christian

Re:Word Weekly – 1/13/2012

 

Re:Word is Zondervan Blog's new weekly collection of articles regarding words or the Word. We re-tell these stories because they're exciting, surprising, useful, or nourishing.

Stumbling upon the stories below felt like finding little luminous treasures. We couldn't resist sharing them with you! Enjoy…

View original photo by Rich Tatum

Photo by Rich Tatum, used with permission.

 

 1. The two most disarming words you can use in a tense conversation about Christians, as told by a friend of Philip Yancey (NIV Student Bible).

2. Is Pornography the Same as Cheating asks author Sheila Wray Gregoire? Further Reading: The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex

3. 10 thoughts on Tim Tebow from Pastor Nathan Busenitz, including "5 Reasons I like Tim Tebow" and "5 Concerns I have about Tebow Mania." (via Tim Challies, Challies.com) Further Reading: Tim Tebow's memoir, Through My Eyes

4. For writers & aspiring writers: Want a birds-eye view of whether your story has forward momentum? Create an "Emote Pacing Chart." (via DiAnn Mills, author of The Fire in Ember)

5. Punchy thoughts on Jesus's masculinity. (via Scot McKnight, author of The King Jesus Gospel)

6. Via Qideas.org – Many non-Christians are more willing to have a spiritual conversation than a Jesus conversation. Wait, is there a difference? Ron Martoia offers a long but worthy piece on natural, conversational evangelism called Spiritual Conversations: Understanding the Cultural Language. Further Reading: The Next Christians Group Study, Being Countercultural Group Study

7. A timely collection of posts about gender, hierarchy, equality, and marriage collected by Rachel Held Evans (Evolving in Monkey Town).

 

- Adam Forrest, special thanks to Rich Tatum.

 

 (This post does not represent the views of Zondervan or any of its representatives. The writer shares these personal opinions for information purposes only. To receive new blogposts in your reader or email inbox, subscribe to Zondervan Blog.)

 

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Sloth, a.k.a The Noonday Demon: A Mugshot, Rap Sheet, and Prayer for the Slothful

 

What do apathy, fear, avoidance, distraction and despair have in common? They’re all aspects of sloth. With so many tricks up its sleeve, here’s an attempt to put a face on Sloth, with the hopes of making it easier to detect and resist. -AF

This is a mug shot of Sloth, alias “The Noonday Demon.” Sloth is one of The Seven Deadlies… one of the usual suspects.

image from zondervan.typepad.com

(Image by Soffie Hicks from Wales (Sloth) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.)

 

Sloth’s Rap Sheet. (Excerpt taken from the Christian Dictionary of Spirituality by Glen Scorgie)

Sloth is one of the seven “deadly sins,” usually associated with acedia (weariness of the soul)… It is sometimes called the “noonday demon,” referring to Psalm 91:6… More generally, early Christians associated it with deprivations of desires, failed plans, and impeded purposes, accompanied by anger. Its cousin with similar symptoms is what moderns call “depression,” though there are differences…

Aquinas identifies it as “an oppressive sorrow” that weighs the person down so much that he wants to do nothing. But it would be wrong to identify sloth merely with laziness. Cassian points out that it can also manifest itself as feverish activity that disguises a sluggishness of the soul. That is, it is a spiritual condition — an emptiness that encourages flight from spiritual discipline or purposeful, life-giving activity through indifference or distraction.

The early monastics… urged the monk to stay away from those who were idle, restless, or busybodies (see 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15); instead, one should meditate on what is “praiseworthy” (Phil. 4:8–9). Cassian and Gregory recommended keeping an eschatological perspective — specifically, living as if one will die tomorrow with God’s final assessment of his work, but treating the body as if he will live for many years to come. In the end, the countervailing virtue to cultivate is passion in serving the Lord and others.

 

A Prayer for the Slothful. (From Common Prayer Pocket Edition by Claiborne, Okoro & Wilson-Hartgrove.)

Once again, Lord Jesus Christ, I face the power of acedia [sloth].

Against the torrent of oblivion, I plead the blood of Jesus.

When the day stretches out before me and I am tempted to despair, encourage my soul through rhythms of prayer and work.

When I imagine my life would be easier if only I were somewhere else, help me not to flee but to trust your grace in this place.

When I lack attentive care for my neighbor, remind me how you laid down your life for me when I was still an enemy.

Deliver me from acedia, that I might greet that of you in every person and know the place where I am standing to be holy ground.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

 

Resources Referenced Above

Learn more about Dictionary of Christian Spirituality

Dictionary of Christian Spirituality
by Glen S. Scorgie
“This reference work provides readers with a global, biographical, historical, topical, and biblical understanding of the origins, development, and contemporary expressions of Christian spirituality.”
Learn More

Learn more about Common Prayer Pocket Edition

Common Prayer Pocket Edition
by Shane Claiborne, Enuma Okoro & Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
“Designed to help individuals, families and congregations pray, sing and act together across traditions and denominations… this portable book of common prayer [will] help you and your community join together each day with the same songs, scriptures and prayers.
Learn more

 

- Adam Forrest, Zondervan

 

(This post does not represent the views of Zondervan or any of its representatives. The writer’s opinions are their own, and are shared for information purposes only. To receive new blogposts in your reader or email inbox, subscribe to Zondervan Blog.)

 

Share
3 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Does Fiction Lie? Thoughts on Truth and Christian Storytelling

 

“Is it wrong for Christians to … write, read or even watch fictitious material?” asked a commenter named Mukwemba on Zondervan’s Facebook page today.

Mukwemba (who permitted the use of her name here) adds some important context: some of her Christian friends do not approve of fiction, arguing this:

Fiction is wrong because it’s not true… As Christians we should hold fast to the truth and not saturate our minds with falsehoods regardless of what “good” they seem to bring about.

I’m sure Mukwemba’s friends are well-meaning, but I believe they are mistaken. I will show you why writing fiction can be an excellent calling.

 

An Editor Speaks

I sent Mukwemba’s question to my coworker Sue Brower, who is an Executive Editor here at Zondervan. Sue says:

When Jesus wanted to teach something to his disciples, he used story—Parables.  Fiction is truth in story form.  It makes concepts more accessible to the reader because the reader relates to the characters and sees themselves in the story.

I agree wholeheartedly with Sue. Let’s look more closely at the biblical basis behind these points.

 

3 Biblical Observations about Fiction

1. Fiction can help us understand, love, and serve others.

A writer (whom I can’t recall) said stories help us “extend our sympathies” toward others who are different from us. In other words, stories can open our eyes to suffering we didn’t see before. With this new awareness, we can choose to better love and serve others.

I can think of two examples where fiction is even linked to changes in public policy. Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, portrayed the struggle of older workers so well that Miller’s story was invoked during a 1968 Senate hearing (The Adequacy of Services for Older Workers) as a sketch of the obstacles that face older Americans. Also, a novel by Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, actually influenced the passing of new health legislation for the meatpacking industry in the city of Chicago!

2. Fiction can show you truth about yourself.

Sometimes a story is a mirror. Let’s look at an example from the Bible: after King David hides his sin with Bathsheba, remember how Nathan gets through to David? Nathan goes to David and says,

‘There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

‘Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.’

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.’

Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul… Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites…”‘

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” [-From 2 Samuel 12:1-18, NIV]

So if you’re reading a story and think, “I can relate to this character,” keep your eyes peeled. You may find some some fresh insight into your own motivations, maybe even sins. I’ve been given a few such “eureka” moments through fiction, most memorably from reading Douglas Coupland’s story collection, Life After God, and a short story by Flannery O’Connor called “Everything That Rises Must Converge.” These stories revealed some of my attitudes that needed to change.

 

Read More…

Share
5 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

The Scoop on 3 Zondervan Books in Christianity Today’s 2012 Book Awards

 

Christianity Today recently whittled down a list of 390 book submissions to a select few of 2012 Book Award winners & notables, books which "offer insights into the people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission." Three of their book selections are by Zondervan authors. 

Below you can discover more about the award-winning authors and their books. Read the interviews to discover the authors' thoughts on topics that include:

  • How to trade in resentment for gratitude (See the Ann Voskamp interview )
  • Why maps that portray the spread of Christianity usually get it all wrong (See the Irving Hexham interview)
  • An uncommon-yet-crucial conviction about God's Word (See the Michael Horton interview)

The three Christianity Today 2012 Book Award honorees from Zondervan:

1. Spirituality, Award of Merit

Learn more about One Thousand Gifts

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully, Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp (@annvoskamp)
"Christ Himself  instituted the act of thanksgiving as central to what it means to be a Christ-follower — to take and give thanks, and to do so in remembrance of Him… Gratitude truly is the gravity of the Christ-centered life." -From Voskamp's interview with author Jason C. Dukes.
Read Excerpt  Learn More

2. Missions / Global Affairs, Award of Merit

Learn more about Understanding World Religions

Understanding World Religions: An Interdisciplinary Approach
by Irving Hexham (@irvinghexham)
"We are now living in a new era which is far more like the situation faced by the first Christians than anything the majority of Christians have seen for around a thousand years [since]… In this situation it is essential for Christians to understand other religious traditions, their histories, and beliefs." -From Hexham's interview on the LifeWay blog.
Read Excerpt  Learn more

3. Theology / Ethics Award Winner

Learn more about The Christian Faith

The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way
by Michael Horton (Follow @whitehorseinn)
"Theology fuels mission. And I believe that Reformed theology — not just the "five points," but its broader confession — is the richest, deepest, and most faithful account of the whole teaching of Scripture. Of course, that case has to be made and not just asserted; hence, the size of the book!*" -From Horton's interview with The Gospel Coalition.
Read Excerpt   Learn More

*In case you're wondering, The Christian Faith is 1,056 pages long and weighs five times as much as your average hardcover. It weighs just over four pounds.

Those are three of Christianity Today's recent favorite books.

 

What are yours?

 

- Adam Forrest, Zondervan Internet Team

 

(This post does not represent the views of Zondervan or any of its representatives; the writer's opinions are his own, and are only intended for information purposes. To receive new blogposts in your reader or email inbox, subscribe to Zondervan Blog.)

 

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Tips for Women Who Work, Love, and Pray

 

Learn More about Work, Love, Pray Learn More

It might surprise you that author Diane Paddison doesn’t profess to be a superwoman.

As Diane served her family as wife and mother to her growing and changing family, she also served as an executive at two Fortune 500 companies. But as she suggests in the trailer of her new book Work, Love, Pray, Diane never set her heart on “climbing to the top.” Work, Love, Pray is about how professional women can reach their God-given potential while keeping a healthy balance between work and family.

The subtitle of Diane’s book is Practical Wisdom for Young Professional Christian Women, but really a working woman of any age will find wisdom and encouragement here.

Personally speaking, my favorite chapter is about how to set boundaries with your work while keeping your convictions and family life in mind. I’ve excerpted a story from this chapter, and you can read it below. I hope the tips are helpful!

You can learn more about Work, Love, Pray and find more resources for professional Christian women at Diane’s site: www.4wordwomen.org.

- Londa Alderink, Zondervan Trade Team

 

Balance Requires Discipline

Don’t blame Rachel Shephard if she’s feeling a little schizophrenic. She grew up being told she could do anything, be anything. Then once she finished college, she felt this not-so-subtle pressure to get married, have lots of babies, and stay home to care for them.


“Maybe someday, but right now I feel called to use my education and gifts to serve God in the marketplace,” Rachel, an independent consultant for a major health and wellness company, explains.


Rachel recognized her own competitive nature and desire to succeed, so when she married Luke, they put some boundaries in place so that their work wouldn’t squeeze the life out of their marriage.

Read More…

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Interview with a Christian Vampire

 

'Gospels of sin management' presume a Christ with no serious work other than redeeming humankind … [and] they foster 'vampire Christians,' who only want a little blood for their sins but nothing more to do with Jesus until heaven.

-Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

DOCTOR VANHELSING'S JOURNAL

31 October. On the dark side of twilight, I at last have reached Count Dracula's castle. The Count greeted me eagerly if not warmly, then ushered me into his dining room, where "Our encounter will be most appropriate," whatever that means. I am grateful for the food offered me, but the Count eats naught. From across the table he stares, intently, or almost hungry. Those eyes… I have a creeping feeling this interview was a mistake, but Dracula is the most influential Christian in this region, and I must challenge him with the questions that have seized my psyche over the last three months!

 

Those eyes... more 'undead' than alive...

COUNT: What brings you to my home, Doctor…?

 

ZBLOG: VanHelsing. My name is Zonder VanHelsing. I've come to interview you about the King you serve.

COUNT: I serve no King. I am the sovereign of Transylvania, and you do well to remember that, my good Doctor.

 

ZBLOG: Forgive me, I just mean, it is said you've been a Christian for some time now?

COUNT: Oh. Yes, in my youth I made a decision for Christ.

 

ZBLOG: What did you decide?

COUNT: What do you mean? I decided to believe the gospel.

 

ZBLOG: Please tell me, what is "the gospel"?

COUNT: [He furrows his brow, as if trying to decide whether I'm playing a joke. There are tense moments, but at last he continues.] Everyone knows what the gospel is, but very well, I'll play your game.

We're sinners. If we believe in Jesus, his blood saves us from hell. Jesus died on my behalf so that I do not have to. And that's that.

 

ZBLOG: And how does your decision to accept Christ connect to discipleship?

COUNT: What do you mean?

 

ZBLOG: Well, I've recently read in Dr. Scot McKnight's new book The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited that as many as 75 percent of Americans have made a decision to accept Christ, but only about 25 percent Americans go to church regularly.

McKnight also claims this: "Most of evangelism today is obsessed with getting someone to make a decision; the apostles, however, were obsessed with making disciples." So, tell me about your transition from the Decided to the Discipled.

COUNT: Discipled, what nonsense. I became a disciple when I decided to believe in the power of Jesus' blood! The blood is the life! You cannot let the power of the blood and salvation by faith become eclipsed by discipleship. No, you don't need to do anything if you know and believe the central idea of "justification by faith."

 

ZBLOG: It's interesting you think so, since justification by faith isn't mentioned in the Gospels. And I happen to believe that if we're not growing in our faith, we're, er… undead.

COUNT: You try my patience, Doctor! Why don't you tell me what you think the gospel is!

Read More…

Share
4 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Gift Idea for Grandma: The Grandmother’s Bible eBook

Did you know last Sunday was National Grandparents Day? In honor of Grandmothers, this week The Grandmother's Bible eBook is just $3.99.

The Grandmother's Bible is about "nourishing grandmothers to nurture grandchildren," so the Bible includes special features like Bible Stories to Share with grandchildren; Talking Points, which are tips on discussing issues like friendship and salvation; and Praying the Scriptures for Your Grandchild. Grandmother-blogger Lynda Freeman reviews some of these special features in her post about how The Grandmother's Bible helps her grow as a grandmother.

This Bible also includes 365 Devotional Readings. Here's a sample:

"Made in God's Image" by Lori Copeland
Read | Genesis 1:1-31

I was a very young grandmother. This was not all that surprising since I had been a young bride and a young mother, but when Randy, our firstborn son, married and gave us our first grandchild, I was completely unprepared. I was especially unprepared for the love I would feel for this baby. I was amazed that the love I had felt so strongly for my sons—a love I was positive would never be duplicated—tripled when my first grandson’s newborn eyes slowly opened to meet mine. Oh, those eyes, so trusting and innocent. I gave my heart so completely, so swiftly to this new little one named James that the bonding left me breathless.

When I left the hospital, I was filled with joy, with songs of joy. I recalled the words of the psalmist, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:2), as I enjoyed my ecstatic state. Little did I know that this child was not only a precious gift to me (though he was), but also he was God’s special gift to the world. God in his miraculous grace was enlarging his Kingdom through this tiny scrap of humanity created in his image.

James is a grown man now, a youth minister. Twice a year he ministers to the Kagora tribe in Africa, and through God’s unending grace, he leads lost souls to Christ. As a thirty-nine-year-old grandmother, I had no idea what God had placed in my life the day my first grandson was born; but now, many years later, I stand astounded at his marvelous workings.

Thank you, God, for placing this child in our life, in our grandparental care. As we watch him grow, lead him in the ways of righteous that his days may be long and fruitful on this earth. Amen.


Find the Grandmother's Bible eBook for $3.99 – This Week Only
The regular price is $16.99, so if deals excite your grandmother as much as they excite mine, tell her you found it for 77% off.  :-)

Amazon Kindle: http://zndr.vn/mTcK6w
Apple iPhone & iPad: http://zndr.vn/mW2oPO
Barnes & Noble Nook: http://zndr.vn/qV63qA

You can also find the eBook on Christianbook.com: http://zndr.vn/mPtu0w

(-Adam Forrest, Zondervan Internet Team)

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Baseball & Other Ways to Live Out the Gospel: Interview with Tom Roy

 

I jumped at the opportunity to interview Tom Roy, former baseball player for the San Francisco Giants, and President of Unlimited Potential Inc. (UPI). UPI is a world-wide ministry that serves Christ through baseball, and Tom has appeared at speaking events and in baseball clinics in over 60 countries.

Tom graciously gave his time to discuss how baseball has informed his view of Christian mission; how we can navigate failures and successes; and how we can make a difference for Christ wherever we work, play, and live.

 

Tom and Carin Roy
Tom Roy & his wife, Carin.

ZBLOG: Tom, I challenge you to tell me about UPI in the time it takes to run to first base.

TOM: (Hmmm…I am a very slow runner!) The purpose of UPI is to Reach, Teach, Train for the purpose of Sending ballplayers onto the mission field in the clubhouse, the community, the church and the entire world.

 

ZBLOG: UPI does a lot of cool things, but what is it about the ministry that gets you most excited? What makes you think, “This is why I do what I do”?

TOM: I get fired up to see God working in the hearts of men to be men and reach their world — to see the light go on about what living an authentic life with Jesus looks like. Jesus said in John 17, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but rather that you protect them from the evil one.” Infiltrating their culture with Jesus gets me excited.

 

ZBLOG: I like how you say “infiltrating” our cultures for Jesus. How would you advise someone who wants to do that, but doesn’t know how to get started? Do you have any tips on being salt and light?

TOM: Yes I do —

  1. Care for people! Ask about them. There is often more power in asking good questions than having the right answers.
  2. Don’t see them as projects, but as people. Develop a genuine relationship. If the timing is appropriate, ask what they think of Jesus. Or ask if they have a spiritual philosophy.
  3. I used to think every soul I met was like the final out of a game. Now I see that God sometimes allows us be a starter, sometimes a middle man, sometimes a set up man and once in a while a closer. HE will bring people to himself.

Read More…

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Bloggers: Sign up to Review “Nobody’s Child” by Austin Boyd

 

Nobody's Child
Learn More

We’re giving away 50 copies of Austin Boyd’s new novel Nobody’s Child to bloggers for review. Sign up below, and if your blog is selected we’ll ship you a review copy of the book.

Austin Boyd’s Nobody’s Child: What Price Will a Mother Pay to Save Her Only Child? is a story of love lost and loves found. Weaving together faith and contemporary questions of bioethics, the heart-rending tale hearkens to the myth of Pandora’s box — of unprecedented choices never intended by heaven, and their unintended consequences never before seen on earth.

To Laura Ann McGehee of Nobody’s Child, her body represents the one remaining financial resource that can save the family farm. For Sophia McQuistion, Laura Ann’s unusual sacrifice fulfills her own dream of having a child. The story poignantly dramatizes the question, “Just because we can … should we?”

 

Sign up for the Nobody’s Child Blog Tour

  1. Sign up by Thursday, July 28. If your blog is selected we’ll ship you a copy of the book.
  2. Post your review on your blog during the week of September 5. Please link to your review in a comment here on Zondervan Blog, because we’d like to hear your thoughts on the story!
  3. Please post your review on your favorite book retailer’s website (amazon.com, christianbook.com, etc.).
  4. In your review please mention that Zondervan gave you a free copy for the purpose of an unbiased review.

 

 (DON’T SEE A SIGNUP FORM? Go here.)

 

About The Pandora Files Series 
Nobody’s Child is the first in a new series called The Pandora Files, stories that dramatize ethical questions we can no longer ignore in medicine. Journey to the crossroads of life and science, where some believe that recent medical advances promise us a better existence. Are we embracing hope in biotechnology … or being seduced by the illusion of playing God? Push headlong into the uncharted labyrinth of bioethics. Everything’s not what it first appears on this quest—a journey of discovering that our actions may have unintended consequences. Just because we can … should we?

 

About Austin Boyd
Austin Boyd Austin Boyd is the award-winning author of the thrilling space suspense trio, The Evidence, The Proof and The Return. An inventor, business entrepreneur, spacecraft engineer, and Navy pilot, he weaves real science with true-to-life characters in descriptive page-turning suspense. Austin and his wife, Cindy are the parents of four adult children and live in Huntsville, Alabama where he manages an engineering and design company, and serves the community through Crisis Pregnancy ministries. Learn more at www.AustinBoyd.com.

 

 

Share
11 Responses , , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment

Beyond Crime and Punishment: Philip Yancey on Prison Fellowship International

 

In his latest blogpost Philip Yancey reflects on his experience at the recent conference of Prison Fellowship International (PFI). For those unfamiliar with PFI, they minister in over 120 countries to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims and their families. Their vision is to bring restoration and reconciliation into the lives of those involved in and affected by crime. I imagine this wouldn’t be easy anywhere, and sometimes they’re active in prison conditions that, in Yancey’s words, “rival Nazi concentration camps.”

Ron Nikkel
Ron Nikkel, President of PFI, has visited more prisons than anyone else in history.

What drives PFI volunteers to do what they do? Most at the conference “insist they do it because Jesus commanded it,” says Yancey. “Announcing his mission, [Jesus] included the goal to ‘liberate the captives’ [Luke 4:14-20] and he said in Matthew 25 that God will judge the nations on how we cared for ‘the least of these,’ including prisoners.”

So how are our nations doing on caring for prisoners? Not so good, says PFI President Ron Nikkel, who has probably visited more prisons than anyone else in history. Nikkel has an interesting opinion about what it takes to bring down crime, and I encourage you to read his thoughts in Yancey’s post.

The passion of Nikkel and the volunteers crept under my skin. One commenter says aptly, “It’s the kind of stuff that gives you goosebumps – that someone has decided to not forget about prisoners, someone has decided to not write them off as either too far gone or not worth ministering to.” 

Yancey concludes his post with a provocative aside: we can’t tell the Christian story without including prisoners. There’s John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, the thieves crucified next to Jesus, and Jesus himself. If I noticed this before, then I forgot it. I also tend to forget  that every century since then has seen prisoners and martyrs of the faith; and too often I forget that some studies say as many as 1 in 31 American adults are on probation or incarcerated. So PFI got me thinking about some things. They take a hard road when they refuse to write people off as “too far gone” or “not worth ministering to,” and I’m thankful for their service.

You can learn how to get involved in PFI’s ministry at pfi.org.
(-Adam Forrest, Zondervan Internet Team) 

PS: Have you ever read a life-changing book from a Christian who has been to prison? I know a lot of people who love the prison writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I recommend Alexandr Solzhenitsyn’s masterful history The Gulag Archipelago.

 

 

 

Share
0 Responses , , , , , , , , , Read & Comment
1 2 3 4 5  Scroll to top