Here & There: Readings for the Spirit

"Reading is an immense gift, but only if the words are ssimilated, taken into the soul-eaten, chewed, gnawed, received in unhurried delight" (Eugene Peterson, Eat this Book, p. 11)

Archaeological find and the Hebrew language: When Was the Bible Written?

Scot McKnight's Blog Review and discussion of Everett Ferguson's Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries

Alexander Campbell is often painted as an Enlightened Rationalist. And there can be little doubt that he had deep roots in the modern world that still flow through our veins. HOWEVER Campbell was not out of tune with the otherworldly/spiritual. John Mark Hicks interaction with Campbell's Address on Demonology will raise eyebrows even today.

You ever wonder about those "waters above" and the "firmament" language in Genesis? Paul Seely has published major studies in Westminster Theological Journal. He has paid close attention to the historical context and in my view his correct in his views expressed published in "The Firmament and Waters Above."

And here is an audio presentation by N. T. Wright on Art & Mission ...

Tolle lege!

Ten Resolutions (New Years)

Well it is that time of year when most of us decide to take stock in ourselves and shoot for some sort of fresh start or new beginning. There is nothing particularly sacred about the month of January but we human beings seem to invest certain times, events and persons with symbolic importance. The "new year" has that kind of symbolic importance, so with apologies to the Master Mason of the Texas Tradition within Churches of Christ R. L. Whiteside (who opined New Year's resolutions to be vain), I offer a few of my own resolutions.

1) I resolve to pray more and dispute less ... with a nod to Barton Stone

2) I resolve to make the most of every moment I have with Rachael and Talya

3) I resolve, as Tobias did for Sarah, to love Tifani with holy and pure love (see Tobit 8.4-8)

4) I resolve to guard my heart against bitterness, which I confess I have struggled with from
time to time over the last 2 years.

5) I resolve to take better care of myself for myself and those whom I love

6) I resolve to finish my biography of K. C. Moser THIS YEAR

7) I resolve to seek to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ and student of the written Word
of God

8) I resolve to cultivate a true Christ-centered, non-denominational, and non-sectarian faith
to be truly kingdom focused

9) I resolve to enjoy more time off ... to integrate Sabbath rhythms into my life

10) I resolve to live within my means and reduce as much debt as possible this year

Well there you have my New Year's resolutions. I am going to stick them to my refrigerator to remind myself of these resolutions. I seek those who will help keep me on track. May your New Year be filled with God's amazing shalom.