Book Review: "Radical" by David Platt Posted: Aug 12, 2010 by Jeremy Crittenden Have you ever taken an objective observation of the average Protestant church in America and then read how the early Church functioned in the book of Acts? It does not take too long to figure out there are a lot more contrasts than comparisons. In his book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, David Platt explores how modern day Christianity has diluted the cause of Christ by intertwining the spirit of American self-reliance with the gospel call.  Read the full article…

Back But Better Posted: Jul 30, 2010 by L.L. Davis "Now I have you, and I have God. I will never be alone again. I have so much happiness bubbling inside I cannot say in English!" the young woman exclaimed. That was one week after our arrival in a country closed to the Gospel. Two days later, the new convert received the first Bible she had ever seen. One week later, she was asking such probing questions as, "How can we keep from sinning when we have such great forgiveness?" The Holy Spirit can work fast with a deadline looming. Days later, the short-term mission trip (STMT) was over, and the fledgling Christian was left with only God's Word and her inner Comforter to be her Teacher, Guardian, and Guide. As a mission participant, I also experienced indescribable joy. A carefree attitude carried me across the ocean, over a perilous commute, and through three weeks of the most taxing ministry I have ever attempted. That calm and cared-for confidence brought me back home and lasted for many months but, unfortunately, has started to fade. Somehow my "do the dishes" and "carpool the kids" life doesn't seem as God-ordained as sharing Christ's love with someone who has never heard the name of Jesus. It's the time of year when short-term mission participants are coming back from the field energized. They are longing to invigorate our churches, not merely assimilate. This is the season to cultivate that newfound excitement in the body of Christ, as mission participants and supporters. How can we hold onto the spiritual "high" that accompanies mission work amongst the cares and commitments of life? It is imperative that we incorporate the short-term mission mindset for a lifetime of ministry.  Read the full article…

The God of Art Posted: Jun 29, 2010 by Emily White Youree Strolling through the Kimbell Art Museum, I could not believe Renoir's On the Terrace—my favorite painting ever—was only two feet in front of me. I wanted to touch it, but the awareness of security guards and that sneaky alarm convinced me otherwise. Sigh—it was so beautiful and skillful and . . . . The presence of such great works of art, displaying artistic mastery I cannot comprehend, completely overwhelmed me. On loan from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Kimbell presented more than 90 masterpieces from the impressionist era. Displayed were the works of master painters Degas, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec—just to name a few! The gallery not only grouped the paintings by artist, but also in a chronological manner; thus exposing the evolution of impressionism throughout the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries. To think a handful of painters, whose artistic eye challenged traditions and abounded with creativity, reinvented the art of painting and influenced culture decades later—absolutely incredible.  Read the full article…