Terry Pruitt's Blog

On my web pages I have posted a paper I did on the canon of Scripture, called " The Christian Canon Was Authoritative From Its Inception . This was in part done to look in a scholarly way at the claims of Da Vinci Code.

Wired says that the Biggest News story in 2005 is that Katrina and Asian tsunami were caused by global warming. Did I miss something here? Seriously, I thought that the tsunami was caused by an earth quake below the ocean, not global warming. Katrina was a hurricane that I guess one could say was connected to global warming however, there have been large destructive hurricanes before global warming. Again, perhaps I missed the biggest discovery of the year. Wired News: Biggest Discoveries of 2005 : "1. It's getting hot in here: Thanks to the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, global warming can no longer be ignored. There's no doubt about it: Earth's climate is heating up. But is it part of the planet's natural climate cycle, or man-made? That's the question. More than 150 nations are willing to do something about it and propose to reduce greenhouse gases. But China and the United States, two of the heaviest-polluting nations, refuse to participate...

It seems all the news media has developed "Man of the Year" and summary stories at years end. Declarations of the best and worst abound. In truth, for most people the mediocre is what is experinced. (Okay, perhaps you do live a copy of Martha Stewart Living by your bed side and start each day by exercising your horse, then follow that up with a breakfast jelly made peaches you grew and picked yourself and homemade bread, but I just had coffee and oatmeal.) What is normal for a lot of people can be called a trend. Trends are not alway spectacular, but I think you can act on it if you desire to do so. Welcome to The Barna Group! : "Barna Reviews Top Religious Trends of 2005 December 20,2005 Trends Related to Churches Ignoring reporters’ questions about church growth figures by stating, “church attendance is grossly overrated as a measure of anything that is spiritually significant,” the researcher instead offered four factors that he described as “in...

Q. 4. What is God? A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. When I look at who God is, I have the God of the Bible identified. He is not a vague something transcendent, but he reveals himself through his mighty deeds of redemption and his Word. He reveals himself in his creation and his law. He reveals himself in his incarnation and in his governing of all history. We know that he is a Spirit from Jesus telling us that God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. He is without human limits of time-space, nor is he in a process of changing as a man. He wisdom and power are easily thought to be without limit, but his moral attributes are also without limit. He is everything that is good and right. It is popular in recent years to indict God for the evil in the world, but his mercy is extended and he awaits for our repentance.

Tales From Chambana: Christmas ling-a-ling : "Christmas ling-a-ling" This one of the links to the Christmas lights display of an Ohio engineer who has sychonized his lights with music. The good thing about this one is that you do NOT need Windows Media.

My good friend the Jollyblogger and I went on an bookstore adventure today. I know for most people going to a bookstore is not an adventure, but neither of us is what you might call average. (Or perhaps we are easily amused. I'm not sure.) The bookstore is in Dallastown, PA which was a nice drive up I-83 north of Baltimore. One of by biggest complaints about Christian bookstores these days is that all they have is the mass media Christian market. Jolly says that most Christian bookstores do have some things that are suitable for study, that is the CD's which are good to listen to while you study. (Read that with a jovial tone, because it was not snarky in tone.) Hearts and Minds is a refreshingly different. They have substantive commentaries, theological works from a diverse points of view, and even a book or two on stainable agriculture. Byron and Beth Borger are knowledgeable about the books they sell. When I have asked for some suggestions, I did not get just one...

The Best Web 2.0 Software of 2005 (web2.wsj2.com) : "The Best Web 2.0 Software of 2005" While the list may be an interesting review for those who are really keeping up with the Web 2.0, for the rest of us, it is a great way to catch up. I know I'm going to try out some of these cool services.

One of the common objections to Christianity that I hear often is that if Christianity is true, why are there so many churches? Of course church in this sense means denomination, or church tradition. There are some churches that will tell you they are not a part of any denomination, but still they are a part of a certain form of Christianity. My first reaction to denominations is that I don't see them as such a bad thing. There are significant doctrinal issues that are emphasized and debated between denominations and that can get quite heated. Additionally, many churches frankly teach things that are against the teachings in Scripture. However, the differences between Bible-believing churches is usually not as much about doctrine as it is about the demographic that the church reaches. One church might reach the blue collar working class, while another reaches the white collar middle class. Some churches cater to an extended family. Other let one exist in an anonymous fashi...

I'm once again following the Jolly Blogger, but I got the result he wanted. I think it is because I clicked that I liked Bach. Try that. Jack Bauer Which 24 Character are you? brought to you by Quizilla

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 (ESV) “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) Q. 3 What do the scriptures principally teach? A. The Scriptures principally teach what a man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. The Scripture is both intellectually cohesive in its teaching and practical in its application. I have been a part of churches that fled every doctrinal debate in favor of practical application but I have been in few churches that over emphasize the doctrine above application. However I have met some individuals who over emphasize the doctrine to the exclusion of its application. I think that is because America embraces a philosophy that is anti-intellectual. On the other hand, while not common in my circles today, I have heard of people u...

SCOTWISE: SCOTLAND'S 1st DOCTOR OF PIPING. : "THE world's first doctor of bagpiping graduated yesterday. " You might want to check this one out.

Seven Sevens Rebecca Writes had this meme on her blog. It is a list seven things in answer to each of seven questions. I like the number seven, that is how many are in my family; my five daughters, my wife and me. 1. Seven things to do before I die. Take my family on a big vacation Get ordained See all my girls through college Go to the Olympics - spectator only Publish the ultimate Bible Geography Gazetteer on the web Go to the land of the Bible (Take lots of pictures to put on that website) Do another long bike ride 2.Seven things I cannot do. Hear the difference in the sound of a short i and a short e. Memorize correctly the words to songs. Save myself from my sin. Sense when I am hurting people's feelings. Drive a semi. Get myself organized. Seem to get it right. 3. Seven things that attracted me to my wife. She is an on fire Christian She is spunky Her beautiful hair She has a wonderful smile She is a people person She is fun to be with She is compassionate 4. Seven things ...

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16 “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” 1 John 1:3-4 Q. What rule hath god given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. This is the second question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The concern here is amazingly not put in terms of merely right doctrine, but really in terms of our joy in the Christian life. Joy that comes from the teachings of Scripture and how we are to live a godly life. Joy in knowing God. Sometimes evangelicals will say that they are not really conc...

Just in time for those holiday parties, I have a poll on small talk. What do you find the most engaging topic of conversation at a party or other social function? The poll is off to the right on this page. If I did not put your favorite topic on there, add an entry to the comments section of the poll.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (ESV) Question 1 from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Q: What is the chief end of man? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever. This beginning point focuses on man's purpose. Without some transcendent purpose, we get the sense that this earth is just mechanics. We are but a machine. When the machine wears out, we dispose of it. The clergy who wrote the Westminster Shorter Catechism understood that to begin our theological journey we need to understand that purpose and meaning are central to message of scripture and central to man's needs. While the question of what man's purpose is man central to the question, the proof text from Romans 11 is really much broader than the issue of man. Man is a part of all creation, and all creation is ...

If they can make this $100 laptop for those who are overseas, how about marketing it in the United States. Where is the website to put your advanced order? I think we could buy one for each child in our home, that would be five. Oh, wait, some are over 18, do they count? Anyway, I think this is a great idea and Christian releif agencies should get involved in making purchases where funds are not available otherwise. Wired News: Negroponte: Laptop for Every Kid : "WN: One could argue that it's better to give them something that has more mainstream commercial appeal. Negroponte: Now be careful there. Fifty percent of the servers on this planet are using either Linux or some kind of Unix derivative.... So 20 percent of the world's servers are already using what I would call perfectly mainstream software. And there are open-source approaches to it that are working just fine. It's not mainstream on the desktop, I'll admit, but we'll make it mainstream ...

I enjoy reading Barna and others who "do the numbers" on Christianity. But I have to say this is an excellent review of Barna's book. I have not read the book, but still I recommend reading the Jollyblogger's review. The discussion goes beyond the one book and interacts with a broader section of Christianity just the pollsters. JOLLYBLOGGER: Book Review - Revolution by George Barna : "Let me begin this review of George Barna's book Revolution with a few apologies. The first is that this post is so absurdly long that it hardly deserves to be called a blog post. If anyone makes it to the end of this post they deserve a medal. It is just that this book touched on a lot of issues for me, so this post is my personal way of working through a number of things. "

Controversies - A dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views. Using this definition, it is not a controversy if I am conflicted about a matter. But often I am not moved to investigate a matter or interprets a matter until I start to respond to some doctrine that is being spouted out there. So I am lazy until some Gadfly comes and knocks me out of my comfort zone. Perhaps others are more spiritual than I, but some of my seasons of doctrinal growth come from hearing a teaching that just does not seems right to me. Many years ago I was deployed in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. One Sunday I went to a Sunday School class at the Chapel on Eskan Village. The Chaplin was a good guy. When we got to Romans 2:22 "You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" the Chaplin explained to the class that rob temples refers to Jewish people robbing pagan temples. I had memorized the passage ...

It is official, the community of blogdom thinks that the Jollyblogger's Pulpit Attire should be...drum roll... what ever is acceptable to his wife . Who knew?

Scott Aniol at Kara Ministries has put forth the idea that Pastors are responsible for maturing the flock both in theology and emotions. Could it be that the emphasis on counseling methods has led our shepherds away from some of the tools that could really help the flock “to lay down beside the cool waters”? Could it be that we need more poets and less couches to set our hearts to love the savior more and worry less? It must be said that only God can set our hearts aright. Regardless of technique, couch or choir, we must have the work of the Holy Spirit moving in our heart. But talking about the Holy Spirit's work, I have yet to hear someone say that they left a counseling session inspired and encouraged. Usually there is digging up of the past mistakes, past sufferings, and confrontation with present faults. But I have often heard people talk of being moved by a song. People sense the rightness of the words and tune that speaks of the greatness of God and/or his truth. Gi...

Kara Ministries Weblog : "“Neither should we ordain young men as preachers, unless they have been well exercised in music.” — Martin Luther" Scott is asking for your feedback as to how much training a pastor should have in music, who is responsible to see that he has it and whether it should be a part of ordination.

First I have to say that anyone is subhuman, regardless of the moral behavior, either genuinely fails to understand what a human is, or it is insulting. I wonder what the school sanctioned means of talking the issue actually is? Perhaps they should publish guideline for taking a controversal position. (End of sarcasm) Student punished for blog entry - PittsburghLIVE.com : "Ryan Miner says he's willing to risk expulsion rather than write a 10-page essay as ordered by Duquesne University. The essay on the pros and cons of homosexuality is not homework. It's punishment for his derogatory comments about gays and lesbians -- he called them 'subhuman' in a blog -- and the sanctions have divided Duquesne's campus. 'I believe as a student that my First Amendment rights in the Constitution were subverted and attacked,' said Miner, 19, a sophomore from Hagerstown, Md. "

I am sort of a person of intense emotions, but I am driven by my thoughts. I am amazed how many people do not take me seriously when I look at a situation and I feel strongly about it. I am amazed that people count raw facts without emotion attached as more true than facts with emotion attached. In a sense, whether someone feels that Auschwitz was terrible or not does not really make a difference as to whether it actually was terrible. But the fact that Auschwitz was terrible must be felt if it is known. Truth and the emotional response to that truth can not really be separated. At the same time, some truths are not allowed to be perceived if we have a emotional state that does not allow the perception of a truth. For instance, I had a friend who years ago was involved in a church planting effort. He was working hard and doing as much as he could to make it all work. His church planting effort was not working out though he was trying his best. But he being a harding working, ...

Wondering what the deal is with Franscis Schaffer? Who reads him anyway? Check out my daughters post on the good Dr. Tally Times: Frances Schaeffer's Effect on Modern Society : "Frances Schaeffer's Effect on Modern Society Francis Schaeffer has affected society with his theology through his books, his friendships, his films, his preaching, his children, and his retreat home for learning: L'Abri."

Luther's Thesis 37 "Any true Christian, living or dead, partakes of all the benefits of Christ and the Church, which is the gift of God, even without letters of pardon." I was amazed to read in a history of the printing press that while the press was used to print theological tracts, it was also used to print letters of indulgence, here in Luther's 37th called letters of pardon. It makes me think that blogging and other communications technologies can be used to strengthen the church or lead her astray. I think of Televangelists who made the medium of TV one of money raising. It seems we could do the same with the Internet, blogging, etc... In this thesis there seems to be a disconnect between the organizational church and the life of the Christian. Rather than the organizational church affirming the work of the Spirit, it had a seperation way of salvation, namely through indulgences. The church as an organization should always remember her power and authority a...

I'm giving two full weeks to decide, what do you think the Jollyblogger should wear in the pulpit. Take My Poll

When Luther nailed his 95 thesis the door of the Wittenburg church he had a lot of topics to cover. The first thesis for debate is this: "Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying 'Repent ye,etc.' meant the whole life of the faithful to be an act of repentance." As we come to this Reformation day, let us think about what it means to live our lives as expressions of repentance. Repentance is not merely walking down to alter and saying the sinners prayer. Every day should become an expression of repentance.

The Emerging Church is a movement which defies definition. One aspect of this Christian movement has been the casting off the bonds of tradition. More importantly, Christ in the Scriptures directs us away from the traditions of men to follow the living God when he said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Mark 7:8 (NIV) This generation may feel that it is the first to challenge authority. However, it could be argued that casting off tradition is the hallmark of the Protestant tradition. John Wycliffe is called “Morning Star of the Reformation” for his teachings against the traditions of men found in the Roman Catholic Church. Wycliffe taught the proper place of ecclesiastical authority, against transubstantiation, and the authority of the Scriptures. John Wycliffe was born of Saxon extraction around the year A.D. 1324 in Wycliffe Manor in Yorkshire, England. He was both an academic at Oxford University and a priest in ...

Reprint of a Lost Quiz : This quiz is heavy on the Lost trivia and light on cute assessments of your personality. Check it out.

I just took the CommonCensus poll featured in Wired News. http://www.commoncensus.org The CommonCensus Map Project is redrawing the map of the United States based on Internet users' voting, to show how the country is organized culturally, as opposed to traditional political boundaries. It shows how the country is divided into 'spheres of influence' between different cities at the national, regional, and local levels. This information will finally settle the question over where disputed cultural boundaries lie (like between New York City and Upstate New York), contribute to the national debate over Congressional redistricting, and educate people everywhere as to the true layout of the American people that they've never seen on any map before. Participation takes just 12 clicks.

I'm saddened to hear this report. I really don't think the CIA wants to hire missionaries. It just would not be their style. Venezuela to Expel New Tribes Mission - Christianity Today Magazine : "In what appears to be the latest consequence of broadcaster Pat Robertson's August call for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's assassination, Chavez announced plans to expel from the country New Tribes Mission, a church-planting and Bible-translating mission agency. Describing New Tribes Mission (NTM) as a 'true imperialist infiltration that makes me ashamed,' Chavez declared he was fed up with 'colonialism' and accused the mission group of links to the CIA, spying on Venezuela, and exploiting indigenous people. 'We don't want New Tribes here,' he said."

I am a frequent reader of Wired. At one time they had a lot of interesting things to say about religion and the Internet. (i.e. "God" at one time was one of the most commonly search items on the Internet. What exactly are they finding when they searched for him there.) Lately most of their articles on religion are tongue in cheek or derogetory. This one is a little tongue in cheek but not too bad. I'm glad to see they did cover the God Blog event. Wired News: What Would Jesus Blog? : "What would Jesus blog? That and other pressing questions drew 135 Christians to Southern California this weekend for a national conference billed as the first-ever for 'God bloggers,' a growing community of online writers who exchange information and analyze current events from a Christian perspective." Follow the link to get the rest...

I have just discovered the Mars Hill Audio Journal . I have to say I am impressed and a subscription is going on my Christmas list. If you are not familiar with their material they have some free mp3s to check out which they dub as "Bonus Selections" .

I wish I were going to this convention. Oh, yeah... FOXNews.com - Politics - Bloggers Seek to Mix Faith and the Internet : "Bloggers Seek to Mix Faith and the Internet Wednesday, October 12, 2005 By Greg Simmon WASHINGTON — When Johann Gutenberg's printing press began churning out Bibles in the 15th century, the new theology helped usher in a new era of religion in Europe. Nearly 600 years later, some think that increasingly popular Web logs — the Internet's version of personal journals, pamphleteering and issue forums all wrapped in one — combined with traditional religious beliefs could once again take people on a new, uncharted course. Click the link to read the rest... "

Growing up in the Mid-West, Christianity Today magazine was on the library shelves. I read it often and it helped develop my concern for the poor. It also introduced me to J.I. Packer. In short I love the magazine. However, I do not frequently visit their website because it is way too busy. Christianity Today has several magazines, Leadership, Christian History and the list goes on. Instead of having a webportal that takes you to these various venues, they have placed the whole of their publishing empire on the top site. I am guessing this why the font is way to small for us with over 40 eyes. As a student of preaching, I always want to be Word centric. However, I think they could use much more graphics and less text.

Please visit Jungle Pop. According to dictionary.com, A popsicle is a trademark used for a colored, flavored ice confection with one or two flat sticks for a handle. The coolest thing about Jungle Pop is the cool popsicle icon in my URL bar. Blog on brother... Jungle Pop : "*thunk thunk* (Is This Thing On?) Greetings, and welcome (back)! Most of you are here because you've been a reader of my Former Blog and want to continue abusing me here. :^) The rest of you are here because you've heard so much about this hot new blog Jungle Pop and want to see it for yourselves. Heh."

Interesting post by Jack Yoest. Jack Yoest at Yoest.org : "Your Business Blogger met Luis Palau as he was giving a talk on the DC Festival coming up this weekend in the Nation's Capital on October 8 & 9. The expected attendance is 100,000. 'What was the biggest logistical challenge of having the Festival here in Washington, DC?' I asked Dr. Palau."

At the goading of the Gadfly I took the Politics Test . I think some people would be surprised find out I'm a Social Liberal. You are a Social Liberal (61% permissive) and an... Economic Moderate (56% permissive) You are best described as a: Centrist You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness. loc: (43, 24) modscore: (34, 37) raw: (3234)

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is the main source of information for many in this post-modern generation regarding how the Bible developed. One of it's themes is that those who held power in the church choose the books of the Bible to support their power base. Browns charge against the church, though couched in a work of fiction, is a serious. The Bible itself gives strong warnings against such power plays. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” And the book of Revelation “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,” calls for faithfulness to the book. (Rev 22:18) The list of the books that rightly belong in the Bible is called the canon. The canon is not strictly a human product, but God created the canon by his work of inspiration in the biblical...

I was doing a search on Francis Schaeffer and found this article on baptism. I thought I would share it with you. BAPTISM By Francis A. Schaeffer In introduction, there are several things to emphasize as we begin this study. 1. We do not believe in Baptismal Regeneration. Let me remind you that it was over the question of the sacraments that Calvin and Luther differed during the Reformation Period. To Calvin, and those who have followed him, the important thing is the individual's coming directly to Christ for salvation. In regard to baptism, we who are Presbyterians, are interested primarily not in the water baptism but in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which takes place when the individual accepts Christ as his personal Saviour. click on the link to get the rest....

I'm looking at the FEMA website for kids. The pictures sort of look creepy. I think I would try a little less cartoon network. Hattip: Dave Barry .

Vision Statement for the Pruitt Family Homeschool To Annalee, Corrie, Rebeccah, Noelle, and Elaine, Girls, this is a statement about the hopes and desire your mother and I have for you. I believe these hopes are in line with God's plans for you. I wish to communicate them to you explicitly so that you are not guessing about our goals for our homeschool. Additionally, I am communicating them so that we are reaching to the high calling that God has placed upon all of us. I hope these stretch you but leave lots of room for you to develop your own goals which fit God's unique gifts that he has given you. o God Centered Education: The main purpose of our homeschool education is to develop Christian character. Christian character is defined as the same character as Christ. He served selflessly. The character qualities found in the Sermon on the Mount and the fruits of the Spirit is how we hope to live, given by God's Holy Spirit. This kind of character can not be achieve...

I met Mark Balthrop a few years back. He is a great preacher and a really fun guy. Thoughts of a PCA Pastor : "Calvinism and Calvinistism I once heard the late John Gerstner speak of the difference between Lutheranism and LUTHER-ism. It is an interesting topic and gives us some historical understanding of how systems of doctrine change over time while retaining some of the trappings of the original." Click the link to read the rest....well of his thoughts...

You might want to go check out a new blog I'm reading, Jack Yoest. He wrote about John Roberts, but I like the story he tells about his Uncle Joe. Worth the read. Jack Yoest at Yoest.org: "Memorize Your Sales Pitch"

The following is a lesson I wrote in the form of a quiz. The multiple choice format is really designed to bring out assumptions that are held by people which do not agree with the passage. Occationally I will throw in answers that could be supported by other passages, but not this one. Romans 5:12-21 Main Idea: Sin came upon many through the one Adam; many sins were forgiven because of the righteous one, Jesus Christ. Key Words: sin, one, many, all, death, free gift, type, trespass, grace Outline 1.From Adam to Moses There Was No Law (12-14) 2.The Free Gift Is Not Like the Law (15-17) 3.The Trespass Increased But Grace Did More So (18-21) 1.How did sin come to mankind? (Verses 12,13) A. Through Eve B. Through Adam C. Through Satan D. Each man or woman sins of their own free will and that is all that matters. 2. How did death come into the world? (Verses 12,13) A. Through Eve B. Through Adam C. Each person dies because of their own s...

JOLLYBLOGGER: Baltimore, Washington, Northern Virginia God-Blogger Meetup : "Baltimore, Washington, Northern Virginia God-Blogger Meetup" What: Blogger Meet Up Where: Somewhere yet to be determined in Laurel, MD. When September 30 in the evening. Who: If you are a blogger in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area and beyond, this is for you. Why: Fun! That is the bottom line. Discussing your blogging with fellow bloggers has got to be fun.

I just finished listening to this book on tape called “Inventing Japan” by Ian Buruma. I listened to this book because my oldest daughter is interested in Japanese culture and I wanted to expand my knowledge of the country. The book covers a lot of history in a short time. There is no way for the uninitiated like myself to judge whether the author is fair or covers the right topics in this history. But you get the feel that he has a strong appreciation for Japan. The author makes the case that westerners have consistently messed up their dealings with the Japanese. I don't think he would like it that say it is one of his main ideas but it is difficult no to think otherwise. But is this not this the usual case when two cultures meet? Who exactly is messing up? The guest or the host? Education about various cultural practices can help to understand a direction that could be taken. However, according to Buruma, General MacArthur knew about Japanese culture and still ...

inveneco is a charity that provides telecommunications services for those who are in neeed. This can really boost a village's well-being. Since I often talk about Christian mission agencies, I should clarify that they are not a Christian mission but simply a charity. Excerpt from their website : Inveneo is leaving for Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to meet up with CityTeam who has been on the ground there for a few days. CityTeam's Disaster Relief Team is already working with the local communities to provide support and services. Inveneo is going to help establish Internet connectivity and phone lines for use by the victims of Hurricane Katrina and CityTeam's Disaster Relief Team. Currently phone service is only intermittent in the area and no Internet connectivity is available. Inveneo is working with Part-15 and others to establish these services and provide shelters in the area with phones and computers so families can communicate.

It is my belief that many Americans hold to a form of separation of church and state which is not healthy for state nor church. The principle of separation of church and state is more than just a social convention, it is a principle that is supported by both Old and New Testaments. When Saul attempted to take on priestly duties he was rebuked by the Lord. (1 Samuel 13:18) For the New Testament proof we can think of "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and give to God the things that are God's" and Christ's reply to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. (Luke 20:25; John 18:36) But at the same time, the idea of separation of church and state in modern American form does not correlate with the Old Testament form because the separation mean in the OT that religion had an influence on the nation corporately. Nor does the American system of separation of church and state by and large approve a voice calling national leaders to see their sin as John t...

Men Love Media (More Than Women) Published: September 07, 2005 Anna Wintour can breathe a sigh of relief. Women spend more time every week reading magazines than men do. But in almost all other categories men consume more media than women.

The imagery of hurrican Katrina can be viewed at the NOAA web site . I was not sure how extensive the damage really was, despite extenisve news cover, until I saw hundreds of homes flooded. If you are not sure where to click on the map, go to the largest blue lake and click just below that. That is (was) New Orleans.

Scott Harrison's blog call "Scott Harrison - Notes from West Africa is an intriging blog. His missionary task is to be a photo journalist on board the mercy ship Anastasis . His work is artsy and informative. You might also want to visit his photo website. You will find the links on his blog. I have been reading Earle E. Cairns book on church history " Christianity Through The Centuries " which emphasizes that the early church Father's spent a lot of time explaining their religion to the world. They wrote to explain how many of the myths about Christians were not true, for instance the myth that they ate children, and explain why Christians should not be persecuted. Scott's photo journalism efforts remind me of these early apologiests. He is explaining what the needs of the poor are, and letting the world know the heart of compassion needed. He is explaining the love of Christ to these people as demonstrated through the efforts of the doctors, nurse...

I have written several posts about how the right mix for Internet video is short video done at a low cost. Here is a really cool music video that is not quite MTV video standards but fun, creative and makes you wonder what could have been done with a budget.

Are We Really That Crass? Reading this discussion at Digan's 75 Year Plan makes me want to answer this question. The reasons the U.S. going to war in Iraq are not merely the atrocities committee by the Bathist Government of Saddam Hussain, nor was it Saddam's attacks on his own people, nor was it merely because he was by many pre-war accounts developing weapons of mass destruction. The good reasons for going to war in Iraq have been stated many times and are quite simple. In fact, so simple that some feel it is not reasons at all. Middle Eastern Thinking In the past the Middle East has been home of a class of educated people who are devoted to their religion. Many of these people have opportunities to live comfortable middle class lifestyles or even better. However their nations (or is it people, or is it religion) do not have the international prestige that they desire. An overwhelming question in their minds and hearts is “Why has God not blessed o...

Classes start this next week. Tommorrow is oreintation. I’m looking forward to the study. I have already completed on of the assigned readings. It was a pictorial overveiw of church history. It was enjoyable. I talked with one of the academic counselors yesterday. I really had questions about what was realistic ministry for myself and was seeking answers. He is a guy who retired early from the state university system is pursuing missions as an avocation. God sent the perfect person to tell me keep up the pursuit. See more progress on: Obtain a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.)

So my wife and I are looking for lunch near the Metropolitan Art Museum. We walk three blocks East and one block North and we happen to come up to a little place called the Candy Shop Luncheonette. Your son's school bus is bigger than this place. So it is sort of a diner, but small. As we sit there we notice that there are a lot of celebrities who have taken their picture with the owner. You know, like Jerry Seinfeld and such. I guess Jerry was trying to sponge off this guys name or something. Anyway, we read on the menu that the diner was used in the making of Three Days of the Condor . By the way the bacon burger is excellent and my wife had the tuna salad.

I don't watch the 700 Club but this quote from the Washington Post if accurate is highly irresponsible. I would not accept it from a Muslim cleric nor is it something I do accept from a Christian televangelist. Morally Robertson is wrong. By the way, how can you do a covert op if it has been announced on TV and the Washington Post. Anyone killing Chavez has an easy party to blame, the US. This just shows that Robertson does not really have a clue what he is talking about. Covert ops and public media do not mix. They are mutually exclusive. Pragmatically, Robertson is wrong. Below is the Washington Post quote. "We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator," he continued. "It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with."Televangelist Calls for Chavez' Death: "'We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that...

My wife and I celebrated our 22 wedding anniversary this month by visiting the Big Apple. We stayed at a hotel in the Wall Street district. One of our highlights was visiting Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We took the subway up town to the corner of 64th and Central Park Avenue, on the West Side. The church meets in several locations, this one was a building belonging to an ethical society. It had traditional pew set up for the worship. The service seemed to be run by lay people for the most part with the sermon being delivered by one of the pastoral staff, Rev. David Bisgrove. The service did not seem to be overly liturgical, but leaned toward liturgical and less contemporary. My wife and I expected the music to be good and it was, but what impressed us was the authentic flavor of the music though classical in style. Something different in this PCA church was the level of women in leadership. They gave the prayer, they read the scripture and took up the offering. Every ch...

Amazon.com: Books: Emergence : Labeled Autistic : "Emergence : Labeled Autistic" Browsing the bookstore biography I came across this book “Emergence: Labeled Autistic” by Temple Grandin, and Margaret M. Scariano. This biography is written in a style that is quite different than your normal biographical perspective, one somewhat distinguished by the autism itself. A prime example is an excerpt of one of the author's class paper's in college. The topic of the class is marriage but she somehow turns the topic to her fascination with cattle chutes. Strangely it works as a piece of literature despite the odd topics she can not leave behind. The book is only 180 pages and in a style that preteens and teens could read. This book to me is about understanding people in general, not just the autistic. It is about seeing how perspectives can be quite different and yet correct. It is about how a mother struggles with her child to overcome a disability. I highly re...

My good friend Jollyblogger has written an engaging review of Total Truth . If have not the time to read the book, at least read the review. JOLLYBLOGGER: Review of "Total Truth" by Nancy Pearcey : "At long last I have finished Nancy Pearcey's book, Total Truth and am posting a review. This book was provided to me by Stacy Harp at Mind & Media and was provided to her by the generosity of the good folks at Crossway Publishing. "

When I went to Operation DESERT STORM I took up the habit of drinking coffee. Eating breakfast at the dining hall meant that I would have to get up a half hour early. If I had breakfast of coffee once I got to work, I could sleep in. Oh by the way, I was working twelve on twelve off with an hour commute each way. I found the coffee habit a source of fellowship and a conversation item. After a while though I found my coffee habit one that could make me irratable. My attitude could be edgy and I would disenfrachanchise people around me. I also found myself depressed at times. I kept myself going with coffee when I should be resting. But I had not built enough time into my schedule to rest. I let myself get way too tired and too stressed by pushing myself way too hard. Then I found that I had a lot of trouble sleeping. Of course not sleeping was even worse on the stress managment issue. I tried to simply not drink coffee quite a few times. My head would spin and b...

My friend Laird sent me a link to this blog. I did not know my buddy was even into blogs. Go figure. Check out what seems to be a promising topic. Reforming Youth Ministry : "Welcome to reforming youth ministry. This blog will be dedicated to an ongoing conversation of reforming and rethinking Youth Ministry in a covenantal context so that our methodogy would match our theology. This will be a place to toss out ideas, to be challanged, and Lord willing encouraged as we strive to be reformed and always reforming to the Word of God. The vision is a cross generational, family based, evangelistic, covenantal ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ. The vision is big and the problems hard, but may the God bless as we seek to make much of Jesus Christ and be faithful to His Holy Word. Let the conversation begin..."

Sermon on 1 Samuel 3 By Terry L. Pruitt Title: “Here Am I Lord, Let Me Speak Your Word” Introduction Samuel is called the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. He is the last of the judges because he led Israel until there was a King. He may not qualify as a judge in the sense that he led the children of Israel in a battle. Last week brother Badorf preached about one of God's judges for Israel. And with Samuel the days of the judges are passing by and the days of the kings and prophets in Israel's redemptive history is coming. There are a number of prophets in redemptive history before Samuel. There is Noah. He functioned as a prophet. He warned the people of God's impending judgment. There is also Abraham. God calls Abraham a prophet in Genesis 20:7 when addressing Abimelech regarding taking Sarah into his house. Moses is called a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15. So there are other prophets before Samuel. However, Samuel marks a turning p...