Ray Fowler .org

Tyndale Tech has a great round-up of links for using maps and geography in Biblical studies.

Bob Hyatt recommends the Cornell System for taking notes. “The Cornell System is a simple but powerful system for increasing your recall and the usefulness of your notes.”

John Mark Reynolds explains why he will not play Grand Theft Auto. “Much as I love gaming, I personally cannot justify playing Grand Theft Auto. This post is an attempt to get people who will thoughtlessly pick up this game to at least consider whether it is a good idea to play.”

Dawud Miracle shares the best advice on giving advice. “The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.” (Hannah Whitall Smith – 19th century Christian writer)

Ray Pritchard encourages you to write out a prayer for a friend. “Write a prayer for a friend. Don’t just say, ‘I’ll be praying for you.’ Write out your prayer and send it to them. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy. A sentence or two is fine. Just write from your heart what you are praying to the Lord. Write it and send it. A written prayer is a wonderful gift to those you love.”

Andrew Jackson explains the Federal Budget Crisis. (Really!) “With all the tantalizing sound-bite spending and new program promises being thrown around like red meat to hungry lions by the present presidential candidates, it is crucial that all voters become informed voters concerning the real facts about the federal budget crisis, and how realistic and honest these dime-a-dozen promises really are.”

Joel Heck introduces readers to C. S. Lewis’ thoughts about life on other planets. “In his essay ‘The Seeing Eye’ (1963) … Lewis challenged the conclusion of the Russian cosmonauts, who concluded that there was no God, since they did not find Him in outer space … Lewis thought it unlikely that life existed anywhere else in our solar system, but that it was at least possible elsewhere in the galaxy. He argued that ‘those who do not find Him on earth are unlikely to find Him in space.'”

Journal Science publishes a paper by a trio of music professors on how geometry shapes the sound of music. “Geometrical music theory represents a culminating moment in the longstanding marriage of music and math. That marriage began when Pythagoras described pleasing musical intervals with simple mathematical ratios more than 2,600 years ago and further evolved during the Middle Ages when deep thinkers used those same ratios to model the ‘music of the spheres’ — what many at that time believed to be the literally harmonious movements of the sun, moon and planets.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 3: The Dwarf

“Oh!” said Edmund in a voice which made everyone stop and listen to him. “I’ve just seen it all,” he said.

“Seen what? asked Peter.

“Why, the whole thing,” said Edmund. “You know what we were puzzling about last night, that it was only a year ago since we left Narnia, but everything looks as if no one had lived in Cair Paravel for hundreds of years? Well, don’t you see? You know that, however we long we seemed to have lived in Narnia, when we got back through the wardrobe it seemed to have taken no time at all?”

“Go on,” said Susan. “I think I’m beginning to understand.”

“And that means,” continued Edmund, “that, once you’re out of Narnia, you have no idea how Narnian time is going. Why shouldn’t hundreds of years have gone past in Narnia while only one year has passed for us in England?”

“By Jove, Ed,” said Peter. “I believe you’ve got it. In that sense it really was hundreds of years ago that we lived in Cair Paravel. And now we’re coming back to Narnia just as if we were Crusaders or Anglo Saxons or Ancient Britons or someone coming back to modern England!”

Thoughts:  The whole time element of Narnia is a fun aspect of the story. By having time pass differently in Narnia, Lewis is able to cover vast sections of Narnian history while allowing the Pevensie children (and others) to intersect with this history at different times. It is also fun because when you start each book you have no idea where you will pick up the timeline in Narnia. Lewis may also be thinking of 2 Peter 3:8 here: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter three?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

I just added a Top Posts page to the blog. This is mostly for new visitors to the blog who may want to get a quick feel for the site rather than slog through all of the back Archives. You can access the page through the Top Posts tab at the top right of the blog (right under my picture).

I will update the page as new favorite posts pop up and old ones fade. If you are a regular reader, check out the list and let me know if any of your favorites are missing!

Earl Palmer shares about the following exchange by letter between C. S. Lewis and a non-believer in his article, Evangelism Takes Time.
______________________________________________________________

A man who liked C. S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters went on to read Mere Christianity and was infuriated. He wrote the author a scathing letter. Lewis’s response, in longhand, shows a master evangelist at work:

Yes, I’m not surprised that a man who agreed with me in Screwtape … might disagree with me when I wrote about religion. We can hardly discuss the whole matter by post, can we? I’ll only make one shot. When people object, as you do, that if Jesus was God as well as man, then he had an unfair advantage which deprives him for them of all value, it seems to me as if a man struggling in the water should refuse a rope thrown to him by another who had one foot on the bank, saying, “Oh, but you have an unfair advantage.” It is because of that advantage that he can help. But all good wishes. We must just differ; in charity I hope. You must not be angry with me for believing, you know; I’m not angry with you.

What impresses me about that exchange is the light touch. Lewis acknowledges the man’s complaint; he gives him one thing to think about—and he stops. He steps back as if to say, “Your move,” which opens the way for the man to write again. Evangelism, like sanctification, takes time. Therefore, we must take the time it takes.
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What do you think? Do we sometimes rush evangelism? Should we take a more patient approach?

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 2: The Ancient Treasure House

“We must take the gifts,” said Peter. For long ago at a Christmas in Narnia he and Susan and Lucy had been given certain presents which they valued more than their whole kingdom …

Lucy’s was the smallest for it was only a little bottle. But the bottle was made of diamond instead of glass, and it was still more than half full of the magic cordial which would heal almost every wound and every illness. Lucy said nothing and looked very solemn as she took her gift down from its place and slung the belt over her shoulder …

Susan’s gift had been a bow and arrows and a horn. The bow was still there, and the ivory quiver, full of well-feathered arrows … “Won’t the string be perished, Su?” said Peter.

But whether by some magic in the air of the treasure chamber or not, the bow was still in working order … In a moment she had bent the bow and then she gave one little pluck to the string. It twanged: a chirruping twang that vibrated through the whole room. And that one small noise brought back the old days to the children’s minds more than anything that had happened yet. All the battles and hunts and feasts came rushing into their heads together …

Next, Peter took down his gift — the shield with the great red Lion on it, and the royal sword … “It is my sword Rhindon,” he said. “With it I killed the Wolf.” There was a new tone in his voice, and the others all felt that he was really Peter the High King again.

Thoughts:  The children have returned to Narnia, but they are still just school children from England. As they retake their gifts, however, they begin to bear the qualities of kings and queens in Narnia once again. As Christians we are just ordinary people. But God gives his people gifts through the Holy Spirit so that we may do extraordinary things for God’s kingdom as well. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter two?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Today is the National Day of Prayer for the United States. The purpose of the National Day of Prayer is to gather the people of our country to come together and pray, particularly for our nation and for those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence.

Let me encourage you to participate in this special day of prayer for our nation. Over 40,000 prayer events are scheduled to take place this year across the country -– at churches, schools, government buildings and other public gathering places. Some local pastors and I will be hosting an event in Agawam, MA during the lunch hour. To find an event near you, click here.

Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, shares his thoughts on prayer and challenges Americans to unite in prayer in this video.

(Video length: 1:02)

Related articles:

• Tony Dungy No. 1 on NYT Bestsellers List
• Tony Dungy: Asking ‘What’ Instead of ‘Why’

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I will be counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 1: The Island

It was an empty, sleepy, country station and there was hardly anyone on the platform except themselves. Suddenly Lucy gave a sharp little cry, like someone who has been stung by a wasp.

“What’s up, Lu?” said Edmund — and then suddenly broke off and made a noise like “Ow!”

“What on earth — ” began Peter, and then he too suddenly changed what he had been going to say. Instead, he said, “Susan, let go! What are you doing? Where are you dragging me to?”

“I’m not touching you,” said Susan. “Someone is pulling me. Oh — oh — oh — stop it!”

Everyone noticed that all the others’ faces had gone very white.

“I felt just the same,” said Edmund in a breathless voice. “As if I were being dragged along. A most frightful pulling — ugh! it’s beginning aain.”

“Me too,” said Lucy. “Oh, I can’t bear it.”

“Look sharp!” shouted Edmund. “All catch hands and keep together. This is magic — I can tell by the feeling. Quick!”

Thoughts:  This is a great opening scene. Lewis wastes no time but pulls you right into the story, as effectively as the children are pulled into Narnia from the railway station. Get ready to enjoy the ride! (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter one?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Update: Don’t miss the live web event, Keith Green 28|28|28 tonight, July 28, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. (EST).

I loved Keith Green’s music but never got to see him live. I think I will spend my remaining birthday money on this set: Keith Green – The Live Experience; Special Edition CD/DVD.

Pulled from a variety of concerts, festivals, TV appearances, these performances are not just an artist singing songs: when you hear Keith live, it’s an experience. Captivating, challenging, funny, virtuosic, and always engaging, Keith Green – The Live Experience is one you will never forget.

This special edition includes The Live Experience CD along with a DVD containing over 2 hours of additional content, including live performances from TV, festivals, concerts and more – all never before seen. Also included is the 60 minute documentary “Your Love Broke Through,” which tells Keith’s life-story from his early days as a child recording star to the spiritual journey that led him to faith in Christ.

Disc One:
    1. You Put This Love In My Heart
    2. Because Of You
    3. Soften Your Heart
    4. Oh Lord – You’re Beautiful
    5. Your Love Broke Through
    6. Asleep In The Light
    7. How Can They Live Without Jesus
    8. Piano Prelude/Create In Me
    9. Easter Song
  10. I Can’t Believe It
  11. If You Love The Lord
  12. When I Hear The Praises Start
  13. There Is A Redeemer
  14. I Want To Be More Like Jesus
  15. Make My Life A Prayer To You
  16. My Eyes Are Dry

Disc Two:
    1. Over two hours of live concert performances
    2. 60 minute documentary Your Love Broke Through
    3. Bonus Features

Related post: New Keith Green Music Coming

I received Tim Keller’s The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism last night as a late birthday present. I have read many good reviews of this book which provides reasons for faith in God and have been looking forward to reading it. I got a kick out of the opening quote in the book, as did my boys — who are big Star Wars fans themselves.

I find your lack of faith—disturbing. (Darth Vader)

Related posts:

• Star Wars Pumpkins
• Yoda Promotes Small Groups
• Darth Vader Plays a Mean Harmonica
• Jedi Squirrels
• George Lucas Syndrome

John Mark Reynolds shares five things you should know about Protestant Evangelical Christians in hopes of lifting some cultural stereotypes and building a bridge towards greater understanding.

1. Evangelicals are not just white, despite media perceptions.
2. Evangelicals (in general) hate anti-Semitism.
3. Evangelical culture values education highly.
4. Evangelicals help the poor.
5. Evangelicals help hundreds of thousands with severe personal problems become productive citizens.

Those are just the main headings. Reynolds elaborates on each of these points further in his article. Do you think Evangelicals suffer from stereotyping? Do most people today know these five things about Evangelicals?

The audio of the Taming Technology interview on Pilgrim Radio is now available at the original post. Click here to go to: Taming Technology – Pilgrim Radio Interview.

Albert Mohler describes the process of theological triage in part two of his article: The Pastor as Theologian.

The pastor must learn to discern different levels of theological importance. First-order doctrines are those that are fundamental and essential to the Christian faith. The pastor’s theological instincts should seize upon any compromise on doctrines such as the full deity and humanity of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of atonement, and essentials such as justification by faith alone. Where such doctrines are compromised, the Christian faith falls. When a pastor hears an assertion that Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead is not a necessary doctrine, he must respond with a theological instinct that is based in the fact that such a denial is tantamount to a rejection of the Gospel itself.

Second-order doctrines are those which are essential to church life and necessary for the ordering of the local church, but which, in themselves, do not define the Gospel. That is to say, one may detect an error in a doctrine at this level and still acknowledge that the person in error remains a believing Christian. Nevertheless, such doctrines are directly related to how the church is organized and its ministry is fulfilled. Doctrines found at this level include those most closely related to ecclesiology and the architecture of theological systems. Calvinists and Arminians may disagree concerning a number of vital and urgently important doctrines–or, at the very least, the best way to understand and express these doctrines. Yet, both can acknowledge each other as genuine Christians. At the same time, these differences can become so acute that it is difficult to function together in the local congregation over such an expansive theological difference.

Third-order doctrines are those which may be the ground for fruitful theological discussion and debate, but which do not threaten the fellowship of the local congregation or the denomination. Christians who agree on an entire range of theological issues and doctrines may disagree over matters related to the timing and sequence of events related to Christ’s return. Yet, such ecclesiastical debates, while understood to be deeply important because of their biblical nature and connection to the Gospel, do not constitute a ground for separation among believing Christians.

I find this three-fold distinction helpful. How about you?