For those of you who know me, you’re going to be saying “what in the world is he doing writing about women’s softball. Well—read this article and check out the video:

As much as I hope I never see the Yankees carry a Red Sox player around the bases—this is not professional sports, and yet something real was at stake in the lives of these young women. They set their playoff hopes aside to act in a way that should put anyone to shame who has ever passed up the opportunity to help another at their own personal expense. Sometimes, we see small shining examples of how our young people rise to the top, doing something tangible that brings honor to our society. Sports are such a huge part of our cultural development in this country, and although Baseball is more commonly identified as the all-American pastime—for many, Softball is a fine alternative. Clearly, the values instilled through athletic participation sweep across all sports.

Don’t be alarmed, I won’t be giving up my favorite sport—hockey—anytime soon (are you watching the Stanley Cup run?). But I have to give these young women credit for showing us—even if for just one day’s worth of news—how small acts can send big messages.

We interrupt our normally scheduled programming for a brief announcement: HERE WE GO AGAIN…not just another wild sci-fi fantasy or provocative thriller from Verhoeven (Total Recall, Robocop, Starship Troopers, Basic Instinct) but another wild claim about Jesus which could very well be a sci-fi fantasy or provocative work of fiction…

In terms of the historical method of criticism, very few texts can hold up as well as the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The quality of manuscripts, location identified in relation to the events, and the date of authorship relative to the date of the happenings are more closely linked in the case of the New Testament texts than even accounts of Alexander the Great (considered to be unquestionable history).

So, why do works keep popping up that question the historical authenticity of the gospel accounts? It’s all about worldview—without Christ, there is no accountability to His call. Paul sums it up best in 2 Corinthians 4:3-5.

One thing that I find perplexing, that never seems to be questioned in these stories: Why do supposedly scholarly people talk about “proving” or “disproving” some historical event “scientifically”? History is not a chemical reaction or physical property that can be repeated in a lab. The best way to be critical of history is not by using the scientific method, but rather the historical method. When done properly, the bible is without a doubt one of the most reliable and provable resources of true historical fact that anyone can turn to.

For more reading on the subject, I highly recommend these two resources:

Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

The Case for the Real Jesus by Lee Strobel

AJ Rinaldi speaks with Dan Southern, who served over 18 years as a Crusade organizer with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In that role he traveled extensively, speaking and preparing community leaders for the crusades. Following his work with Billy Graham, Dan spent twelve years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Tract Society during which time he wrote several impactful pieces.

In addition to his work in evangelism, Dan enjoys speaking on the topics of leadership and discipleship, and has recently published a devotional book called “The Message of Leadership”.

Currently, Dan is the president of Stephen Baldwin’s Breakthrough Ministries, or BTM; a multi-faceted, cutting edge outreach program that includes skateboarding, BMX, motocross, live music and multimedia entertainment.

In 1984, I discovered a whole new type of music that literally “rocked” my world (pardon the pun). A friend gave me the Stryper EP - Yellow and Black Attack, and it blew me away. Never before had I heard Christian music that was so culturally significant. I was, as many were in that day, a student of hard rock and heavy metal. As a guitarist, I played in several bands growing up that specialized in covering the genre of that day; Def Leppard, Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, etc. Stryper was not only as good, but even better in many ways. Their musical talent was without question, and the lyrics had a sincere spiritual impact on me. Interestingly, they were somewhat ridiculed by the secular rock world, while vilified by conservative Christians. Of course Stryper is only one example of many, but the point is that here was an art form being used to glorify God rather than the world, and the artists performing it were being attacked on multiple fronts. Today, we have seen the same dynamic occur in the Hip-Hop subculture movement.

As a genre, Hip-Hop has been linked to the “gangsta” counter-culture movement, criticized for its denigration of women and any ethnic group, and in general loathed or feared by those who are outside of its’ influence. So, naturally, those within the walls of the church have had a tendency to close their ears and minds to this form of entertainment and the sub-culture it spawned. In a note of confession, I am including myself in that unfortunate assessment. However, for me that would certainly be hypocrisy. Just as bands like Stryper worked to redeem the art form (and sub-culture) of Heavy Metal and use its’ impact for God’s glory, there are talented Hip-Hop artists today making great art with the potential to impact many people with the gospel. They too are sometimes jeered by the secular Hip-Hop movement, while vilified by well-meaning Christians.

If we are truly seeking to redeem our culture, doesn’t that include sub-culture, and shouldn’t we learn to understand and relate to those sub-cultures? Read the rest of this entry »

I have seen an advanced screening of the film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, and it is amazing!!! Every thinking person must see this movie! Not only is the information very compelling, but the way in which it is presented is engaging and keeps you interested. It is no secret that documentaries can be either boring - or - largely fictitious and contrived (as is the case with one very well-known “documentarian”); however, neither is the case with Expelled.

I am pleased to be able to reprint this article about the upcoming movie written by one of our great friends; Dr. Ray Bohlin - the President of Probe Ministries.

Editor’s (Probe) Note: In the land of the free, who would dream of well-reputed scholars—even tenured ones—being expelled from their own institutions? But those who dare to even cite evidence contrary to Darwinian evolution (www.redeeemingdarwin.com) are often pilloried, even terminated. A new documentary, featuring actor, lawyer, economist, former presidential speechwriter and author Ben Stein, blows the whistle on this travesty of academic and scientific freedom…

Most Christians would admit to feeling persecuted in one way or another. Read the rest of this entry »