Korn Guitarist Professes Christ (03/01/05 - 0 Comments)
As you may have read, the band Korn recently made the following unusual announcement on their web site:
Korn has parted ways with guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch, who has chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end. Korn respects Brian's wishes, and hopes he finds the happiness he's searching for.
The press release goes on to say that the band is holding together and is hard-at-work at their next project. Korn is a hard rock band which represents all we have come to expect from such groups. Lyrics from the song "Deep Inside" seem to adequately represent the band.
The Interview (02/28/05 - 0 Comments)
I mentioned a little while ago that Eric of Evangelical Underground had asked if he could do an online interview with me. Of course I was more than happy to participate. We did some back-and-forth and finally finished up tonight. He has posted the interview, which you can read here. We talked about two of my favorite topics: theology and blogging (and what happens when theology meets blogging).
A little observation based on reading through the interview: I am long-winded!
Ignorance Is No Excuse (02/22/05 - 0 Comments)
I hesitate to write when I have a brutal head cold and am moderately medicated, because I'm worried that I will rant and rave and just embarrass myself. So I will approach a fairly innocuous topic today in the hopes that I will not read it tomorrow and realize I have made an utter fool of myself. Again.
This weekend I was chatting with my mother (our usual Sunday afternoon phone call) and we were discussing the amazing amount of information at our disposal these days. I wrote about this not too long ago in an article entitled Informaton Overload and it was an article that seemed to make sense to a lot of people. One of the most amazing statistics I found in researching the topic, in my opinion, was that an average edition of the New York Times contains in it more information than a man who lived in the 18th century would have encountered in his entire lifetime. Neil Postman had some interesting information as well. "Neil Postman, in a talk entitled Informing Ourselves To Death spoke about the information facing Americans: 'In America, there are 260,000 billboards; 11,520 newspapers; 11,556 periodicals; 27,000 video outlets for renting tapes; 362 million tv sets; and over 400 million radios.
More New Sites (02/21/05 - 0 Comments)
After posting last week about some new site designs, I had several people email and request information about having a redesign done by yours truly. I worked on a couple of designs last week and over the weekend before finishing them off this morning.
First up, we have someone many of you many be familiar with. PenguinBoy has moved from his old digs into a new domain (PenguinBoy.us) and has a new design as well. I am really quite pleased with the way this site turned out. There are a couple of tweaks I may want to make in the future, but on the whole I like it (which is quite unusual for me - I am my own harshest critic). I especially like the penguin sitting up at the top against the backdrop of the banner, and actually really like the whole banner. I'm also fond of the penguin foot favicon. If I had to do this site all over again, I might use a bit more color, but I know PenguinDude likes to post lots of pictures both in his articles and in his sidebars, so I thought I would let those provide the color.
Sick Day (02/21/05 - 0 Comments)
As you may know, I run my own business. Most self-employed people will nod knowingly when I say that this rarely gives me opportunity to take sick days. Back when I worked a real, salaried job I had 10 or 15 sick days every year, but now that I am self-employed, my ability to pay bills is directly proportional to my ability to work the necessary number of hours. Thus taking time off is really taking potential money out of my pocket.
I'm sick today. Actually, everyone in the family is sick today. My daughter has a fever of 102 and was up in the night, my son has an ear infection, I'm 24 hours into a whopper of a cold and my wife seems to have a delightful combination of all of the above. So while I am still working, I am simply incapable of doing the research I need to in order to write my post on the inerrancy of Scripture. Thus I hope to bring you that post tomorrow. I am taking a blogging (or researching, anyways) sick day!
Delighting In The Lord's Day (02/20/05 - 0 Comments)
Last Sunday I quoted extensively from Don Whitney's book Simplify Your Spiritual Life in which he writes about Three Views of Sunday. Today I will move on to Delighting in the Lord's Day.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the biblical term Sabbath? Many people, including those familiar with the New Testament, may think first of legalism. That's because nearly every mention of Sabbath in the Gospels has to do with the Pharisees accusing Jesus of violating their manmade rules. God's original intention, however, was for the Jews to "call the Sabbath a delight" (Isaiah 58:13). He meant for each of them on that day to "delight [themselves] in the LORD" (verse 14). Far from being a day to dread because of its restrictions, God designed the Sabbath to be a delightful day, the best of the week.
Children's Bible (02/19/05 - 0 Comments)
I am looking for suggestions on a Bible for my children. My children are five and two and seem a bit bored by their current Bible story book. The one we have was given to us but features awful, cartoonish pictures and the text is very simple. So we would like to bump them up to something with less of a cartoon feel, but also something with more meaningful text.
We went to the local Christian bookstore last week, and while they have a very good selection, there did not seem to be one that was quite right. We did find one that both my wife and I thought looked excellent, but when I flipped to the story of Jesus' birth, it had Ave Maria printed in the margin and seemed to be as much an exulation of Mary as a story about Jesus. Looking at the back I saw that one of the three authors was a nun and another taught at a Catholic seminary.
Mark D. Roberts on the TNIV (02/19/05 - 0 Comments)
Mark Roberts, pastor, author and blogger, is in the midst of a series about Today's New International Version of the Bible. If you are not aware of the TNIV, allow me to explain. "This translation, though closely related to its predecessor, the NIV, is a new translation based upon the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts from which we get our English Bible. According to Zondervan, 93% of the TNIV mirrors the NIV, while 7% is a fresh translation. The new material 'clarifies and updates passages and words to provide a more timely, contemporary English rendition for a new generation of Bible readers.' Yet the TNIV is not meant to replace the beloved NIV, but to complement it. Nevertheless, Zondervan claims that the TNIV is 'uncompromisingly accurate Bible translation in today's language from the translators of the most trusted modern English translation, the NIV.' This claim to accuracy is central to the TNIV’s purpose."
It Was My Time To Shine... (02/18/05 - 0 Comments)
It was going to be my time to shine - my time to prove that I am a nice, thoughful guy. Of course this runs counter to my nature as really I'm more of a selfish person, but this was the beginning of a new me! And it was all for nought.
Perhaps I should backup for a moment. As you know, I am engaged in convincing Christian authors to sign and send me their books so that I can give them away. It sounds pretty ridiculous when I write it like that, but that is the gist of what I've been doing with these giveaways. Recently I convinced one of my favorite authors, Michael Horton, to participate. I have a friend who attends Westminster Seminary, so I worked out a whole great plan. I purchased the books and had them shipped to my buddy. He then took them to Dr. Horton to have them signed. But there was one caveat. I asked my friend to have one of the books signed over to my friend Doug, who loves this particular book (Putting Amazing Back Into Grace). Two weeks ago my friend wrote to say he had the books signed and they were in the mail.
Friday Roundup (02/18/05 - 0 Comments)
I had so many great articles I wanted to write this week, but unfortunately my time has been in short supply. The February giveaway ended this week, which required a lot of time, and both of my kids are sick which cuts into my evenings. Also, I currently have nine (count 'em, 9!) different web designs underway have provided several quotes that could well turn into work. This is not to complain, of course, as I have a rather hefty tax bill I need to address in a month or so. But all this work has sure cut into my blogging time, or more specifically, into my research time.
At the top of the list of my planned articles was one to address Michael Spencer's article on The inerrancy of Scripture. Michael writes "I don't believe in inerrancy, a view of how scripture is inspired that means well, but just can't get traction with me. My problems with inerrancy have been going on for a very long time, and I've heard it presented and taught by the best.
February Giveaway: Final Results (02/17/05 - 0 Comments)
Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway of The Reformation Study Bible (ESV) and The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul.
Unfortunately, as with the previous giveaways, there can be only two winners. Before I announce their names, I would like to let you know that Monergismbooks.com, which co-sponsored this giveaway, has once again offered a great discount to all contest participants who purchase The Reformation Study Bible (ESV). This Bible is already available from Monergismbooks at a price lower than you will find in your local bookstore and even lower than what Amazon offers, but now the deal has been sweetened even further. You'll have to visit the site to read about it! The deal will not last long, so don't dawdle!
New Sites (02/16/05 - 0 Comments)
Yesterday I finished off two new site designs for a couple of Christian bloggers. As part of their package (far and away the least exciting part of the package, I'm sure), they get one official shout-out from my site! So here goes...
First up is Noidlebrain.com, home to Colin Rowley. Colin is a kindred spirit and someone I enjoyed getting to know during the time I worked on his site. He wanted me to work with those LOUD colors, and I found it quite a treat since I am accustomed to working with such soft, muted colors. On the whole I am quite happy with the final result, though the three column design does leave a small content area for articles. However, that small complaint aside, I think the design is a success. And more importantly, Colin is pleased.
Monergism Conference 2005/2006 (02/15/05 - 0 Comments)
Monergism.com is one of the most valuble resources on the Internet. John Hendryx, whom I have come to know well over the past several months, has a true servant's heart and has created just an incredible site. It is one I turn to often when I need to do theological research or even devotional reading.
John announced today that he is contemplating a Monergism Conference. "This would not be a conference about Monergism the website, but monergism, the biblical truth of grace alone and regeneration of the Holy Spirit apart from any human cooperation. I would seek to highlight this conference with worthy speakers. I am excited by the thought of doing such a thing but would love to hear your input and wonder how many of you would be interested in attending such a conference. It would be a conference focused on the Third Person of the Trinity and His work in bringing glory to the Eternal Son of God. That is, about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to salvation in uniting us to Christ. Many long time visitors of Monergism.com might be interested in such a conference and I trust would be interested in encouraging the attendance of friends who remain skeptical."
John is looking for input from the Internet community on whether such a conference would be welcome and whether you would be interested in attending. So please, read his letter and send him an email letting him know if this is something you would be interested in attending.
Friday Frivolity (02/11/05 - 0 Comments)
Reach out and grab the book that is nearest to you. If there are two that are equally near, take the one with the prettiest cover. Open it up and turn to the 39th page. Find the third sentence. If a sentence carries over from page 38 to 39, consider that the first sentence. And now, click on the Post Reply button and let us know what it is.
In my case, the sentence is: "The prophecy in the Old Testament is that his name will be Immanuel, and then we go to the New Testament, and they don't name him Immanuel; they name him Jesus." For those who are curious, this is taken from R.C. Sproul's book Now, That's A Good Question which, for some reason, was propped on the printer beside me.
Seriously Disturbing
When I see things like this, I'm not sure if I should laugh or be shocked. Or both. Or maybe something else. You tell me...
The Community Blog (02/08/05 - 0 Comments)
Several alert readers have noticed that new button at the top of the page. (Yeah, that one...the one that says "New" on it). I have hinted at this before, but have finally decided to go ahead with a community blog (click here to see it). Now you may be asking what exactly a community blog is. That's a good question and one I have been asking as well. The truth is, I don't really know. Ask me after we have been doing it for three or four weeks and I should be able to answer more clearly. But this is roughly how I envision it:
What Is A Community Blog?
A community blog is a blog where more than one person contributes. Some people refer to these as group blogs, but I prefer the term community. This blog will feature several writers to begin with and the number will likely increase as time goes on. This will be a place for people to interact with each other, to post articles, and to draw attention to interesting resources. I suppose it is much like any other blog, except that it will feature interaction between several writers.
Evangelical Blog Awards (02/08/05 - 0 Comments)
After a rather short voting period, the 2005 EU Evangelical Blog award winners have been announced. And here are the winners:
Best Evangelical Teen Blog
To Be Least
Best Evangelical Group Blog
Dead Yet Living
Best Evangelical Youth Pastor Blog
Stu’s Rants
Best Evangelical Missionary Blog
Under The Acacias
Best Evangelical Blog-Humor
Rantings of a Lord of the Rings Fanatic
Best New Evangelical Blog
Amy’s Humble Musings
Best Evangelical Blog-Pastor
Mark D. Roberts
Best Evangelical Blog-Apologetics
Weapons of Warfare
Best Domestic Evangelical Blog (U.S.)
From The Morning
Best International Evangelical Blog
Tim Challies
Best Evangelical Blog-Ministry
21st Century Reformation
Best Evangelical Blog-Politics
La Shawn Barber
Best Designed Evangelical Blog
Tim Challies
Best Overall Evangelical Blog
Alpha and Omega Ministries, The Christian Apologetics Ministry of James R. White
People’s Choice Award (highest vote total overall, including nominations)
Alpha and Omega Ministries, The Christian Apologetics Ministry of James R. White
February Book Giveaway (02/07/05 - 0 Comments)
As promised, I bring to you today the February book giveaway. Each month, for as many months as I can convince authors to sign and send their books to me, I will be giving away two copies of a Christian book autographed by the author.
As always, two equal prizes will be awarded in February. Each winner will receive an autographed copy of The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul as well as a hardcover copy of The Reformation Study Bible (ESV). You can be the first person on your block to own The Reformation Study Bible, which will be available later this month for the first time in the English Standard Version.
1st Annual Evangelical Blog Awards (Voting) (02/06/05 - 0 Comments)
So it's time to vote for the 1st Annual Evangelical Blog Awards. As I said before, I hesitate to bring these up as I don't want to seem self-serving. At the same time, I do want to be a responsible member of the blogosphere, so will play along.
Anyways, if you would like to vote, Send an email to eblogawards@gmail.com. I have been nominated in the following categories:
- Best Overall Blog
- Best Designed Blog
- Best International Blog
The complete list of finalists is here.
Challenging James White (02/01/05 - 0 Comments)
Yesterday I was chatting with James White and he remarked that I am one of his competitors for Best Apologetics Blog at the Evangelical Blog Awards. He then asked why if we are inline for the same award, radio host Chuck Crismier asked White to go on his show to defend Perseverance of the Saints instead of me. I assume it is because Chuck just wants a good argument, not to actually become a Calvinist himself.
Anyways, I suggest that White and I settle this like gentlemen. I challenge James White to a moderated, written debate on any of the following topics, provided that I am able to defend the Reformed position:
- The King James Only Controversy
- Scripture Alone
- Calvinism vs Arminianism
- Justification
- The Catholic Controversy
I propose that whoever loses this debate immediately withdraw his site from contention for Best Apologetics Blog.
Barna's Lastest: Pastors Reveal Major Influencers (01/30/05 - 0 Comments)
George Barna has an interesting job. He must feel that more often than not he is the proclaimer of sad tidings. His surveys often showcase the ways in which Christians are struggling and the ways Christianity is changing for the worse. Some of his recent studies have concluded that "Americans Agree: Kids Are Not Being Prepared for Life," "Born Again Christians Just As Likely to Divorce As Are Non-Christians" and "Faith Has a Limited Effect On Most People’s Behavior." I am sure that he found his most recent poll comforting. In it he asked 614 Senior to identify up to three individuals whom they believe have the greatest influence on churches and church leaders in the U.S. Those pastors named over 300 individuals.
To no one's surprise, Billy Graham remains the most trusted spokesman for the Christian faith in the U.S. and has the greatest influence on American churches and church leaders. The top four influencers are: Billy Graham (who was selected by 34% of respondants), Rick Warren (26%), George W. Bush (14%) and James Dobson (11%). "Other influencers who were among the ten most frequently listed were Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church (9%); Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House (7%); author and motivational speaker John Maxwell (6%); researcher and author George Barna (5%); Pope John Paul II (5%); and author and speaker Max Lucado (4%)."
