The Bible Story Family

  GULP shot to the top of the charts like a Space X rocket. GREED, Unsuppressed LUST, and PRIDE.   GULP. The rock trio took Idol with a Golden Buzzer. Their fame swept through Hollywood like a Florida hurricane. An initial album went platinum. Offers poured in for late-night talk shows and the next Super Bowl half-time. The trio had it all: Instant riches, Fanatic followers, Notoriety. Raunchy lyrics—repeated endlessly through teeny-bopper earbuds—lauded the value of uncontrolled Greed, the freedom of unsuppressed Lust, and the self-esteem of unconquerable Pride. The world loved them. MUCH received little public acclaim. MORALITY, Unceasing CONTENTMENT, and HUMILITY. MUCH. In spite of outstanding performances, MUCH did not become popular. Mockery on SNL seemed to be the apex of their notoriety. Lyrics were easy to understand, but almost universally scorned by the media. Few saw any value in uncompromising MORALTY, Undying CONTENTMENT, and unselfish HUMILITY. Final...

  Pillsbury College is dead. Or is it? I was sorry to hear that Clarks Summit University, another institution where I taught for a time, closed this fall. But I continue to enjoy the organ artistry of Carol Kilian who graduated from Clarks Summit. I listen regularly to the preaching of Dr. Matt Morrell, alumnus of Northland, another school which has closed. And I write weekly Creativity blogs, many of which celebrate the godly servant life of fellow Pillsbury alums. Perhaps we could apply (not interpret) the words about Abel in Hebrews 11:4, “He being dead yet speaketh.” Through the grace of God, thousands of faithful servants are ministering around the world, having been trained at those schools. I worked with Randy Miller, long-time librarian at Pillsbury, to put together short biographies of three hundred and sixty Pillsbury graduates. “Arise Ye Sons and Daughters,” is available on Amazon. Hundreds more could be added from Pillsbury, Clarks Summit, and Northland. Those...

  It has been my privilege to teach as an online adjunct for Liberty University for the past sixteen years. When the hurricanes struck, first in North Carolina and then in Florida, the University responded with immediate and creative aid. Teams of students and staff were sent to the affected areas to provide help as needed. In order to support them in the work, the University did a fundraiser, matching donations to the tune of one million dollars. Supplies were provided. Physical work was accomplished. Spiritual support was offered. It was the goal of those volunteers to become the hands and feet of Jesus at a time when a variety of needs were being met. The storms were indeed a tragedy. But I was glad to be a small part of an institution willing to step in and provide for those who were hurting in a time of great need.

  My next book table will appear at the Central Baptist Seminary’s Fall Conference on October 15. I appreciate the opportunity to display at their fall and spring conferences each year. The theme for the conference next week is Moral Injury. The effects of Moral Injury are often seen among those who work in the military, in emergency services, and in health care. But they can happen as the result of any circumstance where people make choices which they feel are contrary to their moral commitments. In order to address this very current topic, Central has invited Chaplain (Col.) Chris Melvin to speak. He serves as State Chaplain for the Arizona National Guard and has done doctoral studies focused on Moral Injury. He served two tours in Afghanistan and one in the horn of Africa. The first session of the conference begins at 8:30 a.m. in Plymouth, Minnesota at Fourth Baptist Church where Central Seminary is located. This is a conference you will not want to miss. And while ther...

  You mount your horse in the arena which says “City of Destruction.” The gate opens to provide access to “The King’s Highway.” As the campers ride through the woods, they are reminded to “Put on the full armor of God.” Wranglers tell them about the “Slough of Despond” and the Good King who sends helpers for their journey. They ride past the “Cross” and enter “Doubting Castle,” home of the giant “Despair.” Leaders remind them of the “Key of Promise,” God’s Word, and the way to escape the castle. From there they ride over the “Hill of Difficulty,” and through the “City of Vanity” until they finally reach the “Celestial City.” Where can you take such a ride? Become a junior-age camper at Camp Chetek in Wisconsin. The “Pilgrim’s Progess” trail ride is the brainstorm of Stacy Malmanger who has worked with what she calls the “King’s Horses” since 2013. Every camp horse which has entered the horse program since that time has been given a Bible name: Enoch, Nicodemus, Boaz, Naomi, Havil...