Bible study
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Episode 170: Central Diggers: The Nuts and Bolts [Podcast]
https://media.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/content.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/Central_Diggers_Classes_A_Legacy_of_Faith.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS (Player not displaying or working? Click here.) This week, Leah and Mary Carol walk you through the ins and outs of Central Diggers.
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A Religious Equation
I realize that some who read this may not be familiar with the name, Dr. Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler is, among other things, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Among those “other things” is hosting a podcast to which I listen on a fairly regular basis. The podcast deals with news items, various societal trends, etc. from his perspective as a religious leader. While some of the rest of this post may be enough evidence to suggest that I do not agree with some of his theology, I still find his “take” on things to be interesting. One of the features of his podcast is…
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My Favorite Lads to Leaders Event
It may seem like an odd time to post something about Lads to Leaders, since the national convention was just a couple of weeks ago and the vast majority of folks do not think about starting for the next year for several months. But I want to share with you something today that will, hopefully, challenge families and youth groups to work on one event. It is my favorite event of the entire program, even if it is one that does not get the “buzz” some others do. What is it? Centurion of Scripture. If you are unfamiliar, Centurion of Scripture requires students to memorize 100 verses of the Bible…
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“Religion” is Not a Bad Word
Quite often over the last few years, I have heard people talk about how they don’t like the idea of “religion.” There will even be posts on social media (and I’ve heard it in sermons, too) about how we need “Jesus and not religion” or the how the Lord called people to “service and not religion.” The problem with that sentiment is that, well, it is using one concept of the word “religion” to stand for what is the true meaning, and it is a beautiful meaning. While the etymology–especially the origin–of the word “religion” is somewhat disputed, it seems that the beginning of the word had to do with…
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If You Will, Then I Will…But If You Will Not, Then I Will
We are studying the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah in the Ladies’ Class I attend on Tuesday afternoons. We have made it to this well-known major prophet and it has been grueling to read and study about this man – how poorly he was treated, how close to death he came, and yet, he remained a faithful messenger for God. Throughout this study we have seen multiple times the words I used for the title of this post. In fact, we have seen similar words throughout much of the Old Testament. As an example, the book of Deuteronomy has a list of blessings and cursings in the twenty-eighth chapter. When we…
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Both Verses Must be Done
Jesus is the Head of the Church. As such, He gets to set the course and His will is to be what we are to do our very best to follow. But, if we are honest, sometimes we prefer to pick and choose certain things that He taught while leaving others either undone or, at least, unemphasized. There is a passage of Scripture, stated by Jesus Himself, that is often treated this way. One part is sometimes emphasized, while the other is left unsaid, undone, or underemphasized. And, sadly, it is done to both sides of the passage. In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus stated, “Go into all the world and proclaim…
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Some Thoughts on “Restudying the Issue”
Every so often, word will spread that a congregation has made a massive change. Maybe the congregation has decided to appoint female elders or deacons. Maybe the congregation has decided to allow mechanical instruments of music in worship. These and other similar issues are often made with a big statement by the elders (or by the preacher) along with words such as “after restudying the issue…”. Very often, the leaders will speak of how they have been studying this for some time, usually about a year. Immediately, many push back on that phrase, “restudying the issue.” The reason, it seems to me, is that it is almost exclusively used at…
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A Proverb and the Bible School Program
Leah and I both have a passion for a church’s Bible school program. And our passion for it works out well, because she has such a heart for mostly children’s classes, while I greatly love thinking about teens and adults. We talk often about Bible classes and we try to think about ways to do better–both with our own teaching and in the entire program of work. As we look around congregations (both where we are and other congregations we visit), we see some similar struggles. But there is often one thing that is missing that would help the program improve, and (surprise, surprise) it comes right from the Bible.…
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VBS: Valley Bible Studies
Recently, Luke was part of helping a new work get off the ground for the congregation in Salem, Virginia where he is now the Youth and Family Minister. The work is called “Valley Bible Studies” (or, VBS) and is a multi-pronged effort. Below is a document he has shared with us about the various aspects of this online work. Click here to see the website and be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app. Breaking-Down-Valley-Bible-StudiesDownload
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Who’s On the List?
It may have already been published by the time this post goes live. It was said a while back that a certain list of names would be released at the beginning of the year, though no specific date and time were given. Many in the public have been holding their breath to see who is on there. We are told that the names will include many people known throughout the world, including some very high profile people in business and politics. But the names, we are told, will also include some who we do not know, from victims of terrible things to others who were involved in various ways. As…