Jonas’ Baptism mp3

Is it logically consistent for someone to believe in transubstantiation and evolution?

Here’s an interesting article from the First Things blog. It’s a book review of The Bottom Billion and speaks of the traps that the poorest populations of the world continue to stumble into.

And if you’re not sure what to think about Iraq, let me tell you… j/k. There is an interesting note in there regarding our non-interference in Rwanda because of the Somalia “fiasco” and the current debate on involvement in Iraq. So if you’re heart bleeds for victims of genocide (and it probably should) but at the same time it bleeds for civilians (and/or soldiers) killed in Iraq (and it probably should), consider the argument in this article before you decide that troop withdrawal is the best thing for Iraq and its neighbors. And don’t forget all the genocide that happened under Hussein. However, that’s all really just a corollary.

The real thrust of the book is to talk about how to help our human brothers and sisters in the depths of poverty. As a Christian, I’m particularly concerned about the state of my spiritual brothers and sisters in said deplorable conditions. (At least, I am theoretically. I don’t see past the end of my own belly most of the time.) So, tighten your belt, pull out your sweet tooth, let go of your taste for luxury, pluck out your eyes, whatever you need to do, but do something to contribute to the lives of your brethren, near and far.

This is from Oswald Chamber’s devotional My Utmost for His Highest: “We imagine we would be all right if the big crisis arose; but the big crisis will only reveal the stuff we’re made of, it will not put anything into us…Crisis reveals character…If you have not been worshipping as occasion serves, when you get into work you will not only be useless yourself, but a tremendous hindrance to those who are associated with you.” He’s speaking particularly to those preparing for missionary fields - hence the name of the post - but, from personal experience, this is true in every Christian’s life. The old phrase “Faithful in little, faithful in much” is never really that old. It will prove itself time and again in your life.

We’re back from Sandestin. We spent three nights there for Trinity Presby’s 16th Annual Advance. Turnout was pretty good. I’d guess there were ~450. Gregg Strawbridge spoke well the whole time, but I think Gary DeMar had some missteps. They both saved their best words for Sunday. You’ll be able to order the DVDs from American Vision (DeMar’s organization) soon. If you just want to borrow them, I’ll be buying a copy.

Our camera is fixed (under warranty, no less! I thought that never happened.) We’ll put up some new videos and pictures soon. We recently cancelled our DSL and are back on dial-up (I’m not taking online classes anymore), so it might take a few days. It’s kind of nice to not be on the I-Net all the time when I’m at home - though Sarah misses it more than I do, because she doesn’t have high-speed access all day at work like I have.