Several weeks ago, I published a review of the “Great Lives from God’s Word” series by Charles Swindoll. (You may read that review by clicking here.) At that time, I stated that I did not know if the series would continue. Within two weeks, the 8th volume was released (that’s about my luck). This latest volume in the series is entitled Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives. It goes away from the usual presentation in the previous seven volumes. The other volumes are a walk through the life of one individual. By the end of the book you almost feel as though you know this man or woman. This newest volume,…

The film “Brokeback Mountain” won another award last night, paving the way to a probably Oscar nod for “best picture” in March. The movie, about two cowboys who have a homosexual relationship over a period of about 20 years, won the Director’s Guild Award for “best picture.” The director, Ang Lee, also won for her direction of the film. Only five times in the 57-year history of this awards ceremony has a director who won at the Director’s Guild Awards failed to win at the Academy Awards. We will see in early March just how “tolerant” Hollywood really is. If this film wins “best picture” (which is far more than…

There is a simple lesson that needs to be taught over and over in our society. That lesson is that sin is sin. The makers of the extremely popular video game series Grand Theft Auto have given us a reminder as to how most Americans look at sin. Nothing is wrong unless you get caught. When the newest installment of the game series (San Andreas) was released, it was released as a game with an “M” rating (mature). The game sold over 200,000 copies before it was realized that another game was embedded within it. If the player completed certain tasks and entered a specified code, he or she could…

It has been a great joy to have now finished both volumes of Questions and Answers by Guy N. Woods. These two books are great additions to any library of any Christian, not just preachers. Personally, I wish all elders would take the time to read both volumes in their entirety. Since I reviewed volume 1 just a few weeks ago, I will not repeat what was said there. (You may read that review by clicking here.) Again, there are some of brother Woods’ answers with which I do not totally agree, but his answers lead to greater study and thought about each subject presented. The best part of the…

Last month, we told you about a new (free) publication for youth ministers. Those who work with young people in the area where we live have put together a 10-page monthly newsletter sent via email in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. The newsletter’s first issue was received by over 50 people and has gotten great comments from youth ministers, Bible class teachers and preachers alike. Here are some of those comments: “I just opened the newsletter and really appreciate the work that y’all put into it. I’m excited about receiving it in the future. Thanks for the new resource.” –Barton “This is great. I read every word. You all did an…

Yesterday, the Vatican announced that it believes that Intelligent Design (ID) is not really science. The Vatican newspaper article also stated that ID should not be taught in schools alongside Darwin’s theory of evolution. Not surprisingly, the article then turned right around and stated that certain things in nature do seem to have some sense of superior design, so scientists should not be surprised that there might be more to evolutionary theory than just “chance.” However, the paper was quick to point out that natural selection seemed to be the most logical explanation for things. Allow me to ask the obvious question: “WHICH IS IT?” How long can religious people…

In a world filled with immorality, Jeremiah spoke to those who were supposed to be God’s chosen people and gave them this message from God: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). The people responded with a resounding “No.” God wanted His people to look to their past and realize what He had given them and done for them. Is the same not true today? God, 2000 years ago, gave us His Son. He gave us the New Testament, which the Hebrews writer reminds us over…

Last night, the famous Golden Globe awards were handed out. These awards are given in dozens of different categories in several areas of entertainment. When it comes to film, many critics and fans will say that these awards are a “forerunner to the Academy Awards.” Many films over the past few years have won “Best Picture” at both ceremonies (and the same can be said in many other “major” categories). If that is the case again this year, then the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture will be given to “Brokeback Mountain,” and that should cause a great number of Christians to question the awards, if they didn’t do so…

Every so often a special news story gets the attention of a lot of people and becomes “water cooler talk” for several days. Perhaps no story has done so more recently than the hidden camera story done by Dateline NBC on internet predators. Watching the news this morning, a preview was shown of their next installment–this time catching predators on the West Coast. The internet is a wonderful tool. So much can be gained from it. You can learn history, music, art, a foreign language. You can research libraries of information about nearly any subject in the world. Bible students with little money can have a wealth of information to…

Have you ever noticed the way advertisers are able to turn something around on us? For example, many food companies tell us about items that are “97% fat free.” What does that really mean? It really means that 3% of that food is completely made up of fat! By using the larger number, however, we are drawn away from that fact. The Ivory soap company advertised for many years about their soap that was “99 44/100% pure.” What does that mean? It means that over 1/2 of 1 percent of that bar of soap was made up of impurities (and they were “cleaning” your skin!). In truth, the Ivory soap…