Bits & Pieces (3/25/13)

From a Symbol of Fear to a Symbol of Faith – “If you want to know the true perspective on the seriousness of sin, however, look to the cross. Look at the extreme nature of the solution to this problem. If sin were ‘no big deal,’ would God have sent His only begotten Son to die a shameful death on a cross to deal with it? And what kind of love is this? What kind of love is displayed when God sends His only begotten Son to die for the sins we commit against Him? This is love of a kind and degree that we can hardly fathom. This is what changed the cross from a symbol of fear to a symbol of faith.

Is it True That “If You Don’t Have a Conversion Story You Don’t Have a Conversion”? – I really appreciated this article, and although I suspect many will disagree with it, I think it adds an important element in the discussion around conversion stories.

Put Down The Cheetos, Read This Post, and Stop Being So Lazy! – “….laziness isn’t defined by mere lack of activity. Laziness is not doing the tasksGod has given you to do. It doesn’t matter whether you fill the void with hours of Star Trek reruns or with answering work-related emails. If it’s not what God has called you to do, then it’s laziness. So you can be perpetually busy and chronically lazy.”

Only 57 Churches Left in Iraq; From 300 in 2003 – “Iraq had 300 churches and 1.4 million Christians in 2003, but now only 57 churches and about half a million Christians remain with members of the minority fleeing Islamist attacks, according to local reports.”

March Madness Explained…Star Wars Style – Just in case you need a laugh this Monday morning, check out this video. I would guess, however, that Star War fans and March Madness fans often fall into two different camps.

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The Grand Weaver: Book Review

The Grand WeaverNotice of full disclosure – I am a fan of Ravi Zacharias. Ever since the first book I read of his, I have been impressed with not only the depths of the truth he communicates, but the thoughtful and linear way in which he does so. I wish I could say that I have read every book he has written, but I haven’t. Yet when I get a chance to read one, I always leave with a deeper appreciation for our Savior and specific ways that I can apply biblical truths to my life.

The Grand Weaver by Zacharias was no exception to this trend. The book’s purpose is to help readers understand that our lives are not accidents; they’re directed and guided by a loving God. As the author states, “We may not fully understand his (God’s) design as it takes shape, but we should not conclude that his design lacks a directing plan” (p. 14). Walking through key components of our lives including our DNA, our disappointments, our will and our worship, Zacharias helps the reader see how God is not only witness to what happens in our lives but He is orchestrating the big and small things alike in order to accomplish His purposes.

In a day and age where people seem intent on discovering their purpose, and when many may start to wonder whether such a purpose exists, Zacharias offers a bilbically-based perspective on how we should consider and answer such monumental questions. Whether you are a college-aged young adult who is faced with the inevitable question of “what’s next” or a middle age individual who is struggling with whether their life is everything it should be, this book will not only offer you insight, it will offer you encouragement. Zacharias persuasively helps the reader understand that there is no single thing that defines what God has designed specifically for you; He is working through everything in your life, even the seemingly disparate parts, to bring about His purpose.

If you are grappling with the questions of whether the threads of your life are “accidentally tangled or intentionally arranged,” consider reading The Grand Weaver. If you aren’t, you likely know someone that is. As you dig in to Dr. Zacharias’ book you will be equipped to not only answer these questions as they pertain to your own life, but you will be better suited to help those you love respond biblically when the questions are put in front of them.

 

 

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