BecomingMature.org

Today Joel and I are tackling a subject that is often discussed but never, it seems, resolved. That is the question of alcohol. I’ve found this to be a hot topic where ever I’ve been because, on the one hand most see the dangers of alcohol and on the other there is no direct prohibition against it. So what are was a believers to think?

Part of the problem, I think, is the inability of many to ask the right questions. If you ask the right questions, there is no guarantee that you’ll arrive at the right answers, but if you ask the wrong ones, then it’s nearly certain that you’ll be misled.

So Joel and I approach this subject with the prayer that we’ll not only ask the right questions, but also draw conclusions strictly from the word of God so that may follow along and examine the evidence for yourself. So if you have ever wondered about this topic, or know someone who has (and by the way, that’s nearly all of us) then stay tuned for this lively discussion.

Well today, we have something different. I have the distinct privilege of serving as the senior pastor of Jenison Bible Church, in Hudsonville, MI. This church is special in many ways, but one way is that it’s only had four pastors in it’s 39 year history, including the one who planted the church and myself. That’s pretty amazing when you consider that the average tenure of a pastor today is less than two years. 

The first pastor after the church was planted was Lee Buer who served here for  over 15 years. He left here to serve at  Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music. After that he headed up Rural Bible Mission for many years. Now in the providence of God he has returned to us as my associate pastor. He is a man of vast experience and much learning and I consider myself exceptionally blessed to have him here serving with me. 

Well, last Sunday night Lee and I held a question and answer session with the congregation of Jenison Bible church concerning the topics of death and eternity. This was so well received that I thought you might find it profitable to sit in on the conversation as well.

So sit back and be prepared to laugh and to think as we delve into what the Bible has to say on this important subject.

You also might want to listen to The Word Will Stand, which is our podcast of the Sunday Morning Sermons at Jenison Bible Church. The link above will provide samples. To access the podcast via the iTunes store, click here.

Today Joel and I issue an apology. That’s right, an apology. Of course, what we mean by that and what you might be thinking are two very different things. Like all languages, English has words do double, triple, quadruple duty and more. The same is true of the word apology. It can mean an admission of error or an expression of regret. Or it could be used to describe a poor substitute for something, as in “he is a poor apology for an actor.”

But the word has at least one other meaning as well. It can be used to express a formal justification for something. So an apology in this case would be a defense of our podcast. IOW, why is it that we feel to publish this podcast at all? And the answer lies in our ability or lack of it to know things as they really are apart from God’s revelation.

Now in making this apology or defense of our conversations, Joel and I have to discuss some philosophy. But don’t let that word scare you off. I think you’ll find our treatment of some of our fundamental presuppositions to be easily attainable. 

So keep listening for a discussion that deals with our whole reason for publishing, our presuppositions, how it affects what conclusions we draw, and why we feel you need to share these basic assumptions as well.

I hope you’ll check out Allison Sheridan’s excellent Nosillacast podcast at podfeet.com. If you’re interested in podcasting, her series Podcasting on Podcast is an invaluable resource. You can subscribe here.

 Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you took about two minutes of your time and voted for Spiritual Maturity: The Road to Wonderland and Growing Up Yanomamö: Missionary Adventures in the Amazon Rainforest for the Small Christian Publishers Book of the Year in their respective categories. 

VOTE HERE!

Be sure and read about Shoeless Joe Jackson (also here) and the Black Sox Scandal. 

Here are some links to find out more about Mark McQuire and his confession of steroid use.

Here is an excerpt from his Senate Testimony.

And for those of you facenated by vegitable headgear, click here to learn about the Isthmain games.

Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you took about two minutes of your time and voted for Spiritual Maturity: The Road to Wonderland and Growing Up Yanomamö: Missionary Adventures in the Amazon Rainforest for the Small Christian Publishers Book of the Year in their respective categories. 

VOTE HERE!

Here is more information on Dutty Boukman and the ceremony at Bois Caïman.