Head-dibs

On April 10, I heard a message by Pastor and Faculty member Andre Rogers called, " Go The Extra Mile " during chapel on the campus of Columbia International Univeristy . I got to thinking . . . The law establishes a standard principle for retribution that is just, “an eye for an eye.” But the point of Jesus’ teaching is that the Christian has an option—he does not have to carry out the law but is in a perfect position to share the gospel. I present my thoughts in the semi-Socratic, or in catechistic form: Q: What is the point of Jesus’ teaching? A: Jesus teaches first that a Christian should not resist the evil-doer. Q: Who is the evil-doer? A: The one who would lay his hand (literally or figuratively) on another with the intent on doing harm. Q: Who is able to raise his hand against another? A: Anyone who seeks to commit an evil act against another. This is one way to tell a professing Christian from who is truly born again. Q: What should the warning be for the Christian?

No, this is not me preaching, but be encouraged by bold witness in the face of adversity:

Is it possible to believe the Bible and not be saved? No doubt, when one says that he believes the Bible, he means that he accepts it as being true. But believing the Bible to be true even to the point of defending it in the face of opposition is not salvation. Yet, no one can be saved who does not believe the Bible, for " faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God " (Romans 10:17). Now perhaps this sounds confusing to you. But, dear friend, if you will take the time to seriously consider what the Bible has to say to you, you will be able to understand clearly what is meant by these statements. Salvation is not based on one's belief of the Bible, but rather is based on one's faith and trust in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ ( John 5:39,40 ; 8:24 ). Abraham of old has a very prominent place throughout the whole Bible, but the supreme testimony given to him in the Bible is that he believed God and God accounted this to him as righteousness ( Romans 4:3

"You don't have to understand all about the Bible in order to accept it. You don't have to understand the digestive processes before you eat a meal. You don't have to understand everything about electricity before you switch on your lights or send a telegram. Must you know all about a trolley car in order to pay a nickel and take a ride? Can you explain how a black cow eats green grass and gives white milk to make yellow butter? No!" - Billy Sunday

“Christ will do.” This is my peace. “Christ will do,” Makes vain toils cease. “Christ will do;” Is covering fleece. “Christ will do.” Is His increase. “Christ will do,” His blood for me. “Christ will do” My cleansing be. “Christ will do,” And all will see How “Christ will do” To set men free. Say, “Christ will do,” Till all have heard. For “Christ will do,” Is life’s watchword. When “Christ will do,” Dead hearts are stirred, That “Christ will do,” Is grace conferred. “Christ will do,” Thus ends the war. “Christ will do.” He is the door. “Christ will do.” Makes praises soar. “Christ will do.” There is no more. (copyright James K. Wilson, Jr. April 23, 2008.)

by Bob Holmes on 2008/4/23 CIU Graduate is the Writer of “Indescribable” Christian singer and songwriter Laura Story recently returned to her alma mater, Columbia International University . Story is best known as the writer of the worship song “Indescribable” made popular by Christian recording artist Chris Tomlin. She was in Columbia for a concert and to lead worship during a chapel service. Story took a moment on a beautiful spring day to chat with CIU Communications Coordinator Bob Holmes. Sitting on a bench outside Shortess Chapel, Story talked about her days at CIU, and the success of “Indescribable.” Click here to view the interview.

“In all unbelief there are these two things, - a good opinion of one's self, and a bad opinion of God. So long as these two things exist, it is impossible for an inquirer to find rest. His good opinion of himself makes him think it quite impossible to win God's favor by his own religious performances; and his bad opinion of God makes him unwilling and afraid to put his case wholly into his hands.” (" God's Way Of Peace. A Book For The Anxious ." by the Rev. Horatius Bonar) "There is one thing that mars all the pleasures of my life. I'm afraid the Bible is true. If I could only know for a certainty that death is an eternal sleep, I should be happy. But here is what pierces my soul-- if the Bible is true, I am lost forever !" (Anon.) Objection: "I’m doing fine. I don’t need God." Answer: "Many people feel this way because of the modern gospel message. It says that Jesus will help their marriage, remove their drug problem, fill the emptin

Don't choke on your Cup-O-Noodles with laughter when Steven Hawkings sings "Boom-de-a-duh."

It's here! And just in time for Mother's Day! "Am I enough, Lord? Can I trust you, Lord? Can I be free from the past? Can I trust? Do I trust? Am I enough? AM I WORTHY? In Freedom from Myself: One Woman’s Diary of Gods Unceasing Love, author Fay Barlow shares her deepest hurts in the process of discovering the truth about her worth in Christ. Full of raw emotions and issues that most women are afraid to admit that they feel, Freedom from Myself reveals healing through biblical counsel and scripture in an entertaining but brutally honest manner. Laugh a little, cry a little, and heal a little as you delve into the heart and mind of one woman on a quest for meaning." Visit Fay's website here . Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises ISBN: 9781604624731 Buy this book at: Amazon Barnes and Noble Books-a-million Buy.com

The other day I posted a blog explaining how I learned that literature distribution is not allowed in a public library (I’m still laughing at the word choice of the librarian). I was made aware of this policy while talking with a Muslim woman, which is the conversation I would like to relate here. Dressed in an earthy brown burqa with a white hijab, the African-American woman glided into the library and sat down with her book on Public Policy and a note pad. Flipping through the book, she took notes and read. My family was scattered throughout the stacks and I was having a conversation with a couple of other people. As it neared time for us to leave, we gathered our things and my family made their way to the circulation desk. I stopped by the woman’s table. “Excuse me,” trying to time my interruption with her page-flipping. She gave me her undivided attention. Closing her book, she smiled and said in a pleasant voice, “Yes, what can I do for you?” “Would you mind if I asked you

Each week my family enjoys an outing to the Richland County Public Library or one of its regional branches. Recently we visited the St. Andrews Branch wherein I was able to enjoy some very good conversation with a few patrons. I had a very good conversation with a 19 year-old patron who was patiently waiting for an open computer for internet access using the “ Character Survey .” Shortly afterwards I engaged a young African-American father waiting for an open computer. He was a rather large fellow, wearing black jeans, a red tee-shirt and his head was covered with a black stocking. I approached and asked, “Excuse me, sir. I am taking a survey and was wondering if you would be willing to help me with some information through a brief interview.” “Sure,” he said, “No problem.” And he graciously invited me to sit. I pulled up a chair. Thanking him, I gave him a brief run-down of what will transpire the next few minutes. “I am working on a project involved in the study of personal characte

By E.J. Pace (1880-1946) Now, go see Ben's movie .

Last week I posted what I think to be the best act ever . This is 2nd runner-up, from Martin and Lewis' 1955 movie, "You're Never Too Young."

This is the fountain at Five Points. These are the bikers who got Gospels and tracts and heard the good news at the Fountain at Five Points. These are the team-members who pray and give Gospels and tracts and share the good news at the Fountain in Five Points. This is the team with the Fountain of Life who go with Gospels and tracts to share the good news with people at the Fountain in Five Points.

Today is Prayer Day on the campus of Columbia International University . This is a day we set aside our daily routine to focus on the Lord through worship and prayer. What follow is my prayer guide for the day. Feel free to set aside time to join us: Adoration You formed my inward parts; You wove me together in my mother’s womb. I thank You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, And my soul knows it full well. My frame was not hidden from You When I was made in secret And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my embryo, And all the days ordained for me Were written in Your book Before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13–16) Pause to express your thoughts of praise and worship . Confession I return to the Lord my God, For I have stumbled because of my iniquity. I take words with me and return to the Lord, Saying, “Take away all iniquity and receive me graciously, That I may offer the fruit of my lips.” (Hosea 14:1–2) Ask the Spiri

Webster’s Dictionary defines profanity as, “not sacred or holy; irreverent toward God and man; contempt for holy things; blasphemy and serving to defile that which is holy; also not possessing expert knowledge.” The use of profane words is popular, looked upon as being “up to date” in many places where instead the most important thing, salvation from sin, is neglected. What is a person doing when using profane language? Do children know what is being said? Other than demonstrating how one has no knowledge or control over the way one uses the mouth, does one realize when he curses the doom he pronounces to a soul that never dies? “ The tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell. " (James 3:6). Do you know why they are called, “curse words”? The one who curses is actually praying: • That God should curse instead of forgive; • To put in prison instead of set fr

A vessel had been sailing near the northeastern coast of South America, when, due in part to miscalculation and in part to accident, the ship's crew had lost their bearings and did not know where they were. Soon after, they ran out of fresh water. Day after day they had drifted on under the scorching rays of a tropical sun until at last the exhausted sailors lay on the deck totally unable to guide the vessel. When hope had died out of every heart, the sail of a ship appeared on the horizon. It was seen by one of the sailors, who, with supreme effort, shouted "Water, water; give us water; we are dying of thirst!" Quickly and distinctly came back the answer, "Dip it up!" It seemed like a mockery, but they obeyed. The water was fresh! They had been drifting for days within the mouth of the Amazon where the ocean meets the fresh water. They had been dying of thirst while surrounded by fresh water on every side! The joy, and also the surprise, of these poor sailors b

Tribune wire reports 12:24 PM CDT, April 8, 2008 SAINI SUNPURA, India - A baby with two faces was born in a northern Indian village, where she is doing well and is being worshipped as the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess, her father said Tuesday.The baby, Lali, apparently has an extremely rare condition known as craniofacial duplication, where a single head has two faces. All of Lali's facial features are duplicated except for her ears--she has two. Otherwise, she has two noses, two pairs of lips and two pairs of eyes. Read the rest here , then go into all the world and preach the gospel.

I believe this has got the be the best act ever of all time-- ever . This is from Cirque Du Soleil, "Reinvente" (about 1987, I believe). Enjoy! Next week, I'll share the 2nd runner-up.

Firefighters for Christ (a ministry of Calvary Chapel ) has 72 of Alistair Begg’s best messages available for free download for the month of April. Just visit their Message of the Month page , scroll down to “The Best of Alistair Begg”, click on the icon and be blessed!

Coming April 22, 2008 "Am I enough, Lord? Can I trust you, Lord? Can I be free from the past? Can I trust? Do I trust? Am I enough? AM I WORTHY? In Freedom from Myself: One Woman’s Diary of Gods Unceasing Love , author Fay Barlow shares her deepest hurts in the process of discovering the truth about her worth in Christ. Full of raw emotions and issues that most women are afraid to admit that they feel, Freedom from Myself reveals healing through biblical counsel and scripture in an entertaining but brutally honest manner. Laugh a little, cry a little, and heal a little as you delve into the heart and mind of one woman on a quest for meaning." Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises ISBN: 9781604624731 Buy this book at: Amazon Barnes and Noble Books-a-million Buy.com

When: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 12:00 am through Thursday, October 23, 2008 Where: Lilburn, Georgia Will God send another great awakening? Can revival still change nations? There are over 10,000 conferences that happen every year. The 'Revival Conference' is not to be just another conference but a honest, sincere, earnest plea for the desperate need of revival. There is no cost to attend the event. No materials will be sold. There will be no big bands. The conference will have the chief object to be God-glorifying. The speakers will come on their own accord trusting God for provision. There will be no emphasis on money during the event. The event will be a simple, apostolic, yearning for a genuine biblical revival in our day. The conference is hosted by the ministry of sermonindex.net and is a inter-denominational event. Pre-register here . SPEAKERS : Henry Blackaby - Dr. Henry Blackaby, founder and president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries International , provides consu

Our youngest son asked me the other night, “Why do people talk about four corners of the earth? The earth is round. How can it have corners?” As I answered, I realized I also had the answer to a so-called problem often posed by so-called atheists in their attempts to disprove the existence of God. The problem is, “Can God make a square circle?” “After all,” they will say, “logic dictates that two discrete sets defined with mutually exclusive definitions have no elements in common; in other words, no ‘square’ could ever be made into a ‘circle.’” The question intends to discredit God with semantics, an attempt to base His existence on a misunderstanding of His Omnipotence. The intent is to shoot at God while He is seemingly trapped in the corner of basic geometry. What does strength have to do with existence? You exist, though you can’t arm-wrestle yourself . . . I used to answer this question with something like, “What does this have to do with the fact that you will stand before Him on

"If we look carefully within ourselves, we shall find that there are certain limits beyond which we refuse to go in offering ourselves to God. We hover around these reservations, making believe not to see them, for fear of self reproach. The more we shrink from giving up any such reserved point, the more certain it is that it needs to be given up. If we were not fast bound by it, we should not make so many efforts to persuade ourselves that we are free. ” Henry Drummond (1851-1897), author of “ The Greatest Thing In The World .”

“Easy-going preachers produce easy-going believers. We have more star preachers than scarred preachers, more expositors than exposers, more who are concerned to ‘get it over’ than to ‘pray it through.’ We have more religious educators than soul emancipators. The pulpiteer of our times is expected to enlighten the mind rather than to enliven the conscience. To many, the width of his head matters more than the depth of his heart. So, even with a steel ring of communism around the world, and the sewers of moral filth pouring over it, we find the Church more interested in pie than piety, and the Lord's weakened army 'by schism rent asunder' and by conflicting interpretations oppressed.” Leonard Ravenhill, quoted in the April/May 2008 Old Paths Newsletter

As the rivers increase in size and importance with their increase in length, so do the events in the history of this world. Year by year finds them increasingly full of interest. Everything is heading up. Things are assuming new and strange forms. Many feel that significant, foreboding events are at hand. Why is this? It is, we believe, because the greatest of all events now facing men is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to this world. He has been here before. We have all heard of the perfect, sinless life of love and goodness He led here on earth--a life never before lived or known among men. We also know how men rewarded Him for it, how they crucified Him, hanging Him between two criminals. We have learned, too, how He came forth triumphant in resurrection three days later, and ascended back to heaven, from where He had come. Before going back, however, He left testimony about His return in its two aspects. First the Lord Himself will descend from heaven to rapture every

Thursday, April 03, 2008 AP "ALLEGAN, Mich. — Is fifth-grader Kenton Stufflebeam smarter than the Smithsonian? On a winter break trip with his family to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the 11-year-old southwestern Michigan boy noticed that a notation, in bold lettering, mistakenly identified the Precambrian as an era." Read about the other mistakes the rest here . [DID YOU KNOW that the most "evidence" for evolution is found on the plaques on the walls and not in the displays themselves?]

Rose was blind for fifty years. “I just can’t believe it,” she gasped, after finally undergoing delicate surgery in an Ontario hospital. For the first time in her life she saw a beautiful world of form and color. Here’s the stunning part of the story: twenty years of her blindness had been unnecessary. The surgical techniques used could have given her vision when she was thirty; the operation had already been perfected by then. The doctor said, “she just figured there was nothing that could be done for her condition.” Why did Rose live twenty years assuming her situation was hopeless? Probably she was not looking for a remedy, had given up hope, or perhaps those who knew of the operation just never told her about it. Millions of people walk in spiritual blindness needlessly, for there is a remedy. Why do they continue groping in darkness? Two reasons: the first is that some have quit searching, assuming their condition is hopeless. But don’t give up! God has provided what you need, so

The reason the proud don’t seek after God is that they don’t want to—they will not seek after God because they don’t want to leave their sins. It’s not that they cannot find Him, but that they will not [ any more than a thief will find a policeman ]. Scripture gives us insight: 1) Pride keeps one from seeking God. Any admittance of guilt is a blow to the pride of the human heart; 2) Because he’s self-centered and self-sufficient, one feels no need to even consider God; 3) One thinks that she’s in control of her life and that adversity will never come to her; 4) One’s willful ignorance leaves him without understanding of God’s righteous judgments; 5) One believes that either God is blinded to his sinful lifestyle, or that God has no sense of justice and will therefore not require any account for his lawlessness. “ For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD. The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his t