Stories For Speakers And Writers: Dr Francis Collins Shares Awesome Pictures from Book of Life

Stories For Speakers And Writers: Dr Francis Collins Shares Awesome Pictures from Book of Life

SDI

A 12 Minute talk about Relationships in groups.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F98OWspZwfM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DF98OWspZwfM

Inerrancy

An article to keep:
http://matthiasmedia.com/briefing/2012/11/biblical-inerrancy/

Angels as Messengers

Luke 1:5-38

Interest in angels is at an all-time high in our culture, and many people long to have an encounter with them. However, while seeing an angel would be a remarkable event, even the angels themselves are far more concerned that we heed God's messages to us than they are that we see them face to face. We have in Scripture a message from the Lord delivered through the angels (Heb. 2:1-4 ). It is that message we must trust and obey.
From Coram Deo 18/5/12

Our Highest Calling

Revelation 4
What is the highest calling of the Christian? The continual praise of God by the angels in heaven is one of the many depictions in the Bible that emphasize the importance of worship. Praising our Creator in heaven is the highest duty for the believer; indeed, we are exhorted to worship the Lord in all that we do (1 Cor. 10:31 ). And we should look forward to corporate worship each Sunday, for it is there that we glorify God in the presence of His people and the angels.
For further study:
Exodus 25:10-22

From Coram Deo 16/5/12

Positivism

Psalm 19

Many scientists say that a Creator does not exist or that there is no way of knowing if He exists because we cannot see, hear, taste, touch, or smell Him. Today's passage, however, states that there is empirical evidence to support the existence of God. Creation testifies to the reality of God (Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:18-32). Take some time this week to find and make use of a good apologetic resource that discusses the evidence for the Lord's existence.
For further study:
Jeremiah 5:21-22
From Coram Deo: Bible Gateway 23/3/12

Rationality for belief

A rationalist would say that the probability for the existence of God is slightly more probable than not.  So the rational thing to do is suspend a judgement on the existence of God that is based purely on rationality. Every rationalist must countenance the possibility that there is insufficient evidence in order to be convinced strongly of the existence of God.  Even more evidence or the most available convincing arguments, or new arguments which a rationalist may yet come up with, are unlikely to be more convincing.

Maimonides

Maimonides: A challenging broadcast.  About a philosopher who interacted with Jews, Chrisians and Muslims in the 13th century.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/philosopherszone/jewish-philosophy-maimonides/4185792

Five Dysfunctions of a TEAM

http://flpbs.fmhi.usf.edu/pdfs/Five%20Dysfunctions%20of%20a%20Team.pdf

Answered Prayer

Answered Prayer

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

He made me weak that I might obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

He gave me grace that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I received nothing that I asked for, all that I hoped for.

My prayer was answered.   Author Unknown.

Food For Thought - Lubeck

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: An inscription in Lubeck Cathedral reads -

"Ye call me Master - and obey me not!
Ye call me Light - and see me not!
Ye call me Way - and walk me not!
Ye call me Life - and desire me not!
Ye call me Rich - and ask me not!
Ye call me Fair - and love me not!
Ye call me Eternal - and seek me not!
Ye call me Gracious - and trust me not!
"   Ye call me Noble - and serve me not!
Ye call me Mighty - and honour me not!
Ye call me Just - and fear me not!

IF I CONDEMN YOU - BLAME ME NOT!"

24 Reasons Why I no longer go to the Football.

24 Reasons Why I No Longer Go To The Football

1.   Every time I went, they asked me for money.

2.   The people I sat next to weren't friendly and didn't speak to me after the game.

3.   The seats were hard and uncomfortable.

4.    The coach never came to see me.

5.   The referee made a decision that I didn't agree with.

6.   I was sitting with hypocrites - they only came to see what other people were wearing.

7.    Some games went into overtime -1 was late getting home.

8.   The cheer squad played numbers I didn't know.

9.   The games are scheduled when I want to do other things.

10. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.

11. Since I read a book on footy, I feel I know everything.

12. I don't want to take my children, because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.

13. There are so many different teams. How do I know which one is right?

14. I know lots of so-called 'footballers' who can't play for peanuts.

15. My girlfriend plays netball. I don't want to impose my sport on her.

16. Who needs to go to the game? I can watch it on TV in the comfort of my own home.

17. Footy is just an escape for people who don't want to live in the real world.

18. Footy doesn't really help me live my life from day to day.

19. There are too many rules in Football. I can't be bothered working them all out.

20. My interest in Footy is a private thing -1 prefer to play it on my own.

21. I'm just not into it at the moment. Maybe I'll start going again next Summer.

22. If I go once a year, on Grand Final day, that will be enough.

23. I don't like the way they don't let women join in the game.

24. I just can't make it at that time -1 need to drive my kids to church.

The Vessel

The Vessel     

The Master was searching for a vessel to use

Before Him were many; which one would He choose?

"Take me" cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright,

I'm of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest,

And for someone like you Lord, gold would be best."

The Master passed on with no word at all,

And looked at a silver um, grand and tall.

"I'll serve you, dear Master, I'll pour out your wine

I'll be at your table whenever you dine.

My lines are so graceful, my carving is true

And silver will always complement you."

Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass, 

Wide-mouthed and shallow and polished like glass. 

"Here, here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do, 

Place me on your table for all men to view."

"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear,

"My transparency shows my contents so clear. 

Though fragile am I, I will serve you with pride, 

And I'm sure I'll be happy in your house to abide."

Then the Master came next to a vessel of wood, 

Polished and carved, it solidly stood. 

"You may use me dearest Master," the wooden bowl said,

"But I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for bread."

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay, 

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse, and make whole, to fill and to use.

"Ah! Now this is the vessel I've been hoping to find, 

I'll mend it and use it and make it all mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of itself,

Nor one that is narrow to sit on the shelf,

Nor one that is big- mouthed and shallow and loud,

Nor one that displays his contents so proud,

Nor the one that thinks he can do things just right,

But this plain earthly vessel filled with power and might."

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay, 

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day; 

Spoke to it kindly - "there's work you must do -

Just pour out to others as I pour into you."

B.V. Cornwall

Wollomombi Falls

http://biblicalgeology.net/Geological-Histories/Wollomombi-Falls-Australia.html

Marriage, Love, Equality

An article I want to keep:
http://sydneyanglicans.net/life/thinking/the-modern-marriage-ideology

Upbringing Affects Kids

A report which examines the studies which seek to show that children of Gay couples are not "different':

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120610151302.htm

I'm Spiritual?

"I don't believe in God. I'm not what you would call a spiritual person" Ken Follett The Pillars of the Earth

I suppose you would "call" a person spiritual if they pray to a god and attend religious activities.

But, to be human is to be spiritual. Every human is a spiritual person. Not to be spiritual is not to be human.

Spong??

I'm reading about Spong and these quotes caught my fancy:

“When a visitor enquired as to why there were two Baptist churches in this single tiny town (in east Tennessee), the visitor was told , “This Baptist church says, ‘there ain’t no hell’, and this other Baptist church says, ‘the hell there ain’t’.” JS Spong Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism pg 4

In the introduction, we (Michael R. Bott and Jonathan D. Sarfati) quoted a review which said that Spong "has the guts to tell it like it is." It would be more accurate to say that he is the populist who "has the cheek to tell it like it isn't." http://www.christian-apologetics.org/html/Whats_wrong_Spong.htm

Ten Tips on Going to Church

http://growingfaith.com.au/indepth/ten-tips-for-going-to-church-with-your-family?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBriefing+%28The+Briefing%29&utm_content=Google+International

Prayer Book Dictionary Online

http://anglicanhistory.org/bcp/dictionary1913/

Cruciferae (Mustard)

Great images here:

http://chubeza.com/?p=3641&lang=en

http://botany.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/301Manhart/Dicots/Dillen/Bra/Bra.html

Crucifixion in Antiquity

The story of a 1968 archaeological discovery (and more):

http://www.centuryone.org/crucifixion2.html

Secular Humanism

Psalm 144:3-4
The naturalism that is taught alongside humanism makes humanity into a cosmic accident with no real value, hence the ease with which we abort children and abandon the elderly. Only the Christian worldview, where God is the measure of all things, can preserve life and liberty. Only those who believe that man is made in God's image have grounds for attributing any kind of worth to humanity. Remember this as you engage other worldviews. (From Bible Gateway)

Easter Quote

"Moses could meditate on the law; Muhammad could brandish a sword; Buddha could give personal counsel; Confucius could offer wise sayings; but none of these men was qualified to offer an atonement for the sins of the world.... Christ alone is worthy of unlimited devotion and service." R C Sproul (in L Strobel, The case for faith, pg 145.)

Gideon New Testament changes a life.

Testimony by a prodigal (10 mins)

http://player.vimeo.com/video/32400978?autoplay=1-

To Love, honour and submit?

Isn't it chauvinistic to teach wives to submit?This week's reading: 1 Peter 3:5-6
Women in the first century had no legal rights and very little public influence. How could they influence their unbelieving husbands to believe in God? In spite of such disadvantages, wives could still have a profound impact on their husbands. They could speak loudly for Christ-not necessarily through words, but through their behavior and their Christ-like character (see 1Pe 3:1,4).
Inferiority is not implied by the command to submit (see 1Pe 3:1). The submission is one of role or function necessary for the orderly operation of the home. Direct confrontation, though sometimes necessary might put husbands too much on the defensive. Thus, Peter counsels wives to disarm their unbelieving husbands and make them more receptive to the gospel by being gentle and quiet in spirit. Believing wives are not to rely on argumentation to win their unbelieving husbands, but on the quality of their lives. "Actions speak louder than words."
These verses have sometimes been abused, as have wives. Biblical submission should not be separated from Biblical responsibility (see 1Pe 3:7; Eph 5:25; Col 3:19). In this context, Sarah is commended for her submission. However, Abraham, rather than trusting in God, relied on his own schemes, which led to Sarah being mistreated (see Ge 12:11-13; 20:10-11).
Some dismiss these verses in the New Testament as the chauvinistic rhetoric of the first century, but such a view misses the whole servant spirit of Christianity. Submission is commanded for all believers (see Ro 12:1-8; Eph 5:21; 1Pe 2:13-17), not just wives. A submissive spirit runs counter to society's values, and it always has (see Mk 10:42-45). However it remains God's standard for all believers-male and female, young and old-for all time (see Eph 5:21; Php 2:3-8). (Adopted from Biblegateway)

PrIde

Self-righteously proud? Repent!

"Where are you going?"

What do you believe? … Where are you going?
‘If you accept a belief you reap a thought
if you sow a thought you reap an attitude
if you sow an attitude you reap an action
if you sow an action you reap a habit
if you sow a habit you reap a character
if you sow a character you reap a destiny’
What you believe …determines where you are going!

Clean Up Australia Day

Do the Right Thing! So many people don't, so someone else has to come along and pick up after them.
Do the Wrong Thing! So many people do, so someone had to die so our hearts could be made clean.

RSPCA

Thank God for William Wilberforce.

Jumping Hoops - a message for every sceptic!

This talk was shared by Peter W on facebook:

http://www.htb.org.uk/ai_media/353

I glad I've always remebered that being 'saved' is a gift of God, a demo of his Love for me.
I think I'll build a confessional box for the church!

Adortion

I must remember to watch 180movie.

Can someone who is saved fall away?

This week's reading: 2 Peter 2:20-22
There are basically two positions on this question. Some say the people in these verses were saved, but by falling away, lost their salvation. They support their view by observing that: (1) These people had a relationship with Christ; (2) they had escaped corruption; (3) they had since become entangled again, worse than before. They also see the tragic results as reasons why the New Testament warnings against falling away are so vital (see, for example, Gal 5:4; Heb 6:4-6).
Others disagree and see salvation as an irrevocable gift. They believe people can appear to be saved-they know about Jesus and that their lifestyles appear to improve. But this view concludes that such changes are merely superficial and that such people were never truly saved in the first place. Those who hold this position see a distinction between genuine Christians and those who merely dabble in Christianity for a time (see, for example, Ro 8:38-39; 1Jn 2:19).

A third view incorporates elements of both of these positions. This view says some people fall away because they were never sincere in their faith while others fall away because they neglected their faith. The dividing line in these various opinions seems to depend on one's view of God's grace: Are God's promises irrevocable or do they depend on our response? Do we have eternal security in Christ or do we have conditional security in Christ? These questions may never be reconciled this side of heaven. (From BibleGateway 15/2/12)

Poll: I'm for Position 1; 2; or 3?

Christian Culture in Australia

I have a Question. Are we loosing sight of our Christian Culture in Australia? Julia Gillard says we have one. What is happening to it?

Commentary on John's Gospel

I made an incredible discovery in January. I found a three volume commetary on John's Gospel in a secondhand Bookshop. It only cost $2.50 for the three volumes. It was written by A.W.Pink in 1928. It contains some dispensationaist teachings that he repudiated at length before he died in 1952, but his other insights are inspiring. Interestingly he is not referred to by other popular modern commentators such at C.K. Barrett, Leon Morris and Stephen Smalley!
Has anyone else read this commentary by Pink? Comments please.

Marriage

Nut + Bolt = Marriage
Die + Tap = Marriage
Sword + vagina = Marriage
A Aroldite + B Aroldite = Marriage

Marriages are made in heaven.

Perversions of marriage are made on earth.

Marriage is a monogomous relationship between a man and a woman, entered into for life.