Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me

My Pastor always says...

The MacArthur commentary states....

Well I heard Piper say...

That's not what it says here in my study Bible notes.....

Is Bible interpretation only for the experts? Can we, or should we, read the Bible for ourselves?

Curtis Allen, tackles this question in his book Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me. In the course of church history interpretation wasn't always left to a few scholars. A seminary education wasn't a requirement for understanding scripture. It seems God gave us his Word so that all could know him. So why do we let others tell us what scripture means?

So, how do I do it?

The answer to this dilemma is that we need to focus on imitation as opposed to education. We need to imitate Jesus. While he walked this earth Jesus rightly interpreted God's Word, most noticeably in the face of the Pharisee's wrong interpretation. But why were the Pharisees so wrong?

They focused all there interpretive powers on finding themselves in scripture. They wanted to know what was right and wrong for them. (well, mostly for others!). They wanted to see their role in this world. They fell into the error of believing the Bible was written about them. So who is it about?

God of course! The scriptures reveal God and more specifically Jesus as the fulfillment of all scripture. When we seek to understand the Bible without looking for and to Jesus, we begin to see things that aren't really there.

Education or Imitation? is an easy to read book, pointing and encouraging us towards a firsthand and correct interpretation of God's Word. It seeks to remove fear and equip us to take up the message of the Bible for ourselves. He walks us through some of the dangers as well as through some good examples, showing us how to walk on our own.

This is a great book for those who are taking their first steps into discovering the message of the Bible for themselves.

Best Budget Software With an Android and iPhone App

Who doesn't struggle with money? 

I know we need to trust in the Lord to provide for our needs, and that if we seek first the kingdom of God all these things will be added unto us, but we are still commanded to be good stewards of what he has blessed us with. But I need help!

Don't tell me I need a plan!

I don't have to tell you that the most important thing is to have a plan. We all know that. It's in the making and the tracking of the plan that we fail. There has to be an easy, or at least a not too difficult way, to accomplish this. If we can put a man on the moon, surly we can balance our budget. Congress excluded, of course.

Nothing works for me

I've tried various budgeting software and they usually suffer from one of two problems. They are either so complex and feature filled that they are way beyond what I want, need, or can understand, or they are nothing more than an electronic check book register. I need a place to record transactions, place them in categories, and keep track of them. It has to be simple to use, to the point of practically doing it for me, and not locking me into some budget that I can't adjust while I work out my spending.

You Need A Budget --- Seriously, that's what it's called

I can honestly say that You Need A Budget (YNAB) fits me perfectly. Everything is simple and convenient. Just download and install the software, setup an account, and start recording transactions. You can assign a category for each item, which allows you to see total expenditures for each of your categories in the budget tab.

Budgeting that works with You

The budget is especially nice. There is so much freedom. So often I felt confined to the makeshift budget that I first created, not sure of what I was doing. Now, when I get paid I deposit my paycheck, then I just divide it into the categories and amounts that I will need for the week. This ensures that the money will be there for what I need. But, I'm not quite where I should be financially, so I frequently find myself stealing from one category to meet a need somewhere else. Don't give me a lecture. I know this isn't the best way, but it's where I'm at now. The point I'm trying to make is that this software meets me where I am. 

Cloud Sync - Android and IOS

YNAB is now on version 4 with cloud sync capabilities. This is very nice. With the Android app, I can enter transactions and have them sync with my desktop and best of all, the app on my wife's phone. (Now if she will only check it before spending money!) You can keep track of funds and the status of your budgeted amounts on the go.

Great Support

With one of the last android app updates, the sync functions unfortunately kept force closing. I emailed the developers at the address they provided at Google Play, and they promptly replied stating that they were aware and working on the problem. A few hours later and I received another email stating that they had updated the app and it was now available. All was good. This is how customer support is done! Thank You!

What are you waiting for?

YNAB is great software at a great price. Do yourself, and your budget a favor and check it out for yourself. It even comes with a FREE 34 day trial. 

If you decide it's right for you click this link for $6 off.

Happy Budgeting!

JOT! The Android App You've Been Looking For

In this digital age, do you keep running into a recurring problem? You can never find a pen and a piece paper, when you need to write a note quickly. Well, stop rummaging through the junk drawer and pick up your phone. There's an app for that!

I know there are hundreds of note taking apps in the market and that most are excellent, but sometimes I don't need a bunch of features. I just want to see my note right on the home screen, like a widget and I don't need any advanced formatting, or cloud sync to remind me to pick up milk (Why is it always milk?), just something fast, simple, and accessible.

Well this is exactly what Jot is. A widget that upon touch the keyboard immediately opens, allowing you to record whatever your heart desires. There for your convenient viewing pleasure your note will appear on the home screen.

This is incredibly handy for grocery lists, passwords(not recommended), email addresses, phone numbers, and anything else you don't trust yourself to remember.

Here is the video review by Android Central.

Check it out for yourself at the play store. JOT!

I almost forgot the most important thing....It's FREE!

The Ride Home: When Extroverts and Introverts Marry

This is so familiar. This describes my wife and I perfectly. She as an extrovert, processes things by talking them out. I on the other hand need time to pause and quietly reflect on the previous events. So many of our trips home are just like this.

"Regardless of the social context, our true temperaments are always revealed in the trip home. Lindsay drives because I'm too exhausted. She wants to reenact her conversations and summarize what happened. This is the consummation of her experience. Meanwhile, I sit next to her with my eyes half open and my head firmly planted on the headrest. I try, usually unsatisfactorily, to make active listening sounds. I am either half asleep or else silently processing all of the interactions I have had. This is the completion of my social experience. My energy is depleted, while hers continues to build."

From Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture

She thinks I'm ignoring her or just uninterested and I can't understand why we can't just rest in silence. Marriage is fun!  :-)

Have any stories of interacting with opposite personality types?

Answers Book for Teens Vol 2 - Review

Questions? 

Everyone's got them, especially today's teens. They are inundated with secular humanistic philosophies from every side. They may have grown up singing the "B-I-B-L-E" in Sunday school, but now they're not so sure. "Jesus Loves Me," seems like such a kids song and everyone else is telling them something different.

It's not that they want to turn away from everything they were taught, but what can they stand on?

The need answers. They need to know that their faith and beliefs do rest on solid ground. This is what Bodie Hodge, Tommy Mitchell and Ken Ham set out to accomplish when they put together Answers Book for Teens Volume 2 . This book is for those who are confronted with opposing world views, seeking to be assured of the truth.

In 15 chapters they cover topics such as creation and evolution, dealing with the Big Bang, Noah's Ark, cave men, fossils, and missing links. These are some of the biggest issues that teens face today from media and textbooks. Each is briefly explained revealing the facts that support biblical truth and the false arguments used to cause doubt.

The next biggest assault that our young people face is over the bible itself. Time and time again the claim is made that the bible is just a book written by men, full of contradictions, and mythology. Thankfully, these guys set the record straight on the inspiration and veracity of the Word of God.

Another area of concern today, has to do with ethical issues. What about abortion? Or Cloning? Does the bible speak on these matters? How should a Christian view these issues? Each of these are explored, seeking to further understand scripture's stance on each.

Chapter 14 is a little different. Here you will find wise counsel on the matter of choosing and attending a college. This is not a matter to be taken lightly. What will I be exposed to? What am I prepared to face? Many young adults have faltered in their faith under the influence of society's secular beliefs. This chapter explains what to look for, and what questions to ask.

The books ends with probably the most important issue of all, "Am I really saved?" It is a call to examine yourself, to see if your faith is real or are you just going through the motions? For those teens who grew up being drug to church each Sunday, this is one question they need to be asking themselves. It can be so easy to just blend in, to just live as you always have, but is that enough? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins? This is one question you have to answer for yourself.

Overall Answers Book for Teens Volume 2  is very helpful. The topics are relevant and the concise answers provide a platform for evaluating the claims of both sides. The short chapters are easy to read, and for the teen who just needs some reassurance of the truth of their faith, this may be just what they need.

I'd like to thank Master Books for sending me this free copy for review.

Extra Security for Google and Blogger

I got to thinking the other day. I use Google products for almost everything. Gmail, Chrome, Blogger, Drive, Reader, Analytics, Android, and Wallet, all accessible with one password! This is extremely convenient, but also very dangerous. In the wrong hands, a lot a damage can be done. So I decided to enable 2 step verification on my Google account.

The set up is quick and easy. The second step, is that after you log into your Google account you will be prompted to enter a security code that has just been sent to your phone via text or voice, depending upon your preferences. For someone to access your account they would need your password and your cellphone. That's pretty good security.

So what if you lose your phone? You have the option of authorizing additional phones such as a spouse  or trusted friend. As an added safety net you will receive ten additional one time log in codes that can be printed and kept in a safe place. My biggest fear was to be locked out of my own account. With these measures in place, that shouldn't happen.

There is also an App for that. If you use an Android or iPhone, there is the Google Authenticator App.   With this app you can receive codes regardless of data or mobile connection. Just remember to activate the app after it is installed.

For more information visit the Google Blog.

Anyone else currently using this? How's it working out for you? Let me know in the comments below.

Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture

The introduction begins with the question, "Can introverts thrive in the church?"

Why would he ask such a thing? The same reason I've found myself asking it. Our Evangelical Church culture is easily described as extroverted in nature. For someone who isn't naturally outgoing, fitting in can be awkward to say the least. Our culture tells us that extroverted is the way to be. It's an attribute shared by great leaders and successful people alike. Lacking in this area is a sure sign of diminished potential. This assessment may not be all that noticeable to some, but to an introvert, it's overwhelmingly clear.

Adam McHugh is one such introvert. He has documented his struggles in his book Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. The book has basically two themes that intertwine. The first is understanding introversion and learning to live and worship as one. The other is over Adam's struggle with learning to lead in the church as an introvert.

First, let me say that it is so reassuring to know that you are not alone. As Adam describes his personality, interactions with others, and the affect these have on him physically, mentally, and spiritually, I could have sworn he was talking about me. The need to think things over, the slowness to respond because of this, the exhaustion that comes from social interaction, are just some of the ways I can personally relate.

One thing I appreciate most about this book, is that it doesn't simply try to glamorize introversion. One of my biggest concerns was that books on this subject would go one of two ways, either that introversion was bad and thus needed to be changed, or on the opposite end that it was a wonderful gift that should only be celebrated. I knew neither extreme was right.

McHugh takes a psychological and a biblical look at introversion. He calls it like it is. Some characteristics are neither go or bad. To these he suggest planning your time around your individual needs. Helpful tips such as knowing what part of the day you generally have the most energy and scheduling those things that require the most social interaction at that time. Also knowing when you will need a break to recharge, before you completely run out of juice.

Now to the part he does painfully well. Knowing how best to live comfortably as an introvert is great, but we shouldn't make ourselves too comfortable. There is a need to push ourselves into those areas where we need the most work. We shouldn't limit ourselves simply to those activities that come easy. We may not be the best at the after sermon meet and greet, but we still need to be there. Introversion should never be used an excuse to avoid what we are commanded to do. Our strength for serving ultimately comes from the Lord, and so we must not limit ourselves to only what comes naturally.

About half of the book deals more specifically with leadership. He tells of his doubts and fears over his ability to go into ministry. How can someone who easily tires when dealing with people and prefers to spend their time alone, lead a congregation? Pastors have to be the outspoken, charismatic type, don't they? Adam shares his struggle to overcome his fears, utilize his strengths, and lean on the Lord to succeed. He provides many practical points and much encouragement.

I highly recommend Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture, not only to fellow introverts but also to those who may want to understand us better. Adam McHugh has written an excellent book that is sure to help and encourage many.

The Evolution of Morality?

I've been thinking a lot lately about different world views and how they each interact with morality and love. Take the Biblical world-view for example. I know that God has created man in his image. This gives humanity dignity and worth. I must respect and love others because God has endowed man in this way. Morality and affections such as love are the direct result of this special creation of mankind.

This love and respect is independent of whether or not the person is good or bad. They are still worthy. Now the confusion today is over what is loving. I can as a Christian and holding to a biblical world view, love a thief, and yet call on him to repent of their thievery. Truly loving a thief would necessitate my encouraging them to turn from a harmful and destructive sin. To ignore the sin while letting them accrue more and more consequences, would in fact be unloving.

How does this work within the framework of an atheistic, evolutionary world-view? What, if any reasons can be found for the existence of love and morality?

Love or Manipulation?

If we evolved. If we are the result of time, chance, and being fortunate enough to carry forth the stronger more adaptable genes, why should we love? The strong survive. There may be a case for relationships in which there could be some benefit or service to us, but that is all. Those that are weaker or of no advantage to us, would mean nothing. Individuals in themselves have no inherent worth or dignity. We are all in competition and only the survival of the fittest is guaranteed.

An atheistic evolutionary world-view offers no compelling reason to love. I don't believe love would ever have been able to evolve. In fact morality itself would be in direct conflict with the principals of natural selection. It would hinder the progress of evolution. Morals limit our ability to adapt and change. If we limit ourselves only to right conduct, how can we seize every opportunity to improve ourselves? If we ceased to be primarily concerned with ourselves and survival, and began to love and care for those who are weaker, we would be prolonging the existence of, and contamination caused by weaker genetic information. Not only would this hold us back, but it would inhibit the entire natural selection process.

Aiding Natural Selection?

None of us today would advocate the extermination of the physically or mentally handicap. But why? If evolution is true, then we should desire to hasten its end results. The sooner we can eliminate the weaker genes the better. Just think, we could potentially eradicate disease and deformity. Isn't this how it is supposed to work? Love and compassion are incompatible with evolution.

How can the heartless, methodical process of evolution ever explain morality and true love? It can't. The truth is so much better. God lovingly designed and created us, our consciences, and the definitions of right and wrong. We were formed in his image.

Lord, I pray that we would quit with our trying to avoid your existence and would just humbly fall into your loving arms!


Again, I've been exploring these issues lately. I'm fascinated with interplay of world views and life. But I'm curios what you've come to. Have you reached similar conclusions or am I out of my mind? Sound off in the comments below.

"Evolution Impossible" 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth

If you repeat something long enough, eventually people will come to believe it.

This pretty much sums up today's unquestioned endorsement of evolutionary theory.

Stop and think for a moment. When Darwin first proposed his ideas they would have seemed, dare I say, crazy. To the masses, the idea of something from nothing and that we all evolved slowly, starting as nearly invisibly small organisms, then building ourselves up through one species at a time towards what we are today, would have seemed ridiculous.

But today, you're crazy if you dare say otherwise. What changed? Well Darwin's ideas never have been novel to me. I was exposed to this line of thought since my earliest science classes. These ideas have continued to be presented without contest to repeated generations. Amazingly, we've come to believe them. But should we?

I find it amazing in our world of questioning everything and finding your own way, this subject is off limits, there can be no debate. What is everyone afraid of?

God. We would rather find comfort in the delusion of evolution, than face the reality of an all-powerful God, to whom we must give account.

Thankfully, there are those who will stand against the tide of popular opinion and seek the truth. Dr. John Ashton is one of these who have dared to question and test the credibility of evolutionary theory. His book Evolution Impossible, is a direct attack on the core beliefs of evolution. He questions the unquestionable, leaving us to question how the world could be so utterly fooled.

Can evolution be true? 

One thing I like about Dr. Ashton's approach, is that rather than just focusing on finding proofs for creationism, he sets out to examine the claims of evolution itself, by meticulously explaining its core issues and beliefs, and then revealing the error of its ways using its same science against them.  As he unfolds the truth, you will begin to see through the hype and assumptions on which the entire theory rests.

Obviously, much of the material is rather technical in nature, but thankfully it is written in such way as to be accessible to most. I recommend this book to everyone. We need to be willing to confront the unsubstantiated claims of evolution, leading people to examine the truth, while proclaiming the God and Savior of all creation.

Here are the twelve reasons why evolution cannot explain the origin of life on Earth that Dr. John Ashton covers in his book. Not being all that scientific myself, these may not seem all that impressive at first, but if you read the book you will easily see just how much they are.

1. Mutations do not produce new purposeful genetic information. 

2. Evolution of a new species as a result of new genetic code arising has never been observed. 

3. There is no proven mechanism that can explain how new purposeful genetic information could arise, and statistically it is impossible. 

4. There is no known proven mechanism that can explain all the steps for a living cell to form from nonliving molecules (abiogenesis), and statistically it is impossible. 

5. Abiogenesis has never been observed and all experiments to initiate it have failed. 

6. The fossil record is a record of extinction of fully formed animals and plants- not a record of the evolution of life forms. 

7. There are no fossils of proven mutant evolutionary intermediate organisms, yet there should be millions and millions of fossils of such mutations. That is, we have no evidence of actual evolution in the fossil record. 

8. Some of the oldest fossil-bearing rocks contain fully developed advanced animals such as trilobites, with no evidence of evolutionary ancestors. 

9. Erosion rates for the continents are too fast for the continents and their fossil content to be old enough for supposed evolution to occur. 

10. There are not enough ocean sediments or volcanic deposits for the continents to be old enough to allow for supposed evolution. 

11. Radiometric dating results give old ages for recent rock, so we cannot accurately "know" the age of rocks. Also, the finding of carbon-14 in coal and diamonds means that these deposits must be less than 100,000 years old, indicating insufficient time for supposed evolution. 

12. The rate of mutation of DNA currently observed suggest that DNA must be less than 100,000 years old, which is not enough time for supposed evolution.

Right now the Kindle edition is on sale for $1.99 Evolution Impossible

I'd like to thank Master Books for sending me this free copy for review.