I had an interesting discussion today with a friend. I met this man for the first time yesterday, however I have read his blog for several months.
What his blog did tell me about him: He is a humble man, intent on ministering to others. His blog posts reflect this. They are seldom about him specifically, rather about the people he comes into contact with, and what you, the reader, as a Christian, can do to minister to them.
What his blog did not tell me about him: He is an incredibly funny guy! Very tongue in cheek at certain junctures which make hanging out a very enjoyable time. He is concerned about his ability to minister to a younger generation, and he has a heart for ministry that is so vast, his blog only scratches the surface.
Blog away my friends! But realize that nothing you post can ever summarize or fully express your life experiences behind who you are. Never assume that your blog posts exempt you from personal relationships. Two things will last for eternity, God, and people. Where is your focus?
I recently came across an article that makes several good points, but unfortunately makes a serious error by argument from silence.
The origins of Christmas do not come from the Bible, from the Apostles, or Jesus himself. Fair enough. There are certain “pagan” notions to Christmas. The Emperor Constantine provided what many consider to be the first vestiges of a Christmas celebration. But have these truly remained “pagan”? Or might they now be better described as “cultural”?
But let us compare this to other “Christian” holidays. Thanksgiving for example? The merger of (for the most part) believing Christians and Pagan Native Americans to eat a meal together. Certainly no one argues a biblical impetus for this “Pagan” Holiday. Rather, it is a cultural celebration related to the first immigrants to this country.
Easter? Where do we find in the Bible a scriptural mandate to set aside a Sunday in April to remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior? Certainly, there are elements of culture including the Easter Bunny, Easter eggs and baskets. Nevertheless, it is a time in our culture when even the most moderate of church attenders darken the doors to recognize the Messiah.
Let us give thanks that though dubious in origin, we have a holiday in this Country that can remind us to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
If you’re looking for a HUGE opportunity to receive some Christmas cheer, check out the Christmas Giveaway over at Kingdom People.
The giveaway includes his top ten books of the year and an ESV Study Bible.
A lot of these books are high on my wish-list, and the rest look very interesting. I don’t see how you could possibly lose with this lineup.
But in this case, it’s a good thing. Logos is extending their 12 Days of Christmas Special. So if you’re looking for great deals on certain Libronix Software, this might be a chance to pick up some electronic books at a great rate.
I own the Logos version of OT use of the NT. As well as a hard copy of Christ-Centered Preaching. I highly recommend both.
Or, if you’re looking for some Bibleworks Christmas cheer, check out Bible Geek’s giveaway.
Yep, that’s right, by God’s grace, I’m one of the six winners from yesterday’s giveaway. I cannot wait to get my hands on Mounce’s third edition.
Thanks again!
Hey, don’t forget to keep checking out the contests day to day!
Shaun Tabbit’s Twelve Days of Christmas are in full swing over at Bible Geek Gone Wild.
Why not head on over and take a look? Today is an opportunity for the third edition of Mounce’s “Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar”
1. By not making childrens’ ministry a priority.
2. By not recruiting and using qualified people.
3. By not reproducing ourselves in those that work alongside of us.
4. By not having a clear and stated purpose.
5. By emphasizing the peripherals over the pertinent.
6. By not striving to have a biblical philosophy.
“A movement that receives its identity from protesting is likely to prolong its survival by finding smaller and more insignificant things to protest.”
I think the author lacks a great deal of understanding partially due to the broad spectrum of those calling themselves “Fundamentalists.”
Still, a sobering thought.
For those of us early adopters, this will be old hat. For those of you trying to decide about what it’s going to take to upgrade to Logos 4, today’s Logos Blog post will be a great help.
To be frank, it would have been nice if this had appeared the day of the release, but better late than never.
