Spotlight on Darrell Bock

I really appreciate the scholarship of Darrell Bock.  Not only is he a top notch scholar, he is one who helps bridge the gap between the academy and the church.  His work is at the same level as the best of scholars but he also writes to equip the average Christian.  Here are some of his books.  You can purchase any of them through Christian Book Distributors through the links below.

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament [BECNT] By Darrell L. Bock / Baker Academic Following his authoritative two-volume commentary on Luke in the acclaimed BECNT series, Darrell Bock now provides a substantive yet highly accessible commentary on Acts in this latest addition to the series. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Bock leads readers through all aspects of the book of Acts---sociological, historical, and theological---to help them better understand and explain this key New Testament book. As with all BECNT volumes, Acts features the author's detailed interaction with the Greek text. This commentary admirably achieves the dual aims of the series---academic sophistication with pastoral sensitivity and accessibility---making it a useful tool for students, professors, and pastors. The user-friendly design includes shaded-text chapter introductions summarizing the key themes of each thought unit. Darrell L. Bock (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of many books, including the two-volume commentary on Luke in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series, Jesus according to Scripture, and Studying the Historical Jesus.

Luke: NIV Application Commentary [NIVAC] By Darrell L. Bock / Zondervan Darrell Bock, author of Luke [NIVAC], is a cutting edge and very popular Evangelical scholar known for strong conservative stances on biblical authority, historicity of the Gospel accounts, and traditional understanding of church history. He has also written several major commentaries on both Luke and Acts. Thus, he is the perfect person to draw out the powerful theme of Christ brining reconciliation with God throughout this work on the second gospel. Well researched but readable and directly applied to the Christian life this is an excellent resource for studying Luke. About The NIVAC Series: Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century, and along the way involve us in any number of valuable discussions. But sometimes, we feel like something has been left out. While we want to know the background of the biblical text, we also want help determining what it means for today. The creators of the NIV Application Commentary series believe that if we remain in the ancient world and don't translate the Bible into our world, the task of biblical interpretation remains incomplete. Thus the NIVAC series provides both the historical-exegetical meaning of the text, while also providing a bridge from the ancient world to the Bible's relevance today. Furthermore, the format of the NIVAC reflects its content by clearly denoting when it is discussing ancient context, the interpretive process that allows us to understand the text in our own setting, and when it is applying interpretations of the text to our daily life. This obvious nature of the format makes it exceptionally easy for the reader to know exactly where they are in the commentary itself, the interpretive process, as well as in the biblical book. In addition to its unique reader friendly format, the NIVAC is directly pinned to the NIV translation of the Bible making it, once again, exceptionally easy for non-specialist readers to follow the thoughts and direction of the commentator. While authors will, at times, work with the original languages full descriptions about any such terminology are given in non-technical language. Moreover, each author fluidly translates complex elements and interpretive matters into language the average lay person can fully understand and easily apply. Finally, the NIVAC series is highly recommended as a guide for Bible teachers of all kinds, and is an excellent resource for research, preaching, garnering theological understanding, advanced devotional reading, and life application. Key Elements Commentary Type: Non-Technical General Persepctive: Main Stream Evangelical Audience: Written by Scholars for Pastors, Students, & Laity Scripture: Inspired Theological Tradition: Mixed Knowledge of Hebrew and/or Greek is not necessary for using this series.

Dethroning Jesus: Exposing Popular Culture's Quest to Unseat the Biblical Christ By Darrell L. Bock & Daniel B. Wallace / Thomas Nelson New York Times best-selling author Darrell Bock teams with Daniel Wallace to help lay readers separate fact from fiction and help from hype in the recent best-selling Jesus books and television specials. There is a quest going on. It's the quest to reduce Jesus to a mythic legend or to nothing more than a mere man. Scholars such as Elaine Pagels and James Tabor are using such recent discoveries as the Gospel of Judas and the Gospel of Thomas to argue that the Christ of Christianity is a contrived figure and that a different Christ-one human and not divine-is the "true" Christ. In his trademark easy-to-understand style Darrell Bock takes on these attempts to redefine Jesus in a convincing, winsome way that will help readers understand that the orthodox understanding of Christ and his divinity is as trustworthy and sure as it ever was. Joining Bock for the first time is fellow scholar Daniel Wallace.

To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History By Edited by Darrell L. Bock & Mitchell Glaser / Kregel Publications Since the first days of the early church, the Jewish people have been much of the focus of evangelism. History bears out the fact that the Church has long had a special place in its heart for Israel. Divided into three parts, covering New Testament responses to the conundrum of Israel, the theology surrounding the reality of the Gospel for the Jewish people, and the missiological sphere. Bringing together many experts to lend their voices, editors Darrell Bock (former president of the Evangelical Theological Society) and Mitch Glaser (a Messianic Jew and president of Chosen People Ministries) add layers of depth and insight to this issue.

Studying the Historical Jesus: A Guide to Sources and Methods By Darrell L. Bock / Baker Interest in the historical Jesus continues to occupy much of today's discussion of the Bible. The vexing question is how the Jesus presented in the Gospels relates to the Jesus that actually walked this earth. This book is an introductory guide to how one might go about answering that question by doing historical inquiry into the material found in the Gospels. Darrell Bock introduces the sources of our knowledge about Jesus, both biblical and extra-biblical. He then surveys the history and culture of the world of Jesus. The final chapters introduce some of the methods used to study the Gospels, including historical, redaction, and narrative criticisms. Bock, a well respected author, provides an informed evangelical alternative to radical projects like the Jesus Seminar. His audience, however, is not limited only to evangelicals. This book, written for college and seminary courses, offers an informed scholarly approach that takes the Gospels seriously as a source of historical information.

Luke 1.1-9.50 & 9.51-24.53 Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament [BECNT], 2 Vols. By Darrell L. Bock / Baker Bock's in-depth examination of the Greek text and extensive overview of the historical and cultural background of the time makes this set one of the most thorough explorations of Luke ever published. Includes an introduction to each section of the text, a discussion of sources and historicity, verse-by-verse exegesis, and detailed notes. A sensational price! Approx. 3000 pages total, two hardcovers.

Jesus According to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels By Darrell L. Bock / Baker Academic Do recently discovered documents outside the biblical narrative really refute the New Testament's representation of Jesus? Discover what the skeptics are ignoring with apologist Bock's scholarly yet accessible defense of the Gospels! Foundational in its proof of the reliability of Scripture, it's a must-have for believers who take God's Word seriously. 704 pages, softcover from Baker.

Key Events in the Life of the Historical Jesus: A Collaborative Exploration of Context and Coherence By Edited by Darrell L. Bock & Robert L. Webb / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Written by a team of internationally respected evangelical scholars, this book uses a carefully defined approach to historical Jesus studies and historical method to examine twelve key episodes in the life of Jesus. Focusing on six events from Jesus' ministry at large and six from his climactic activity in Jerusalem, the authors together probe into Jesus' life and work, from his baptism by John in the Jordan to the claim of his resurrection through the empty tomb and appearance accounts. Each essay examines the case for a particular event's authenticity, explores the social and cultural background to provide a better understanding of its historical significance, and looks at how it can help shape our overall understanding of who Jesus was and what he did. Though each chapter is the work of a single author, all of these essays, emerging from a decade-long collaborative research project, have been shaped and strengthened by stimulating discussion and debate among this remarkable group of historical Jesus scholars. Contributors Craig L. Blomberg Darrell L. Bock Craig A. Evans Donald A. Hagner Brent Kinman I. Howard Marshall Scot McKnight Grant R. Osborne Klyne R. Snodgrass Robert L. Webb Michael J. Wilkins

Jesus in Context: Background Readings for Gospel Study By Edited by Darrell L. Bock & Gregory J. Herrick / Baker A proper understanding of Scripture must include a knowledge of the historical, cultural, and religious context in which the Bible was written. Since two millenia has passed since the life and teaching of Jesus, obtaining this knowledge is not an easy task. For instance, the controversy over Jesus' healing on the Sabbath must be understood against the backdrop of the Mishnah's detailed list of forbidden Sabbath activities. In this study, Darrell L. Bock and Gregory J. Herrick identify and compile into one handy volume the key extrabiblical texts that provide the necessary cultural background for understanding passages in the Gospel narratives and add brief comments at the beginning of each selection, noting its relevance to the biblical text.

Recovering the Real Lost Gospel: Reclaiming the Gospel as Good News By Darrell L. Bock / B&H Academic The gospel is "good news" of a restored relationship with God. But according to Bock, today's proclamations seem more a therapeutic call or political polemic. Here he traces themes from Scripture to rediscover what the Bible says about the revelation of Christ and the role of the cross in a spiritually bereft world. Includes discussion questions. 176 pages, softcover from B&H.

Luke: IVP New Testament Commentary [IVPNTC] By Darrell L. Bock / IVP Academic About the Series: The IVP New Testament Commentary Series Pastors with a passion for sound exposition and scholars with a heart for pastoral leadership have joined forces to produce this exciting, accessible, and informative commentary series. Each volume, informed by the best of up-to-date evangelical scholarship, presents passage-by-passage commentary based on the NIV along with background information on authorship, setting, theme and various interpretive issues. A unique format allows the main commentary to focus on the vital message of the New Testament book being studied for today's church, while bottom-of-the-page notes include valuable scholarly information to support those who use the volumes as a resource for preaching or teaching preparation. Who Should Use it?The series is accessible to all people who wish to use it for biblical study whether they are pastors, students, or laity. Christians new to Bible study may find it challenging as a starting point for biblical study, but should be able to adapt to it with the help of a Bible study teacher. Those who have used Bible study guides in the past will find this series particularly helpful in taking the next step into deeper biblical study. About: Luke In Luke's vivid narrative, Jesus comes into Galilee proclaiming "good news to the poor . . . freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind." More than any other Gospel, the Gospel of Luke shows Jesus' great concern for the downtrodden, the oppressed and the marginalized--including women and children and even those outside the house of Israel. Darrell Bock shows why Luke's Gospel is "tailor-made" for the world we live in--a world often divided along ethnic, religious, economic and political lines. After all, the Jesus portrayed by Luke is a source of unity for his disciples and for believers from every walk of life. Tax collectors, Roman soldiers, prostitutes, city officials, religious leaders, widows and fishermen were among the diverse group brought together in the early Christian church. Bock's dual focus on understanding what Luke wanted to communicate to his original readers and on how that message is relevant for today makes this an excellent resource.

Lay Pastors Training Program

If you are a Christian living in southern Ontario and are looking to be more involved in your church or may even be looking to be a lay pastor of a small church, there are some options for you.  There is a program called the Lay Pastor Training Program that may be of interest to you.  It is a two year program, recognized by the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, that provides pastoral training for lay people.  Graduates have gone on to pastor churches, lead ministries in their own churches or just become better trained Christians.  Here is some information about the program:

Lay Pastors Training Program (now in our fourth year) is due to begin this September at Westview Baptist, London. This year we welcome two new instructors: Dorman Quinton, Pastor of Centre Street Baptist, St Thomas, who will be teaching the course on Worship in the winter semester and John Lambshead, pastor of First Baptist, Listowel, who will teach the course on Biblical Introduction. David Stead, pastor of Westview Baptist and Keith Sweeting, Pastor of First Baptist, Owen Sound will return this fall to teach the courses on Call to Ministry and Pastoral Practice respectively. Rev Dr. David Smith has also agreed to join us as educational consultant and instructor.

Registration for this year has been extended to September 7.  For more information, please go to their web-site www.laypastor.ca.

Autism and Communication

I found an article on communication issues with regard to autism.  If you are interested, you can find it here.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

This has been a summer with a great number of movies that I have wanted to see.  With all of the superhero movies that came out, Rise of the Planet of the Apes did not even make my top five what I wanted to see.  I was actually a big Planet of the Apes fan when I was young.  I watched the movies and the television series and even had action figures.  But I was disappointed in the Tim Burton remake from a number of years back and was content to just treasure my old memories.

I was finally drawn by previews and by word of mouth to give Rise of the Planet of the Apes a try.  I loved it!  It had everything that I like in a movie.  There was an interesting story, great acting, good characterization, humour, emotion and of course lots of action.  It is interesting that there was little swearing, no nudity (except the apes I guess) and very few people were killed and yet it was still a great movie.  Hint, hint to movie makers!  What a great way to start a new series, setting up the intelligent apes and the downfall of humanity.  I hope they continue with the sequels.  If you have not seen it yet, I would encourage you to do so.

The Bible and Tattoos

Every once in a while, I strongly consider getting a tattoo.  While I have not yet done that, it is still a consideration.  Some Christians have strong feelings against getting tattoos.  The question is: does the Bible condemn tattoos?  I think Mark Brown does a good job of working through this.

Proud of Amanda

For the past week and a half, Amanda has been in Czech Republic.  This was not just a vacation, although I am sure she has seen some fantastic sights.  Amanda participated in a mission trip that taught an English camp.  Each day I looked forward to Skype or Facebook chat to catch up with how things are going.  We all missed Amanda a lot.  Each of the kids made it clear that they missed their mommy.  Yesterday Logan was very emotional and was crying.  As soon as I brought the computer in with Amanda on Skype, he was back to normal.  I certainly appreciate all that Amanda does here with the family and I am glad that I don't have to do it on my own for long.  But more than this, I am proud of Amanda for this step that she has taken.  She had never done anything like this before but believed this is what God wanted her to do.  It took courage and strength and I am glad that she has accomplished this.  Amanda, I am proud of you and love you and look forward to seeing you today.

Logan and Bumblebee

If you have seen any of the Transformers movies, you will know there is an autobot named Bumblebee.  Bumblebee speaks by scanning his car radio and sampling words or phrases to get his message across.  Bumblebee reminds me a lot of Logan.

In general Logan does not communicate in sentences.  But one of the ways that he does communicate is by sampling lines from movies.  Logan has a great memory and memorizes all the lines from movies quickly.  When he really wants to communicate something, he will take a line from a movie to get his message across.  Sometimes he takes a line that has the exact wording that he needs.  Other times he takes a line that expresses the emotion of what he is feeling, even if the words don't fit.  For example, if Logan is frustrated, he might start yelling "Swiper, no swiping!"  We understand what he means.  It is an amazing thing to watch how the human brain works.

Media.Faith.Culture

My Arrow class-mate Brett Ullman has a book out that I would like to recommend.  It is called Media.Fauth.Culture.  Brett is a popular speaker around Canada and the United States and you can find out more about his ministry here.

Wow!

I just had a conversation with Logan!  Normally if he speaks at all, it is one word statements and even then it is rare.  He just told me "I need to go to the bathroom."  When he was done, I asked if he was going back outside.  He replied "I'm going upstairs."  Shocked, I said "Logan, listen to you talking."  He responded by saying "Thanks, Dad!"  Not bad for a nonverbal autistic kid!

Spotlight on U2

A little while ago, Amanda and I went to see U2 in concert.  As it worked out, we actually got a chance to see them twice during the same tour.  I really respect U2, in their musical ability, showmanship, pursuit of social justice and biblical influence on their lyrics.  I thought I would share some CDs and books that I would recommend if you like U2 as well.

Camp Stuff

As you may know, a few days ago I was not too happy with Logan being sent home from camp.  You might have gotten the idea that I was now the number one critic of that camp.  That is not the case.  I received a call tonight from the director of the camp, and he acknowledged that there had been a miscommunication and offered to bring Logan to camp next week.  He was very gracious and sincere and I appreciate that.  I am not sure about sending Logan back, not out of bitterness, but just because Logan does not do well with changes of plans and he has had enough changes.  I do appreciate the offer though, and I still see this camp as having an important ministry.

What I was trying to get at in my blog post was my frustration in general within the Christian church as to the role for special needs children, or even adults.  What Jesus teaches on the importance of the neglected and outcast does not come naturally to people, not even to me.  But being a father of two autistic children and someone who cares for the Christian church, I will continue to push Christians to look at special needs people with Jesus glasses.

Spotlight on Greg Koukl

I really appreciate the ministry of Greg Koukl and Stand to Reason.  Here are some resources by Greg Koukl that you might be interested in.  You can purchase them from Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links below.

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions By Gregory Koukl / Zondervan Discuss your Christian convictions to others with grace and confidence. Learn to gracefully negotiate those awkward moments when others challenge you with oft-repeated arguments against the Christian beliefs. Professor Greg Koukl has successful defended the Christian faith under fire and he wants to show you how a few relatively easy tactics can help you as well.

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions - eBook By Gregory Koukl / Zondervan Discuss your Christian convictions to others with grace and confidence. Learn to gracefully negotiate those awkward moments when others challenge you with oft-repeated arguments against the Christian beliefs. Professor Greg Koukl has successful defended the Christian faith under fire and he wants to show you how a few relatively easy tactics can help you as well.

Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air By Francis Beckwith / Baker Writing from years of experience in defending Christian values, Beckwith and Koukl offer a critique of moral relativism. They explore the inconsistencies inherent in the relativist position, suggest specific approaches that can be used in the course of dialogue, and consider the everyday implications of relativism, especially in relation to important issues such as: abortion, homosexuality, multiculturalism, political correctness, and tolerance. Paperback.

Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air - eBook By Francis J Beckwith and Gregory Koukl / Baker Books

Engaging Logan

As I write this, I am watching Justus, Emma and Faith play with Logan.  I don't mean they are playing individually in the same area.  I mean together playing a sort of full contact, tackle game of tag.  Unfortunately it is a few minutes before bed and it is not doing much to settle them down.  My thoughts are, however, that the three younger kids don't know there is something "wrong" with Logan.  Adults, who are more mature and educated would know better than to try and interact with Logan.  But the kids, in their immature ignorance, pull Logan out of his own world.  The look on his face shows how present he is in the game.  Sure, he does not fully understand the rules or his own strength.  But I know that all four of the kids are giggling like crazy.  I know that when I went to pick up the three younger kids from preschool day camp, it was his buddy Logan that Justus ran to hug and not me.  I am so thankful for the relationship these children have and for the fact that they don't know better.  

Disappointed

Last year, Logan attended a local Christian camp.  He had a blast.  We went for the last meeting and could see in the expressions on his face that he was enjoying what was taking place.  He might not have been able to participate in the same ways a other kids, but he obviously had fun.  I brought Logan to the same camp yesterday for the start of two weeks there and bumped into one of the counsellors from last year.  She was excited to see Logan again as he was so much fun.

Last night, the camp called and asked me to come pick up Logan.  Despite assuring Amanda that they could provide one on one help for Logan, they were not comfortable doing that this year.  Also they were concerned about Logan's lack of participation in the activities and lack of interaction with the campers.  During the meetings, he made some noise.  Logan hums quite a bit and they had to hide him away in the sound booth.

I am angry.  I am trying to be understanding but my paternal indignation is in full force.  Logan is not a mindless vegetable.  He is a real kid with real feelings who understands far more than people realize.  We have been telling Logan about going away to camp and about how much fun he was going to have.  It makes me sick (literally) to have to pick him up less than twenty-four hours after dropping him off.  Logan's autism was not a secret and they knew him from last year.  If they did not have the staffing, they should have told us out right and we would have left camp out of our plans.  But there is more to this.

As a religious professional, I understand where they were coming from.  Quality ministry takes place in the context of excellence.  Frankly, special needs children do not add to excellence.  They take away from what the counsellors are doing and the other children might not enjoy having them around.  If you want to have a rocking ministry event with lots of excitement and fun, better leave the special needs kids at home.  It is not that special needs kids are unimportant, but you can get more ministry bang for your buck focusing on typical kids.

As I say, I understand that from the perspective of a religious professional.  However, even setting aside my fatherly disappointment, I have some problems from a Christian perspective.  If Jesus did ministry with modern ministry sensibilities, his work would have looked much different.  If Jesus knew what we know, he would have realized that fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes and other sinners do not have the makings of "excellent" ministry.  Jesus should have focused on respectable people who would attract other respectable people to the movement, people with gifts and resources and abilities that would be of use.  Focusing on the outcasts and rejected just does not fit with what we know about effective ministry.

What have we lost with the pressure to fill our churches and get as many decisions for Jesus as possible?  What have we sacrificed on the altar of excellence?  I can't help but think of the parable of the sheep and goats from Matthew 25.  When we stand before Jesus, what is the measure of judgment?  Is it how rocking and excellent our ministry activities are?  Or is it how we have reached out to the "least of these"?

Bringing this back to camp, what did I really expect?  I do take seriously their staffing limitations.  But as I said, they should have given us the heads up rather than letting Logan's hopes get lifted and then dashed.  What about Logan's lack of interaction or ability to get something from the meetings?  I will say that Logan has much more going on on the inside than what people see on the outside.  A few hours is really not enough time to get to know Logan or what he is capable of.  What about Logan as a distraction to others?  He does not scream or yell.  He just hums.  It is how he deals with stressful situations.  But couldn't this be a distraction to other children who need Jesus?  It depends on how you define the Gospel.  Is the Gospel completely limited to praying a prayer and moving from hellbound to heavenbound?  Or could the Gospel be also about having a transformation of worldview, relearning what has value and seeing people through God's eyes?  Is this beyond children's abilities?  Not if the excitement I saw from some of Logan's school mates when they saw Logan at camp is any indication.

This post is not about starting a smear campaign against this camp.  There is a reason I have not mentioned the name.  I know they do some good work.  The leaders had limited time to make a decision and they did what they thought was right for the most amount of people.  That was their responsibility and not mine.  However, as a father who loves his son very much and as a Christian who is being challenged on the nature of the Kingdom of God, I am disappointed in their decision.  What I do know is that I get two more weeks with one of the best kids in the world and because of that, I am far more blessed than the camp.        

Czech List

Today I am taking Amanda to the airport.  She is heading out to Czech Republic for a short-term mission trip.  We would appreciate your prayers for her and the rest of the Baptist Women on the team.  This is a great experience as they make connections through teaching english.  Pray for safe travels and good relationships.  You can also pray for Logan as during this time he will be off at camp with Word of Life.   He had a great time last year and I am sure he will again.  Finally you can pray for me as I have "only" three children to look after while attending to my pastoral duties.  It is an exciting time in the Bedard household.

Cygnus X-1

This song is Justus' favourite song right now and he even has the girls "rocking out" to it.  Thankfully it is one of my favourites as well.  Too bad Amanda absolutely hates it.

Spotlight on Lee Strobel

One of the best examples of an author able to make apologetics accessible on a popular level is Lee Strobel.  Here are some of his books that you might be interested in.  You can purchase them from Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links below.

The Ambition By Lee Strobel / Zondervan An unputdownable thriller from the best-selling author of The Case for Christ! Drawing on his years as an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Strobel weaves a gripping insider's tale of power, politics, and payoffs set in a gleaming suburban megachurch, a big-city newspaper struggling for survival, and the shadowy corridors of political intrigue. 320 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus By Lee Strobel / Zondervan A seasoned journalist chases down the biggest story on record in The Case for Christ. Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, former Chicago Tribune legal editor Lee Strobel cross-examines a dozen experts with tough, point-blank questions in search of credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was positively the Son of God. This riveting quest for the truth about history's most compelling figure reads like a captivating, fast-paced novel, yet it's anything but fiction! An ideal paperback for skeptics!

The Case for Faith By Lee Strobel / Zondervan Skeptics of Christianity are everywhere, boldly asking tough questions in order to disprove the faith. Doubt no more! Get your hands on The Case for Faith and take heart! Author Lee Strobel, a journalist, investigated the toughest objections to Christianity and found solid answers. Whatever intellectual or emotional objections one has to the Christian faith are directly refuted by Strobel's honest and thorough discoveries.

The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ By Lee Strobel / Zondervan You see it on all the networks magazine covers: Who is the Real Jesus? Usually, he's not the man they present. Apologist Lee Strobel examines the biblical Jesus, comparing him to the user-friendly version presented by the secular press, the man without the deity. In The Case for the Real Jesus, you'll be armed with the truth to defend Christianity in an increasingly hostile world.

The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God By Lee Strobel / Zondervan From evolutionary icons to the uniqueness of planet Earth, from irreducible complexity to the kalam cosmological argument, Lee Strobel gives full rein to his keen analytical mind in addressing these issues and more. But don't expect an inaccessible tome of arcane scientific terms; Strobel's years of newspaper reporting give the book a conversational style. Relying on transcriptions of his interviews with experts in the pertinent fields, he tells the incredible stories about the hard science behind what some have termed creationism. Extensively researched, this book should be a classic apologetic text for years to come.

Struggling to Be Christian

I do not struggle to be a Christian, that is to believe in God and trust in Jesus for my salvation.  But sometimes I struggle to be Christian, that is to live up to the ideal of what Jesus presents to us in the Gospels.  An example for you.  When I arrived at the church office today, this is what I found on our church sign:

To be completely honest, I did not greet this sign with a deep Christ-like love for the people responsible. I was angry.  Very angry.  I knew that Jesus taught us to love even those who do wrong, but I did not feel love.  However, I also know I cannot stay there.  I must forgive.  I do forgive.  This is likely the work of some bored teenagers, who have loads of emotional and spiritual issues.  They need Jesus.  I hope I can share Jesus.  Help me to love like Jesus.

Top Ten Albums

If I was on a desert island with a solar powered CD player and could only have ten albums.  These are what I would choose.  Warning, I am not very well rounded.