I have been absent from the blogging world for a while, and I wanted to share some incites that I feel I have received while I was working on other projects. Blogging can be a great ministry, but there are things we need to do in order in make sure we are bring God the Glory. 1. Promote peace with blogging. Too often we do "drive by" comments. We don't take the time to understand the writer's perspective, we read the title and the first three lines, then comment. Most of the time, the statements we make are in error and we cause conflict. Don't cause conflict because you are too lazy … [Read more...] about 5 ways to Blog unto the Glory of God
Hudson Taylor, the Ignorant Little Child of God
In a dramatic moment when it seemed that the Lord was expanding the work of the China Inland Mission (CIM) to establish offices in and send missionaries from North America, the mission’s famous leader, Hudson Taylor, knew exactly what needed to be done first. “Before we begin to plan, don’t you think we had better pray?” he asked. H.W. Frost, the man to whom he posed the question, recorded what happened next. “With hands folded and bent head, he told the Lord that we were little children and it was not in us to direct our steps, but that He, the Lord, knew everything—and would He not give … [Read more...] about Hudson Taylor, the Ignorant Little Child of God
Rebooting My Life: Dealing with Burnout
I have considered taking a second job recently – as a computer and electronics repairman. No, I essentially know nothing about how they work – I assume it is all magic and gremlins. But I have found the secret of fixing 99.9% of electronic problems. Reboot. Is your computer acting funny? Turn it off and turn it back on. A reboot will likely make the glitch disappear. Smart phone acting dumb? Reboot and its IQ returns to normal. Some problems go beyond that, but relatively few. Now, it is time for me to try a personal reboot. I’m not sure if it will work quite as easily as it … [Read more...] about Rebooting My Life: Dealing with Burnout
The Tyndale Estate Sues for Plagiarism
The 400th anniversary of the King James Bible may be jeopardized by new legal action for alleged copyright infringement. The William Tyndale Estate has filed a lawsuit against the British Monarchy. It claims the "Authorized Version" contains parts largely copied from Tyndale's 1525 New Testament translation. Due to the magnitude of this case, the filing seeks an immediate hearing before the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. They claim: In translating the Bible, Tyndale introduced new words into the English language, and many were subsequently used in the King James … [Read more...] about The Tyndale Estate Sues for Plagiarism
Theistic Evolution–Legitimate Belief System or Cheating? (Actually, It Is Worse Than That)
A friend of mine was gracious enough to ask me what I thought of Theistic Evolution--the idea that tries to fuse modern science's theories of the origins of the universe with some form of the Creation account. Is it a legitimate belief system, he asked, or is it "cheating" (for both sides) of the debate? An interesting way to phrase the question, for sure. I was thankful that my Christian witness in the past provided for a chance to engage on his latest discussion. As believers that is what we should hope for in our conduct before a watching world (Col 4:5,6). I prayerfully sat at the … [Read more...] about Theistic Evolution–Legitimate Belief System or Cheating? (Actually, It Is Worse Than That)
An Open Letter to Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr.
I am addressing this publicly to you because of public comments you made on SBC Voices yesterday. You were upset by some comments a couple of our regulars made and you responded with your normal incisive and direct words. You have a powerful manner of speaking and articulating your points. I would not want to enter a debate with you - it might be like trying to counter a bazooka with a pop-gun! But I have something I want to say to you. And I want to say it publicly because I think a lot of us feel the same way. I'm on a brief sabbatical at my church and while I'm managing this blog … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Wm Dwight McKissic, Sr.
Review of “Give Them Grace”
Every church should have a small group for parents. Maybe not to go over the latest Christian parenting book or fad, but simply to encourage one another that you aren’t the worse parent in the world and little Johnny is probably not Satan-incarnate. I read a good amount of Christian parenting books. I read the ones that tell you “do X so that your kid will be successful”, and I also read the ones that are more geared towards parenting with the gospel as a grid. Both leave me exhausted—convinced that I am going to mess up my kids. You see, I absolutely love my children and I want give … [Read more...] about Review of “Give Them Grace”
1611 Or Naught
Greetings, To my brethren in the SBC, why is thou seeking inferiority in less than ideal typography? If the 1611 version is the translation most accurate, doth text not infer grace and power also? If thou art to be correct in thy study and understanding, then why art thou not using the text most accurate? Doth thou have struggles reading text, do you lack understanding? God in His glory Hath given us text in a form that is most holy, separate from all other translations by the text in form as well as function. Why, if thou, wishest to read the most authentic of the authorized version would … [Read more...] about 1611 Or Naught
Hank Williams Jr. and His Obama-Hitler Comparison
Something happened last night that hasn't happened in years. Monday Night Football opened without the song that has become so identified with it, "Are You Ready for Some Football?" by Hank Williams, Jr. It seems that on Fox and Friends on Monday morning, Hank expressed his displeasure over the current occupant of the Oval Office by comparing him to one of histories most despicable men, Adolf Hitler. Well, sort of. He did not say that Obama was Hitler. He was evidently upset at hearing that House Speaker John Boehner had played golf with the president and said that "It'd be like Hitler … [Read more...] about Hank Williams Jr. and His Obama-Hitler Comparison
Advice to a Friend with Cancer
The following is a modernized and de-Britainized version of John Newton’s letter to Mr. B in 1774. I have tried to keep my changing of the words minimal but I have reformatted some to make it more readable for a blog entry as well. ----------------- My Dearest Sir, I see the necessity of having, if possible, my beliefs upon my fingertips, so that I may apply them as I need them every hour. Certainly, if my ability matched my desire, I would remove your tumor with a word or a touch; I would instantly take away every pain and inconvenience forever. But you are in the hands of One … [Read more...] about Advice to a Friend with Cancer