New scientific discoveries periodically come to light that continue to support the accuracy of the Bible. Pastor and author Rick Warren writes:
“To many people archaeology is a dry, boring, and little-known science. But thanks to the patient work of many skilled archaeologists of many nations, we know much more today about Bible times than Christians did even half a century ago” (Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God’s Word. Zondervan, 2009).
Matthew 5:18
New International Version (NIV)
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
A recent national survey conducted by the Ad Council reveals an utterly shocking fact — that eighty-two percent of young adult drivers (16-24) have read a standard text message while driving. In an effort to educate young drivers about the dangers of texting while driving, I am committing myself to spread this message to as many teenagers as possible: in high school and via the various popular social networks. I hope you will find it in your heart to do the same.
Most Christians agree that the Bible encourages Christians to share their faith for two reasons: first, witnessing is an act of obedience to Jesus’ model and command (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:23; John 15:16, 21; 2 Peter 3:9); second, witnessing demonstrates that we are not ashamed of God’s saving work in our life (Luke 9:26; Romans 1:16). Unfortunately, Bill Bright notes that a 2005 study by the Barna Research Group concluded that only 55 percent of born-again Christians believe it is their responsibility to share their faith. More surprising, Dr. Bright also noted a study by Campus Crusade for Christ that found that only 2 percent of Christians share their faith on a regular basis.
Predictably, Mormonism is in the news again. The presence of two members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints among contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination ensured that it was only a matter of time before Evangelicals, along with other Americans, began to talk openly about what this means for the nation, the church, and the stewardship of political responsibility in the voting booth.
A friend at church is trying to stop smoking and often asks for me to help through prayer. I am all too glad to pray for him and I believe that the Lord will answer that prayer in time. With him in mind, I found the title of a new book by Columbia University Press, After Tobacco: What Would Happen if Americans Stopped Smoking? to be so interesting. Coinciding with the release of the book, the school will host a panel of public health experts to discuss what the nation might look like if and when smoking rates plummet to historic lows. The panel will consider the social and economic impact of reducing smoking rates and what it will take to reach current national public health goals.
