Poll Everywhere

This looks like an incredible tool for presentations. You allow people to respond to you on the fly, and the results are instantly added to your presentation. Pretty cool!

PollEverywhere.com

Corrupted Bible

Though I like a lot of the Apple products, I'm certainly not oblivious to the fact that they have their shortcomings. My friend Charlie leaned over to me Sunday morning at Church to show me what happened when he was trying to load a passage on his eBible program. Not an encouraging message.

Giving Tree

I just really get a kick out of this picture. And I grew up liking the book.

Last Will and Testament of Springfield Presbytery

In 1803, some ministers, including Barton W. Stone, withdrew from the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky over some controversial teachings that these men were espousing. They formed the Springfield Presbytery, only to decide that all forms of denominationalism and division are contrary to the will of God. So they disbanded on June 28, 1804. In doing so, they all signed a document called the Last Will and Testament of Springfield Presbytery. In this document they laid out many principles that have continued to be central to what developed into the American Restoration Movement, from which Churches of Christ, Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ), and Independent Christian Churches evolved.

I've been researching a lot recently at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. Their director of research, Mac Ice, gave me a copy of an 1808 reprinting of the LW&T. It was in the form of a 1-page pamphlet. Though it can be copied, there are a lot of stains and scratches (not to mention a tiny font) that make it hard to read. I wanted to try and recreate this document as closely as possible in a PDF format for anyone to download and print. If you are ever involved in a class pertaining to Restoration history, I believe this is a great handout to have people look over and discuss. Why not assign several groups of 2 or 3 a different Item to read, then talk about?

I think the study of history is very important, and am always interested in how we can help people get in touch with what all has happened in the past in relevant ways. You can download this document here.

For You Fans of Photography

They've developed some new technology where you can focus your picture after you take it. Pretty amazing. That would have sure been handy in a lot of the old family photos. That would also help at sporting events where you're trying to take pictures through fences.

Check out the link.

Best Stump Speech Ever

I don't think I've ever seen a more intense plea for a nomination than this guy's. Wow. Rather unfortunate that we share some of the political leanings.

A Big Milestone for Me: My First Book

Now that it is actually in publication, I am pleased to announce that my first book is available for purchase. It is part of the brand new Flex curriculum published by 21st Century Christian.

Many churches consider curriculum, but for decades, curriculum has been on a set rotation of subjects that are only available at specified times. They have now produced a set of a la carte curriculum that is simply available to you whenever you want it. They have 2 options so far, with 2 more coming in August, and they will continue to add to the options in the upcoming months.

The advantage of this is that they are keeping the costs down, so as opposed to buying everyone a $16 book for your Bible class, you can get everyone one of these at $3.75 each.

My book is called The Story of God's People, and it is a very panoramic look at all of Biblical history from pre-creation up to what Scripture teaches about the end of time.

This comes from a class I taught at Old Hickory. I made a series of sophisticated handouts--if I may toot my own horn, which I pitched to 21st Century Christian. They told me that with a little reworking of the format, they wanted to publish them. I sincerely hope that this book will be a blessing to people; especially to those who want to understand more about how the Bible fits together.

I would be flattered to have you take a look at it. It is available here.

Dick Cheney Has No Pulse

No, seriously. Some kind of new heart technology. Dick Cheney actually doesn't have a pulse any more. That is bound to be some good fodder for the late night comedians.

Friday Smiles: Pet Food

Friday Smiles: High Five