Head-dibs

Experience Columbia International University during our Seminary and Graduate Preview Day on April 17! It's open to anyone interested in pursuing a graduate or seminary degree. You will even have the opportunity to interview for one of two $5,000 scholarships. But if you can't make it on Friday, April 17, then we'll schedule a personal visit just for you. Interested in pursuing a Biblical Ministry Certificate, a Master of Arts or Master of Divinity Degree from home without leaving your ministry, mission or market-place position? Take a look at the Advancement In Ministry (AIM) Study Track!

Thanks to Tony Miano for posting this:

“Even though modern man may spurn the unsophisticated idols of ancient times, he still has his mental images of how he would like to think of God or whatever he decides to put in his place . . . The way in which Paul set about making the truth known in Athens gives us the kind of points with which pagans can still be challenged today. They still must face the person of Christ and the evidence of the resurrection. They may not capitulate when we say, ‘the Bible says . . .“ but they still have to reckon with the witness the Apostles recorded in their writings, of which they were so convinced that they were prepared to submit to cruel deaths rather than deny its truth. Everyone must some day face death and whatever lies beyond, even though they live as though this present earthly life will go on for ever. And then they will discover that ‘It is no unknown God but a risen Christ with whom we have to deal.” Prior, Kenneth. The Gospel in a Pagan Society . Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 1975.

President Obama is embarking on a new and troubling direction for our nation. Many are calling it the “Selling of America” – surrendering our national sovereignty – our constitutional framework – all in the interest of international cooperation. President Obama – pushing global governance – in political and economic policies – even in the nominees he chooses. There’s growing concern that under President Obama, the United States of America will turn into the United States of Europe. What’s happening to our democracy? Our sovereignty? Our independence? The American Center for Law and Justice understands what’s at stake – and is concerned about this dangerous direction. At the ACLJ, we’re working alongside our international affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), to hold the Obama Administration accountable. Read the rest here

When a man is released from prison, he is not free to do anything he feels like doing, but he is free to obey the Law. In the same way when we are freed from sin, when trusting in Christ, we are not given a license to sin, but are free to obey Him.

In the movie, “Papillon,” Steve McQueen played the part of a criminal who was imprisoned for life for crimes against the French state. The movie portrayed the dreams he dreamed while in prison. In one dream, he stood before a tribunal for a crime. He pleaded with the judge that he was not guilty of the crime for which he was being tried. The judge relied that he was not being tried for that crime, but for a crime which is the most heineous crime of the human race. Papillon asked what crime it was. He replied ‘The crime of a wasted life.” Papillon wept, “Guilty, guilty.” The judge pronounced the sentence of death.

A non—believer’s impact on eternity is on the order of a large ship’s impact on the ocean. The wake may be very impressive for the moment, but seconds later it will be gone.

FOXNews.com - Police: Mass Grave Unearthed in Alabama May Have Been Victims of 1800's Epidemic - Local News News Articles National News US News Posted using ShareThis Why can't the Mormons produce evidence of thousands (millions?) killed during the battles in ancient America? Because there is nothing to find.

There are two ways to view missions and missionary work: We could be like the old-time shoe salesman who, upon finding that in his new territory no one wore shoes, wrote back to his company and said, "Don't send any shoes because nobody here wears them." Or . . . We could be like the other shoe salesman who came to the same territory and wrote the company saying, "Send all the shoes you've got because nobody here has any!"

“I do not go to heaven to be advanced but to give honor to God. It is no matter where I shall be stationed in heaven, whether I have a high or low seat there, but to live and please and glorify God . . . My heaven is to please God and glorify Him, and give all to Him, and to be wholly devoted to His glory." (David Brainard, 1718 - 1747)

" A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike ." (Proverbs 27:15) "Harping on the same string is an imposition on another person’s time and ears. The identical tune gets monotonous, and in time will vex the most patient listener. There is no quicker way to cause the welcome mat to shrink. The squeak of the hinges on the man’s door as you exit is sweeter to him than your onestring harping. Enough is enough. And the kindest thing we can say is that it is a plentiful lack of good judgment. That others may enjoy you, learn to play more than one tune." (Leroy Brownlow, 1914 - 2002)

The way in which we need to stand in the face of opposition is aptly described by a word the British use, “steady.” To illustrate this word’s meaning, picture a British commander in the 19th century as he and his regiment were being approached by a horde of Bedouins brandishing swords. As he examines his past experience, his present capability, and meditates on the future sense of accomplishment, being confident of victory, he remains “steady.” As believers, we need to realize we can rely upon the testimony of God’s past accomplishments, His present work in our lives, and His promise of ultimate victory, and remain steady in the face of opposition. " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might . . . Stand firm therefore . . . be on the alert with all perseverance and petition ." (Ephesians 6:10, 14, 18)

One of our local papers here in Columbia published the following in the Crime Blotter: "A March 1 complaint on behalf of South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. said someone purposely struck a lamppost near a Greene Street sidewalk, causing about $500 in damage. OK, so how do they know if someone did it on purpose or it was an accident? And are we talking a car hitting it, or a person? Because, you know, if the Hulk is running around smashing lampposts that’s need-to-know info." Thought you would be interested. Just in case . . .

A few of weeks ago I made a post that included a reference to John Cage's "musical" work, "4'33"" (a composition of silence, not music). As if it could get it any weirder, read this bizarre case of a man who was sued for stealing Cage's work, which of course he did not because Cage's piece was for piano--this piece was for clarinet . . . Speaking of stealing, here's a guy who tried to sue magicians David Blaine and David Copperfield for stealing his "godlike" powers . . . And to top it off, here's a guy " who claimed he violated his own civil rights by getting arrested filed a $5 million lawsuit against himself . . ."

After a long run of battle through the night, a trembling voice was heard to say, "Things look pretty dark, don't they?" Came the reply, "But the king says there's hope, sir! 'Tis always morning somewhere in the world." ************ " Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God . " (Psalm 43:5)