tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60614907693084976612024-03-04T22:22:34.467-06:00The Good, The Bad, and The UglyCandid thoughts on Christianity, Churchianity, and CultureJeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-12278846878865307182011-01-25T14:37:00.010-06:002011-01-26T06:53:58.658-06:00This Blog Has MovedTo continue following this blog, please update your Bookmark and RSS feed to: <a href="http://www.JeffCraw4d.wordpress.com">http://www.JeffCraw4d.wordpress.com</a>.<div><br /></div><div>You can always access the latest blog posts via: <a href="http://www.jeffcrawford.me/">www.JeffCrawford.me</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading!</div>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-32393055811970711472011-01-24T16:00:00.001-06:002011-01-24T16:01:37.691-06:00Why We Don't Invite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTSj0moQM0lsDVp7WfB4pxRKWFUJWJfwQyBulNiCANavsRSujUb5oHCZipolOPRrbsfoVJ8YV996ze8E_l6CHMb64O5GrDfqIVK1WoyyjmHOfOCy2TBvQzeVuTa_KSSez2M-xs8lskZ8/s1600/greenlight.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTSj0moQM0lsDVp7WfB4pxRKWFUJWJfwQyBulNiCANavsRSujUb5oHCZipolOPRrbsfoVJ8YV996ze8E_l6CHMb64O5GrDfqIVK1WoyyjmHOfOCy2TBvQzeVuTa_KSSez2M-xs8lskZ8/s320/greenlight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565875994763036210" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Tonight, our president will deliver his State of the Union Address.<span style=""> </span>The Constitution of the United States mandates such an address in Article 2, Section 3:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><span style="">“He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=""><br /></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A few weeks ago I delivered my annual State of the Church Address here at Grand.<span style=""> </span>This is something I have done each year in my role as the lead pastor.<span style=""> </span>The goal is very similar to the State of the Union Address to our nation, to provide information on how our church is doing and to make recommendations that I see as necessary and expedient for the future growth and health of the church.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This year at Grand we are focusing with laser-like intensity on developing a culture of “invite” among our friends and family, our co-workers and colleagues.<span style=""> </span>We are calling this emphasis for 2011, <b style="">My Jerusalem</b>.<span style=""> </span>Jesus said we should be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.<span style=""> </span>We do a pretty good job with the national and global emphases at Grand but we can do better with the local emphasis, <i style="">our Jerusalem</i>.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In this vain, I wanted to get our people think about <i style="">why</i> “we” don’t invite others to church.<span style=""> </span>By the way, I don’t think this is an issue isolated to my church, I think many, many churches fail when it comes to “invite.” There will be hundreds of churches that die this year in our country.<span style=""> </span>There may be many reasons for their deaths but I can promise you that somewhere buried in the list will be a failure to invite.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u>Here is the list of reasons why we don’t invite:</u></b></span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u><br /></u></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because that is what we pay the staff to do.</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because my church is embarrassing.<span style=""> </span>This is the idea that I like my church for me but I don’t think my friends would like it.</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because we don’t care (apathy). If people go to hell.<span style=""> </span>If people are blessed by God. </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">4.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because we are selfish.<span style=""> </span>We don’t want new people because they will “mess” my church up.</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">5.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because we are afraid they will say “no.”<span style=""> </span>The coward’s answer.</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">6.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>“I don’t want to go. So why would I invite anyone else?”</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">7.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span>Because we just don’t think about it.<span style=""> </span>We ASSUME the church will just grow.</span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">What are others reasons that you can think of for why we don’t invite?</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-2638328361716333302011-01-15T14:35:00.005-06:002011-01-15T14:47:44.479-06:00Evaluation Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ1X6guN94t-pPLM28YnbPtGW9rcrq2-JTx6lWPMe92EV-xWb8ioVJp_MQxsA3r-bwnKKVDzrwvtSNhuWYAcTiIUirc3Z1VlJPQAb0wE0Ug9GpX6paC-fTkLCElTLeWlt_XcwZmfW3Wg/s1600/evaluation.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ1X6guN94t-pPLM28YnbPtGW9rcrq2-JTx6lWPMe92EV-xWb8ioVJp_MQxsA3r-bwnKKVDzrwvtSNhuWYAcTiIUirc3Z1VlJPQAb0wE0Ug9GpX6paC-fTkLCElTLeWlt_XcwZmfW3Wg/s400/evaluation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562516660421340130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The New Year is just over two weeks old. So how are you doing with your "resolutions?" So much of knowing where to go is tied into knowing where you have been. The Bible provides a wealth of principles to guide us in evaluating our lives and setting new directions for our future. With that in mind let me share with you just four of these principles that I recently shared with a group of men in our church.<br /><br /></span><br /></span> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><u>Biblical Life Evaluation</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span>Measure the times.</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><u>1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV)</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">2.<span style=""> </span>Measure your friends.</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><u>Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span><i style="">Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">3.<span style=""> </span>Measure the cost.</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><u>Luke 14:28–29 (ESV)</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; color: rgb(255, 204, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><sup>28</sup></i></b><i style=""> For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? <b style=""><sup>29</sup></b> Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">4. Measure your devotion.</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><u>Jeremiah 17:7–8 (ESV)</u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><sup>7</sup></i></b><i style=""><span style=""> </span>“Blessed is the man who trusts in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -16pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">whose trust is the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -48pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><span style=""> </span><b style=""><sup>8</sup></b><span style=""> </span>He is like a tree planted by water, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -16pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">that sends out its roots by the stream, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -48pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>and does not fear when heat comes, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -16pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">for its leaves remain green, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -48pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>and is not anxious in the year of drought, </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 48pt; text-indent: -16pt;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i style="">for it does not cease to bear fruit.” </i></span></p><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >I would note that principle 4, <span style="font-style: italic;">Measure Your Devotion</span>, is the heart of the matter. Do you trust in God? About everything? All the time? The picture is of a person who is like a lush growing tree. When the heat of summer comes and everything turns brown, this person remains green. I promise that at some point in 2011 you <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> feel the heat. And you'll either wither or thrive and it will all be based on your devotion to God. And here's the cool part. When you bear fruit, you're not the only one that benefits. Fruit is for the enjoyment of others. When you trust in God, others will be blessed because of you. Your spouse will thrive, your kids will be blessed. See how it works?<br /><br />So two plus weeks in to 2011, it's not too late to plant yourself next to the River.</span>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-32064731165143357622011-01-11T10:22:00.004-06:002011-01-11T14:10:06.320-06:00The "Gus Bus"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil37A6dKmTi4Pg55sKtcgBwqzrII3kBB_76DQcFH96YP5EmqCRCv_Nod5kt1tc9vvstRZ5ANymi8nRKDhFktH5YlPigLZvR5XoZGrrQOX35J3NWsrAOVu8DGXpik1WguA4evytkuESyyw/s1600/gus_malzahn_gene_chizik.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil37A6dKmTi4Pg55sKtcgBwqzrII3kBB_76DQcFH96YP5EmqCRCv_Nod5kt1tc9vvstRZ5ANymi8nRKDhFktH5YlPigLZvR5XoZGrrQOX35J3NWsrAOVu8DGXpik1WguA4evytkuESyyw/s400/gus_malzahn_gene_chizik.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560964660928261938" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I first met Gus Malzahn in the fall of 1996.<span style=""> </span>He was in his second year as the head football coach of Shiloh Christian School and I had just joined the staff as the school’s Campus Pastor and head Bible teacher.<span style=""> </span>Gus and I are both from Fort Smith but he’s a few years older than I am and we didn’t really run in the same circles growing up.<span style=""> </span>He did, however, go on to marry Kristi Otwell who was in my youth group and who I did run around with, so there was an informal connection, although distant.<span style=""> </span>Kristi’s parents, and Gus’ in-laws, are in my church today and so I am able to keep up with all things Gus on a pretty close level.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gus and I became good friends over the course of the next three years.<span style=""> </span>Being around Gus as a colleague on a day-to-day basis, I can say that I got to know the man better than most.<span style=""> </span>In short, Gus is a devout believer in Christ and a consummate professional.<span style=""> </span>If you know anything about Christian school education you know that the pay is not the greatest (compared to the public system) and everyone on staff ends up doing a host of other things besides what they were “hired” to do.<span style=""> </span>In addition to coaching Shiloh to state runner-ups and then to back-to-back championships, he also served as the school’s Dean of Students.<span style=""> </span>That means he was in charge of discipline.<span style=""> </span>Not exactly the most “fun” job on the planet for sure, dealing with dress code violation, truancy, disrespect to teachers, etc.<span style=""> </span>Gus was also the number one cafeteria monitor.<span style=""> </span>Each and every day, he would stand watch, making sure food fights didn’t break out, seeing that kids threw their trash away etc.<span style=""> </span>And…Gus was also the transportation coordinator for the school.<span style=""> </span>He made sure buses were gassed up and ready to go.<span style=""> </span>He coordinated travel plans for students and teachers grades K -12.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Most people know Gus as a coach.<span style=""> </span>I know Gus as a professional.<span style=""> </span>In everything he does, he does it with precision, expertise, class, and godliness.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gus Malzahn is a man who loves the Lord, prays and seeks God’s wisdom, and is unashamed of his faith with his players and media alike.<span style=""> </span>He is a rare breed today.<span style=""> </span>You could even say he is unique.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I watched with great pride and joy last night as the Gus Bus rode all the way to a National Championship.<span style=""> </span>Congratulations Gus (and Kristi), you deserve it!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I also had the distinct feeling that this may only be the first stop on the “Bus” tour.</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-32027947159837405542011-01-10T11:11:00.004-06:002011-01-10T19:41:50.439-06:00New Logo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYdbW4jCACNYuCKhzM3osY2DuRfQJG7Z7m0t4Jw3oH2JLFwhZuS7naOQHXRFr3Im-50HkBgg5gNMWJkhcWmR9Q5Sqn3wTujekmhuGmGZXkz3uaF0NFUeYkIKdKxe3N6RXOnu_h3RrJkU/s1600/logoblue.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYdbW4jCACNYuCKhzM3osY2DuRfQJG7Z7m0t4Jw3oH2JLFwhZuS7naOQHXRFr3Im-50HkBgg5gNMWJkhcWmR9Q5Sqn3wTujekmhuGmGZXkz3uaF0NFUeYkIKdKxe3N6RXOnu_h3RrJkU/s400/logoblue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560606073379405442" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;">W</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">e rolled out a new logo for Grand yesterday, all part of a rebranding of our church graphically. We will use the new logo on everything – letterhead, hoodies, website, coffee mugs, mouse pads, posters, etc. I’m even considering getting the new logo tattooed on my chest. As we had our discussions about what the new logo for our church should look like we soon discovered that it would be no easy task. In fact, something so simple as a logo is really hard to decide upon. There’s just a lot to consider. And when you talk about church logos the stakes it seems are even higher. Scott Ward, our mission and media pastor, ran across a church logo guide from </span><a href="http://stuffchristianslike.net/2008/10/423-creating-the-holiest-church-logo-possible-a-how-to-guide/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">StuffChristiansLike.net</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> that was a huge help to us all. I wanted to share it with you here for your own edification.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Stuff Christians Like Church Logo Holiness Guide:</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. You have a sun rising over a horizon, possibly spreading light through the “O” in the name of your church = + 3 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. A dove is flying gracefully through your logo = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3. A dove is flying gracefully through your logo with an olive branch in its mouth = +2 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">4. A dove is flying gracefully through your logo with an olive branch in its mouth and a “Jesus loves you” tattoo on one of its wings = +3 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">5. A swirl of flame is erupting somewhere on your logo = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">6. There is an open Bible in your logo = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">7. There is an open Bible in your logo and in tiny print you can actually see the words to John 3:16 on the page. = +2 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">8. A lion and a lamb are hanging out together on your logo = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">9. A lion and a lamb are playing Frisbee golf together on your logo = +2 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">10. Crown of thorns = +2 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">11. Bedazzled crown befitting the King of Kings = +2 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">12. A worship eagle is high fiving a dove mid air = +5 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">13. There is a cluster of grapes or collection of wheat = +3 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">14. There is a chalice on the logo = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">15. The chalice is encrusted with bling better suited to lil Jon, not Sweet Baby Jesus = – 3 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">16. A big blue globe is floating somewhere in the background = +1 point</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">17. The scene were Elisha calls the bears down on some teenagers is somehow worked into your logo = +10 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">18. Ichthus or Jesus Fish is present = + 2 points for each</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">19. Instead of the letter A, you used an Icthus that kind of looks like it is walking on its tail in your church name = +3 points</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So how do you think we scored with our new logo? What about your church’s logo?</span></b></span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-30155047702753507852011-01-02T14:18:00.003-06:002011-01-02T14:20:04.718-06:002011 - The Undiscovered Country<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJATpAeHt2MZObyrcA6MEOo-vIhGS7Cvh1cXTF7A4EiQRlfHTLNQK9icViBY8TLEvUI6DCUQxhjCzxaTAmvzEmRZPwSIyo_YjdJ8u1-X_jm1-ewH5gOvzqafF-8MzpGlgc87PmRd4LeE/s1600/star_trek_vi_ver2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJATpAeHt2MZObyrcA6MEOo-vIhGS7Cvh1cXTF7A4EiQRlfHTLNQK9icViBY8TLEvUI6DCUQxhjCzxaTAmvzEmRZPwSIyo_YjdJ8u1-X_jm1-ewH5gOvzqafF-8MzpGlgc87PmRd4LeE/s200/star_trek_vi_ver2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557685725051779010" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m a Star Trek fan, have been ever since I was a kid.<span style=""> </span>I loved the original series, the Next Generation, all the movies, etc.<span style=""> </span>The sixth Star Trek feature film was called <i style="">The Undiscovered Country</i>. It was an intriguing title.<span style=""> </span>We find out toward the end of the film, in a heart wrenching speech given by Captain Kirk, that the Undiscovered Country is the future.<span style=""> </span>Many people don’t like the future, it scares them.<span style=""> </span>Others embrace the future and the change it promises as an adventurer setting sail for, well…an undiscovered country.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In many ways, 2011 is an undiscovered country.<span style=""> </span>I have no idea what the next 12 months will bring.<span style=""> </span>There are certain things I am looking forward to and certain things I am not.<span style=""> </span>My wife and I are planning on attending another NASCAR race in the spring and maybe an NFL game in the fall.<span style=""> </span>We are making family vacation plans for the summer because we need to get things booked.<span style=""> </span>My two teenagers are going on mission to the metroplex over Spring Break and I am excited for them.<span style=""> </span>And our church is just five months away from a major renovation of our worship center.<span style=""> </span>I am so excited about all of these things.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">But then there are the things I am not looking forward to in 2011.<span style=""> </span>I am not looking forward to the radiation and chemotherapy that my dad will begin tomorrow for his cancer.<span style=""> </span>2011 will be the biggest challenge of his life and none of us know for sure how things will ultimately go.<span style=""> </span>I am not looking forward to my kids getting older and a year closer to leaving home.<span style=""> </span>There are so many things that are uncertain as I look at the undiscovered country called 2011, but I am certain of two things:<span style=""> </span>1) there will be surprises, and 2) God is in control.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Surprises equal the joys, sorrows, fears, laughs, pain, and spice of life.<span style=""> </span>God equals hope, comfort, and salvation in all circumstances.<span style=""> </span>I rest knowing that God is out in front of me.<span style=""> </span>He has arrived in the undiscovered country before I have even left the harbor…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So with that knowledge, I am ready to set sail.<span style=""> </span>How about you?</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-52336110893121702802010-12-19T16:46:00.012-06:002010-12-19T17:07:26.341-06:00Last Minute Christmas Shopping Ideas: My Favorite Bible Study Tools<style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Sectio</style><span style="font-size:100%;">If your looking for some last minute Christmas gifts for yourself, a friend, or even your pastor, consider this short list of my own favorite Bible study tools.<span style=""> </span>There’s </span><span style="font-size:100%;">nothing like giving the gift of a better understanding of God’s Word, especially with the New Y</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ear upon us!</span><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwnBGgQ9SOCI2-2Hfb-ONbn4PeBXHL_ZKm9gpLhzBwkW3kPj3kMDkXOVEkAsdLT8wE9hjzGtoBus5A7U9WrKaBxLePjZP9pvd5-1rl2VKg7snT5NGXghVUWzHo5C09oiWKbbnPTXc2Aw/s1600/54936330.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwnBGgQ9SOCI2-2Hfb-ONbn4PeBXHL_ZKm9gpLhzBwkW3kPj3kMDkXOVEkAsdLT8wE9hjzGtoBus5A7U9WrKaBxLePjZP9pvd5-1rl2VKg7snT5NGXghVUWzHo5C09oiWKbbnPTXc2Aw/s320/54936330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552533600439854930" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8tbu7AvypfbrCmgH0UU8JUJw_K1VVPNDYG30eNg9pdG9_aRVUdUwZqzf9c6H4onrynbku8nlr7BQt3oQ4-J2980I-gAoNJ1QLGdWlKj38AbpkuHojeeMbdZeC-rbttglyHUCFpPHLkc/s1600/70997697.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8tbu7AvypfbrCmgH0UU8JUJw_K1VVPNDYG30eNg9pdG9_aRVUdUwZqzf9c6H4onrynbku8nlr7BQt3oQ4-J2980I-gAoNJ1QLGdWlKj38AbpkuHojeeMbdZeC-rbttglyHUCFpPHLkc/s320/70997697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552533716876658370" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Favorite Study Bible</span>:<span style=""> </span>A tie between the</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">HCSB Study Bible</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">ESV Study Bible</span>.<span style=""> </span>Both are excellent and comprehensive tools.<span style=""> </span>One stop shopping for the serious </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Bible stu</span><span style="font-size:100%;">dent.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHeLHPG0HUaEsUef3zK0IZ2XX7aBg0gDVfOf3MFlNgkCv8ednuZinXw2gelBqAF49Y16efX2fcawx4Gc9hqOg_tGXTj_VGGbL8s0ZIvawg4H4EGR2ykVJtchjJGG8Qu241NzN1JoPaBY/s1600/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHeLHPG0HUaEsUef3zK0IZ2XX7aBg0gDVfOf3MFlNgkCv8ednuZinXw2gelBqAF49Y16efX2fcawx4Gc9hqOg_tGXTj_VGGbL8s0ZIvawg4H4EGR2ykVJtchjJGG8Qu241NzN1JoPaBY/s320/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552533345716797970" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Favorite Bible Software</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Logos 4 for Mac</span>.<span style=""> </span>This more than anything has revolutionized my own Bible study the past 6 months.<span style=""> </span>There is a PC version as well. SO glad I found Logos!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxRjRXYR4EGPi1n1TFmAs1XdjGKD8M9Bub1IHZ4WIyCrqkKmyBt_dkVWLlyQyKbQQ7H1xh9k73A9-2C2ekR4YMsDIvDOHz085Oi5dYPtX1tiNEL4w64iau-8mxdC1MfavXIYw8TBin5c/s1600/81602.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxRjRXYR4EGPi1n1TFmAs1XdjGKD8M9Bub1IHZ4WIyCrqkKmyBt_dkVWLlyQyKbQQ7H1xh9k73A9-2C2ekR4YMsDIvDOHz085Oi5dYPtX1tiNEL4w64iau-8mxdC1MfavXIYw8TBin5c/s320/81602.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552531913084163506" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Favorite Bible Encyclopedia</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</span>.<span style=""> </span>The four volume ISBE is beyond compare to any other Bible study tool.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjq1M6wbXknykt5QgylLpbaRbCxBVG0kGNCcnpqCTr9LTvA5EWVOCMl_PFBUVNRqcD97ZORz22bFAywcVQGiuEFIKUvHP2CN5CBT8gHNPouF2qAHeXtEfwSgWmLqzlaET4NRcHWc3VY8/s1600/51K0kAUAjXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjq1M6wbXknykt5QgylLpbaRbCxBVG0kGNCcnpqCTr9LTvA5EWVOCMl_PFBUVNRqcD97ZORz22bFAywcVQGiuEFIKUvHP2CN5CBT8gHNPouF2qAHeXtEfwSgWmLqzlaET4NRcHWc3VY8/s320/51K0kAUAjXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552531254222244594" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Favorite Commentary:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ne</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">w American Commentary</span>. Still not complete, this commentary set is great for both laypeople and scholars.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1fJ-NQF3gJhlAE5PTce2-fy-cPhdtkjcGlL7oylpJsKmyyDORQE-1jQPghSsr9W5ciulYuQpYZw9ThUna8wYMeYnSIOJy86mLRpHRP3xFkM_HT51ojlr6eKNbs_YuBm5tx9uOvGXvQ/s1600/21820.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1fJ-NQF3gJhlAE5PTce2-fy-cPhdtkjcGlL7oylpJsKmyyDORQE-1jQPghSsr9W5ciulYuQpYZw9ThUna8wYMeYnSIOJy86mLRpHRP3xFkM_HT51ojlr6eKNbs_YuBm5tx9uOvGXvQ/s320/21820.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552531543219521986" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Favorite Theology Text</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Christian Theology</span> by Millard J. Erickson.<span style=""> </span>This is the standard in seminary.<span style=""> </span>What once was the bane of my existence is now one of my best friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgYSv2TXKjrg6OaqFgOHi5X8jCypq3IDNteMWyZoVwl2WJ4-nKTNZ7CDKOH_TC3JNauKERu-AcNKAjpLRujDRdgYhcOfVM5ftGkoX-lh14cTUkxWYaVWicSaDTCEJgaLS5eKzycKwCI/s1600/6184.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgYSv2TXKjrg6OaqFgOHi5X8jCypq3IDNteMWyZoVwl2WJ4-nKTNZ7CDKOH_TC3JNauKERu-AcNKAjpLRujDRdgYhcOfVM5ftGkoX-lh14cTUkxWYaVWicSaDTCEJgaLS5eKzycKwCI/s320/6184.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552530909285494162" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Favorite Bible Overview</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines of the OT / NT</span>.<span style=""> </span>You cannot beat anything written by Wiersbe.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzp2ZnTnafG_XfSuqVVn6XpUhYZWiW-uvlXrc7uOeCE5xryzfxQ8Picp8Ep51ByBbPyfFHN1k2dYbLZ_DnLzHYpTw5L8wg_YicG3D2yxpa4t-HpFEGqqR-Cw2zKoPrq7BYoe7lHmJ2ro/s1600/51QsdpZIQTL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzp2ZnTnafG_XfSuqVVn6XpUhYZWiW-uvlXrc7uOeCE5xryzfxQ8Picp8Ep51ByBbPyfFHN1k2dYbLZ_DnLzHYpTw5L8wg_YicG3D2yxpa4t-HpFEGqqR-Cw2zKoPrq7BYoe7lHmJ2ro/s320/51QsdpZIQTL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552530375620335378" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Favorite Concordance</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance</span>.<span style=""> </span>This is a staple for every Bible study student.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAIHmelXchQsrLqy1e5auB0z58DoKtum348pX5d9NbzaKiIuffLLeH42YYMsl61Dj2U-0XfZjMgZD_z28OoMgY82MvaMOyP5WprHv3ztPuXJtTUKeUiT07zJ4m47bbERfKbFDHNSFqv4/s1600/51r8S-WiriL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAIHmelXchQsrLqy1e5auB0z58DoKtum348pX5d9NbzaKiIuffLLeH42YYMsl61Dj2U-0XfZjMgZD_z28OoMgY82MvaMOyP5WprHv3ztPuXJtTUKeUiT07zJ4m47bbERfKbFDHNSFqv4/s320/51r8S-WiriL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552529556372406674" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Favorite Miscellaneous Bible Aide</span>:<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone in the Bible</span> by William P. Barker.<span style=""> </span>I cannot count the number of times I have turned to this quick reference for bio information on anybody and everybody listed in the Bible.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-57444331072709991322010-12-15T16:30:00.003-06:002010-12-15T16:36:39.534-06:00When Sacred Meet SecularOn November 17th, I<a href="http://jeffreycrawford.blogspot.com/2010/11/random-act-of-culture-or-something-more.html"> posted</a> to this blog a video of a secular opera company in Philadelphia singing the <span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah Chorus</span> in Macy's. The event, which caught shoppers off guard, was dubbed <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Random Act of Culture</span>. I was more interested in the event as an example of what can happen when the sacred invades the secular. I also suggested that this is the kind of stuff the church ought to be involved in, not just secular organizations.<br /><br />Well, I have run across another example of <span style="font-style: italic;">sacred</span> meeting <span style="font-style: italic;">secular</span>, and once again outside the influence of the church. This is a video of comedian Steve Harvey performing before a huge secular audience. He is not a preacher and this is not a church. But if you close your eyes you would never know it.<br /><br />Enjoy... and once again, the church is challenged...<br /><br /> <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzEJlU5lb5h1nRJjaCUnezAcw6m28RIrY5CY7f1Fhv64YN62gE5b1GrQaTRysdSkZzhN9U1o39b1cjMplvG2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-89935777367034354222010-12-12T15:49:00.002-06:002010-12-12T15:52:36.523-06:00The Real RamboMy brother, who is a local social studies teacher, sent me this clip last week. Apparently the Real Rambo was from Alabama. Thank God for Robert Howard and those others cut from this same cloth. <br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNN2Q9wxHUmNGLJgOQg4oS7qJKWkulSZ93HBlU_UFkzANbsYn88Xe6Jugz-tyvYDQ2egmbc8-TC3IVgTE8tQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-72630734587874684522010-12-05T21:29:00.003-06:002010-12-05T21:34:04.490-06:00FoulCheck out this story of a high school football player flagged for pointing to heaven after scoring a touchdown. No doubt we've come a LONG way in our country from the days of pre-game prayers.<br /><br />What do you think? Did this student athlete deserve the flag for calling attention to himself (or to God)?<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xakHFBYNy4Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xakHFBYNy4Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-22093471354243402202010-11-28T20:18:00.004-06:002010-11-28T20:25:39.094-06:00The Problem with Benevolence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV8v5w9rt7dp9S4qucujMg7WKx_r58QDVZLLAWXmZvXXYQAIMkZk4w0yyVWgRwNe_GNFZq1z7pXdtDpZooYUeW4ONHzixQDQj0CL7DvApsAsWTsN8EGtYzxcjO-iF6l0tggUAPLwXZzs/s1600/jesus_feeding_many_hungry_people.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV8v5w9rt7dp9S4qucujMg7WKx_r58QDVZLLAWXmZvXXYQAIMkZk4w0yyVWgRwNe_GNFZq1z7pXdtDpZooYUeW4ONHzixQDQj0CL7DvApsAsWTsN8EGtYzxcjO-iF6l0tggUAPLwXZzs/s400/jesus_feeding_many_hungry_people.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544791067741316866" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Each year our church sponsors a major community benevolence event called Thanksgiving Blessings.<span style=""> </span>Our goal is to give away 1,200 full bird turkey dinners, enough food to feed 5,000 people.<span style=""> </span>Sort of biblical in its connotation, if you know what I mean….<span style=""> </span>The good people of Grand Avenue Baptist Church donate the money to sponsor these dinners.<span style=""> </span>It costs $25 to sponsor one dinner.<span style=""> </span>Do the math and that’s a giving goal of $30,000 and each year we have met that goal without a problem.<span style=""> </span>Grand is a giving church.<span style=""> </span>On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, our guests show up for one of two celebration services where I clearly present the gospel, which this is the <i style="">real</i> goal of the event.<span style=""> </span>We want to earn the right to speak to our neighbors about the gospel of Jesus.<span style=""> </span>We want to use a human need to open the door to meeting their spiritual need, there need for Jesus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thanksgiving Blessings is one of the greatest evangelistic events of the calendar year.<span style=""> </span>I absolutely love it.<span style=""> </span>People are so grateful and are not afraid to let you know it.<span style=""> </span>The two celebration services are full of energy and life that I can only wish we had on a Sunday morning.<span style=""> </span>And there is nothing like watching people give their life to Jesus.<span style=""> </span>This year 38 people accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord and 11 of them were baptized.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But Thanksgiving Blessings always creates a problem.<span style=""> </span>While on the one hand the best of humanity is on display, on the other hand so is the worst.<span style=""> </span>This year the following stories made their way back to my ears.<span style=""> </span>In one instance one of our church members helped a family carry their turkey and box of food out to their vehicle…their brand new Hummer.<span style=""> </span>Yep, that’s what I thought too.<span style=""> </span>In another instance, two of our deacons walked several blocks with an elderly woman back to her apartment with her food.<span style=""> </span>When they arrived they set the box and turkey on the kitchen table…along with three other boxes and turkeys, obviously from our early afternoon give away.<span style=""> </span>But the one story that sticks out most to me this year involves a phone call we received Tuesday afternoon after our 1:00 pm service and give-away.<span style=""> </span>A tenant in an apartment complex wanted us to know that one of our guests made it back to their apartment with their food and promptly sold it for $30.<span style=""> </span>I suppose that’s smart business in a way, but then they turned around and used the $30 to buy pot.<span style=""> </span>So did our church just aid in the purchase of drugs?<span style=""> </span>The tenant then told us that this person’s mother was coming to our evening service for her food and had already pre-sold her box for $30.<span style=""> </span>Wow…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is the kind of stuff that can really taint your opinion of needy people and benevolence in ministry.<span style=""> </span>Jesus told us that we would always have poor people among us (Matt. 26:11, Mark 14:7).<span style=""> </span>That was true in his day and is certainly true in ours.<span style=""> </span>Jesus also took time to meet many, many human needs such as hunger.<span style=""> </span>In one instance Jesus fed 5,000 people (Matt. 14) and in another he fed 4,000 people (Matt. 15).<span style=""> </span>I wonder about those mass feedings.<span style=""> </span>In my way of thinking people are people no matter what time or era they live.<span style=""> </span>I can very easily see people taking fish and loaves and shoving them under their robes and going back for seconds.<span style=""> </span>Can’t you?<span style=""> </span>And is it crazy to think that some didn’t run off to sell their bounty for profit or for something more?<span style=""> </span>Yes, I think that the problems with benevolence have always been with us.<span style=""> </span>In fact all social justice is wrought with examples of abuse.<span style=""> </span>And that is ultimately why Jesus came, not to save us from hunger but to save us from ourselves.<span style=""> </span>Any church that endeavors to simply feed people without presenting the gospel is falling short of why it exists as the Body of Christ in the first place.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We cannot become jaded by the never-ending stories of those who take our charity and use it for profit.<span style=""> </span>We must instead remember the faces and names of those who came for food but left with so much more, they left with Jesus.</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-88908811756778537972010-11-17T19:02:00.002-06:002010-11-17T19:05:03.720-06:00Random Act of Culture? Or Something More?<style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My worship pastor, Keith Clutts, sent me this video yesterday.<span style=""> </span>I had heard about the <span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah Chorus</span> being performed at Macy’s in Philadelphia but had not seen it myself.<span style=""> </span>The event happened on Saturday, October 30<sup>th</sup>, and to date over 3 million people have viewed the video on YouTube.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The whole thing was secretly put together by the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knight Foundation</span> in conjunction with the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Opera Company of Philadelphia</span>.<span style=""> </span>Honestly, this is one of the more amazing displays of the coming together of the secular and the sacred I have ever seen.<span style=""> </span>Just watch the video…you will see hundreds of people join with the incognito choir to sing “Hallelujah!”<span style=""> </span>Total strangers, most of them non-Christians, singing loudly and boldly that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Simply Amazing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wp_RHnQ-jgU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wp_RHnQ-jgU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knight Foundation</span> called the event a <span style="font-style: italic;">Random Act of Culture</span>.<span style=""> </span>I could not help but think that this is what the Church is called to do.<span style=""> </span>Taking the sacred into the secular.<span style=""> </span>Shaping the culture instead of bending to it.<span style=""> </span>Getting outside the walls of the church building and lifting up Jesus in places that are culturally “off-limits” for Him to go.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In our country today, where attempts are made to push Christ out of Christmas and where we cower to Islamic intimidation and political correctness, to see how this <span style="font-style: italic;">Random Act of Culture</span> was received is moving and should be motivating for us Christians.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is what we need more of, not <span style="font-style: italic;">Random Acts of Culture</span>, but <span style="font-style: italic;">Intentional Acts of Christianity</span>.</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-39944052554624189022010-11-14T16:05:00.003-06:002010-11-16T07:32:01.257-06:00Review: The Twelfth Imam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuyRvBU2ZxJ9RtheARnRzq_wlmZnIwT2HJ7q0qqvJyxii5IwjRh6A_JEUPDx1Ta-0zbP60TgPCWTzGoB52VcSPrz-X-0GhrBhHXKQrvP_ach11CiEgRyaUxxfskLihyOGJTGO1TJj6w4/s1600/51w3uk4cf6L._SS500_.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuyRvBU2ZxJ9RtheARnRzq_wlmZnIwT2HJ7q0qqvJyxii5IwjRh6A_JEUPDx1Ta-0zbP60TgPCWTzGoB52VcSPrz-X-0GhrBhHXKQrvP_ach11CiEgRyaUxxfskLihyOGJTGO1TJj6w4/s400/51w3uk4cf6L._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539530188228565266" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I downloaded a copy of Joel C. Rosenberg’s latest thriller onto my Kindle last week and was instantly drawn in.<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Twelfth Imam </span>is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time and one that I would highly recommend to the folks in my church.<span style=""> </span>I am not one to recommend books lightly but this newest offering from Rosenberg is exceptional.<span style=""> </span>Rosenberg has a knack for educating while he entertains.<span style=""> </span>His previous works delve into fleshing out biblical prophecy in real world scenarios.<span style=""> </span>This time Rosenberg fleshes out Muslim eschatology within the context of modern day Iran, which really is on the verge of obtaining nuclear power. Prepare yourself because while this book teaches the reader the ins and outs of what Muslims believe regarding the end of the world, Rosenberg does so in a way that feels eerily plausible. <span style=""> </span>Remember this is the guy that gave us <span style="font-style: italic;">The Last Jihad</span>, a book released right after 9/11 but written before it, that describes a radical Muslim flying a plane into the presidential motorcade.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Joel Rosenberg is a Christian whose father was a Jew and whose mother was a Christian.<span style=""> </span>He has friends in “high” places and has enjoyed audiences with members of Congress and the current Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.<span style=""> </span>Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Twelfth Imam</span>.<span style=""> </span>You won’t be disappointed.<span style=""> </span></span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-23588203166955761442010-11-07T20:21:00.004-06:002010-11-08T07:19:03.198-06:00Thanksgiving Blessings 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK1fTx6BNPmujUZ3ZuuWd60j7VIxorcYrfkmDq0V3SvLVTmQxepWFF5A_A-uUVWNGpyOtEdVqbdYShHpFkU72zR5RD_FBWIPnC2jAfU335OMw7varTXABpXmEruVyhy7wP3fUgM4U7lQ/s1600/happy_thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK1fTx6BNPmujUZ3ZuuWd60j7VIxorcYrfkmDq0V3SvLVTmQxepWFF5A_A-uUVWNGpyOtEdVqbdYShHpFkU72zR5RD_FBWIPnC2jAfU335OMw7varTXABpXmEruVyhy7wP3fUgM4U7lQ/s400/happy_thanksgiving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536998435540633474" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For a fifth year our church is hosting Thanksgiving Blessings, an event that will distribute 1,200 full bird, turkey dinners on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.<span style=""> </span>While benevolence is the heart of Jesus Christ it is also a challenge. You see, Jesus ultimately did not come to feed hungry stomachs but to save empty souls.<span style=""> </span>But during his earthly ministry Jesus did amazing things, acts of benevolence to prove that he was the Christ.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The New Testament also speaks of the compassion of Jesus on those who had little and were suffering.<span style=""> </span>Our goal with Thanksgiving Blessings is to meet a human need in order to earn the right to preach Jesus and meet an eternal need.<span style=""> </span>For five years now Thanksgiving Blessings has been the most significant evangelistic event our church conducts all year long.<span style=""> </span>I also like Thanksgiving Blessings for another reason: it restores human dignity.<span style=""> </span>Coming to ask for help is hard enough as it is.<span style=""> </span>But we felt very strongly that there was something special about enabling people to cook their own Thanksgiving dinner in their own kitchen rather than stand in line for a meal with a bunch of strangers.<span style=""> </span>I am not criticizing soup kitchens, they are the ER of benevolence ministry to those who actually have no family.<span style=""> </span>What we do is a different benevolent touch all together.<span style=""> </span>In a land of plenty we believe everyone ought to have the dignity of cooking their own Thanksgiving meal with family and friends.<span style=""> </span>So that is what we give away, no strings attached.<span style=""> </span>A full bird turkey and a box of everything someone needs to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal: sweet potatoes, corn, bread, dessert, eggs, cranberry sauce, and much more.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>It costs $25 for a family in our church to sponsor a Thanksgiving Blessing for another family and our folks embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, many people donating multiple dinners.<span style=""> </span>And then it takes over 300 volunteers on the day of the event to register people, counsel those who accept Christ, baptize them, and distribute food to the whole group.<span style=""> </span>It’s an amazing coming together of humanity in our city.<span style=""> </span>And when it’s all over with, I always feel like I am the one that has been blessed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">As you prepare for your own Thanksgiving traditions, let me encourage you to consider how you can be a blessing to someone else.</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-52296972733623621212010-11-01T09:27:00.003-05:002010-11-01T09:30:30.898-05:00The Theology of Big-Eared Bats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5NkmLDCy8p544A0lA9L-rDeLGHSkrxo_gXvQwDbfb99bwOkpvlO_4s6EDsbTCUBkbSFwvfgGEazThl4GmrfUKlUcgaqTfXXO9JL3k-7nCAVwg-o2TGCa9LlKs68O3I3bjG1spmaTsBY/s1600/image001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5NkmLDCy8p544A0lA9L-rDeLGHSkrxo_gXvQwDbfb99bwOkpvlO_4s6EDsbTCUBkbSFwvfgGEazThl4GmrfUKlUcgaqTfXXO9JL3k-7nCAVwg-o2TGCa9LlKs68O3I3bjG1spmaTsBY/s400/image001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534588597482425330" border="0" /></a><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Each day, USAToday highlights a top news event from each of the 50 states in our union.<span style=""> </span>A couple of weeks ago, this was the “top” news event in the State of Arkansas:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">Fayetteville – Invenergy told Washington County residents that it must halt development of wind farms because of the presence of the endangered Ozark big-eared bat.<span style=""> </span>U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said changes in air compression from the turning of the wind turbine blades can cause the bats’ organs and lungs to implode.<span style=""> </span>There are about 1,700 living Ozark big-eared bats.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><br /></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I first read this several things went through my mind:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">I laughed.<span style=""> </span>The thought of bats’ internal organs imploding was something that I found humorous and I wondered what sort of tests had been run on the bats to determine that this would, in fact, happen. </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">I got mad.<span style=""> </span>What is the purpose of having a wind farm in the first place?<span style=""> </span>Isn’t it to “save the planet”?<span style=""> </span>Isn’t this a part of the clean energy initiative to keep the planet pure?<span style=""> </span>But here we have an instance where attempts to save the planet are “killing” another part of creation, the Ozark big-eared bat.<span style=""> </span>So what are we to do now?<span style=""> </span>It seems like all things being equal, Man is the one stuck with the short end of the environmental stick.<span style=""> </span>We can’t create “dirty” fuel because it hurts the planet, and we can’t create clean fuel because it hurts the bats.</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">I got sad.<span style=""> </span>There is a theology that drives this way of thinking.<span style=""> </span>It is a theology that says that Man is the great evil of the environment.<span style=""> </span>It is a theology that says that animal life and the environment take priority over the life of Man.<span style=""> </span>And this is wrong.<span style=""> </span>Man is God’s highest, most valued form of His Creation.<span style=""> </span>And the Earth, in fact all of Creation, is God’s gift to Man.<span style=""> </span>God even went as far as to declare that Man is to have “dominion” over all of Creation, this includes the animals (Genesis 1:26).<span style=""> </span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >The Bible does not advocate abuse of Creation and if that is what you are hearing me say, then you are wrong.<span style=""> </span>But it also says that given a choice between Man’s well-being and Creation, Man wins.<span style=""> </span>When Creation has dominion Man, our theology suffers and so does human life.</span></div>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-48718847286715839072010-10-24T14:10:00.002-05:002010-10-24T14:12:54.855-05:00Islam, Juan Williams, and Geert Wilders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahq1YNae2JeHIFdcToJ245ntaQFZxCQCU3u3NjoIE4CWSPbmrp5PIUWqHMlacnFxsVCkPGo_y_N9gw2_8MLcCkmn5_VuzCYZcgRCWmm8rB2u_UF_sbuirzsG5z0hxKTZ1LrHH0ickAI4/s1600/GeertWilders_1731184c.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahq1YNae2JeHIFdcToJ245ntaQFZxCQCU3u3NjoIE4CWSPbmrp5PIUWqHMlacnFxsVCkPGo_y_N9gw2_8MLcCkmn5_VuzCYZcgRCWmm8rB2u_UF_sbuirzsG5z0hxKTZ1LrHH0ickAI4/s400/GeertWilders_1731184c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531692664535502258" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Below is the transcript of a <a href="http://sheikyermami.com/2008/09/28/transcript-of-geert-wilders-speech-in-new-york/">speech</a> that Geert Wilders delivered at the Four Seasons, New York in 2008.<span style=""> </span>Wilders is chairman for the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands.<span style=""> </span>You may have never heard of Geert Wilders, but if you lived in Europe you would definitely know who he is.<span style=""> </span>Wilders is <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/8081422/Geert-Wilders-trial-faces-restart-after-judges-dismissed.html">currently on trial </a>for inciting hatred toward Muslims.<span style=""> </span>The lingo in his New York speech is common among the speeches he gives in Europe.<span style=""> </span>And his voice is not tolerated.<span style=""> </span>In fact, it may cost him his freedom.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The reason the Geert Wilders speech and trial caught my attention last week, was due to the firing of Juan Williams from NPR.<span style=""> </span>Williams was fired for comments made on Bill O’Reilly’s Fox News Channel show, The O’Reilly Factor.<span style=""> </span>Williams said that he “get’s nervous” when getting on planes with Muslims in full garb.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It appears that in America we are inching ever closer to the day when critical comments towards Islam will do more than lead to the loss of one’s job but perhaps the loss of one’s freedom.<span style=""> </span>Of course, I am ever amazed that it is always politically correct to bash, make fun of, denigrate, profane, etc.<span style=""> </span>Jesus and Christianity.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Excerpts from Geert Wilders speech delivered in New York on September 25<sup>th</sup>, 2008:</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Dear friends, Thank you very much for inviting me. I come to America with a mission. All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe. This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West. The United States as the last bastion of Western civilization, facing an Islamic Europe. First I will describe the situation on the ground in Europe. Then, I will say a few things about Islam. To close I will tell you about a meeting in Jerusalem. The Europe you know is changing. You have probably seen the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the world of the parallel society created by Muslim mass-migration. All throughout Europe a new reality is rising: entire Muslim neighborhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police as well. It's the world of head scarves, where women walk around in figureless tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead. With mosques on many street corners. The shops have signs you and I cannot read. You will be hard-pressed to find any economic activity. These are Muslim ghettos controlled by religious fanatics. These are Muslim neighborhoods, and they are mushrooming in every city across Europe. These are the building-blocks for territorial control of increasingly larger portions of Europe, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city. There are now thousands of mosques throughout Europe. With larger congregations than there are in churches. And in every European city there are plans to build super-mosques that will dwarf every church in the region. Clearly, the signal is: we rule. Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take Amsterdam, Marseille and Malmo in Sweden. In many cities the majority of the under-18 population is Muslim. Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighborhoods. Mohammed is the most popular name among boys in many cities. In some elementary schools in Amsterdam the farm can no longer be mentioned, because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an insult to Muslims. Many state schools in Belgium and Denmark only serve halal food to all pupils. In once-tolerant Amsterdam gays are beaten up almost exclusively by Muslims. Non-Muslim women routinely hear 'whore, whore'. Satellite dishes are not pointed to local TV stations, but to stations in the country of origin. In France school teachers are advised to avoid authors deemed offensive to Muslims, including Voltaire and Diderot; the same is increasingly true of Darwin. The history of the Holocaust can no longer be taught because of Muslim sensitivity. In England sharia courts are now officially part of the British legal system. Many neighborhoods in France are no-go areas for women without head scarves. Last week a man almost died after being beaten up by Muslims in Brussels, because he was drinking during the Ramadan. Jews are fleeing France in record numbers, on the run for the worst wave of anti-Semitism since World War II. French is now commonly spoken on the streets of Tel Aviv and Netanya, Israel. I could go on forever with stories like this. Stories about Islamization. A total of fifty-four million Muslims now live in Europe. San Diego University recently calculated that a staggering 25 percent of the population in Europe will be Muslim just 12 years from now. Bernhard Lewis has predicted a Muslim majority by the end of this century. Now these are just numbers. And the numbers would not be threatening if the Muslim-immigrants had a strong desire to assimilate. But there are few signs of that. The Pew Research Center reported that half of French Muslims see their loyalty to Islam as greater than their loyalty to France. One-third of French Muslims do not object to suicide attacks. The British Centre for Social Cohesion reported that one-third of British Muslim students are in favor of a worldwide caliphate. Muslims demand what they call 'respect'. And this is how we give them respect. We have Muslim official state holidays. The Christian-Democratic attorney general is willing to accept sharia in the Netherlands if there is a Muslim majority. We have cabinet members with passports from Morocco and Turkey. Muslim demands are supported by unlawful behavior, ranging from petty crimes and random violence, for example against ambulance workers and bus drivers, to small-scale riots. Paris has seen its uprising in the low-income suburbs, the banlieus. I call the perpetrators 'settlers'. Because that is what they are. They do not come to integrate into our societies; they come to integrate our society into their Dar-al-Islam. Therefore, they are settlers. Much of this street violence I mentioned is directed exclusively against non-Muslims, forcing many native people to leave their neighborhoods, their cities, their countries. Moreover, Muslims are now a swing vote not to be ignored. The second thing you need to know is the importance of Mohammed the prophet. His behavior is an example to all Muslims and cannot be criticized. Now, if Mohammed had been a man of peace, let us say like Ghandi and Mother Theresa wrapped in one, there would be no problem. But Mohammed was a warlord, a mass murderer, a pedophile, and had several marriages - at the same time. Islamic tradition tells us how he fought in battles, how he had his enemies murdered and even had prisoners of war executed. Mohammed himself slaughtered the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza. If it is good for Islam, it is good. If it is bad for Islam, it is bad. Let no one fool you about Islam being a religion. Sure, it has a god, and a here-after, and 72 virgins. But in its essence Islam is a political ideology. It is a system that lays down detailed rules for society and the life of every person. Islam wants to dictate every aspect of life. Islam means 'submission'. Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy, because what it strives for is sharia. If you want to compare Islam to anything, compare it to communism or national-socialism, these are all totalitarian ideologies. Now you know why Winston Churchill called Islam 'the most retrograde force in the world', and why he compared Mein Kampf to the Quran. The public has wholeheartedly accepted the Palestinian narrative, and sees Israel as the aggressor. I have lived in this country and visited it dozens of times. I support Israel. First, because it is the Jewish homeland after two thousand years of exile up to and including Auschwitz, second because it is a democracy, and third because Israel is our first line of defense. This tiny country is situated on the fault line of jihad, frustrating Islam's territorial advance. Israel is facing the front lines of jihad, like Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Southern Thailand, Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon, and Aceh in Indonesia. Israel is simply in the way. The same way West-Berlin was during the Cold War. The war against Israel is not a war against Israel. It is a war against the West. It is jihad. Israel is simply receiving the blows that are meant for all of us. If there would have been no Israel, Islamic imperialism would have found other venues to release its energy and its desire for conquest. Thanks to Israeli parents who send their children to the army and lay awake at night, parents in Europe and America can sleep well and dream, unaware of the dangers looming. Many in Europe argue in favor of abandoning Israel in order to address the grievances of our Muslim minorities. But if Israel were, God forbid, to go down, it would not bring any solace to the West. It would not mean our Muslim minorities would all of a sudden change their behavior, and accept our values. On the contrary, the end of Israel would give enormous encouragement to the forces of Islam. They would, and rightly so, see the demise of Israel as proof that the West is weak, and doomed. The end of Israel would not mean the end of our problems with Islam, but only the beginning. It would mean the start of the final battle for world domination. If they can get Israel, they can get everything. So-called journalists volunteer to label any and all critics of Islamization as a 'right-wing extremists' or 'racists'. In my country, the Netherlands, 60 percent of the population now sees the mass immigration of Muslims as the number one policy mistake since World War II. And another 60 percent sees Islam as the biggest threat. Yet there is a greater danger than terrorist attacks, the scenario of America as the last man standing. The lights may go out in Europe faster than you can imagine. An Islamic Europe means a Europe without freedom and democracy, an economic wasteland, an intellectual nightmare, and a loss of military might for America - as its allies will turn into enemies, enemies with atomic bombs. With an Islamic Europe, it would be up to America alone to preserve the heritage of Rome, Athens and Jerusalem... Dear friends, liberty is the most precious of gifts. My generation never had to fight for this freedom, it was offered to us on a silver platter, by people who fought for it with their lives. All throughout Europe, American cemeteries remind us of the young boys who never made it home, and whose memory we cherish. My generation does not own this freedom; we are merely its custodians. We can only hand over this hard won liberty to Europe’s children in the same state in which it was offered to us. We cannot strike a deal with mullahs and imams. Future generations would never forgive us. We cannot squander our liberties. We simply do not have the right to do so. </span></span> </p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-38547719605635686192010-10-19T10:13:00.003-05:002010-10-19T10:20:33.159-05:00A Brief Commentary on the Problem of Evil and Suffering<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tWGHHTeKnk72_JKVUNdkeLAfIZe-hZoyoMY9f7o3ZWzte5I7_3_bqkGuZiidSwaVWqyLX_Hdd8Q1nNcFlL_gPMhyphenhyphen4pIeN46UZYnDiLTrvNz53KkkfchiO0tF9GAKUvHtmXtQaAhh1WM/s1600/evilandsuffering.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tWGHHTeKnk72_JKVUNdkeLAfIZe-hZoyoMY9f7o3ZWzte5I7_3_bqkGuZiidSwaVWqyLX_Hdd8Q1nNcFlL_gPMhyphenhyphen4pIeN46UZYnDiLTrvNz53KkkfchiO0tF9GAKUvHtmXtQaAhh1WM/s400/evilandsuffering.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529776889023247762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><u>1 Peter 4:12, 16, 19 (ESV)</u> </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Problem of Evil and Suffering</span><br />The Problem of Evil and suffering has been a thorn in the side of Christianity since the beginning. If God loves us so much and we are His children, then why does He allow us to suffer? If God is sovereign and in control of the universe, why doesn’t He stop evil and the suffering it brings?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Where was God on 9/11?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why does God not stop the pedophile who rapes a child?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Why doesn’t God heal my husband like He has healed others?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Why does God let a plane crash?</span><br /><br />These are the questions that people ask. And they are good questions that deserve good answers.<br /><br />The Bible is clear that we will suffer. Even Christians. It’s just the way it is.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Three Types of Suffering</span><br />There are three ways in which we all suffer. If you live long enough you will experience all the various ways of suffering. It’s not a question of IF but rather WHEN the suffering will come. How you deal with your suffering is up to you.<br /><br /></span><ol><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">Self-Inflicted Suffering</span> - based on the choices you make.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evil Based Suffering</span> - based on the choices others make.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">Natural Suffering</span> - based on the chaos of Creation - tornadoes, etc.</span></li></ol><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Suffering and the Spiritual Dimension</span></span><br />No one in the whole Bible suffered more than Job. Read Job 1 and you will get a new perspective on what is really going on “behind-the-scenes” when it comes to suffering.<br /><br />Let me share with you the following six truths from Job 1 regarding spiritual warfare and the role it plays in the problem of evil and suffering.<br /><br /></span><ol><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Satan has access to heaven</span>. Even though Satan has been kicked out of heaven in terms of it being his residence, he still has access.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Satan has access to Earth.</span> It is clear that Satan is free to roam the planet and that he is active in doing this and in meddling in the matters of human life.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">God controls what Satan does</span>. Satan has to get permission to go after Job. Don’t miss this. While Satan has an agenda of destruction God also has an agenda for Job.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">God will not give you anything you can’t handle</span>. God knew Job’s limits. Those limits were beyond what even Job thought he could handle but God knew Job better than Job knew Job. God knows you and your limits too.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Satan doesn’t care about you, he hates God</span>. You may be the target but you are not the focus. Satan went after Job in order to embarrass God. Of course, Job had no idea regarding this cosmic struggle going on. All he knew was that he was suffering. But there was so much more going on behind the scenes. And there is in your life too.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">God is counting on you</span>. God was counting on Job to hang tough. To gut it out. God knew that the season of suffering would pass and God had a blessing waiting on Job. Skip to the end of the book and Job received back twice what he lost. God has a blessing waiting at the end of your storm of suffering too. Remember, God is counting on you!</span></li></ol>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-30041759926223365942010-10-10T21:14:00.006-05:002010-10-11T07:34:25.628-05:00The HCSB Study Bible<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0oWZgu25VZ36mFvKp3N00j1NxRH7dP9GFnF45RQAvTpc8q0pAEtSKzA9Hmr3nzyBCzLJSmzeBMZDmpedZIY8aWxK3fcAYT3TuXLKc8MYh4Py_Af6_Eqoy8TELztcG1oftgkgDlsP8G8/s1600/maps_250.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0oWZgu25VZ36mFvKp3N00j1NxRH7dP9GFnF45RQAvTpc8q0pAEtSKzA9Hmr3nzyBCzLJSmzeBMZDmpedZIY8aWxK3fcAYT3TuXLKc8MYh4Py_Af6_Eqoy8TELztcG1oftgkgDlsP8G8/s400/maps_250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526606549799964178" border="0" /></a> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m a Bible nut.<span style=""> </span>I have a collection of Bibles in my office that represents numerous translations.<span style=""> </span>Some of the Bibles are family heirlooms that have been passed down to me.<span style=""> </span>Whenever I travel to another country I always try to obtain a Bible in the native language to add to my collection.<span style=""> </span>Over the years people have given me unique Bibles as well.<span style=""> </span>The collection also includes several copies of various study Bibles.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My love for different kinds of Bibles is one reason I’ve been looking forward to the publication of the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible for quite a while.<span style=""> </span>The HCSB is a fine translation.<span style=""> </span>I would rank it very close to the ESV, which is my preferred study and preaching translation.<span style=""> </span>The HCSB Study Bible was released last week so I swung by our Lifeway Christian Bookstore on Thursday and picked up a copy and have been using it all weekend.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I first opened the Bible to “break it in” I was “wowed.”<span style=""> </span>The HCSB Study Bible is hands down the most visually beautiful Bible I have ever seen.<span style=""> </span>I am talking about the physical layout of the text along with the smart use of color throughout.<span style=""> </span>Most Bibles are just black with perhaps shades of gray.<span style=""> </span>The HCSB uses full color throughout.<span style=""> </span>There are stunning full color maps and photos, yes photos, liberally woven throughout the text.<span style=""> </span>Light brown and blue are used as complementary colors to the traditional black text.<span style=""> </span>It may sound unusual, but it works.<span style=""> </span>Parchment look-a-like pages are used for the intro pages to each chapter.<span style=""> </span>The in-text notes are very, very good.<span style=""> </span>Included throughout are doctrinal articles, word studies, charts, timelines, and some other goodies I won’t mention.<span style=""> </span>You really have to see this Bible to appreciate it.<span style=""> </span>Holman has figured out how to visually present biblical material so that you naturally absorb the text and commentary.<span style=""> </span>I am impressed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have only two criticisms.<span style=""> </span>One, they chose not to include red-letter text for the words of Christ.<span style=""> </span>I don’t understand why, especially considering the use of color everywhere else. Two, (and this is big) they chose to include only a topical concordance instead of an abridged traditional concordance.<span style=""> </span>I view this as a MAJOR mistake.<span style=""> </span>I cannot understand why they would leave this critical feature out.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Overall, this is one of the best study Bibles I have ever seen, and the HCSB translation is a plus as well.</span></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2xgvzNSqndTUqvqA3ImQiYCkSw-yNcX_Novwl0tzOZiFFDO6NUk99ggrE2Jonj-RAFeNffvQG3AZHVvKSua0RO210ENOBj7a7RrxMTKpJXxsFTNoxtJZPjl3XgAyiplRONZURvQQzVI/s1600/charts_250.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2xgvzNSqndTUqvqA3ImQiYCkSw-yNcX_Novwl0tzOZiFFDO6NUk99ggrE2Jonj-RAFeNffvQG3AZHVvKSua0RO210ENOBj7a7RrxMTKpJXxsFTNoxtJZPjl3XgAyiplRONZURvQQzVI/s400/charts_250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526606644162471826" border="0" /></a> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-37364255059379208712010-10-04T15:58:00.002-05:002010-10-04T16:05:25.694-05:00The Bible and Religion in School – 3 Years Later<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4R4-2uEmGGWnRIaErzzusDral4beST77la5om64ICLk-o9MdOAQznnpRG0bdJj0aL9cRuXuCTj5uqROIoagEjnqKHw-Q8SGAY5rFSJU-pEa7A3XcHB8jLqCjruAIyfLq-cbHcnbfGk8/s1600/science_religion02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4R4-2uEmGGWnRIaErzzusDral4beST77la5om64ICLk-o9MdOAQznnpRG0bdJj0aL9cRuXuCTj5uqROIoagEjnqKHw-Q8SGAY5rFSJU-pEa7A3XcHB8jLqCjruAIyfLq-cbHcnbfGk8/s400/science_religion02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524299885693535698" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >A little over three and a half years ago on this blog, a firestorm of sorts erupted when I called the Fort Smith School Board to task for blatantly ignoring the will of the citizens of Fort Smith by voting down the inclusion of a course on Bible as an <i>elective</i> on the high school level.<span style=""> </span>Over 200 people attended the monthly School Board meeting in February of 2007 to voice support for the elective class.<span style=""> </span>To date, nothing has happened to provide such a course for our students in Fort Smith even though one board member that night “promised” to pursuer the issue.<span style=""> </span>I said then that not only is an elective Bible class appropriate for our students BUT that our curriculum ought to also include a course on comparative religions.<span style=""> </span>I made the point that we live in a “religious” world.<span style=""> </span>Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, students in our public schools graduate high school each year and step into a multi-religious world of which they are woefully uneducated and thus unprepared.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Last week the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-09-28-pew28_ST_N.htm">Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life</a> released the results of a U.S. religious literacy survey they conducted on 3,412 adults.<span style=""> </span>Thirty-two questions were asked about the Bible and world religions.<span style=""> </span>The survey revealed that we are a very religiously illiterate nation.<span style=""> </span>The average score on the survey was a 50%.<span style=""> </span>Using the public school grading scale, that is an F.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >We are just now beginning to reap the results of a generation who knows little to nothing about the religions of the world.<span style=""> </span>“What does it matter?” one may say.<span style=""> </span>Well, when you consider that radical Muslims are willing to kill Americans in the name of their religion, when Israel is in continual conflict with its neighbors because of religion, when more and more students of other religions live in our neighborhoods and attend our schools, it seems to only make sense that there would be great benefit from learning about what motivates and informs the various religions of the world…no, <i>our community</i>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >We seem to be operating under a false belief that the Constitution prohibits Bible elective classes or comparative religion classes.<span style=""> </span>This notion, I believe, lends itself to a false fear of legal reprisal.<span style=""> </span>What happens if the school system gets sued?<span style=""> </span>Three and a half years ago when the Fort Smith School Board voted down the Bible elective course, fear of a lawsuit, was the number one reason given by the school board’s attorney and Fort Smith’s superintendent (this even though the attorneys for the particular Bible curriculum being proposed had promised to defend <i>pro bono</i> any school system sued because of its curriculum).<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >By way of education, let me quote the words of the Supreme Court in the infamous Abington v. Schempp case of 1963 that “eliminated” Bible reading from our public schools.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u><span style="">United States Supreme Court - 1963</span></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">It might be well said that one's education is not complete without a study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization. It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literacy and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected consistently with the First Amendment.</span></i></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >School District of Abington Township v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203,225 (1963)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <style>p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let’s insist on the best education for our kids.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">An education that prepares them for the real world where religions abound and knowledge of such will only help them succeed.</span></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span> <style>p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">For another opinion regarding teaching religion in school, read Stephen Prothero’s <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-10-04-column04_ST_N.htm">column</a> in USAToday.</i></span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-45332438837405195592010-09-29T09:46:00.004-05:002010-09-29T09:50:46.381-05:00Nick Floyd at Grand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNQVAMpGzZbRbSbiwZIUSejqjnU1pZ6Fs0vrnagHVYuHtadzY81_jJazPOGyuB1p_AL0juLNd6qpj-J1qFxHT4RDN9acCPVKd4RbETMiMUxMd_oTZ_thMC7ZNXXy1dnB60fhCxhYehWk/s1600/BRO_9181%5B2%5D.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNQVAMpGzZbRbSbiwZIUSejqjnU1pZ6Fs0vrnagHVYuHtadzY81_jJazPOGyuB1p_AL0juLNd6qpj-J1qFxHT4RDN9acCPVKd4RbETMiMUxMd_oTZ_thMC7ZNXXy1dnB60fhCxhYehWk/s400/BRO_9181%5B2%5D.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522347285020794002" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am so excited that Dr. Nick Floyd will be preaching at Grand this coming Sunday morning. Nick is the son of Dr. Ronnie Floyd and he currently serves with his father as assistant pastor and teaching assistant at <a href="http://www.crosschurch.com/">Cross Church</a> in Northwest Arkansas.<span style=""> </span>Nick is married to his beautiful wife, Meredith, and they have two wonderful children, Reese (2) and Beckham (newborn).<span style=""> </span>They are also in the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia.<span style=""> </span>Nick is a former student of mine back from my teaching days at Shiloh Christian School.<span style=""> </span>It has been a pleasure to watch Nick grow and mature in Christ and to accept his call to ministry.<span style=""> </span>He has worked hard and excelled in his preparation for ministry earning a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, all by the age of 26!<span style=""> </span>Nick is truly one of the great young communicators of God’s Word in our country.<span style=""> </span>His most recent endeavor is the launching of a new church campus for Cross Church in the city of Fayetteville where Nick will be the lead teaching and preaching pastor.<span style=""> </span>That church campus is set to go online in January of 2011.<span style=""> </span>You will be hearing a lot about <b style="">Dr. Nick Floyd</b><span style=""> </span>in the future but you have the opportunity to hear from him live this Sunday, only at Grand Avenue Baptist Church. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Don’t miss church this Sunday and invite a friend to come with you to hear Dr. Nick Floyd.</span><br /></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-60680523028176740832010-09-27T13:01:00.003-05:002010-09-27T13:02:42.718-05:00Family Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepVwqQlbmf5K1vn22Ko6xVy-GztkH_NCXxjqAUTk4gZXIr_WfcvJECpEYj1BXa-VZQjYUfzyGCEOim5HW90WZJq15w2pLmqYoSOwp1yMeT7fUGWOokXfYAVTvF99T9SoM9tjReEfat1s/s1600/family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepVwqQlbmf5K1vn22Ko6xVy-GztkH_NCXxjqAUTk4gZXIr_WfcvJECpEYj1BXa-VZQjYUfzyGCEOim5HW90WZJq15w2pLmqYoSOwp1yMeT7fUGWOokXfYAVTvF99T9SoM9tjReEfat1s/s400/family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521655290696234610" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">USAToday had a graphic in their paper a couple of weeks ago that represents a cultural gauge to which the church needs to pay attention.<span style=""> </span>In a survey of over 1000 adults, the question was asked about which day of the week was the best for “family-time.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Monday – 2%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Tuesday – 1%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wednesday 2%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thursday – 1%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Friday – 4%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saturday – 38%</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sunday – 52%</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For families that value “family-time” clearly Sunday is the target day.<span style=""> </span>This has implications, I think, for how churches approach outreach and programming.<span style=""> </span>The church, of all places, should be a place where the family can be together as the family.<span style=""> </span>At the same time, the church needs to be offering spiritual growth and discipleship targeted for the whole family.<span style=""> </span>The church needs to be strong from birth through senior adults.<span style=""> </span>Churches also need to be very careful that they do not “steal” the whole day from families by programming away the entire day.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps this partially explains the massive decline in Sunday night worship attendance…for churches that still endeavor to offer Sunday night church.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Much food for thought here in these numbers…</span></p>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-43407610975109388752010-09-22T09:23:00.005-05:002010-09-22T09:29:11.409-05:00An Atheist Prepares to Meet God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-ZNXrMmIFv5jaznHwIIXG3IG7Xnm6XAD_0TZ9KWJRMTqux8lRm1Fu6ismKh6RbepnY53Nbn6MlASigbPms_A5F2GOUx50lBdag9rZBKJL5WUr31Sn9e388FiEkpdQsLjOKfU3_lzBng/s1600/HitchensLong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-ZNXrMmIFv5jaznHwIIXG3IG7Xnm6XAD_0TZ9KWJRMTqux8lRm1Fu6ismKh6RbepnY53Nbn6MlASigbPms_A5F2GOUx50lBdag9rZBKJL5WUr31Sn9e388FiEkpdQsLjOKfU3_lzBng/s200/HitchensLong.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519743896942358514" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style>Christopher Hitchens has been dubbed one of the “new” atheists along with the likes of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris. These three have become the new face of atheism in recent years all authoring various books. Hitchens is most notable for his 2009 work, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Not-Great-Religion-Everything/dp/0446697966/ref=sr_1_3?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285164102&sr=8-3"><span style="font-style: italic;">God is Not Dead: How Religion Poisons Everything.</span></a><br /><br />A year and a half later, Hitchens is preparing to meet the God he does not believe in because his body is poisoned by cancer. The effects of esophageal cancer and chemotherapy have ravaged his body. Weak and frail, Hitchens is still resolute, "'Thanks but no thanks' is the reply to those who want me to convert and recognize a divinity or deity." No death bed conversions here. He has resigned himself to his coming death it seems.<br /><br />Monday, was informally proclaimed “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day.” I did. Hitchens, himself, did not. He chose not to participate by bowing his head on the day set aside for him. Nevertheless, he seemed to be genuinely touched by those who did. "I say it's fine by me, I think of it as a nice gesture. And it may well make them feel better, which is a good thing in itself," says Hitchens. This is actually a startling statement from the man who claims in the subtitle of his own book that Religion Poisons Everything. Actually, sin is what has poisoned everything. I think that most people completely miss the level to which sin has altered our existence on this planet. The very presence of a lock on your door, something that we view as “normal”, is evidence of sin’s impact globally. The Bible tells us that the natural world itself has been impacted by our sin. And that means that ultimately sin is behind the very cancer from which Hitchens is suffering. Oh, I’m not saying that if a person sins they will get cancer. I am talking about something much more foundational, that sin has so disrupted the order of creation that diseases like cancer are now among us when, in a sinless world, a world that God intended for us, there would be no sin. This is the world, a sinless world, that God promises for those who trust in Christ. We Christians call this eternal life. The concept of eternity is something that Christopher Hitchens is also about to become intimately acquainted with as well. Not only will he be convinced that there is a God, but he will have an eternity to contemplate his separation from that God. I do not revel in this nor wish it upon Hitchens. And as long as he breathes it is still not too late for him. But the clock is ticking and time is running out.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);font-family:Times;font-size:12pt;" ></span>Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-80790626247866592222010-09-20T09:33:00.001-05:002010-09-20T09:34:42.332-05:00The Power of Thank You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0Nm1_9ZwEYqyBpPJegP4eMEHkuI_J4lHuv-aGnIl2hxOt1g2-c2UkJQYGaRYNSiXTBTvS5RfAYpEPK0xptlWOx9f3w9EMh36YMCps8KH0sBImnlxZvW1_vqsPjjeZcVon40TABs4o0k/s1600/interview-thank-you-note.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0Nm1_9ZwEYqyBpPJegP4eMEHkuI_J4lHuv-aGnIl2hxOt1g2-c2UkJQYGaRYNSiXTBTvS5RfAYpEPK0xptlWOx9f3w9EMh36YMCps8KH0sBImnlxZvW1_vqsPjjeZcVon40TABs4o0k/s400/interview-thank-you-note.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519004090199369042" border="0" /></a><br />One of our staff pastors, Steve Moore, caught me last week and shared the story of a GPS home visit that was made by one of our members to a lady who had visited our church. This lady had come to our church for the first time and ended up in one of our senior adult Bible study classes. When the home visiting team went to her house she was so excited to see them and told them how welcome our church made her feel. People took time to shake her hand, introduce themselves and ask her what her name was. And then just a day or two later, she received a card in the mail from this class just saying “Thank You” for coming to visit our church. This lady could not believe the sentiment. She lives in a small home and her television is broken. But she took the Thank You note and placed it on top of her TV so that she can see it every time she sits on the sofa. She said it makes her feel happy and special.<br /><br />The power of Thank You and the power of Small Group. Churches always have a goal of growth, we want to get bigger because that means more people are coming to know Christ and growing as disciples. But the larger a church becomes the smaller it must become as well. Small groups are where the action really takes place in a church. It’s where friendships are made, it’s where people don’t just hear that they are special but where they experience it.<br /><br />If you’re not in a church, find one. If you have a church family, but are not connected to a small group of some kind, find one. And no matter where you are on your journey towards or with Christ, remember the importance of gratitude and the power of a simple Thank You.Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-75598122372820361742010-09-15T08:27:00.002-05:002010-09-15T08:33:38.441-05:00Aaron Rodgers Versus Aaron Rodgers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHwQE0n2qL9vWMt5zRMzTbgJI567RSTZrrZXgArkXpjcKh1LemcXkwqIkF-pokXTMMBxhoVm7s9p7WY-uS7K4r8Dpu9VCviJ25wnswtHdFCWGAHF3daFhyMjvqm59Wn30t-eDBZTiXvo/s1600/AR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHwQE0n2qL9vWMt5zRMzTbgJI567RSTZrrZXgArkXpjcKh1LemcXkwqIkF-pokXTMMBxhoVm7s9p7WY-uS7K4r8Dpu9VCviJ25wnswtHdFCWGAHF3daFhyMjvqm59Wn30t-eDBZTiXvo/s400/AR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517132916695947762" border="0" /></a>
<br /> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/crawhead/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>312</o:Words> <o:characters>1782</o:Characters> <o:company>Grand Avenue Baptist Church // The Grand Family Churc</o:Company> <o:lines>14</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2188</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will the real Aaron Rodgers please stand up??<span style=""> </span>Okay, this is just too good to not pass on.<span style=""> </span>I am not sure if it fits into the category of good, bad, or ugly, but it is definitely funny.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our student pastor at Grand is Aaron Rodgers.<span style=""> </span>NOT to be confused with the other Aaron Rodgers, who is the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.<span style=""> </span>But apparently it is confusing for many people.<span style=""> </span>Our Aaron Rodgers (the student pastor) is an active user of Twitter.<span style=""> </span>His Twitter name is @AaronRodgers.<span style=""> </span>Since his name is spelled exactly the same as the other Aaron Rodgers (the Green Bay Packers football player), our Aaron (the student pastor) gets some pretty interesting @ replies from people who think he is the football Aaron Rodgers.<span style=""> </span>Sundays during the Packers games are the most interesting times as people think they are Tweeting to the football Aaron Rodgers but they are really sending their Tweets to the student pastor Aaron Rodgers.<span style=""> </span>Here is a censored sample.<span style=""> </span>Needless to say we had a great time with all this in our staff meeting this week.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AaronRodgers"><i><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165); text-decoration: none;">#AaronRodgers</span></i></a></span><span style=""> is gonna be my babydaddy
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">#$&^*@! Aaron Rodgers can SO hit it. :-X <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AaronRodgers"><i><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165); text-decoration: none;">#AaronRodgers</span></i></a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">AaronRodgers</span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);"></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MikeVick"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">#MikeVick</span></a></span><span style=""> can %^&**#! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AaronRodgers"><i><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165); text-decoration: none;">#AaronRodgers</span></i></a> all the way baby!!!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">@<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">AaronRodgers</span></a> is fast becoming a football god!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Fantasy draft is done. Time to bring it @<a href="https://twitter.com/aaronrodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">aaronrodgers</span></a> mama needs a new purse</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">hahaha @<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaronrodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">Aaronrodgers</span></a> has a twitter account!!!! and its approved!!!!! following- check</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">I knew the time would come when we had to lose our QB..I'm just so friggen happy he was replaced with @<a href="https://twitter.com/aaronrodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">aaronrodgers</span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/aaronrodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);"></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">@<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers"><span style="color: rgb(14, 55, 165);">AaronRodgers</span></a> Your swag rating on Madden is 83, 5th highest on the team. Thoughts?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061490769308497661.post-73132871448344838162010-09-12T20:23:00.004-05:002010-09-12T20:29:40.501-05:00Atonement, Jesus, and You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdc8ymka3x-7AZnRerBU5gqcaWUv-UzkZwdaTqw3Aa2L4uI8QHrzbQU0ZfjfhG0YCRwZGJjjPYFe5ctKTgsJ9HRClnpBOOosu3aWpxdOwt0aHI0adnIOQ1DogERR4qkp6eqESYrtlJKs/s1600/cross1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdc8ymka3x-7AZnRerBU5gqcaWUv-UzkZwdaTqw3Aa2L4uI8QHrzbQU0ZfjfhG0YCRwZGJjjPYFe5ctKTgsJ9HRClnpBOOosu3aWpxdOwt0aHI0adnIOQ1DogERR4qkp6eqESYrtlJKs/s400/cross1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516204079838068706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>1 Peter 1:18 (ESV)</u> </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, </span><br /><br />The doctrine of atonement is crucial to Christian theology. It marks a shift from previous doctrines such as the doctrine of the Trinity, Christ, sin, etc. These doctrines involve knowledge about God. But the doctrine of atonement speaks to what God does. Specifically, what He does for you. So the doctrine of atonement is intensely personal.<br /><br />When we talk about the Atonement of Christ we are talking about what exactly took place when Jesus hung on the cross and what it means for you. Obviously MUCH more was going on than simply a man being executed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Theories of Atonement</span><br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ransom Theory of Atonement</span>. 1 Peter 1:18 speaks about you and I being ransomed by Christ. This theory explains that sin has held us all captive. We are slaves. We are hostages. The wages of our sin is death. The ransom note requires blood. Jesus Christ came and he paid the ransom so that you and I can be set free.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Socinian Theory: Atonement as Example.</span> This theory came from Faustus and Laelius Socinus in the 16th century. This theory explains that the death of Jesus serves as an “example” of the way we should live our lives, as unselfish, willing to give of ourselves for others. This theory is wrought with numerous theological flaws. It denies that sin needs to be dealt with. It denies that God is a God of justice. It denies that Jesus is anything other than human. In short, it reduces the death of Jesus to an example of mere inspiration for the rest of us. </li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Moral Influence Theory of Atonement.</span> First put forth by Peter Abelard in response to Anselm (who viewed our sin as an offense against God), this theory focuses on the death of Jesus on the cross as a supreme act of love. God loved us so much, He was willing to die for us via His son Jesus. This theory focuses on the divinity of Christ, however, it denies that God requires satisfaction for sin. Instead, the atonement of Christ is once again an example. We should love one another because God has loved us in such an extreme way.</li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Governmental Theory of Atonement</span>. This theory came about as a response to the Socinians. It was believed that their view was too human-centered. Heavily supported by Hugo Grotius, a lawyer and pastor, this theory focuses on the order and justice of God. God must have satisfaction for the offense to Him and His creation. Thus Christ died in our place to preserve and protect the integrity of God’s character. </li><li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Satisfaction Theory of Atonement.</span> This theory came about as response to the ransom theory. It was believed by some that the atonement was not about paying some debt to Satan who holds us captive. In this way it was seen that Satan somehow “wins” just as a kidnapper would benefit should his ransom demand be met. The Satisfaction Theory, instead, focuses on the satisfaction that God requires in order for Him to forgive sin and let us enter into His holy presence and heaven. This theory strikes a balance between God’s requirements and Man’s helpless condition.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Penal Substitution Theory of Atonement.</span> This theory attempts to define the death of Jesus on the cross as involving: sacrifice, propitiation, substitution, and reconciliation to God. Sin brings with it a penalty. Death. Jesus has stepped in as our substitute. God is satisfied, we are forgiven, death is defeated, and relationship to God is restored.</li></ol><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Does it matter?</span><br /><br />Does your doctrine of atonement matter? Yes! Recently, our worship pastor ran across a great new worship song called, <span style="font-style: italic;">Jesus Dropped the Charges</span>. Man, it is a fun, exciting and kickin’ worship song. Perfect for our church. But it has one major problem. It is theologically wrong. It pushes a theory of atonement that Jesus dropped the charges that had been filed against us by God. But that is NOT what happened when Jesus died on the cross. He didn’t drop the charges, he PAID the penalty for the guilty verdict that came from the charges. And yes, there is a big difference, and yes theology matters.Jeff Crawfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02372409180382835750noreply@blogger.com1