Ten Religious Books That Influenced Me

Yesterday (Monday) I wrote two posts.  The second one was my "Passing the Torch" article.  Go back and read that if you missed it and be sure to read the other articles I linked to.  The first post yesterday concerned ten books that are among my favorite non-religious books. Today, I am sharing a list of Ten Religious Books that Influenced Me.  You will notice that I did not include the Bible in this list.  The Bible is by far the most important of all the religious books I read, but for this list, I wanted to include books by men and not the Book of Books by God.

1. Old Light on New Worship - John Price
2. Biblical Eldership - Alexander Strauch
3. Jesus and the Victory of God - N. T. Wright
4. What Did Saint Paul Really Say - N. T. Wright
5. The Gospel According to Jesus - John MacArthur
6. Living Jesus - Luke Timothy Johnson
7. The End Times - Russell Boatman
8. Is the Holy Spirit for Me - Harvey Floyd
9. Showtime - Dan Chambers
10. The God Who Risks - John Sanders

Honorable Mention -
- Twelve Ordinary Men - John MacArthur
- The God of the Towel - Jim McGuiggan
- Adrift - Phil Sanders
- Saddlebags, City Streets, and Cyberspace - Michael Cassey

Keep Reading and Keep Growing

Scott

Mosaic Bible -NLT

Thanks to Tim Archer for hooking me up with the Holy Bible Mosaic from Tyndale House. I picked up my copy last Thursday and immediately began leafing through the pages. Before this particular Bible I had not read much from the New Living Translation (NLT) other than quotes in blogs and bulletins. (More on the NLT later).

There are things I really like about this Bible:

1. The Advent Mosaic study system will be fun for me. I am looking forward to learning more about the so-called "Christian Calendar." In the Restoration Movement, we do not observe this calendar, so I am mostly unfamiliar with it. My hope in going through this year long study to is gain better insight into the viewpoint of other religious people. I plan to begin with the first week's devotional four weeks before Christmas, as suggested by the guide. I may sneak a few of the more interesting studies into the blog.
2. Friday evening I read through Timothy and Titus. Saturday, I started reading Hosea. I am going to like the NLT for a "reading Bible." The translation model the translators follow make for easy understanding in modern context.
3. The artwork throughout the Advent Mosaic is impressive. My 12 year old son enjoyed thumbing through the artwork. His comment was that the older art is better than the contemporary -- I knew he had discerning tastes.

The only issue I have concerns the NLT's translation of some passages. In my selected reading so far, I get the impression that in the attempt to translate "thought for thought" from Hebrew and Greek into contemporary English sometimes leans toward a paraphrase and misses the point the original writers intended. This is why this will become a "reading" Bible and not one I would preach from regularly.

Scott

A Turning Point Phrase

In the context of Matthew 26, the Chief priests plot against Jesus as to how they might trap and destroy Him. Meanwhile; Jesus is at Simon the former Leper's house where Simon is hosting a feast in honor of Jesus. Not only is Simon there, but also Lazarus who used to be dead. During the meal a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive oil. Judas offended by the "wastefulness of this act" seeks to betray Him.

The scene changes and Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples. During the meal, Jesus reveals His betrayal. He also establishes the Lord's Supper and tells Peter “you will deny me three times.”

As the narrative moves along, Jesus goes to garden to pray where Judas arrives, with a mob in tow, and he betrays Jesus with a kiss.

Matthew records the events surrounding Jesus' garden prayer in Matt 26:36-46. As you read this passage focus on Matt 26:39:

Jesus' soul is “VERY sorrowful." As a man He needed His friends near Him and praying for Him and with Him, yet they repeatedly fell asleep. Jesus prays, “If it is possible let this cup pass . . .” Could we conclude that Jesus does not want to die such a death? The physical, human part of Jesus does not want to die this way. As Jesus prays, our eternal salvation literally hangs in the balance of His prayer. Although He knows our need for salvation, and desires along with the Father for man to have salvation, Jesus wants to do this differently.

At this point, Jesus utters a word which changes everything for Him. Jesus simply says, “NEVERTHELESS, not my will but Yours be done.” --- "Nevertheless," what a word! What a concept! What love! Jesus would submit not to His own wishes, hopes, or happiness, but to the will of God the Father.

"Nevertheless!" The world needs this attitude toward God. Our Nation needs this attitude toward God. Our State, our community, and churches need this attitude toward God. You and I – we need this attitude toward God. Peter says in 1 Peter 4:1-2, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God" (ESV - emphasis mine: SMc).

How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your worship? How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your daily living?

My challenge -- Live "Nevertheless" for God!

Scott

Revelation and Perseverance

Monday I attended an area preacher's meeting at 6th Avenue church of Christ in Jasper, Alabama. Levi Sides and Vance Hutton both handed each of us a stack of outlines to study. One of these outlines is an old outline of Revelation based on the idea of perseverance. I am going to have to take time to study this outline more, but I thought you might enjoy it as well.

Revelation: Perseverance Challenged!
I. Perseverance challenged with earthly trials (Rev 1-11)
A. Christ's presence encourages perseverance (Rev 1-3)
B. The world's persecutions threaten perseverance (Rev 4-7)
C. God's judgments strengthen perseverance (Rev 8-11)

II. Perseverance challenged with spiritual conflict (Rev 12-22)
A. Perseverance is needed because of the great conflict between good and evil. (Rev 12-14)
B. Perseverance marks those who are truly God's children (Rev 15-16)
C. Perseverance triumphs over persecution, deceit, and worldliness (Rev 17-19)
D. Perseverance will stand triumphant in eternity (Rev 20-22)

Blessed is the one that OVERCOMES!

Scott

Thanks for Dropping In

This map shows the locations of recent visitors to the Morning Drive. All I can say is wow! Who knew that someone writing about his thoughts as he drives from an Alabama town of 900 people to a town of 1,200 could attract the attention of people so far away.

I am really not surprised; the wide range has very little to do with my ability or inability to write. The power is in the Word of God that has relevance to all creation.

Thanks to all who stop by -- spread the Word.

Do You Love Like Jesus?

Jesus loved the Heavenly Father - Matt 22:36-37. Do you and I love the Lord with ALL of our heart, soul, and strength, or do we love Him just a little more than self?

Jesus loved the Word of God - Matt 24:35. Do you and I spend as much time listening or reading God's word as we do to the emails, blogs, and updates of our online friends and family?

Jesus loved Prayer - He was a man of prayer, there are many instances we read of Him going off to pray. Do you and I take time out of our day to talk with God?

Jesus loved Lost Souls - Luke 19:10. He loved the lost enough to sacrifice himself for them. Do you and I love them enough to tell them about God's offer in Christ?

Jesus loved the Church - Eph 5:25. Jesus gave His life for the Church, His Bride. Do we love the church or do we find excuses not to be around

Six Step Evangelism

On the back leaf of my Bible there is a six step plan of evangelism. I wrote it down while taking notes on a sermon delivered by one of my mentors and instructors, the late Wendell Winkler. Here is what I wrote:

1. Make a list of five prospects. Prospects can relatives, co-workers, friends, people you contact daily.
2. Pray for them daily. Pray for their health, pray that the door of opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with them will be opened and that you will recognize that open door.
3. Underline the most receptive person on your prospect list.
4. Set aside one evening a week to set-up and conduct studies.
5. Approach the underlined prospect and study with them if they are willing.
6. Add a new name to the list.

Give it a try!

Scott

Up!

The original version of this came to my computer via email. I do not know who sat down to think through this, but I appreciate this observation about our American English language. If you appreciate the nuances of language you will enjoy this post on: How do non-natives ever learn all the nuances of American English?

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is "UP." It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers, and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning, but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for a while, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so ... Time to hush UP, pull my chair UP to my desk, open UP my Bible and study.

But first, you might want to recall when the disciples witnessed Jesus' ascension into heaven - "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Act 1:9-11 - ESV).

Keep looking UP to God; Send your prayers UP before Him; Keep UP your faithful service; and when He returns you will join UP with Him to be with Him always (1 Thess 4:13-18.)

A Lesson Learned

More years ago than I care to remember, I was in my first internship as a minister, during the summer of 1986 between my Freshman and Sophomore years at Faulkner. I was working with a church in Calhoun, GA and was gaining great experience. I made some good friends that summer I was only 19 and the youth group had 18 and 19 year old students participating. Admittedly I was more of a peer than a minister. One of the 19 year old students was Kevin, who introduced me to real Mexican food. Kevin and I took one morning to go visit with a younger teen who was struggling with family and life in general. On the way we passed a public lake. Kevin wanted to go fishing for half an hour or so. I did not mind being on a lake, Kevin had Georgia fishing license, I did not; I agreed to be the motor on a rented row boat. We stopped in the middle of the lake and talked as he wet a hook and drowned a few crickets. On the way back to shore, he was taking a turn at the oars. I picked up his rod and reel, feeling it in my hands, it had a nice weight and balance. Without bait on the hook, I thought it would be safe to cast -- just once. I put my arm back and gave it a quick toss and reeled in as quickly as I could.

What I did not see, was the Game Warden sitting in his truck watching the lake. When we came to shore, he asked to see our license. That was an expensive $150 lesson.

Here is what I learned.
1. My desires led to a mistake. "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (Jas 1:13-15).

2. Avoiding situations that provide temptation to sin (break the law) is a great way to avoid sinning.

I pray you can learn from my mistake.

Scott

Your Attention Please

Driving a highway near Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, I saw what looked like an International Scout parked in a field. Then I noticed that a couple of "Hillbilly Hounds" were enjoying a drive of their own. Alright, it was a prop to get the attention of tourists and in my case it worked, but I think I have seen those same fellows (or their kin) driving around my county! I thought it was funny and had Amy take this picture when we drove back by.

That does make me wonder what gets and keeps our attention. Not far from Mammoth Cave is Bowling Green, KY where GM makes the Corvette. There is also a Museum nearby dedicated to the history of the Corvette. It was a good visit. Do sports cars, luxury cars, expensive cars grab your attention. I knew a couple who placed a picture of a certain luxury car on their refrigerator as a goal that one day they would be able to afford that car.

Some of us dream of exotic vacations; others value fame. These things and other things of the world pull at us gaining our attention. Recently, the world stood still for a funeral of an entertainer, while somewhere a Gold Star Mother quietly buried her son who died in the cause of freedom. For her son there was no gold casket, no parade of music and movie stars, just a lonely trumpet playing taps as a seven guns fired three rounds each. Fame, fortune, talent, and glamor attract those in the world.

What grabs your attention? Do you notice people praying in restaurants? Do you look forward to spending time with God in prayer or in study? What is the focus of your life?

VBS 2010

Coming Soon to Parrish Church of Christ.

There you have it -- VBS 2010 -- Journey into Egypt. "Alabama Scott" (a cousin of Indiana Jones) was present Thursday night to make the announcement. "Bama," as he is called, promised to send a video as soon as the camera crew, directors, location finders, production team, and editors get busy. For now you will have to wait. But a video COMING SOON to a YouTube outlet near you! (this film has not yet been rated)

Our Fifth Marvelous Hero!

What a great VBS. Attendance was good all week. Thanks to all who had a part in VBS! Without our teachers, cooks, registrars, helpers, decorators, counters, and on and on and on and on, VBS could not happen! THANK YOU!

Our last hero is the apostle Paul. We called Paul a weak hero. Paul writes of some of his weaknesses in 2 Cor 11:23-39, "Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?" All his suffering plus his physical limitations (2 Cor 12:7?) could have caused him to make excuses, but he knew he was strong because of God in Christ (Phil 4:13).

Paul also calls himself the least of the apostles and the chiefest of sinners. He humbly admits to weakness as a sinner who can only rely on the strength that comes from God.

The story is told of a young boy who lost his left arm in a rural farm accident. His parents enrolled him in a Judo class hoping he could relearn some confidence. The instructor taught him what he could and what a boy with one arm could learn. He taught him one particular throw and had the boy practice it over and over until he perfected it. The story goes on to reveal the boy became champion at the next tournament, defeating opponents who had trained for years. When he asked why with one move he could defeat all the more experienced martial artists his instructor replied -- "your one move can only be defended by grabbing the left arm." The boys weakness became a strength when he listened to and obeyed his master. Hhmmm?

Fourth Marvelous Hero - Esther

166 at VBS last night! We have had four great nights of VBS and I am looking forward to tonight as we wrap up VBS 2009 and announce our theme for VBS 2010. Now on to today's hero . . .

Esther. Esther was a young Hebrew girl raised by her cousin in exile. Eventually, Artaxerxes, King of Persia is in need of a new queen. He decides to launch a year-long competition to select his new queen. Esther is eventually chosen to be that queen.

Yet, this is not the answer to her people's plight. There is an enemy at the gate or to be more specific, the enemy is at the king's side -- Haman by name. Haman despises the Jews, specifically because Mordecai (Esther's cousin) would not bow to him.

Haman, in retribution, convinces Artaxerxes to declare the elimination of the Jews. Mordecai learns of the plan and eventually convinces Esther to go before the king at her own great peril and speak for her people. She does and after a couple of dinner parties, tells the king her life and the life of her people is in danger because of Haman. The king turns on Haman and God through Esther saves his people.

There is a very interesting statement in Esther 4:13-14. Here Mordecai sends word to Esther concerning her hesitation to go before the king. "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (ESV). This is a statement of God's ways and means.

Joey Sparks spoke the adults about Esther and in a very eloquent way discussed our tendency to ascribe things to God and His plan for us that God may not be specifically concerned about. Notice what Mordecai says to Esther " . . . if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place . . ." Mordecai was not 100% sure Esther was the one, but he knew she had to try. Sometimes we say or think, "this is God's plan." You may be right or you may not be. The lesson is this: God's plan is for me to always do what is right and to serve Him in my life, whatever I might do and where ever I might be.

What are your reactions to Esther? Mordecai? Haman?

Third Marvelous Hero - Gideon

163 people attended VBS last night. This is our biggest VBS crowd this year. We are trying to break 175 tonight -- come and join us.

This morning I am thrilled to report that at the battle for the fertile valley, Gideon's army defeated the Midianites saving Israel from 7 years of oppression.

For seven long years the army of Midian and the armies of the east would march through the valley, destroying crops and killing livestock. So devastating were the raids that them people of Ephraim of Israel would take to the hills and hide in caves while the enemy destroyed their livelihood. They felt powerless and cried out to God.

God answered by sending a warrior judge named Gideon. Gideon gathers 32,000 men of war to go against Midian. God is not impressed. God does not what Gideon and Israel to think their show of force has anything to do with victory. Pride had previously and repeatedly led Israel to sin and not trust God. This is why they suffered their current crisis. God tells Gideon to release from duty all who are afraid to go to war. 22,000 desert and go home. 22,000 realize that Midian is a strong foe and do not want to risk their lives for the good of the nation. Gideon and God survey the remaining force of 10,000.

Too many for God. He has Gideon take them to the brook to drink. Those that put their faces in the water like an animal are sent home. Those that apparently cup their hands and pull a drink to their mouth are told to stay. 9,700 go home, leaving Gideon and army of 300. (I heard one preacher suggest that these were 300 hundred who had something to prove, they did not leave when they had the chance, and they were not very bright -- they thought they could hold water in their hands.) I am not sure why God chose this particular 300, but He did.

The battle plan is simple. Three groups of 100 divide and take sides around the enemy camp. Each carries a horn, an empty pitcher, and a torch. At Gideon's command each is to break the pitcher, blow the horn, shout "The sword of the Lord and Gideon!" while revealing their torches.

This maneuver confuses the enemy who must think they are surrounded. When they flee the scene the men of Ephraim come down from their hiding in the hills and help in the battle. Israel is again victorious.

What are the lessons:
1. When I am on God's side I am not alone, because God is with me.
2. When a few stand up for God, others will follow their example to fight the foe.

What are some other lessons from Gideon?

VBS Marvelous Hero 2

Night two of VBS is behind us, and what a great night it was. 153 children, teens, and adults attended last night's classes. Thanks again to all who help make this week great.

Today's featured story is about a young boy who acted heroically. His name is David and he brought down a literal giant of an enemy. The battle proven Israelites along with their taller than average king let fear stop them from fighting Goliath and the Philistines. Fear caused them to run away and hide. Fear caused them to accost one who stood alone saying they could defeat Goliath. Fear led Israel to approach the battle without God.

David however was different. David had FAITH. This faith in God gave him courage to go to battle with Goliath. This faith led him to run to meet the enemy. This faith led to victory because he wen to battle with God.

Lesson 1: Approach the giants in your life not fearfully, but with Faith that the battle is the Lord's.

Scott

* The statues of David and Goliath are the creation of teacher's Rick & Gina Wade.

Top Signs You Are Not Reading Your Bible Enough

This list developed from a group of friends on Twitter and a post from House to House Heart to Heart ( http://tinyurl.com/crnsm5 ). There were many more posted, but I limited this blog to twenty. I tried to give credit to those who sent them in.

20. You think Tim LaHeye and Jerry B. Jenkins wrote Revelation. (joeysparks)

19. The Bible you recieved at High School Graduation 5 years ago still has pages stuck together. (jrmatheny)

18. You find it under 6 months of Readers Digests and TV Guides. (scottmccown)

17. The binding cracks and breaks when you open it. (jrmatheny)

16. The Preacher calls out Hezekiah 3:6 for his text and you look for it among the minor prophets. (scottmccown)

15. You think, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is in Proverbs. (GallagherPreach)

14. You think Mel Gibson wrote a Gospel called the "Passion of Christ." (GallagherPreach)

13. You think Sleepy, Doc, and Grumpy were among the twelve apsotles. (TimothyArcher)

12. You complain to the publisher that Numbers should be spelled with a "3" not an "e". (faughfamily)

11. You think the Minor Prophets worked in the rock quarries (or were not good enough for the Majors) (joeysparks)

10. The preacher announces the the sermon text is from Genesis and you check the table of contents. (HousetoHouseHTH)

9. You've heard of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and think they may have had a few hits in the 60's or 70's.

8. You are mad because you cannot find Charelton Heston in the table of contents or the concordance. (HousetoHouseHTH)

7. You think Numbers is a gambler's handbook. (jrmatheny)

6. You turn to Psalms and a WWII savings bond falls out. (HousetoHouseHTH)

5. You think Jezebel is a wonderful name for your baby daughter.(faughfamily)

4. You catch your preteen son reading Song of Solomon and you demand, "Who gave this to you?" (faughfamily)

3. You tell your children bedtime Bible story about King Ahab and a great whale. (scottmccown)

2. When asked who your favorite Old Testament character is you answer, "Hercules." (HousetoHouseHTH)

1. You bet on the outcome of the Battle of Jericho and lose. (joeysparks)

Do you have any to add? Keep it going and keep reading your Bible!