Here’s a confession: I just returned from Beijing, so putting up the Christian Carnival was a wee bit of a challenge (I was barely awake to do it) and worse, the Internet died on me just as I was about to post it! Murphy’s law, anyone?
But here it is! A little late, but intact I hope. If you find your post missing, do not hesitate to contact me. Sometimes it just happens.
We have a good collection here - a bit of theology, and some challenging philosophical questions raised. There are also thought provoking posts on how to live our Christian lives, and some very practical ones about managing money! So without delay, here’s the 251st Christian Carnival!
CHRISTIAN LIVING
♣ Unsolicited Advice @ Christianity Lived Out
Personally, I can’t stand unsolicited advice. But when Applied Christianity from Christianity Lived Out mentions a number of figures from the Bible who did precisely that, it caught my attention.
♣ Giving Glory @ The Life I Now Live
There is an epidemic spreading among believers, says Minister Mamie L. Pack. This illness can block blessings and sever a relationship with Christ without you even major symptoms. Is there a cure?
♣ Blind to Sin @ Chasing the Wind
Christians tend to think it’s the non-believers that sin, but we’re fooling ourselves. We have a blind spot. If we could recognize it, we could acknowledge it, then address it. How did David react when Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba? Was David blind to his own sin?
♣ Thinking and Thought @ Pseudo-Polymath.
“The Christian faith is based on ideas, ideas like Trinity (the relational nature of God), Sacraments, and Theosis. These ideas are in some sense, likely, more real than we are…”
♣ We Can’t See It @ A Sower’s Heart.
Do disasters in our lives have God’s hand in it? asks A Sower.
ISSUES
♣ Gabriel Murdi : A Glorious Life cut Short @ Emorevoke’s Weblog
Voke Emore relates the shocking death of Gabriel Murdi, who was refused medical treatment because of flaws in Nigeria’s public sector.
♣ An answer to “Why believe in God?” @ A True Believer’s Blog.
Wickle talks about the “new atheism” movement, and the ads on buses saying, “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness’ sake!” This week, Wickle answers those who challenge the people he rebuked last week. The irony is not lost on him.
♣ Doing the Right Thing @ Journey Across the Sky.
After watching the movie, Amazing Grace, I share Allen Scott’s thoughts on how hard it is to do something right when it is acceptable to do the wrong thing. Says Scott: “Being salt and light to a tasteless, dark world is the responsibility of the church and those who call upon the name of the Lord. It is our heritage, our cross, our mission, and yes it is our duty to our fellow citizens.”
MONEY MATTERS
♣ What Truly Matters by Free Money Finance
Our use of money can affect our relationships … and vice versa. Living within our means doesn’t have to be a tough choice, says FMF. It could actually be a relationship nourishing one, and one suitable for financially troubled times like these!
♣ Christmas Shopping Credit Deals by Money Blue Book
Christmas is just a few weeks away and instead of burning a hole in your pocket, Raymond recommends that you use some good deals out there.
♣ Tithing on Gross vs. Net - What Exactly is Gross Income? posted at The Real Estate Investing Journey.
Now that was a question I asked myself before! JCL explains why its necessary to tithe your gross income.
WORD THOUGHTS
♣ Fathom Deep: Sounding the Depths of God: I Need A Spiritual Haircut! by Fathom Deep: Sounding the Depths of God.
Blind to Sin by Chasing the Wind
Christians tend to think it’s the non-believers that sin, but we’re fooling ourselves. We have a blind spot. If we could recognize it, we could acknowledge it, then address it. How did David react when Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba? Was David blind to his own sin?
♣ Thinking and Thought @ Pseudo-Polymath.
“The Christian faith is based on ideas, ideas like Trinity (the relational nature of God), Sacraments, and Theosis. These ideas are in some sense, likely, more real than we are…”
♣ Dining with harlots posted at dokeo kago grapho soi kratistos Theophilos.
Jesus certainly liked shock therapy, said Richard H. Anderson.
♣ Fathom Deep: Sounding the Depths of God: I Need A Spiritual Haircut! @ Fathom Deep: Sounding the Depths of God.
Tiffany Partin likens God’s pruning of our character to a hair cut - and I have to agree with her. I do feel like a new woman after each hair cut!
BOOKS
♣ Bart Ehrman’s Master Argument @ Parableman.
Jeremy Pierce pens thoughts on Bart Ehrman’s bestselling Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why.
♣ Excerpt from The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs @ Trivium Pursuit.<
An exerpt from Burroughs’ book.
