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Archive for February, 2007
The Tomb of Jesus?
Feb 27th
Most of you have probably heard about the upcoming documentary that will claim that the tomb (and remains!) of Jesus has been discovered. Before you renounce your faith and embrace atheism, you might want to read the response from Bible Scholar Ben Witherington.
Read it HERE
I know that I will still be celebrating Easter this year!
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Update:
Here is a satirical interview with ‘Lost Tomb’ producer, James Cameron from Christianity Today.
Let’s Go Racin’!!!
Feb 16th
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!!!
This Sunday is the Daytona 500 — the official start of the NASCAR season. It looks to be an interesting year with all the rule changes, Toyota jumping in, and all the rules violations this week. I’ve joined a fantasy league this year, which should make the season a bit more entertaining (and I might even win some money). I think Toyota will start off slow, but be very competitive by season’s end. After all, they only took two years to win the Truck Series.
Tony Stewart looks strong for this season, and I think Ryan Newman will rebound from a tough 2006. Since he’s in contract negotiations, Junior should have a good year.
And let’s all hope that Kurt Busch has another lackluster season! 
What are your predicitions for this season?
Dixie Chicks Controversy
Feb 12th
As you have undoubtedly heard, the Dixie Chicks won several awards last night at the Grammy Awards. It should be no surprise that the left-leaning music industry would honor those who stauchly oppose President Bush.
Here is a Good Take on the whole controversy.
Good Publicity
Feb 9th
Our church received some good, free publicity today. The Ashland Times-Gazette did a nice story on our new building.
To read the article, go HERE and scroll down.
Going to Church
Feb 7th
I have a question and I would like the input of my readers.
How and when did church attendance become the defining characteristic of Christianity? Of course, it shouldn’t be — but in many ways, it is. Think about it: We generally assess someone’s “faithfulness” by their attendance record. We try to persuade unbelievers to “come to church” with us. Most, if not all of our activities involve meeting together at the “church building.” We go to great lengths and spend a fair amount of money to advertise our address and meeting times. We make a big production out of our meetings by dressing up in nice clothes. Try to change one of your weekly meetings to an activity serving the community (away from your “church building”) and see what kind of opposition you face in your congregation — people will think you’ve gone “soft” if you suggest cancelling a “church service.”
Shouldn’t “church service” be a verb instead of a noun?
Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important for believers to meet together on a regular basis, for many reasons. But I don’t hear Jesus saying that His followers will be known by their meetings or their attendance record. It seems we should be known more for our words and activities that take place away from “church.”
If you took away the Sunday morning assembly, what would be left for most churches? Isn’t following Jesus about much more than a Sunday assembly? How did it become the end-all of our faith?
Super Bowl Thoughts
Feb 5th
I thought the Bears’ vaunted defense would do a little better. I don’t think Manning deserved the MVP. Dominic Rhodes should have received it. Without the running game, Indy would not have won. Manning won it because of his name. And then there was Prince (or the Creepy Purple Dude, as I prefer to call him). What was the NFL thinking?
Speaking of Manning, I just can’t be happy for him. I’m willing to overlook the fact that he went to Tennessee (though it is not easy). But I lost a lot respect for the Manning family during the 2004 NFL draft. The arrogance, ingratitude and selfishness that was displayed by the Manning family that day left a bad taste in my mouth.
But I was happy for Tony Dungy. He is a true champion. His post-game quote was the highlight of the evening for me:
“I’m proud to be representing African American coaches, to be the first African American to win this. This means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I’ve said it before, Lovie Smith and I, not only the first two African Americans, but Christian coaches showing that you can win doing it the Lord’s way, and we’re more proud of that.”
And I’m happy for Indy. They were due a professional sports championship. Now, if the poor folks in Cleveland could just get one!
Is It That Obvious?
Feb 3rd
As my family and I were leaving Target today, I saw a man standing by the exit wearing an Indianapolis Colts jacket and hat. So I jokingly said to him, “Who are you rooting for tomorrow?” He laughed and said, “I’ll give you two guesses!”
We both laughed and my family and I continued out of the store. It was then that my wife said to the kids, “Wow, Dad actually talked to someone!” My son said, “We’ve got to write this down!” My daughter said, “We’ve got to put this in the Dad Book!” They all just laughed and laughed as they made a few more remarks on the way to the car.
Now, it is no secret that I’m an introvert. But is it that obvious? Is the fact that I briefly spoke with a stranger such big news? Perhaps I need to take an honest look at myself to make sure I’m not becoming asocial.
Sheesh!
Jeff Slater
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