Egypt but goes deeper. The article connects the current events to a well-known biblical example and then to our own hearts. It's worth a read.

Why We Really Sleep In

Why We Really Sleep In - This article covers more than just the reason we hit the snooze alarm. Why do we give up what is most important for momentary gratifications?

How to Help Your Child Read with Discernment

How to Help Your Child Read with Discernment - Good practical advice for guiding children to make good choices in their reading.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Five Back-to-School Basics

Five Back-to-School Basics - Everyone is getting ready for a new school year. Here are five spiritual applications to remember going into school this fall.

Eight Misconceptions About the Bible

Eight Misconceptions About the Bible - We hear these all the time. This article gives simple answers to counter these common misconceptions.

You Asked: What Is the Unforgivable Sin?

You Asked: What Is the Unforgivable Sin? The question comes up often and this is a studied response.

When You Pray With Your Children, You Are Teaching Your Children to Pray

When You Pray With Your Children, You Are Teaching Your Children to Pray - This is an important thought for parents and the children they influence.

Baptist Church Asks DJ to Lead Worship

Baptist Church Asks DJ to Lead Worship Jim Denison comments on the story of a church in transition and makes a great application on our own worship of God.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

The Cosmological Argument - Does God Exist?

The question to be asked is this, "Does God exist? Or is the material universe all that is, or ever was, or ever will be?" One approach to answering this question is the Cosmological Argument. This is a simple, effective presentation of that argument.


Interpreting Old Testament Law

Interpreting Old Testament Law - This a a helpful "beginners guide" to understanding how to interpret all those complicated Old Testament laws. What do they mean for us today?

A Song Worth Hearing and Singing

Man of Sorrows – This is a great song coming from Hillsong’s music that really blessed me this day. It’s titled,  “Man of Sorrows”.

Stirring Things Up At Home - Good Things

Good News and Good Deeds - Elyse Fitzpatrick gives some great applications for Hebrews 10:24, “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). A good place to start may be in our own homes.

Monday, August 12, 2013

The Family: God’s Litmus Test of Applied Grace

The Family: God’s Litmus Test of Applied Grace - I am always blessed by things Tim Kimmel says and writes about family. 

5 Prayers God Never Answers

5 Prayers God Never Answers. I'm posting this because it made me laugh.

When Scholarly Skepticism Encounters Jesus Christ

When Scholarly Skepticism Encounters Jesus Christ - The book Zealot by Reza Aslan is the latest in a series of bestsellers that attack the historical Jesus. We need to be reminded regularly that just because a book says it is about "Jesus" does not mean it is about the Jesus of the Bible. In this article, Darrell Bock breaks down the problems with Zealot.

The Monster Under Your Bed

The Monster Under Your Bed - This is a simple, applicable article about fear. “As an adult, I've long since conquered my fears of the dark. But I still have monsters under my bed and they taunt me night and day…”

The Amalekite Genocide

The Amalekite Genocide - You may find this heavy reading for a Monday but it does take on a tough and common question about the "God of the Old Testament."

"One of the standard ways that the New Atheists attack Christianity is by using some of the Old Testament war passages to argue that God is violent and petty. One of the favourite passages for this is the so-called Amalekite Genocide of 1 Samuel 15. But difficulties with passages such as this are not restricted to atheists."

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Where Do You Turn in Your Darkest Hour?

Where Do You Turn in Your Darkest Hour? - At one time or another, we have all likely found ourselves asking, as David did, “How long, O Lord?” (Ps. 13:1). We rightly ask God to end the suffering we experience, but in our struggles do we ask what they may be preparing us for?

Saturday, August 10, 2013

A Prayer for Worshiping God Before, In and After the Fire

A Prayer for Worshiping God Before, In and After the Fire - Scotty Smith's prayer speaks to our sermon themes for tomorrow and encouraged me in my own "in and after the fire" moments.

Jesus and Football

Jesus and Football Tony Morgan shares a conversation he had with his high school age son who said, "If Jesus played football, I don’t think he would be very good. The family conversation that ensues is a reminder of the "imaginary Jesus's" we picture.

Lay Aside the Weight of Fragmented Focus

Lay Aside the Weight of Fragmented Focus - Jon Bloom writes on a topic we all feel in our "too busy" lives.

Are You Needed in Your Church?

Are You Needed in Your Church? - The article contains an excellent perspective on serving the Lord through your church. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to use our gifts to serve our church family. But then again, who would say they have the spiritual gift of changing diapers? Holding doors open? Setting up chairs?”

Friday, August 9, 2013

5 Ways to Minister to Someone With Dementia

5 Ways to Minister to Someone With Dementia - The author writes, "Since graduating seminary in May 2012 with my MDiv, a lot has happened in my life. At the top of that list is the return of my father into my life after a long absence. I discovered that Dad has frontal temporal dementia, which is leading to a gradual erosion of his normal, day to day functions, such as dressing himself. In my care for Dad, God has taught me some important lessons. I thought I’d share them with you today..."

12 Lessons from the Race Conversation

12 Lessons from the Race Conversation Christ-followers need to be in this conversation. How can you get involved?

9 Things You Should Know About Human Trafficking

9 Things You Should Know About Human Trafficking Here's the first one:

1. Modern-day slavery, also referred to as "trafficking in persons," or "human trafficking," describes the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

10 Things Christ Promises to Reward | Unlocking the Bible

10 Things Christ Promises to Reward | Unlocking the Bible Laying up treasure in heaven is important, right? This might be a good list to review.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Seven Key Principles for Interpreting the Bible

Seven Key Principles for Interpreting the Bible - The Bible is an ancient and complex book, yet it is God’s revelation to us. How can we be sure to interpret it correctly? Pastor Mark Driscoll explains 7 key principles of biblical interpretation in this third installment of his blog series, which provides a guided tour of topics such as what is the Biblewhere the Bible came from, and misconceptions about the Bible.

20 Conversations The Bible Left Out

20 Conversations The Bible Left Out Silly?...YES...but worth it.

Protect from Busyness

Protect from Busyness - Here is a helpful list of six ways Christians can protect each other from busyness.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

8 Means to Reaching God-Honoring Goals in Parenting

8 Means to Reaching God-Honoring Goals in Parenting - Jim Newheiser and Elyse Fitzpatrick have contributed a significant resource to the wealth of literature currently available to Christian parents. In their excellent book, You Never Stop Being a Parent: Thriving in Relationship with Your Adult Children, they provide sound, mature counsel to all parents whose goal is simply to be God’s instrument of directing their children to know the Lord and to live for His glory. This is a really wise book! In the first chapter, “Before You Walk Out that Door,” they write:

Christian parents understand that our job isn’t merely to get our kids through the educational process. A high school or college diploma is not the goal. We’ve been entrusted with something far greater than being sure Susie passes calculus or Johnny stays out of trouble. We know that we are preparing them for the day when they will ultimately leave our home and our daily influence; the day when they’ll be mature adults rather than grown dependents.

Rodney Stark: Membership in Local Churches Is Now at an All-Time High in America

Rodney Stark: Membership in Local Churches Is Now at an All-Time High in America From an interview with Baylor University sociologist Rodney Stark:

We’ve heard a great deal in the past year about the rise of the “Nones.” According to reports, about 20% of Americans, the highest percentage ever, tell surveyors that they have no religious affiliation. Yet in America’s Blessings you note that 70% of Americans, also the highest percentage in our history, belong to religious congregations. What explains these two, apparently contradictory, developments?

First of all, few of the “Nones” aren’t religious.  Most of them even pray. What they mean when they say “None” is that they do not belong to a specific church.

Cell Phones In Church


After several phones went off Sunday...I thought I'd share...

8 Ways to Become a Great Commission Christian

8 Ways to Become a Great Commission Christian Chuck Lawless provides some simple steps to seeing and engaging with a world God "so loved."

Monday, August 5, 2013

How Do We Find Spiritual Rest?

How Do We Find Spiritual Rest? J.D. Greear writes, “Let’s face it: sometimes going “all the way” with Jesus is a challenge, and we find ourselves lagging behind where we feel like we should be. In times like these, it might make sense to tell ourselves to work a little harder, to devote ourselves more fully to God. But the gospel diagnoses things differently. Ironically, the gospel tells us that when following Jesus gets difficult, the answer is not to “work harder” but to “rest better.” Only by learning to rest in Jesus will we have the strength we need to thrive.”

How the Last Decade Changed American Life - The Barna Group

How the Last Decade Changed American Life - The Barna Group - Interesting insights on changing perceptions since 9/11.

Setting Boundaries for Kids in a Digital Age

Setting Boundaries for Kids in a Digital Age - A good article for parents of preteens seeking balance and boundaries for their children in a digital world.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

A Prayer for Finishing Well

A Prayer for Finishing Well A good word in prayer from Scotty Smith.

Five Reasons to Confront Even If You Hate Confrontation

Five Reasons toConfront Even If You Hate Confrontation - Christians tend to be conflict and confrontation avoiders. Our love value comes to completely override our truth value. This article provides some good reasons to "speak the truth in love."

Worst Religion Story of the Year

Worst Religion Story of the Year - This article gives harsh, stereotyped view of Christians. Joe Carter quotes an old movie in his response to the worst religion article of the year. “Principal: Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Vinegar and Smoke - Developing Self-Discipline

Vinegar and Smoke - Developing Self-Discipline - John MacArthur provides these helpful 7 practical tips he has used to develop his own self-discipline.

Where Did The Bible Come From?

Where Did The Bible Come From? - How did we get the Bible? Can we be sure that our Bible today is the same as what God inspired to be written? Pastor Mark Driscoll explains the fascinating story of how the Bible got from God to us in this second installment of his blog series, which provides a guided tour of topics such as what is the Bible, principles for interpreting the Bible, and misconceptions about the Bible.

Bedtime

Bedtime - Al Mohler points to scientific evidence to what we all know—that kids need a regular bedtime.

9 Things You Should Know About the Scopes Monkey Trial

9 Things You Should Know About the Scopes Monkey Trial - This month marks the 88th anniversary of the Scopes "Monkey" Trial, a famous legal case in 1925 in which a high school teacher, John Scopes, was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach human evolution in any state-funded school. Here are nine things you should know about this infamously misunderstood case.