Take a Look at BBC News

As Americans, we tend to look at news reports that are almost all "America-focused." Even when the reports are about something that is happening in another part of the world, the lens through which the report is made is the American lens.

It is refreshing to look at international news from a different perspective. In order to get outside the USA-bubble, I like to look at BBC News. The BBC does a good job of reporting what is happening around the world - and they don't see through an America-focused lens. I certainly don't agree with everything the BBC says, but that is to be expected from any news agency.

Another bonus to BBC coverage is that the BBC is not embroiled in the current culture war news programming that we have in the USA. You know how it goes: if you want the Republican/conservative slant, you go to Fox News or the Drudge Report. If you want the Democratic/liberal slant, you go to the news affiliates at CNN, CBS, ABC, or especially MSNBC.

The BBC is by no means objective (who can be?), but it does look at the happenings around the globe through what I believe is a wider lens. Since the world does not revolve around the USA, we should look for news from a broader perspective.

Final bonus: when we read about news from other countries, we can get a feel for the need for the gospel in those places. We are reminded that the citizens of other countries have far less than we do here - both in terms of physical possessions and access to the gospel.

Online Churches - Something Doesn't Seem Right

It may be difficult to believe, but some churches now exist exclusively online. I can see that this may be an advantage for folks who are living in isolated locations. However, the lack of community seems to be a big problem. How do you carry out the "one-anothers" of scripture if you are separated by thousands of miles? In the end, the cons outweigh the pros.

See what you think by clicking here.

What is a Biblical Response to Muslims?

Instead of trying to argue Muslims into Christianity, maybe we should follow a biblical approach by being willing to lovingly die for them.

Jesus tells us in John 12:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

Click here to watch a short video of Christian who recently gave his life to save Muslims. I have no doubt that those who he saved will be much more willing to now listen to the gospel message.

Thank You Veterans

I Love This Hospital Sign

I was recently visiting in a local hospital when I noticed the above sign. It apparently is designed to remind us of the importance of cleaning our hands. It was placed on a wall just above a container of hand sanitizer. The white blob in the middle of the hand is, I think, supposed to be some sanitizer.

I like the sign because it reminds me of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Before you object, I do know that Christ was probably actually pierced through His wrists. However, the symbolism of the above sign still stands. It is nice to be walking through a hospital and be reminded of the atonement.

Additionally, I love the fact that this sign goes along with a cleansing agent. This is an additional reminder that Jesus' sacrifice cleansed me of my sin. No amount of self-applied sanitizer will wash away sin; the blood of Christ shed at Calvary is the only effective sanitizer for my soul.

I'll admit that I don't particularly like hospitals. However, at least these signs give me a reminder of who I am and whose I am.

Troubled by Blogging Arrogance

Blogs are a great place to air our opinions and engage in discussion and even debate. I enjoy blogging because it helps me synthesize what I am thinking and because I learn a great deal from what other people think.

I have to admit, however, that I am growing increasingly tired of what I'll refer to as "blogging arrogance." In particular, I'm tired of Christian bloggers who display a great deal of arrogance in their writing. I'm referring to those who write as if they are the select ones who have figured everything out. The rest of us, apparently, remain in the dark.

These bloggers usually discuss issues secondary to the gospel that have been debated for years (the truth of the gospel itself is not up for debate). Instead of issuing opinions, they state what they believe as if it is fact. Other opinions/positions are mocked and even ridiculed.

I'm referring to topics such as the end times, the church, God's sovereignty/man's responsibility, the ordinances/sacraments, worship style, etc.

We can all fall prey to the "blogging arrogance" problem. I'll admit that I've done it myself. It is so easy to move from writing that is mutually beneficial to writing that is designed to stroke our own egos and allow us to think that we have "one-upped" somebody else.

Let us all strive for humility in all aspects of life - including blogging.

Great News

For some great news for you and me, click here.

Good Advice from John

Near the end of his second and third letters, the apostle John writes these words:

II John 12, "Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete." (ESV)

III John 13, "I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face."

We would be wise to follow this advice when we disagree in the blogosphere.

In perusing various blogs over the past several years, I have come across seemingly countless interchanges, usually in the "comments" sections, where people are downright nasty to one another. And these are Christians writing on Christian blogs!

Far too many times it seems as if the discussions in the blog world are not real communication. Instead of listening, people tend to try to "one-up" the others and delve into needless argumentation.

Misunderstanding is one of the reasons for these problematic interchanges. The obvious reason for this is that the vast majority of real communication comes through non-verbal cues and tone of voice.

Instead of getting into more pointless arguments in the blog world, we would be wise to follow John's advice. Let's make a point of talking with others in person - especially when we disagree. If we live too far apart for that, then why not at least have a telephone conversation?

Winning arguments through a witty zinger in the comments section of some blog does little to further the kingdom of heaven.

Christlike conversation in person or over the phone which leads to understanding is something that pleases God.

According to John, this may even lead to our joy.

Exploring Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are, according to the IMB, "large groupings of related people that share similar origins, languages, and cultures." Focusing on affinity groups (as opposed to geographical regions of the world) is a new strategy by the IMB.

Click here to visit an interesting site/map that helps you look at different affinity groups around the globe.

A Different Gospel for VBS?

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-7 (ESV)

Apparently some churches are turning to a different gospel - the "save the environment" gospel. Some even champion this in VBS.

Watch and be astonished and chagrined.



(Thanks C.C.)

Interesting Info on Religion and Science in the USA

To read about some interesting findings about the relationship between religion and science, click here to read info from the Pew Forum.

Below are some of the findings:

A Lesson Learned?

Do you think he learned his own lesson?

"Christian Archy" is in the Mail

Yesterday I ordered my copy of Christian Archy. I just received notice that it has been shipped.

I have been looking forward to this book by Dave Black for some time. His books always challenge me. Quite frankly, they often make me uncomfortable. However, since this is a good place to be as a Christian, I've ordered my copy of this book right away.

The publisher of this book says this about it, "In Christian Archy, Dr. David Alan Black examines the New Testament to find the truly radical and all-encompassing claims of God's kingdom. In doing so, he discovers that the character of this kingdom is widely different from what is commonly contemplated today. Its glory is revealed only through suffering — a point that Jesus' disciples, then and now, have been slow to understand. This truth has tremendous implications for church life. The kingdom of God is in no way imperialistic. It has no political ambitions. It conquers not by force but by love. It is this humble characteristic of the kingdom that is a stumbling block to so many today. Christ's claim to our total allegiance is one we seek to avoid at all costs. But there is only one way to victory and peace, and that way is the way of the Lamb."

Click here to order.

Goliath Beats David

Last night Goliath beat David. It is a sad story.

The New York Yankees (Goliath) and their $200 million payroll beat my beloved Philadelphia Phillies (David) in the World Series. The Yankees won four games to two.

The trouble is that the Yankees, like Goliath, represent all that is wrong with our world (I'll admit - this is a bit of an overstatement). The Phillies, meanwhile, are a likable group of players whose payroll is about %50 of New Yorks'.

It is hard to watch evil defeat good - especially when the good team is your favorite team (and has been for 35 years).

At least there is next year. Go Phillies!

Happily Ignorant about T.V.

I frequently hear people passionately discussing what is happening on the latest T.V. shows. They talk about the characters, the plot lines, and the relationships. They also try to figure out how they can fit the new shows into their already busy schedules.

I am thrilled to say that I am purposely completely ignorant about what is happening on T.V. Ever since we made the decision last spring to rid ourselves of T.V., we have felt freed from its clutches. We no longer find ourselves feeling like slaves to the scheduling folks at the networks.

Let me be clear: we do own a T.V. However, we have no cable subscription and don't even try to pick anything up through any sort of antennae (can you still even do that?). Instead, we have a number of movies and documentaries that we watch occasionally. We also check out films from the local library. This allows Alice and me to screen everything our kids watch. We no longer find ourselves feverishly diving for the remote control when something unexpected and inappropriate comes on the T.V.

As for the news, we check it out several times per day on the internet. So far we haven't missed out on anything substantial.

There is a saying that is sometimes true: "Ignorance is bliss." That's how we feel.

An additional bonus to all this is that we have more time to read and spend together as a family.

I strongly encourage you to get rid of you T.V. subscription. It may hurt a bit at first as you experience withdrawal, but you will never regret it.

Just Silly

The Abomination that is the Prosperity Gospel

I couldn't agree more. Thanks, Dr. Piper.

You Have Two Great Options

All followers of Jesus Christ have two great options each day. In fact, we deal with this issue every morning (whether we realize it or not).

We have the option of waking up and serving the Lord for another day. This is a great blessing.

The second option is even better. We don't wake up, but instead die and go to be with Christ. This is an infinitely greater blessing.

Paul makes this very clear in Philippians 1:21 when he writes simply, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (click here to read in context). In Paul's eyes, both life and death are great options. He can go on serving Christ which will mean more "fruitful labor" for him. However, his desire is to be with Jesus, which "is far better."

Paul understood, probably better than we do because we don't face persecution and death on a regular basis, that both life and death are wonderful possibilities. Neither is a negative. Both are only positive.

I'm not sure that we embrace life and death this way. We (I can speak for myself in particular) tend to be too comfortable in our materialism and lax in our service of Christ. We also don't spend enough time pondering the joy that awaits us in heaven with God.

Maybe we don't like to think about these options because we are not the ones in control of whether or not we wake up in the morning. We know that God is sovereign over life and death. He is the one who chooses which option we face today.

However, in light of the fact that God is both all-powerful and all-good, why shouldn't we completely trust Him with whether we live or die for another five minutes?

To put it simply, another day of life is a gift from God to serve Him fully. Death is an even greater gift - for we go directly to be be the perfect Three-in-One in heaven.

I'm thankful for two great options. As I sit here, I'm thankful for another day of life. I look forward to the day when I get to partake of option two and be with Christ.

More Great Photos from Kenya

As I have mentioned before, my parents are serving this school year at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. As a bonus for them, the scenery where they are located is beautiful.

The photo to the left clearly shows some of the mountains and valleys near my parents. I have to admit a bit of jealousy since we live where everything is flat.

My parents just recently updated their blog with many new photos from their school and the area surrounding it. I encourage you to take a look. God has truly blessed Kenya with much natural beauty.

Excellent New Ligonier Website

Ligonier Ministries has posted a new website. After looking it over, I find it to be much more helpful than the previous one.

In particular, I like the "Learn" link that offers all sorts of options for reading and listening. The best part of this section (and the entire site) has to be the "Teacher Index." After clicking there, you can select from the writings of over 60 excellent teachers. Several of my personal favorites are included such as Alistair Begg, Jerry Bridges, D. A. Carson, Sinclair Ferguson, Richard Phillips, John Piper, R. C. Sproul, Joni Eareckson Tada, Bruce Ware, David Wells, and Ravi Zacharias.

Enjoy!