Mark M. Overstreet

New Site on the Rise

2006-07-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

You may find my new format and feel:

www.markoverstreet.com
or
www.moverstreet.com

GM Eco-mobile and the future of auto travel

2006-07-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

In this feature, the new GM Hy-Wire is showcased. Its H-powered, has an interchangeable body, no pedals, and all mirrors have been replaced with digital video.

Also, the H-drive engine derives its hydrogen from saltwater, our most abundant resource.

This may sound too east coast for some of my friends in Texas, but I look forward to seeing the day the Hy-Wire rolls off the assembly floor. And with a R&D pricetag of nearly $9.2m, I look forward to the consumer version.

Watch the video here.

Kingdom Gentrification

2006-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

You may need to refresh your memory on the definition of gentrification, but after that, you should read this thoughtful theology of property recovery for kingdom purposes.

Evangelicals everywhere need to follow this example of witness and ministry.

Read the article here.

Pastor fills bars in outreach effort

2006-07-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

Rob Bell, Michigan pastor (previously covered here) of the mega-Mars Hill Bible Church near Grand Rapids, is now doing meta-stand-up in bars around the country.

Bell founded the church in 1999, which now meets in a cavernous building (former shopping mall) and draws more than 11,000 to his weekend services.

Bordering on self-proclaimed "utter-foolishness," Bell admits his efforts "crank up the risk factor" and may "crash land."

Jim Hamilton, my friend and much-published collaborer (blog) in the kingdom, is quoted in the article, "If you want to be contextualized, that's fine, but you have to be contextualizing the Gospel," he said. "If you are not contextualizing the Gospel, you are just being conformed to the spirit of the age."

Contextualization in evangelism and outreach is like typologization in biblical interpretation. There must exist some objective boundaries and safeguards in place; otherwise, where ends the envelope?

See the coverage from Houston (here).

Ken Lay Dead

2006-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

After facing the judgement of men and the media at 64, Ken Lay suffered a massive coronary and now stands in the presence of the One whose eyes are aflame with fire (Rev 19:12). In mid-June, I spoke with Mr. Lay's pastor, and he spoke confidently of Ken's love for the gospel and trust in Christ for salvation and forgiveness. Indeed, he affirmed that Ken viewed the events of the last years as trying and formative. He indicated that Ken found life and happiness only in Christ, and that the terrible events, including his trial and conviction, were from the Lord for his good and God's glory.

Few know anything of Lay and his simple upbringing. He was born in Tyrone, Mo. and worked with his father at the family general store selling stoves. His father left the store to answer the call to ministry, and Lay delivered newspapers and mowed lawns to make ends meet.

He served the country in the Navy both at the Pentagon and then served as undersecretary for the Department of the Interior before returning to business. After a short tenure at Florida Gas, he moved to Texas to continue his ascent in energy.

In his recent trial, Lay testified, "I’ve not only pursued the American dream, I’ve achieved it. I suppose we could say the last few years, I’ve also achieved the American nightmare."

These are sobering words and deserve close attention. Perhaps we should consider the dreams and hopes we pursue. Even more, we should listen to the life of a man who now knows that every dream ends in the presence of the One who treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. Listen to him say, "Only those who humble themselves at the hem of his blood-soaked robe will find happiness--seek Him; serve Him; cling to Him."

See his personal website (here) and local coverage (here) for more detail.

Dynamic Duo fund abortion through "charitable" giving

2006-06-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

You should be aware that two of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, have drawn widespread praise and criticism this week for their philanthropic alliance. While teaming together to fight disease and poverty, they have also collaborated to fund Planned Parenthood and the murder of the unborn.

To be clear, philanthropy means a combination of phila- (love) and -anthropy (mankind)--there is nothing lovely or "charitable" about murder.

Gates has given over $34 million to PP, the largest provider of abortion in the USA. What a tragedy.

Read the Sun-Times report here.

Persecuted Christians Killed for God and Gospel

2006-06-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

In a recent study (reported here), Professor Thomas Schirrmacher, director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the German Evangelical Alliance, explains that at least 55,000 Christians are killed each year for religious reasons. To be clear, this excludes social or political upheaval that may result in Christians dying.

Christians in India, Indonesia, and Pakistan run the highest risk of tortuous death. Pray for our brothers who are suffering. Pray that in their death, more would be reached with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ.

Christianity and the light of its influence

2006-06-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

In this article (here), Chuck Colson notes the connection between the spread of the gospel and the influence it brings to the whole of society.

Christ transforms work, home, culture, and the welfare of society in general. One day soon, He will return to enjoy it with the redeemed forever and ever (1 Pet 4).

In defense of the truth, and a friend

2006-06-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, I attended the trial of a friend in federal court. He was charged with crimes of the financial nature (non-violent). I was there in the event he wanted me to serve as a character witness. Instead, he asked his Bible study teacher to speak on his behalf. In spite of their efforts, he was sentenced to serve time in the federal pen.

Similarly, Ken Lay's pastor, Ed Young the greater, spoke on Lay's behalf during the trial. To my knowledge, Young never said Lay was innocent. A blog tucked away in the recesses of the WSJ says, "The defense's 29th and final witness was Ed Young, a popular Houston minister. Speaking of Lay, Young reportedly said, 'I believe he loves God, I believe he works hard and I believe he's a man who keeps his word.' On cross, prosecutor Cliff Stricklin told Young he had taken a religion course in college taught by one of Young's sons. Joking that Young's son became a minister while he became a lawyer, Stricklin said, 'You can draw your own conclusions from that.' Retorted Young: 'I already have.'" (HT: Denny Burk)

For the sake of Truth, the miracle of gospel repentance, and Mr. Lay's soul, I pray that Young's judgements and hopes are accurate; only God knows the heart but Young may have seen His fruit. Thank the Lord for forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Also, thank God for ministers who have the careful courage to minister in spite of the public rush to judgement.

The next Billy Graham?

2006-06-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

The CST reports (here) about an interesting pastor and his effort to reach out with the gospel. When asked the comparative question, he responded, "Uhhhh . . . anybody who'd have a clever response to that I'd be deeply suspicious of," Bell says, quietly. "This whole experience broke me a long time ago. . . . The fact that God could use me, I'm still . . . in awe."

I suspect Graham would respond similarly. Also, I believe both would agree that Christ be the focus of our ministry and all of our ambitions ought to be found in exulting Him.

condi@sbc.nc

2006-06-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to speak at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention this week in North Carolina.

I am in Greensboro now and will periodically update you on the progress of SBC happenings...

Where's the Islam in Islamic Terrorism?

2006-06-09T04:43:00.000-07:00

In this intriguing blast (here), Andrew McCarthy has some strong things to say concerning the alarming lack of media coverage linking Islamic terrorists to the religion and its doctrines that drive them to murder infidels, not to love and die for them so that they may live.

McCarthy closes strong, "They apparently are not members of the terror network, did not train at the Qaeda camps, and have not been directed by the Qaeda hierarchy. All they have in common with al Qaeda is their schooling in the same creed. And their conclusion that this creed commands them to murder."

One observation: I have long concluded that further evidence of this first-order gag against the Islamo-terror connection deepens in the surprising absence of journalistic response to opinions like McCarthy's. If there is no connection, then surely someone on the left would be strongly condemning writings like Andrew's as racist and bigoted. It seems that somewhere a memo was circulated that prohibits any real discussion of this "scoop."

More Muslims than Jews look for Messiah

2006-06-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

In a recent survey by Ephraim Yar of Tel Aviv University revealed more Israeli Muslims than Jews believe in special creation and look for the advent of Messiah.

Also, the study revealed more Jews believed in the "evil eye" than in heaven after death.

52% believe in the evil eye; 43% surveyed believe in heaven.

Pictured here is the gozmunjughu, a small blue or black glass that has a black spot inside a white circle, resembling the iris of an eye. This ornament is the "secret" to warding off anyone assailing you with the evil eye.

The results of this study are a sober reminder to our friends of the dual covenant that Jews and Muslims alike need the Messiah--the One who came and gave himself for the forgiveness of sin and to triumph not only over the evil eye but all fear and darkness.

Read the brief (here) in the Washington Times.

Colson's Prison Fellowship gets rapped

2006-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today's Houston Chronicle (here) reports a federal judge ruled Friday that Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries and the state of Iowa violated the US Constitution by setting up a government-funded program that uses coercive conversionary tactics based on the doctrines of Christianity.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State brought the suit, and the judge directed Prison Fellowship Ministries to pay back at least $1.5 million that it has received from the state since the program began in 1999.

This ruling could deal a sharp blow to elements of the president's faith-based initiative.

Mark Earley, president of Prison Fellowship Ministries, is still evaluating the case, and should appeal the ruling.

CT Feature: Worship in 1AD

2006-05-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

If you have never read Justin Martyr, early church leader (155 AD), then you should, especially in these Da Vinci Code days . . . .

In his work, The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr, he writes a fascinating account of worship and practice in the early church.

CT features an excerpt of his work (here).

You can read the entire Apology (here).

Gore cites Scripture for his Global Warming Cause

2006-05-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Almost-president Al Gore packed a New York theater to discuss climate change and the coming global crisis this week. The event coincides with the release of his global warming pseudo-documentary disaster film, "An Inconvenient Truth," distributed by a division of Paramount Pictures.

He cried, "Every faith tradition has teachings that are directly on point [to climate change]." Gore told the packed audience, which included former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, "The Book of Revelation [says] God will destroy those who destroy his creation."

Gore noted that some evangelical Christian leaders have expressed concern about climate change, musing, "Whatever works."

Gore closed, packed his things, and left the town hall meeting in a hired limo.

The irony: his exit vehicle gets about the same mileage as the latest HUMMER (H3).

Read more (here).

Pray for Indonesia and SE Asia

2006-05-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

I traveled to SEAO last year on a mission and saw the devastation of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Most of those who suffer in this region of the world live in poverty--both spiritual and economic.

Pray for those affected, and pray for the missionaries in that region who will be working to make a difference through the power of Christ.

You may read more about the devastation in this article of The Age (here).

Graduating Seniors interrupt Ceremony with Prayer

2006-05-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

RUSSELL SPRINGS, KY. - "A federal judge on Friday blocked a southern Kentucky high school from including prayers in its graduation ceremony, prompting students to begin reciting the Lord's Prayer during the opening remarks.
About 200 students interrupted the principal's comments with the prayer, drawing applause and a standing ovation from the crowd."

This story (here) describes the inspiring zeal of a group of high school seniors in their commencement service.

Emergent Leaders help God with His PR Problem?

2006-05-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

“I think God had a PR problem,” Walter Henegar begins his article (here), "More than a Fad: Understanding the Emerging Church," addressing the movement and its dramatic redefinition of Christ and Christianity.

Thinkers need to read this blog and file it somewhere.

Henegar is associate pastor of ChristChurch Presbyterian in my hometown, Atlanta, Ga.

Death of Jaroslav Pelikan

2006-05-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post reports (here), "Jaroslav Pelikan, 82, Yale University professor of history and religious studies and one of the world's foremost scholars in the arena of the history of Christianity, died May 13 at his home in Hamden, Conn. He had lung cancer . . . ."

So, what's your excuse?

2006-05-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Washington Times (here) tells the story of Mark Inglis, the first double-amputee to conquer the summit of Mount Everest. The 47-year-old and his team set out on March 25 and had aimed to reached Everest's summit by the end of this month.

Also, I found it interesting that duct tape has found its way up Everest. News coverage of his climb earlier this month (here) reports, "Mark Inglis was nearly 21,000 feet up when he slipped and cracked his carbon fiber leg . . . . Instead of quitting Inglis wrapped it up in duct tape . . . ." Hank Wms Jr. lyrics ring through my head when I read news like that.

You can also visit Mark's sites here and here.

PHC Profs go to the mat in CT

2006-05-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

In a previous post (here), I cited the LA Times report of the shake-up in Purcellville at Patrick Henry College. For the record, the professors have gone public with their side in CT, clarifying the waters on the issues they explain are at the root of the problem.

In the article, "Shakeup at Patrick Henry College: New president and academic dean announced after 5 of school's 16 faculty quit in protest," the professors record a disagreement with the president (now moving to chancellor).

Issues of contention include the use of the "lifeboat" game in class, published articles on general revelation, president Farris' alleged expression that Augustine "was in hell," and the list goes on . . . .

Without accreditation, PHC could be in serious trouble if the positions aren't filled quickly and explanation given on the dissonance between faculty & administration.

Read the article (here).

See other coverage here, here, and here.

'Our Team Reigns'

2006-05-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

From Bible-themed bobblehead dolls to pics with Larry and Bob (VeggieTales characters), this Washington Times article (here) explores the recent marketing phenomenon of "faith night" at professional sport arenas.

Black Friday at Patrick Henry College

2006-05-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

The LA Times reports on the shake-up (here) going on in Purcellville, Va. M. Todd Bates, a professor of rhetoric and former Criswell College prof, reportedly started the scuffle with a lecture on Augustine and forgot to mention the Bible or the college's Christian mission.

Five profs have resigned from the faculty of 16. Apparently, several of the faculty made good on a pact they took after Bates's lecture.

DMN attacks DVC

2006-05-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

The religion section of my local paper whacks The Da Vinci Code like a low-hanging piñata.

Mega-churches attacked in DMN

2006-05-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Morning News contains an op-ed attack on mega-churches for their "Wal-Marting" methodologies. It proves an interesting read.

Dawn in Darfur

2006-05-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

After weeks of frontpage coverage from the NYTimes and throughout blogdom, the world seems no closer to any progress on the desperate situation in Darfur.

In this week's WORLD (here), Jamie Dean acknowledges this reality and offers more detail on the sprawling crises in Sudan and beyond.

Pray for those in leadership, for those who seek to minister to the needy there, and pray the Lord will have mercy on those who need His salvation.

Then, ask the Lord what He would have you do for the men, women, and children who suffer day and night under the hand of terror and tyranny.

Hymns of the Past

2006-05-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

I received an encouraging nudge from a friend encouraging me to translate the line from the Latin hymn used in my previous blog. Pastors, professors, and Christians would all benefit from studying the lost hymns of Christian history.

Veni Immanuel: O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salve hominem, quem de limo formasti.

Translation:
Come Immanuel: O King of Gentiles, and their Desire, the cornerstone, who binds two into one: Come, and save humanity, whom You have fashioned out of clay.

A Time for Everything (Part 2)

2006-05-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

And a time to uproot what is planted...

In my previous post (here), I have witnessed the fulfillment of Ecclesiastes 3:2 ff., and my heart is filled with joy and torn by grief.

My friend and co-laborer at Criswell College, Mr. Harold T. Baxter, graduated into the heavenlies this week. A grave contrast to birth, his death rains pain and grief and loss on all of those who knew and loved God's servant.

But--the grief that I experience through the pangs of death--because of the work of Christ--surprisingly yields fruit. Instead of emptiness and loss, I still expect the great work of God.

On the one hand, we see new life in the infant body of a babe. On the other, by faith, we expect new life through the work of God in Harold's resurrection. In the birth of this little blessing from God, we turn our eyes upward and rejoice in life.

In the death of a friend, though we hurt with pain, we nevertheless turn our eyes toward heaven and say, Lord, again we have seen your all-sufficient work--and rejoice and give you glory. Both have new life today, Lord, because of your power and love for life--in this world, and the next.

Veni Immanuel: O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salve hominem, quem de limo formasti.

A Time for Everything (Part 1)

2006-05-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

A Time to give birth...

This week, I have witnessed the fulfillment of Scripture and much prayer, and my heart is filled with joy.

My close friend and colleague, Denny Burk, and his wife, Susan, welcomed their first child, Emily Carol, into the world.

The happiness that comes through the pangs of birth yields the fruit of the womb and life and the expectation of the great work of God. We have seen the creativity and handiwork of the Creator and rejoice, giving Him glory.

In the birth of this little blessing from God, we turn our eyes upward and rejoice in life. We see new life today, Lord, because of your power and love for life--in this world, and in the world to come.

Veni Immanuel.

Darfur and Your Conscience

2006-05-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, Denny Burk and I broadcast a radio show in Dallas on Darfur and the genocide that continues in that region of Sudan.

Today's Washington Times (here) reports US involvement in this tragedy escalates, as Mr. Bush dispatched Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick to Africa yesterday.

As believers, pray for an end to the torture, rape, and mass murder that takes place daily in the name of Islam and ethnic cleansing.

Pray that god would be a refuge for those who are being sought, and seek what the Lord would have you do for the tortured generation of Darfur.

Immigration Protest Follow-up

2006-05-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

From the hispanic markets of California to the county-seat farms of Vidilia, GA, (home of the famous onion), thousands of immigrants and protesters walked off the job in protest of the country's immigration legislation.

From shuttered chicken houses to restaurant closings, the nation saw little in the way of the national effect expected from the boycott. The protest does, however, display the power of the few to rally and cause a nationwide ripple.

Whether for good or evil--every American should take notice of today's events and remember the power of the unified voice.

Christians could learn something, too, from the power of the singular purpose that drives these throngs to walk in unison. Then, perhaps evangelicals could spread Christ's message with similiar passion to the nations (including our own) that desperately need Him.

US preps for 'Day without an Immigrant'

2006-04-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

On May Day, it is estimated that millions of immigrants and allies will participate in "The Great May 1st Boycott." Protesters will stay home from school, avoid work, and cease engaging in commerce in order to demand amnesty for the nearly 12 million illegal immigrants in the US.

Juan Jose Gutierrez, national coordinator for Latino Movement USA, is one of the lead organizers of Monday's planned boycott.

ANSWER, a coalition civil rights groups says, "Let's show the government, corporations and racist politicians that a powerful, united people's movement has the power to win civil rights, workers' rights and make history. . . . No business as usual on May 1!"

CNN describes the organized boycott (here).

An Pro-Anarchy website describes the protest (here).

Ready or not--the necessity of a balanced immigration policy will be accelerated by this protest.

United 93--In Living Color?

2006-04-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Todd Beamer, husband, father of three, and American hero, will be remembered as one of the brave of September 11 that suffered death on Flight 93.

In this week's WSJ, Todd's father, David writes (here) of the importance of this weekend's release of "United 93" (see trailer here), the film that depicts the events that led to the end of the flight heading toward Washington, D. C., on 9/11.

The movie (official website here) received a restricted rating, which will detour many viewers. CT reviewed the movie positively (here).

Also, a portion of the profits from the movie will go toward the Flight 93 Memorial Fund (here).

Golden Tongue in weekend paper

2006-04-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

On Pascha (Easter) night in the Eastern Church, Orthodox Christian Church ministers do not preach their own sermon but rather preach the homily on the Resurrection by John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, a man considered by most to be one the greatest preachers in the history of Christianity.

The homily, translated by Mark Arey, pastor of St. John Chrysostom Greek Orthodox Mission, appears here in Nashville's The Tennessean.

Its Easter--for the rest of us...

2006-04-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

According to my calendar, last week was Easter. But to the other half of the Christian world, it was today.

The Reason? Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox churches use the older Julian calendar.

Both agree that the resurrection occurred on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox, as established by the Council of Nicea in 325.

The calendars do, however, occasionally coincide. Both sides celebrated together in 2001 and 2004, and will do it again in 2007.

Pentecostals celebrate centennial

2006-04-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here, Jeff Weiss at the Dallas Morning News discusses the centennial history of Pentecostals, calling them "America's most successful spiritual export."

In his article, he notes, "Pentecostalism has thrived despite having two early core doctrines proven wrong. Early Pentecostal leaders believed that Jesus was returning soon. That urgency explained why they expected help from the Holy Spirit in the form of the gift of languages – the ability to speak to all peoples of the earth.
Jesus hasn't returned. And the "languages" turned out not to be earthly. "Glossolalia," or speaking in tongues, is now usually described by believers as a "private prayer language." But to outsiders, it's gibberish."

Interesting, or those who know me well, "Hmm."

Full Court Press Begins Early for SBC 2006

2006-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

In this weekend's Star-Telegram, early coverage of resolutions that may appear on the floor of the SBC stirs the waters of the DFW metroplex, here in the buckle of the Bible-belt.

Here, a pastor from Arlington's Parkview Baptist Church, which is aligned solely with the conservative Southern Baptist Convention of Texas, articulates his objection to recent IMB board action to remove a trustee who wrote a dissentious blog after board action had concluded.

Knowing the issues and decisions that have been publicly discussed this year in both the IMB and NAMB will prove vital for comprehending the conversation at this year's convention.

Between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday...

2006-04-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Christians around the world draw together this Sunday to celebrate the power of the resurrection, and to worship the Risen Lord.

No services are held on Saturday to celebrate his burial, because the day of his entombment marks to the pinnacle of his humiliation in death.

Many overlook the significance of this day, looking back to Friday and the magnitude of the crucifixion. Similarly, we look forward to the great day of triumph in new life and resurrection.

But in 1 Cor 15, the apostle identifies three acts in his historic work: his death, his burial, and and his resurrection.

Consider the burial of Jesus and its meaning for the work of Salvation. The burial of Jesus marks the culmination of his suffering. His burial demonstrates the extent of his death as well as the last stage of his mediatorial work of returning to dust, just as the first Adam had. Thus, his burial was an act of Christ sharing in the humiliation and harm of the grave, and not merely to prove He was dead.

In his burial, Jesus removes the terrors of death and the grave by suffering the descent into this humiliating locus, redeeming the grave and sanctifying it for His glory.

So this year, consider the grave and the burial of Christ. Consider your grave, and the extent of your humiliation suffered in this world and in your daily dying to Him. Then, as you are reduced to ashes and dust, Sunday comes with greater anticipation.

After suffering the pangs of burial you long for the restoration found in resurrection. Then, like Paul, the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Day will carry with it great significance in your own life--for it's the day you're reduced to nothing. Then--and only then--He can raise you in newness of life through the stone-moving power of His resurrection.

Consider the burial of Christ.

Pagels forsakes truth, bows to the pressure of sensationalism

2006-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Discussions around the world this week peaked concerning the gospel of Judas. In today's NYT (here), Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton, relishes the discovery of this new 'twist' on Jesus' ministry.

Unlike Irenaeus, who called this work and those like it heresy and blasphemy, Ms. Pagels sees this work as one that "explodes the myth of a monolithic Christianity."

She concludes, "Those of us who go to church may find our Easter reflections more mysterious than ever."

The only mystery this 'professor' needs is the one revealed in power that Paul explains in Rom 16:25ff and 1 Cor 2.

Today, that mystery is revealed through powerful gospel preaching, not through the discovery of some aberrant papyrus.

"Pro-Life Nation"

2006-04-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

In today's NYT, Jack Hitt constructs graphic and disturbing account of the underground abortion industry in El Salvador, a country where all abortion is illegal. He uses the tragedies of illegal activity and death to build a case for keeping abortion legal in the US, asking rhetorically, "Who would ever want this kind of crime in the US?"

Dark and detailed with gore, the nine-page rant functions as a construct of an abortion advocate who believes that being "pro-life" means that one must be prepared to deal on a national scale with this magnitude of death through blackmarket abortion. This end is inevitable, he screams, if the US ever considers pro-life legislation.

He asks the question, "What happens when you completely criminalize abortion? Over the last eight years, El Salvador has found out."

Though lengthy, you should read this article to understand the mind behind the abortion agenda.

See the article (here). Caution: Contains very graphic description of procedures.

"The Church of Global Warming"

2006-04-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

In this article, Mark Tooley demonstrates the flaccidity of preaching in many of our nation's pulpits.

Just a taste:
"How can America repent for its complicity in Global Warming? The "repentance" required by the Religious Left includes all the demands of the secular Green Left: comply with the Kyoto Accord, reduce economic growth, regulate the economy more, increase taxes, reduce U.S. sovereignty, maximize U.S. aid to the supposed global victims of America's pollution and greed.

"Perhaps, then, a benevolent Mother Earth will withhold her anger, and spare a repentant America and the rest of the world from Her divine judgment of Global Warming, with its rising sea levels, withering crops, increased disease and pestilence, and, as Archbishop Williams warned, "billions" of deaths.

"That's the prophecy of the Religious Left. More traditional religionists will recall, with the Psalmist, that the earth is the Lord's footstool, and it is not the fragile porcelain imagined by some ardent secularists and religious faddists. God may indeed judge the world, but the sins that provoke Him might be more serious than purchasing an SUV or occasionally voting Republican."

See the whole article (here).

Forbes whips up on Bono, Blair, and the G-8 Gang

2006-04-08T16:03:00.002-07:00

Remember last year when British Prime Minister Tony Blair called for enormous increases in aid to Africa at July's G-8 meeting in Scotland?

In the upcoming issue of Forbes, Steve Forbes offers an Economics 101 primer that should cast some light on why throwing (only) money at needy areas around the global marketplace will never satisfy their real needs.

He discusses AIDS, Malaria, Oil money, taxation, and other subjects in this brief.

See the article (here).

Document is genuine, but does it tell the Old, Old Story?

2006-04-08T16:03:00.001-07:00

A swarm of media coverage has enshrined the Judas 'Gospel', but when conservatives and the NYT staff agree on the truthfulness of this document, I think we can all agree this is an open-and-shut case.

See (my friend and NT colleague) Denny Burk's coverage (here).

See (my friend and TX colleague) Jim Hamilton's coverage (here).

See the NYT piece here. Ben Witherington, Craig Evans, Elaine Pagels (Princeton), and Donald Senior (president, Catholic Theological Union) are among those cited.

McCain's Bona Fides Secure Faldwell's Blessing

2006-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

After accepting an invitation to deliver Liberty University's commencement address, Senator John McCain's time with Jerry Faldwell enabled the two to put their "issues" behind them.

In his campaign-style trip around the country, McCain seeks to sow his conservative oats on every issue from abortion to permanent tax cuts.

A Faldwell quote from the NYT coverage on McCain's travels:

"I've felt since I first knew about him that he stood on the right side of the ball on social issues," Mr. Falwell said. "I don't think he has changed his views. He is certainly pro-life. He clearly is an advocate of the husband-female family, he does not support same-sex marriage. I know of no reason I could not support him."

As his campaign trail brightens, I look forward to hearing more straight-talk from this maverick who seems more moored than meandered lately.

'Gospel of Judas' papyrus discovered

2006-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

A codex of the 'Gospel of Judas' has been authenticated and is considered the most significant nonbiblical text found in the past half century.

The discovery of the leather-bound Coptic codex was announced by the National Geographic Society at a news conference in Washington today. The 26-page Judas text is said to be a papyrus copy made around 300AD, of the original 'Gospel of Judas,' written in Greek the century before.

Scholars from Harvard, Princeton, and various other graduate schools with Coptic and Gnostic Studies divisions are interviewed in the NYT (here).

PDF excerpts of Judas document.

Explore the Document.

WWIII (Worship Wars, again)

2006-04-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the worship waters, you hear the dreadful sound of one generation sinking their teeth into another's worship. This time, Chuck Colson's well-written editorial (here) has created quite a firestorm in blogdom (HT: JTaylor). In his editorial entitled "Soothing Ourselves to Death," Colson critiques the lyrics as those that could be exchanged between highschool sweethearts.

Sam Storm (here) provides a respectful (and respectable) critique.

In times like these, we all need to remember that worship should direct us toward Christ and engage us in seeking Him. His truth is always relevant, and never dry, dusty, and despondent. Never an end in itself, may the music we choose serve to point others toward Christ and His gospel. Without that, all music lacks purpose.

Thank your lucky fins

2006-04-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

In the most recent issue of Nature, a group of scientists detail the discovery of several well-preserved fossil specimens of what they're calling a "fishapod," or the link between fish (aquatic life) and tetrapods (lit. "four-legs," or land animals).

[Excursis: In the illustration, you will find the scientists' explanation of how the anterior appendage evolved from fin to fingers. Its as easy as 1-2-3--give or take twenty million years.]

According to this group of scientists, the animal, Tiktaalik roseae, lived about 375 million years ago, spanning the period between a fish called Panderichthys (385 million years ago) and tetrapods known as Acanthostega and Ichthyostega (365 million years ago).

Described as the "Missing Link," this fish that crawled out of water is the latest stopgap for scores of scientists and researchers who continue to search for meaning and purpose in the telos of the cosmos.

My hope is that, like me, those scientists some day would be confronted by the foolishness of the unfossilized cross and the forgiveness found only in the living Lord Jesus Christ. My prayer is that they would find in Him the end for which every fossil bed was laid--His glory.

This cosmos is filled with many wonderful and mysterious creatures, and Christians should consider these fossil discoveries treasured finds, too. We should glorify God, that in His grace, he chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Cor 1).

Then, instead of thanking Tiktaalik tonight, you can turn to His Word (Job 38-41), and marvel at the Creator that answers when you ask Him a question. And instead of "thanking your lucky fins," you can worship the God who created this fishapod not as a stopgap, but as a testimony to His glory, pointing his modified fin toward the Christ who created Him.

Flu Pandemic Simulator

2006-04-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

My entire family has been ravaged by the flu this week, suffering with influenza related symptoms like never before. With that in mind, you may want to consider how quickly the new-flu can fly.

In this fascinating brief, a group of scientists demonstrate how our country would suffer in a H5N1 (common name: bird flu virus) pandemic.

You can watch the movie here.

"Cap the Knife" remembered

2006-04-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Caspar Weinberger was laid to rest yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery, beneath an oak with a view of the Pentagon he once led.

The list of greats in attendance reads like a page from a 20th century World History textbook: Margaret Thatcher, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Ed Meese, Frank Carlucci, John Poindexter, Jack Kemp, James Schlesinger, and other Cold Warriors of the late 20th century.

Also, from more recent memory, VP Cheney, Rumsfeld, Powell, Joint Chiefs chairman John Vessey, national security adviser William Clark, energy secretary John Herrington, deputy defense secretary Will Taft, former navy secretary, John Lehman, publisher Steve Forbes, Richard Perle, Fred Ikle, Richard Armitage, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace.

This was a renunion of the personalities that brought an end to the Soviet Union and the Cold War. Through Cap's strength and strategy, the Reagan administration saw the end of "the wall" as well as the liberation of Eastern block economies from communist oppression.

For a photo journal and more, the Post has several great links (here).

'Delayed' Departure

2006-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

For democrats, Tom Delay's announcement that he would not seek reelection brought cheers and excitement to an otherwise morose bunch.

For the round-up on recent celebrations, read Howard Kurtz's work in today's WP (here).

Evangelism Explosion of the Worst Kind

2006-04-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering what America thinks about evangelicals, just tune in to this clip from reality television show "Trading Spouses." In this scene, the Christian mother returns from spending time with the non-Christian family.

Warning -- this is not a model of evangelistic outreach.

This Georgia Peach is a Bruiser...

2006-03-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

In the interest of national security, an officer at the Capitol Wednesday asked an individual to return to the check-in counter and pass through the metal detector, a screening required for all visitors.

After refusing to stop, the unidentified individual was approached by Capitol Hill Police. Then, the young lady slugged the Capitol Hill Police Officer!

Who would attack an officer with such aggression in these days of orange and yellow terror warnings? Unbelievably, the offender was Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-4th Ga.), a U.S. Congressman from my home state. Her office issued a statement concerning the attack, which she describes as a "confrontation." According to reports, the officer will press charges against Ms. McKinney after the congressional session adjourns.

While Georgia offers us many reasons to be proud, there are occasional incidents like this that keep us humble.

Emerging Church Movement in the Criswell College Journal

2006-03-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.criswelljournal.com/

If you have not yet engaged in the fray over the "Emerging Church Movement," then you will. If you want to hear what the voices on both sides are saying, then you need to subscribe to the CTR, the journal of Criswell College.

From Mark Driscoll to Brian McLaren, strong convictions collide in this issue.

If you need a kick-start to understand the movement or just a refresher, pick it up and read. Go to the CTR website:

www.CriswellJournal.com

White House CoS resigns

2006-03-28T06:22:00.000-08:00

White House chief of staff Andy Card has resigned and will turn the office over April 14 to Joshua Bolten, current budget director. (Click here for AP)

Don't Waste your life -- on Aisle 7

2006-03-28T05:47:00.001-08:00

You may have heard of Skyler Bartels this week in the news. He certainly has received a great deal of coverage as a result of the camping trip he took over spring break -- to Wal-Mart. He spent day and night there until he was confronted by the management.

Here, the local press identifies his stayover as part sociology experiment, part school project.

Yesterday, The Des Moines Register reported his stay as less than comfortable. Sleeping in bathroom stalls, living off energy drinks, doughnuts, yogurt, and Subway sandwiches.

Far from his luxury loft in Lawn-n-Garden, today Skyler's inbox is jammed with emails and his voicemail box is full.

He's scheduled to appear on ABC News' "Good Morning America," CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman," "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" on MSNBC, and National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."

From anonymity to stardom, this university student-turned-national media sensation for only 41 hours in a Supercenter.

Today, there's a groundswell of students longing to live out their lives for some great and memorable moment. For Christians, that sense of adventure and thrill-seeking could be used for God's glory on the mission field, or serving meals to the homeless at the Christian rescue mission.

Today, we hear a great deal about extreme sports and adrenaline junkies. Why not fuel that passion for the gospel, for God's glory? Then, the rewards last forever, and not simply until the endorphines wear off.

Update: Evangelical Teens take more heat from other religious orgs in SF

2006-03-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Follow-up on the SF weekender, note the organizations identified as opposing the presence of Christians at their gathering. I want to caution readers that some of the links below may contain offensive or objectionable material on their websites.

Note the youth on the left, praying for the protesters (as should we). This website compares their gestures to a Nazi salute.

From elected officials to other religious non-profits (sheltered by the same protections under the free exercise clause), many San Franciscans are seeking to squelch the liberties that made their city and its eccentricities possible.

"Sister Mary Timothy" of the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" shouts at Christians in SF. (Caution: link contains offensive and objectionable content)

Sign on left says, "Hitler Started with Youth Rallies."

Tattoo from right arm to left, "Perverted sinner."

Here, The Mercury News reports, "Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, told counterprotesters that while such fundamentalists may be small in number, 'they're loud, they're obnoxious, they're disgusting and they should get out of San Francisco.'"

Here, a conservative website has distilled more of the recent opposition:

"The Board of Supervisors of San Francisco, citing the city’s tradition of “tolerance,” issued a statement condemning the rally as an “act of provocation” by the “anti-gay,” “anti-choice” organization. Despite the sold-out venue and the enthusiastic response of the young people, the Board accused the rally of attempting to “negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city.”

"Tolerance, however, is reserved in San Francisco for those who agree with the sexual revolution and leftist political viewpoint. Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, said Battle Cry’s “intolerance” of sexual promiscuity, pornography, the drug culture and homosexual deviance is “obnoxious” and “disgusting” and should, therefore, not be tolerated. “They should get out of San Francisco,” he said.

"SF Gate, the online Christian news source, quotes an organizer with Not In Our Name, an Oakland-based extreme left anti-war group, saying, “There is a real intolerancy (sic) to homosexuality in a lot of these organizations.”

"On Wednesday last week, the Board of Supervisors issued a similar declaration of official intolerance of Christian and traditional values. The Board said William Cardinal Levada’s instruction that Catholic Charities of San Francisco cease turning children over to homosexuals was “discriminatory and defamatory,” and “insulting.” They called Levada himself a “decidedly unqualified representative of his former home city.”

"Earlier this year, when pro-life San Franciscans held a March for Life attended by thousands, the city again condemned the public expression of opposition to the abortion and euthanasia movement. A pro-life participant in the San Francisco march created a lengthy online photo essay which summarizes the counter-protester’s understanding of freedom of speech: “But who the hell do they think they are, saying that s___ here?”

Here, another website opposes the SF Christian gathering.

"Tolerant and Progressive"--For all but the gospel

2006-03-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

This week in San Francisco, a Texas-based evangelical group met for a "Battle Cry" event that calls on churches and Christians to guard their children against the world's dark influence and its seductive call to our youth.

Whatever you think about this group or meetings like this in cities like SF, Christians everywhere should pay close attention to the city government's actions that came as a result of this meeting.

As you carefully read the article in the SF Gate, the alarming element in this case of evangelical-teens-meet-"anything-goes"-radical-city-dwellers is that the city Board of Supervisors (pictured below) were the unloving and intolerant ones. To prove it, they met and actually passed a resolution against the youth gathering.

The SF Gate reports (here), "Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution condemning the 'act of provocation' by what it termed an 'anti-gay,' 'anti-choice' organization that aimed to 'negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city.'"

Now--in this city filled with self-absorbed, self-proclaimed tolerance and progression and liberty, could someone please explain how prefixed "anti" this-and-thats are allowed to be thrown around without prosecution to the fullest extent of the law?

And as for hypocrisy, if SF's Board of Supervisors, under the charge of Tom Ammiano, could pass a resolution against organizations that "negatively influence the politics . . ." of a certain region, then should someone please notify Congress that most of America has a resolution that they would like to pass with respect to said city that possesses similar "negatively influential" characteristics?

If the Board can resolve to condemn a group of teens, then can another group resolve to condemn a city?

This diverse Board should meet again to discuss a broader definition of the word "diversity." Better still, they should meet and read the US constitution together. Or, perhaps they should read the Kabul Times or Outlook and learn from the Afghans.

In light of this confrontation and others like it in Afghanistan, Christians should thank God for religious liberty and the free exercise clause in our nation's constitution. Second, Christians should pray for those who live in or travel to these cities in order to minister to those who desperately need the grace and mercy of Christ. Pray for their boldness and safety. Pray for their wisdom and sensitivity. The gospel of Christ is powerful and passionate, and in it alone is found that city's salvation. Only He is capable of turning hearts back toward his glory.

The man after whom the city of San Francisco was named, Francis of Assisi, prayed this prayer:

"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy."

Whether in the Far East or the Far West, this world is full of cities filled with the former, only Christ is filled with the latter.

Let us take up the model of Christ and sow His seed as we walk and preach to this generation.

Update: Christian Afghan to be set Free

2006-03-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

After days of pressure from the West and prayer from believers around the world, the AP reports here that Abdul Rahman would be released as soon as Monday evening in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Welfare and Worldviews--Conservative Economics and the Importance of the Christian Worldview

2006-03-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to pro-blogger, JTaylor, I was directed down memory lane this weekend. He directed me to a WSJ interview with Thomas Sowell, noted black conservative and classical economist.

I remember the first time someone confronted me with the reality that the discipline of economics wasn't just profits in numbers and charts and theory, but philosophy. Utility, Cost, Supply, Demand, Benefit, Value--each of these must calculate the long-range consequences of decisions that create short-term returns. Every economic decision is moral and the consequences are lasting.

This link between morality and economy should drive Christians to think about our lifestyles and what consequences result from our daily decisions in the marketplace. Whether Target or Tuesday Morning, every believer should take care to submit every purchase to the Lordship of Christ. It is Him before whom we will stand and give an "account" (cf Rom 14:12) for every PO--approved and unapproved. Remember, He is the One who created the first economy and said it was "good."

One would do well to read this piece, and also some of Sowell's latest, greatest books (here).

Useful Aids to Pray for Afghans and Beyond

2006-03-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Friends,
In a previous post, I mentioned the pending trial of our Christian friend, Abdul Rahman. The gripping thread of this story is that believers all over the world tonight suffer for Christ. This reality brings to my daily walk a powerful reminder of our brothers and sisters around the world who desperately need our prayer. As you pray for Abdul and others who are taking upon themselves the sufferings of Christ, you may find the following sites helpful:

Joshua Project (focus: unreached / least-reached peoples)

Operation World (focus: daily prayer for global missions)

Operation World (interactive website with each country's information)

Beyond the Wall (IMB website on Muslim countries)

Mislinks (Missions General Directory)

"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." -- Heb 13:3

Phil 1:29, 3:8-11.

Death for Christ in the new land of liberty?

2006-03-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

This week in Kabul, Afghanistan, a Muslim-born Afghan faces the trial of his life.

The Offense: Conversion to Christianity -- The Penalty: Death
Judge Ansarullah Mawlavizada (shown above, holding the evidence--a Bible that belongs to the suspect) said Abdul Rahman, 41, was arrested after his family informed authorities of his conversion. Under the Afghan constitution, rooted in Sharia, the law of Islam, rejecting Islam is punishable by death.

Christians have faced death and martyrdom for thousands of years with courage and for the cause of the Gospel. But after spending billions of US dollars to tear down a regime and rebuild a nation, concerned Christians and citiziens are outraged that under the new constitution, conversion to any religion should be a protected liberty.

The United States has expressed concern this week to visiting Afghan official Abdullah Abdullah. The State Department said Tuesday at a news conference that his religion is his right. Rahman converted from Islam to Christianity 16 years ago while working for a mission relief organization.

What Can you do? First, pray for God's greatest glory in Abdul's life. Pray that the Lord of Light will be exalted over in this dark land.

Second, correspond with the following:

Write the embassy of Afghanistan:
Ambassador Said T. Jawad
Embassy of Afghanistan
2341 Wyoming Avenue
NWWashington, DC 20008
info@embassyofafghanistan.org

Contact the State Department:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street
NWWashington, DC 20520
Main Switchboard:202-647-4000

Sign a petition supporting Abdul

Email President Bush through the AFA
(HT: MM)

Mansfield is from Mars, Kirn & Marcus are from Way(!) Beyond Venus

2006-03-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Today, Harvey C. Mansfield, staunch neocon and professor of government at Harvard (yes, I mean both conservative and Harvard), is attacked by both the NYT (here) and the WP (here). His new Yale University Press title has really ruffled some feathers in the leftist henhouse. Apparently, his new book Manliness has editors so addled that they both resort to accusing the author of constructing a 289 page constitutional argument for the He-Man Woman Haters Club.

Ruth Marcus of the Post takes the thesis of Mansfield's work and uses it as a foil to attack the Bush White House, calling the president a "boot-wearing brush-clearer" and the vp a "quail-shooting fly fisherman comfortable with long stretches of manly silence." From Iraq to tax cuts, Marcus rings one neck after another as she sweeps through the henhouse. "Mansfieldian manliness," she contends, is the problem with this world, and specifically, with our country. In the end, all of our problems would subside if we would merely "use is a little less manliness," she says, "and a little more . . . womanly qualities: restraint, introspection, a desire for consensus, maybe even a touch of self-doubt." While her musing is entertaining at times, the depth of her contempt for the Bush White House is saddening. Moreover, her misunderstanding of manliness is staggering.

Similarly, Walter Kirn of the Times attacks Mansfield for his "moronic" and ill-informed polemic on the nature and value of masculinity. Unlike Mansfield, Kirn denies that culture (even television) has in recent years become excessively feminized, forcing masculinity into the closet (if not the powder room). Kirn's anger shines transparent through his review, attacking the author for his collection of critiques on feminism, marxism, and nihilism. In the end, Kirn's column seems less like a seasoned reviewer's prowess and more an ad hominem slice-and-dice.

Kirn and Marcus strongly object to Mansfield's thesis and argument, but both fail to ever get to critiquing either. Unfortunately, both seem so enraged over his title they can't get to the task at hand -- the BOOK review.

In the end, both Marcus and Kirn need a proper view of manliness--the one that hangs on a cross and dies so that other may live. Instead of self-absorbed pity or power-trips, this man made himself of low estate, and died a criminal death so that all men--both liberals and neocons--could be set free. This man tasted a criminal's death innocently in order to offer death-deserving criminals eternal innocence.

Whether Bush or Mansfield, Kirn or Marcus, each of us needs of a radical paradigm shift in our understanding of what it means to be male and female. God knows, and his Word clearly demonstrates both our need and his ability to set the record straight. So, before the cock crows, let's look to Him for a recovery of what it means to be a "man in full."

Cowboys sign T.O., Jones adds B.O.

2006-03-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

Much to the glee of our resident systematician, the Cowboys signed T.O. just months after he defaulted on his multi-million dollar contract in Philly. To this end, Jones continues his endless descent to football domination. Sadly, this reminds me of why capitalism void of ethics yields undesirable ends.

Sure, this signing will bolster Texas Stadium attendance, but Jerry Jones continues to decimate this once great team. “America’s team” is no longer the franchise that Landry, et al, poured their lives into building.

Owens may be one of the greatest professional football players of all time, but his life is a not-subtle reminder of Paul's urging to his young friend at Ephesus, "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come"(1 Timothy 4:8). God help all of us to remember this month that His view of "Madness" lasts beyond March and has far greater consequences and rewards.

RU-486 continues Death March

2006-03-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

More have died as a result of the Danco Laboratories prescription option for ending pregnancy. According to FDA, that brings the count to at least 7 deaths. According to the Scriptures, that makes at least 14.

If this pill were for sinusitis or osteoarthritis, this scrip would be shelved and attorneys would be suiting up for a major win. Instead, the major media outlets continue to gloss these "losses" as "rare but deadly" chance infections that lead to mysterious deaths. CBS (here) does seem to be moving toward the right answer.

Georgetown lecturer urges restraint, declares sanctity of human life

2006-03-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) spoke out against embryonic stem cell research in a lecture this week at the Law Center, Georgetown University.

A Time for Honor

2006-03-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday, March 19, 2006, and in our house, we celebrate (bigtime) my third son's birthday. He turns three today, and he certainly has grown into quite a handful. Tiffanie and I have been blessed with three boys, and each of them displays God's glory in their own unique way.

As a father, one of the great blessings in my life comes when I enjoy a Sunday afternoon looking through photos of our family, watching God grow these boys into men. One great challenge of parenting comes in reminding oneself that every action--whether in word or deed--serves as a model to our children. Whether we're yelling at the television during March Madness or plinking with a "Red Rider" in the backyard, they are always watching and listening.

They especially listen on Judson's birthday when dad answers his older brother's question about what would motivate us to name his little brother after a "missionary man." Judson is the youngest of our clan, and his namesake, Adoniram Judson (bio) was the first impassioned international missionary among Baptists in the United States.

Judson is a man who lost his life on the other side of the planet in an unreached country. All of the time and resources and labors of his life were spent in Burma, not Boston. Every Christian soldier should remember that every calorie we invest in this life will soon be summarily judged under the piercing eyes of the Lord Jesus.

From Boston to Burma, Judson hardly considered his life grand or a model for manliness. In a word, he died, so that others might live. So, little Judson, on the anniversary of your third birthday, I offer this prayer: that God would make you--and me--men who will rather die than live, in order to bear much fruit for Christ (John 12:24). Happy Birthday, Judson, and may God continue to raise more Judsons up for His Glory!