Mar 03 2009
Potpourri
I must share some new findings with you. While the focus of this blog, to date, has been a Bible study format, I have decided to expand a little. As a result, I am going to try to add a few ‘potpourri’ items now and then - links to other interesting sites and items of interest to a Christian seeking to please their Master in today’s culture. Furthermore I may add some more book reviews, and I certainly intend to include some tidbits from my own Christian book readings.
It is not my intent to take the focus off Bible study. That is and will be my number one theme because we cannot live a godly life in an ungoldly world unless we are feeding at least daily on His word.
However, up to this point, the content of this blog has rested upon my shoulders. You have benefitted, or not, from my studies. You have learned, or not, based on how clearly I have been able to present the truth of Scripture which God is applying to my heart.
Recently, however, I have found two more blogs which I think are worth sharing. While I feel, sadly, many Christian blogs are little more than a collection of ramblings with little meat and less continuity, these two blogs have challenged me - and, Lord willing, will continue to do so.
The first is a by Tim Challies. Tim’s blog is actually the source of the rest which I will share. Not only is this blog of the highest caliber (in my opinion), it is also a GREAT source for other useful, encouraging, and challenging material.
One of my favorite findings on Tim’s blog is his ongoing book review. Not only has he read and reviewed (with his readers) some fantastic books, he is just starting another so I am going to jump in. Thus you will be hearing about A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in this Country Contrasted With Real Christianity by William Wilberforce. (With a name like that it has to be good. Right!)
Right now we are reading the introduction. If you would like to join in, you can read the book electronically on books.google.com. The first review takes place on March 5th. I have no doubt you will get something from what I learn. However, I also have little doubt you would get more if you participated on Tim’s blog.
The second is a blog by Lydia Brownback. Lydia’s blog The Purple Cellar is “a blog for Christian women zealous for God’s glory, and anyone else who would like to visit.”
I must admit, even if I weren’t drawn in by the blog’s picture and Lydia’s profile, the link which Tim provided to this blog would have been enough. Lydia’s March 2nd post deals with a subject near and dear to my heart - hospitality. Take a read. I suspect you will be enlightened, encouraged, and energized (if not convicted)!
The third is a link to a free trial of the ESV online version. Quite frankly I’m behind the times. I had no idea what the ESV was, nor had I any idea of the online offering. However, I am more than impressed. I am thrilled. Based on a cursory overview, this looks like a wonderful Bible study aid! Crossway is offering this free trial for the month of March. To find out more, head to the Crossway site.
The final thing is a free Christian audio book. Not only is this an ongoing monthly offer from Christian Audio Books, but the book offered this month sounds very interesting. In fact, I’m downloading it as I speak. Granted, I do not know the author, but that is half the intrigue since from the book’s review he sounds quite well-rounded and thorough.
Enjoy!
