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  • Eugene Adkins 8:39 pm on June 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Biblical Scholars, , , , , , news   

    How Much Plainer Does It Have To Be??? 

    I just finished reading an article by some supposed “professors” of “history” and “religious studies” (which I’ve noticed is a world of a difference from actual Biblical knowledge even though they call themselves “academic biblical scholars”) that actually contends that the Bible doesn’t say marriage is only between one man and one woman but that multiple forms of marriage are actually acceptable according to biblical teaching.

    Does “Professing to be wise, they became fools,” (Romans 1:22) ring a bell to anyone but me?

    In their futile attempt to promote the homosexual agenda they revealed (I almost spelled reviled) their contempt for anything that the Bible plainly contradicts when it comes to the sins of past, present and future cultures and societies.

    The supposed “proof” of their claim rests upon the fact that individuals such as Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon had multiple wives. Oh how I wish these wolves in sheep’s clothing critics of the Bible would recognize the difference between the Bible’s record of something and God’s approval of whatever is recorded! David murdered people, but that doesn’t mean it was approved of by God!

    If that weren’t enough, the supposed and self-professed ”professors of the Bible” go on to completely ignore the point made by Jesus in Matthew 19:1-10. In the middle of a discussion about marriage and divorce Jesus brings the discussion back to the beginning of the marriage covenant when there was – wait for it – only one man and one woman who were meant to become one flesh! Not two men and one woman, not two women and one man and not three, four or twelve fleshes! There’s no way around it other than to stick your finger in your ears and yell la la la la. A biblical marriage is meant to be between only one man and one woman.

    Entering into marriage is not a command that every man and woman has to follow, but a lawful marriage in the sight of God cannot be entered into without following the commands of God which makes marriage today exactly what it was meant to be from the beginning!

    A person can call the Bible ancient all they want to, ironically it’s not anything new, but this ancient book still contains all the answers for today’s problems and it also contains the words by which every single and married person alike will be judged by regardless of what our modern-day ethical and moral “standards” think about it.

    How much plainer does it have to be. There are none so blind as those who will not see still rings sadly true.

    And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5)

     
  • Eugene Adkins 8:00 am on May 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , National, news, Prisoner of war, The Human Skeleton,   

    Remembering Memorial Day 

    How can you forget a day of remembering? It happens a lot easier than what some may think…and there are some strong spiritual applications in that point, but regardless, this morning I’m particularly thinking of the American holiday that goes by the name “Memorial Day.” It’s the day when a large part of America goes on a camping trip or cooks out on the grill or takes advantage of a sale; you know, the stuff you’re not supposed to forget to do on Memorial Day, right?

    Now I’m probably going to eat some food that’s been cooked on the grill today, so I’m not saying that the things mentioned above are wrong per say (cause my, how hypocritical that would be of me!). The point of what I am saying is that America, at least the larger part, has forgotten what we’re supposed to remember. Today I’m going to look at the American flag with different eyes. For a moment I’m going to try to see the men and women who no longer have the chance to see the flag fly because of their service. I’m going to try to remember that many of America’s blessings have come through the curses that they bore. Is this too much to ask on a day that I get off from work?

    The ole’ Huff Post is a news website that I read from time to time. I don’t necessarily read it because it’s a good site, I mostly read it because of the unique stories that you can find there; but today I must give them their credit for a story worth watching. I encourage everyone to watch this recorded interview, but I caution you that the video shows the cost of war. It’s not full of blood of guts – for then it would be a Hollywood movie. Instead it shows the pain and horror that POW’s must endure. The video itself revolves around the story of one solider in particular, named Joe Delmar (I guess that’s the correct spelling – Huff Post has it spelled two different ways), who was dubbed “The Human Skeleton.” The man survived, so in many ways his cause is meant to reflect upon those who didn’t survive, but regardless, if you watch this video and you see what he lived through, I promise you’ll look differently at your hamburger today.

     
  • Eugene Adkins 6:31 am on March 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Name of Jesus, news   

    What’s A Credit Worth? 

    What’s a credit worth? A college credit that is. One college “professor” obviously thought it was worth more than one student did. The professor gave a classroom assignment that included writing the name of Jesus on a piece of paper, placing it on the floor and then stepping/stomping on it. At least one student refused. I don’t know the student, but I give him props for valuing the name of Jesus above the value of a college credit. Click here to read the actual story.

    Many correlations and lessons could be spelled out here but I believe the story speaks for itself. Let’s just leave off by asking the question, “What is the name of Jesus worth to us?”

    And if anyone says a word against the Son of man, he will have forgiveness: but for him who says evil words against the Holy Spirit, there will be no forgiveness.” (Luke 12:10 – BBE)

     
  • Eugene Adkins 6:40 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Legal System, news, Roe v Wade   

    The Hypocrisy of Our Legal System and Abortion 

    There is a local story here in Tennessee that has been playing out for quite some time now. It involves a mother a woman who kept her pregnancy with twins a secret only to have the situation become very public after she suffocated each of them the moment they were born.

    There has been plenty of head scratching/heart breaking moments that has followed since the details have come out in the trial. But to me, one of the most shocking things is the hypocritical nature of legal system concerning the thing…the crime that this woman has committed. She virtually did nothing any different from what already happens every day in our country with the support of our legal system! She performed a late-term, at-home abortion! She now faces multiple charges, including first degree murder, and rightly so, but how is it that multiple thousands of people can make the same decision but there are no legal consequences at all because they allow a “medical professional” to commit to the murder???

    A few things that this case has shown once again are that a pregnant woman carries life within her womb and that abortion is sad and it is murder.

    Related Articles:

     
  • John T. Polk II 11:19 pm on January 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , magazine in print, , news,   

    First Issue of Gospel Gleaner is Available for Preview 

    http://gospelgleaner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/January-2013.pdf

    An issue covering a variety of Bible subjects and activities in the churches of Christ may be yours each month for a nominal subscription fee. Information and address are available at: gospelgleaner.com

     
  • Eugene Adkins 6:50 am on August 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , news, , ,   

    More Random Thoughts 

    Here is an actual “news” headline from 8-17-12 – “Texas School District Eases Up On Dress Code, Allows Male Earrings, Visible Tattoos”

    The headline reveals how this nation’s school system is letting us down! It reveals how the average school has a social hub mindset for children on the forefront while education concerns are actually on the back-burner. Although the story didn’t say it, I have no doubt that complaining parents was one of the reasons that the ”dress code” was eased up on. Tattoos? These are children!!! Reading, Ritting and Rithmatic have obviously been exchanged for Revealing, Regressing and Rotting leadership both from parents and school districts.

    As I’m sure most of you have heard, Neil Armstrong is dead at the age of 82.

    The man who made it all the way to the moon wasn’t able to get away from death. No matter where we go, death finds us all. One thing that I can say that I appreciated about Mr. Armstrong is that he was willing to mention mankind’s Creator. While I can’t say I know much about his personal beliefs, I can say that just about the only thing I hear coming from NASA’s mouth today is all about searching for the origins of life – i.e. evolution garbage. Again, I don’t know what Mr. Armstrong’s true position was, but I think it would be great if a man in his position would acknowledge the awe of outer space in a way that points to its Creator.

    Here’s a portion of my sermon yesterday about having a passion for our salvation. I thought some of you might be able to use it for a sermon idea:

    There’s no such thing as a person who’s saved that wasn’t lost beforehand! Problem is from time to time some people forget who they need to be in Christ, while some of us forget who we used to be before Christ. Every one of us has a B.C. time in our life that we need to remember.

    We sing the 1st stanza of Amazing Grace, but do we really believe it? Did God’s grace save an angel, or did it save a wretch? If we expect to be passionate about who we are we’ll have to remember who we were! We were sinners, lost, enemies of God, deserving punishment and bound for Hell.

    Some may want to deny this, but we do so at our own peril! Jesus said He came to seek and save the lost – not the found (Luke 19:10). Fact that some of us may want to deny this explains why we might have no passion about our salvation!!!

    How can we expect to be passionate about something if we don’t realize how bad we needed it? If we can’t realize how bad we needed it, then one day we will, but it might too late. Remember what Paul said about himself – 1 Timothy 1:15. Too many Christians look at their past like they were the least of sinners instead of the chief.

    Forgetting who we were causes us to be someone who doesn’t care about others. It leads to spiritual snobbery! It leads to hypocrisy, hard heartedness and even hatred of others! It leads to self-righteousness, self-justification and self-condemnation! It leads us and others almost anywhere expect to Jesus.

    So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32 - NKJV)

     
  • Glenda Williams 8:03 am on March 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news   

    One Baptized Yesterday 

    Carolyn Vickers was baptized into Christ yesterday afternoon at the Geneva church of Christ. Carolyn had studied with her husband in their home and was attending services of the church. At the time she requested baptism, they, along with Douglas Williams, were studying the second lesson in the 3-lesson Open Bible Study. Today they will complete the third lesson.  Lynn, Carolyn’s husband, baptized her. After the baptism they shared a quick kiss in the baptistery.

     
    • J. Randal Matheny 2:36 pm on March 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Great new, Glenda. God bless Carolyn. Be sure to share it with Rick over on Baptism365.com.

  • TFRStaff 2:44 pm on March 3, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: human mind, news, ,   

    Wandering Minds 

    “Wandering Minds”

    A study that came out in November 2010 found that wandering minds make people unhappy.

    The study found that people spend about half their time thinking about being somewhere else, or doing something else. The researchers tracked 2,250 people using an iPhone app that contacted them at random intervals to ask how happy they were, what they were doing, and whether they were thinking about it or something else. They found that 46.9 percent of the time the people were thinking about something else, and as a result were unhappy.

    “A human mind is a wandering mind, and a wandering mind is an unhappy mind,” wrote psychologists Matthew Killingsworth and Daniel Gilbert of Harvard University in the journal Science.

    Suggested applications

    ●We need purpose in life to be happy.

    ●Our thought life usually determines our happiness, which is why Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right….”

    Reference: “‘Wandering minds’ make people unhappy: study,” sg.news.yahoo.com (11/12/10)

    “Thoughts For Today to Brighten Your Day” by Glenn Hitchcock

     
  • Ron Thomas 7:45 am on February 24, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news   

    A Scare 

    A sad story that might turn out well…with much work and prayer. I can’t imagine the difficulty associated with such things, but we did come close some time back with a scare of this kind.

    http://www.toacorn.com/news/2011-02-24/Faith/Church_survives_scandal_looks_to_grow.html

     
  • Ron Thomas 5:32 am on November 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news,   

    Interesting News 

    I receive what is known as the Pastor’s Weekly Briefing (PWB). Every now and again, Ifind interesting news. I thought you might like this bit of news.
    ***************
    Poll Reveals Christian Voting Trends

    Exit poll data which was collected by CNN and then analyzed by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life shows gains by the Republican Party among Christian groups. Among Catholic voters, 54 percent voted for Republican congressional candidates in 2010 compared to 42 percent in 2008. The analysis also revealed:

    Among all white voters who describe themselves as born-again or evangelical Christians, 78 percent voted Republican this year, compared to 70 percent in 2008 and 2006.

    Among voters who attend religious services at least weekly, 60 percent voted Republican, while only 44 percent of those who attend services less often voted Republican.

    Among voters with no religious affiliation, 66 percent voted for Democratic candidates, down from 72 percent in 2008.

    *********************

    Randal asked where I was yesterday. To my regret, I failed to get posted Ephesians 6 Bible Reading. It is coming shortly. I was at home with our grandson, while grandma was at work (teacher). I hope to do a bit of catch up this morning. We have a lunch engagement, then the FB game (2:30), and then our daughter swings through.

     
    • J. Randal Matheny 5:34 am on November 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Glad to know all is well. You’re off one day and people are bad-mouthing you. :)

      • Ron 5:38 am on November 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I knew the day was in front of me, but I did not plan the events of the day very well. That kind of “bad-mouthing” is always OK with me. You should hear when Stephen lets me have it! :)

  • Mike Riley 8:12 pm on November 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , incident, instigate, , news, plot, , , , , , response,   

    Caving In Under Pressure 

    The incident I’m thinking about is found in John 11:41-48 regarding the religious leaders’ (chief priests & Pharisees) response after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. When they heard the news of his resurrection, they instigated a plot to kill Jesus (John 11:49-53).

    They caved in under the pressure of praise and popularity, being afraid of loosing their position of power and wealth within the Roman government.

    They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43).

    Men have not changed this manner of thinking in the 21st Century. Most still love the praise of men more than the praise of God.

    This is a dangerous state to be found in (Acts 12:20-23).

     
  • Richard Mansel 10:34 pm on August 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news   

    One Way to Be Happy 

    Don’t read the news. I looked and you don’t want to know. Everyone have a blessed night/day.

     
    • Richard Hill 7:40 am on August 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Funny! I do avoid watching the news. I prefer to read it. By doing so I can skip over a lot of the rhetoric. It helps me get to the heart of the matter and it doesn’t bother me as much as watching it.

    • Don Ruhl 12:05 pm on August 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      My wife and I do not get television programming, and we live far enough out of town and are surrounded enough by hills that we cannot even get stations by an antenna. What a blessing. We do subscribe to the local paper and we do get news on the Internet, but not sitting in front of the TV and watching the 24 hour news channels gives us peace and lost of free time.

    • Richard Mansel 12:07 pm on August 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I don’t watch news at home. I read it online and going to the Drudge report lately is too discouraging.

  • Richard Mansel 9:14 am on August 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , news,   

    Writing and Speaking 

    I am continuing my interviews with writers of fiction and non-fiction on the Moving Word. I am enjoying them and many readers appear to, as well.

    Tomorrow, the Hinesville, Georgia lectureship starts. I speak on Sunday morning on “Heaven is a Temple.” This is a challenging subject, but I will conquer it.

    It has been quiet around here since Randal has been gone. Please stop by and read Tim Hall’s new article at Forthright. He will soon be taking a hiatus from his column, so read him while you still have the chance!

    May God bless you richly. Remember that, “Faith and peace are paddles to get you through the stormy waters of life.”

     
  • Daniel Haynes 9:19 am on August 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: judgment – and news 

    Appearing approximately 220 times in the holy writings, the word judgment captures the attention of the Daily Bible Reader and shows itself to be a major theme in scripture. As you consider the word judgment, what passages, teachings, experiences or thoughts come to mind?

    News from the churches?

     
  • Mike Riley 9:51 am on July 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , latest, news, none   

    No, I’m afraid I’m not a part of any camp since there are none in this area, but here’s the latest news from the area churches:

    1) Eastwood: http://www.eastwoodchurchofchrist.org/events.htm
    2) Westside: http://www.westsidecoc.com/#Current Westside Activities:
    3) Montwood: http://www.montwood.org/

     
  • joyjensen 2:32 pm on July 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, ,   

    Here is our latest post on our travelblog, which gives a quick overview of recent activities. http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Tanzania/North/Arusha/blog-511867.html

    We are in the final stage of packing and leave tomorrow night (afternoon for most of you). We are scheduled to arrive in OKC Tuesday late afternoon – a 27 hour journey. We’d appreciate your prayers.

     
    • Mike Riley 3:52 pm on July 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      You definitely have our prayers, Joy! Godspeed for a safe journey.

  • Mike Riley 8:29 am on June 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , news, , , social   

    My social media habits are mostly on Twitter and Facebook. Both of these sites are good for promoting your blog or for getting the latest news reports. When Eddie Watkins and Kevin Cauley first began The Preacher’s Files site, I was very active on their Bible study forum, but due to my work commitments, I became less involved on that site. I am registered on SaintsMeet.com but rarely go there.

    As far as the latest area church news, there are many brethren who are gone on vacation, the results being a lot of empty pews. Guess that’s one drawback of the summer months.

     
  • Mike Riley 12:38 pm on May 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , news, , , , subscribe   

    Source Of News 

    Here’s my list of Internet news sources:

    El Paso Times, Huffington Post, New York Times, NPR News, Stump Report, The Hill, The New Yorker, USA Today, and World Magazine.

    For additional El Paso news, I look at El Paso News.net and KFOX News.

    The only time I read a physical newspaper or magazine is at the school library where I substitute. Don’t subscribe to any kind of publication any more – too expensive.

     
  • Ron Thomas 11:22 am on May 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, no weather,   

    My source of news is many-fold. I watch FoxNews regularly, the local news, and scan the internet sources (Google news, Drudge, FOX, NewsMax, WND (rarely), CNS News Service). I was subscribing to the Wall Street Journal, but I quickly learned that was bigger than I could handle.

    FB, for me, is a pleasant tool, but I use it somewhat irregularly. I noticed that it has been about a week since I posted last, and then on other occasions, I post two, three, four times a week. Email is still a favorite on mine. Twitter is something I don’t use and neither do I use text messaging on the phones. I have graduated from 8-track to cassette – and I am happy!

    On SPORTS, I use the regular sources that most others use (CBS, FOX, EPSN), but in college FB, I like Phil Steel’s a good bit and the Columbus Dispatch. It is a tolerable summer without football!

     
  • joyjensen 9:19 am on May 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news,   

    Here is our latest blog post about our work and life in Tanzania:

    http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Tanzania/North/Arusha/blog-499286.html

     
  • James M. 10:28 am on May 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: extroversion, , introversion, , news,   

    Daily Nudge: extrovert — and news 

    Are you an extrovert or introvert? On a scale of 1-10 how much of an extrovert are you? (1 being introvert, not very outgoing, and 10 being very outgoing.) Is there a place for introverts in the church? Does introversion hinder doing God’s mission?

    Not long ago somebody wrote a book about introverts in the church. Reckon the author was one himself?

    I also read somewhere that more introverts than extroverts are on the Internet. Why do you think that’s the case?

    And we all know that introverts marry extroverts. Did you do that, too?

    That last bit may not be news to you, but I bet you have news to share. What might it be? Baptism? Death? Birth? New outreach? Good adaptations of the faith to your situation? New congregation near you?

     
    • Tina 9:08 pm on May 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      It depends on my hormones when I wake in the mornings. Some days I am outgoing and lively and then other days I would rather be quiet. I can understand why many introverts access the internet. For me, at times, most times, it is easier to write what I feel than to verbalize it. At times, I have to tell myself there is no reason to be shy or feel insecure. God created us all in His image, what more do I need for confidence.

      News to share, my Dad seems to be embracing discussions on God more openingly. A sweet woman from our congregation went forward seeking prayers and the grandparents of one of my grandchildren have started attending church.

      • Mike Riley 1:09 pm on May 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Great news about your Dad, Tina. And great news regarding those folks you mentioned!

  • James M. 10:55 am on May 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: got poetry? — and news 

    You got rhythm? You got rhyme? Lay a piece of poetry on us today, any style, that speaks to you. Can be biblical or not. The Bible has lots and lots of poetry, more than you’d dream of. Or choose a selection from an uninspired writer. Just something encouraging and upbeat, I hope.

    And news is always good to hear as well.

     
  • James M. 8:35 am on May 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, , rebukes of Jesus   

    Daily Nudge: Jesus’ hard words 

    Name a judgment, admonishment, upbraiding, rebuke, reprimand or censure that Jesus made or said while he was on the earth. Why does that particular case command your attention? What details make it remarkable to you?

    Earlier, we talked about Jesus’ compliments to people, did we not? Let’s see the other side of the coin today. I wonder if the gospels record more compliments or more rebukes. Anyone like to count them?

    Oh, and any news today?

     
    • Tina 10:22 am on May 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, (AP) “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

      That Peter, a disciple of Christ, can rush into matters, thus sinning, Make them appear all the more human and encourages me.

  • James M. 10:55 am on May 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , news, ,   

    News: flooding and tornados 

    I’m starting up this separate post today for links and news about the flooding and tornadoes over the past few days in the southern U.S.  Please share what you’re reading or seeing. We continue to pray for the safety of those in the affected areas.

    I’m looking now at these photos from Rutherford County, Tenn. (Murfreesboro).

    Many churches cancelled their meetings yesterday, even the morning services in some places.

    One family near Ashland, Miss., lost their home this weekend and was injured by a tornado; this from a friend who is related to them. The friend is a Christian, she didn’t say if the family was or not.

     
    • J. Randal Matheny 1:35 pm on May 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Here’s a video of flooding north of Jackson TN on US 45, where I often pass when in the US:

    • Mike Riley 3:21 pm on May 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      After looking at that video, all you can say is WOW! A lot of rain in that area whereas we can’t any rain in the El Paso area at all. It’s as dry as a gourd here. We’ve had lots of high wind events, however.

  • James M. 10:33 am on May 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news,   

    Daily Nudge: flower 

    What’s your favorite flower? I don’t think we’ve asked this before, and flowers are a big item on important days (and regular days, too). It’s a detail husbands should know, should have known, at least, after the first date.

    Tell why the flower is your favorite. The whys show a window into your heart.

    Yes, I realize that one or two may have mentioned a flower when we asked about plants. Don’t let that keep you from answering again.

     
    • Tina 10:39 am on May 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Daffodils and Daisies! Daffodils because they are so plentiful here and it is like seeing 1000′s of smiles blooming after a long, hard winter. Daisies almost for the same reason only they bloom later in the season, some late spring and early summer and bloom all summer long. They make me feel good on inside. So many smiles.

  • Richard Mansel 3:36 pm on April 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , news   

    In the News 

    I have added a new In the News post to my blog to keep us better informed as to attacks on morality, ethics, etc. I hope you find them informative.

     
  • paulaharington 1:09 am on April 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , news   

    When I think of authority, I think of. . . 

    comfort, encouragement, and love. The One who has complete authority is the same One who loved me so much that He gave His life for me. Am I under his authority? Absolutely, where else would any child of God want to be.

    On a news note, I spent the day at one of my favorite places, Freed-Hardeman University, enjoying Makin’ Music. We took a group down and enjoyed the fellowship and great weather.

    We have some beautiful talented kids in the church. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

     
    • Mike Riley 3:11 am on April 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Paula, good point! Let’s indeed keep all the kids in the church family in our prayers. They are the future of not only the church, but of our nation as well.

    • jimnewy 1:34 pm on April 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Paula, it is truly a challenge for parents and the church to keep the influence of the peers of our teens from drawing them into the world. Yes indeed we need to keep them in our prayers.

  • James M. 9:36 am on April 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: authority connotations — and news 

    What connotations, positive or negative, does the term “authority” hold for you? The Nudge gets pushy today, eh? When you hear the word, do you feel an oppressive weight? See a finger wagging? A dark facial expression with loud words? Most people do, it seems, especially in this postmodern age of ours. Obviously, the interest here leans toward the religious and spiritual, but you take it where you’d like.

    I’ll not be around much today, what with a 2 1/2 hour class this afternoon for an advanced study for Christians (though we expect one or two nonChristians), as we continue our evangelism training. I’m actually going over a study series with them. Afterwards, we’re receiving Christian friends here who’ll spend the night with us. And tomorrow is always a busy day.

    So with my absence, I invite the Fellows to take up the slack and post, post, post.

    Joy reported on FB tremors during the night strong enough to wake her up. I’ve reported on 150 deaths in Rio, probably more than that by now.

    So what’s happening in your neighborhood?

    UPDATE: The Missus said she heard last night that the death count in Rio topped 170.

     
  • James M. 8:59 am on April 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: big question — and news 

    What question plied you in the past has made the greatest difference in your life? The Bible is full of questions, many of them designed to move and motivate people. Like Ananias’ question to Saul: “And now what are you waiting for?” (Acts 22:16). (We’re reading Acts this week, so that book is fresh on the mind.) That’s probably the type in mind this morning, but the Nudge won’t limit it to that. So what big question has big meaning to you?

    Hearing from non-Fellows, from readers who visit, be they first-time or old friends, makes our day. Tell us some news from your part of the world. The Reply link in the upper right of this post just loves to be clicked on.

     
  • James M. 10:54 am on April 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , news, , Rio de Janeiro   

    Daily Nudge: best friend — and news 

    Describe your best friend, nudges the Nudge on this nippy Thursday. What qualities do you admire in him or her? What in this person has endeared him to you? Arbitrarily, we are excluding one’s mate. (Exercising dictatorial powers.)

    News 1: Vicki will study with a lady tonight, please pray it will help her to know the Lord.

    News 2: Rio death count is up to 150, from heaviest rains in 44 years. A record-breaking 28.8 centimeters of rain fell in the city in a 24-hour period. Ten thousand homes are in areas of risk. The poor have built slums on the steep slopes above the city. Mudslides are taking their tool. Schools were closed yesterday, people encouraged to stay at home. I have no word from our family in Christ there.

    We are fine here, thanks. Several have asked. Have had lots of rain, but no danger to us.

    And your news?

     
    • Mike Riley 1:25 pm on April 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Terrible tragedy. We’ll be praying for these folks and their families.

  • James M. 11:55 am on March 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, , , ,   

    Daily Nudge: silence — and news 

    When is silence good? Under what circumstances and in what situations can silence be recommended? Scripture is always welcome in replies.

    I’m so late today I’m surprised Daniel out west hasn’t popped in by now. I’m two time zones east of Eastern, though with DST, I’m only an hour ahead of Richard. Joy has us all beat, in the zones.

    Tomorrow I’m off to the Christian camp so that Friday morning we’ll be present for the beginning of the National Christian Workers Encounter, which will last until Saturday. I hope to be home Saturday night. There’ll be no Internet access there, because it’s out in the boonies. You’ll have to scrape by without me. Hard, I know. No partying, hear?

    Do you bring us news, O Wide of Ears and Upturned Lips?

     
    • mark 12:38 pm on March 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      One of the best times to be silent is when visiting the very sick. Many times it is enough just to be there. And many times the sick just want peace and quiet. You might even hold their hand.

  • James M. 11:05 am on March 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: best job — and news 

    Great job

    Your best job?

    What’s the best job you ever had? asks the Nudge today. Of course, we’re interested in knowing why you thought — or think — it the best job.

    It must have been the rain during the night, but I slept hard and well, more so than usual. I’m a good sleeper, but last night seemed to be especially good. Raring to go today.

    And I should be, with my long to-do list, getting my book finished and in to the printer, getting ready to travel, yet again (sigh), to the U.S. for fund-raising, getting even a bit of work done around here as the church looks for another meeting place and takes care of other details and the inevitable red tape of life.

    For all that, yup, I got the best job of all, serving the Lord according to my capacities.

    News? News? News? (Did you see that I just asked for news, three times?)

     
  • James M. 10:10 am on March 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: Mondays — and news 

    Monday mornings

    How do you face Mondays?

    Your Daily Nudge: How do you face Mondays? Many people dread picking up the weekly work routine. Just this past week an Internet friend said something to the effect of Monday being merely a way to get to the weekend. So what do you think of Mondays? How do you approach this second day of the week that starts your school or work schedule? Maybe it’s related to the way we look at work, reckon?

    My only news: I preached yesterday morning while almost the whole time a small child screamed. Not cried, but screamed. The mother took him out after a while but where we meet, there’s not much place to go. I felt sorry for the tyke. And for the listeners.

    My sermon? “Acts 2:38, Revisted.”

    What’s your news? Surely something has happened in your congregation or area churches.

     
    • Glenda Williams 2:14 pm on March 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Randal, I never hear a child cry in church without thinking of Bert Thompson preaching in a meeting where we were one time. After he got up to speak a child started crying. He looked right at the mother, didn’t say a word and WAITED!!! When she took the child out, he continued. He was soft-spoken and even though he was miked, I guess he didn’t want the interruption.

  • James M. 8:57 am on March 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news,   

    Daily Nudge: Bible school topic — and news 

    What course, topic or book are you studying this quarter and next (which starts next Sunday) in your Bible school program? asks the nosy Daily Nudge. Tell us all about it. Be you the teacher of the twos or backseat snoozer. Though I can’t imagine any of the Fellows in the later category, or even a cause of in-class napping.

    Do you use printed material? Any interesting features of the class? Men on one side, women on the other? Handouts by the teacher? Team teachers? Special type of curriculum?

    Here, a couple of the guys have a rotating schedule at work, such as one who works for the railroad, so they team teach. One example. I’ll chime in more tonight after my day is over.

    Ah, and what news do you bear to us from the far country?

     
  • James M. 11:16 am on March 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: psalm — and news 

    The last of the favorites for a while: this time a psalm. The Daily Nudge wants to know your favorite psalm and why it’s your favorite. Then we’ll let the favs rest.

    Yesterday was my day off and I enjoyed it. Sat out in the hammock, read MacBeth: The King, sipped fresh-made, real lemonade, napped and, between the closing of the eyelids, watched the wind perform a symphony of movement in the woods near our house.

    Today, back at the office for another scorcher, looks like. So I beseech, “Rain, rain come today,/ Keep the higher temps at bay.”

    With that literary gem, we await your psalm — and news — with unbated breath.

     
    • Bernard Barton 12:18 pm on March 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      My Favorite Psalm is 51 where David asks God to cleanse him of his transgressions and then
      he states that he will spread the word of praise to others

  • James M. 10:56 am on March 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: prophet — and news 

    Aleijadinho's Jeremiah the Prophet

    Which prophet?

    Which of the prophets is your favorite? nudges the Nudge of the day, if one may call a prophet a favorite. And why that one, of your choice?

    The photo at right comes from a sculpture by Brazil’s “Little Cripple.” Amazing work, his. You’ll have to guess which of the prophets it is.

    Today’s question was prompted by a short exchange between Ron and me on Facebook. Thanks, Ron.

    A hard blowing rain yesterday afternoon left branches and leaves in the streets. The electricity was cut off, and many traffic lights were out. Not a pretty picture in a city of 700k.

    I’m waiting on more input on the question about “What God Has Done for Man.” Mike R. answered right off, and Stephen gave a full discourse, very nice. Nobody else to add a line? These two haven’t said the last word, they’ll admit that.

    Barbara Ann arrived safely in Costa Rica, will have her apartment Thursday, begins teaching Let’s Start Talking material today. She and Michal Swain will be there for a while, Barbara for four months. They’re both a bit under the weather. Please pray for them.

    That’s my news, what’s yours?

    Oh, a last little item, from Quick Bible Truths, one of two tweets from prophets sent out yesterday, by coincidence of our Nudge today:

    Sometimes it comes down to this. “Stop prophesying in the name of the Lord or we will kill you!” Je 11.21 NET

     
    • jimnewy 10:02 pm on March 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      The prophet is Jeremiah. I get the emails from the sight postings but not the images unless I want to see them. The blanl frame told me it was Jeremiah, so not cheating, just acknowledging my source..

  • James M. 11:56 am on March 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: good quotes, news, , quotations   

    Daily Nudge: quote — and news 

    Share a recent quote, from outside the Bible, that made you sit up, urges the Daily Nudge. And, of course, we want to hear why. Whys are important. Don’t just throw the quote out there on us and make us guess. Let us get inside your head, to see the firing of a synapse, or whatever those connections are. Connect with us.

    I’m late this morning. Sorry about that. The recent time change also brings us closer, so when I’m late, you notice it more.

    Yesterday was a tough day for me, in several ways. But I slogged through it, got my article done for Forthright, paid my rent, survived the heat. Today started out better. Pray for me!

    I’m praying for you, too.

    And waiting to hear news, news, news.

     
  • James M. 9:41 am on March 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: health care — and news 

    health care

    And spiritual health?

    What makes for spiritual health? What are its signs, how is it created and preserved? In light of the American Congress’s vote in the dark, we thought looking today at spiritual health would be appropriate.

    Obviously, the Bible says little about physical health, because its concern is with the soul and the eternal destiny of all people. So let’s turn our thoughts today to spiritual health and how that is given us by God and maintained for our good.

    News anyone? I’m thinking of some …

     
    • Ron 9:45 am on March 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Whatever one might think of the passage of this bill, government is not the solution to man’s problems. The big notable difference between the liberal (progressive) and a conservative. I am not informed enough to have an intelligent conversation on the health bill, but my inclinations are, unfortunately, anything a progressive (liberal) offers, I have my doubts about it being good for much of anyone.

    • Daniel Haynes 2:29 pm on March 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Praise God! Last night, during the last verse of the invitation song, Nate decided to follow Jesus and I was blessed with the honor of immersing him into Christ.

  • Stephen R. Bradd 10:01 pm on March 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , news   

    Clinton, IL news 

    Last night we had wonderful dinner in our home for 4 preachers and their wives (they all drove between 30 – 75 minutes to come). It was warm enough to grill out burgers and chicken and feast on beans, corn, potato salad, chips, smores, and a bunch of other things I can’t even remember. It was a good time. I’m blessed to have some good preaching buddies in central IL. I’m even more blessed to have a wife who loves to be hospitable (even when she is due with baby #4 on April 12th!).

    And speaking of my dear wife, she thoroughly enjoyed a baby shower the ladies here hosted for her this afternoon. Nothing elaborate, but they loaded her up on diapers! It was very kind of them to do.

     
    • Ron 10:34 pm on March 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Burgers were not bad, but Renae’s beans were real good! It was a most pleasant occasion, but I was uncomfortably full.

      • J. Randal Matheny 12:31 am on March 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Bad that Stephen forces one to eat so much, huh?

        • Ron 11:10 am on March 21, 2010 Permalink

          Yea, he forces many of us into “dunlap disease” territory. I have arrived safe and secure! :-)

        • sbradd 1:11 am on March 22, 2010 Permalink

          Randal, the real problem is Ron trying to keep up with me eating donuts at the monthly preachers’ meetings (he did annihilate 3 recently to keep up with me).

    • Jim 2:34 pm on March 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Congratulations on the new baby! Central Illinois has a good history of preacher’s meetings. They used to be a big thing back when I was just getting started in the late 70′s-early 80′s. Different congregations would host a breakfast once a month and they were really well attended. Back then, the big issue was “Crossroads” and Roger Lamb and Kip McKean were in Charleston and would come and discuss the issue. But the great part was not the “doctrinal” discussions, it was the fellowship. Central Illinois was greatly blessed by these meetings.

  • James M. 9:53 am on March 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: news, ,   

    Daily Nudge: meteorologist — and news 

    Weather and Bible

    Meteorologist and the Bible

    “What would a meteorologist like in the Bible?” What a strange question for the Nudge. Interpret the question as you will, answer it however you may, as long as you find the Bible connection. And cite a verse.

    I’ll be in and out today, meeting with the SJC men this afternoon, probably hosting a family in our home this evening as they spend the night with us.

    Have a great day today, bless many around you, speak a good word for Jesus, as one brother used to say. And chime in on TFR.

    Don’t forget to share news of your corner of the brotherhood, also.

     
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