I burned my right index finger on the toaster the other day. Man, did that smart. It might not have been so bad if I hadn’t kept aggravating it. Do you know how many moves in everyday life require an uninjured right index finger? It was on the very tip to boot. The typing tip. And I’m a writer. That means every j, u, n, m, h and y was painful, not to mention my 6’s and 7’s. There are heroic people who deal with real challenges every day, of course—nothing like my wimpy one. The difference … [Read more...]
HINKLE: Don’t let envy be our poison ivy
I love yard work. I never lack amazement at the grandeur of God’s creation – even in my rocky backyard. But amidst the beauty of it all, I do not understand it all. For example, I have yet to discover any value in poison ivy. Once I get a little, it quickly turns into a lot – of misery. The spreading blisters and itching can last for weeks. I’m itching now, just thinking about it. It is the same way with poison envy. I say poison because envy is just that to our lives. Once it gets on us … [Read more...]
Questions for Proof of Heaven’s author
Christian apologetics is more than being ready to give an answer to anyone who asks a reason for the hope in us (1 Pet. 3:15). Sometimes it means asking tough questions of those who deny – or sincerely misunderstand – the Christian faith. A case in point is Eben Alexander, a celebrated neurosurgeon who recently granted an interview with FoxNews.com’s online magazine. Alexander knows a great deal about the human brain, and for years he used that knowledge to refute claims by those who said … [Read more...]
‘Says who — using words of grace’
Whenever someone is working really hard to make a solid argument on an issue they’re passionate about, it’s easy to get frustrated. I always advise against trying to turn the argument around with “I’m rubber and you’re glue.” “Says you” doesn’t really do much for a person’s believability either. And anytime I’m trying to defuse a heated discussion, I try to remember that “I know you are but what am I” is not the best way to go either. I might opt for “takes one to know one” except that I … [Read more...]
ROB PHILLIPS: The ultimate role model: Jesus or Muhammad?
Muslims have a high regard for Jesus. They believe He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and spoke prophetic truth. He is in heaven today and is poised to return triumphantly to earth. Yet it is Muhammad to whom Muslims pin their hopes. While they confess Jesus as a prophet, they say Muhammad is the greatest of Allah’s messengers and the one through whom Allah chose to reveal supreme truth in the Qur’an. Therefore, Muhammad, not Jesus, is the ultimate role … [Read more...]
HINKLE: Welcome new readers to The Pathway’s 2nd decade
Ten years ago this month the first print edition of The Pathway rolled off the presses for a few thousand paid subscribers. They were mostly pastors and leaders within the conservative movement known as Project 1000 that saved the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) from theological liberalism and created The Pathway. God has blessed The Pathway ministry because of the prayers of Missouri Southern Baptists and its faithfulness to His Word. The Pathway’s founding verse, Jeremiah 6:16 (“Stand … [Read more...]
YEATS: Ziglar-isms from a man who lived out his faith
On Nov. 28, a very special man went home to be with his Lord. I call him veryspecial because his wit and passion have indelibly made their mark on the canvases of our lives. Zig Ziglar, “America’s Motivator,” was a unique Christian man who was one of the most popular speakers in business circles until declining health caused him to stay closer to home. Some of his quotables or Ziglar-isms worth repeating are: • If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred, you’ll never end up with a nag. • … [Read more...]
Paul and James in Thunderdome
I like to watch certain films again and again no matter how many times I have seen them. My list of honey-please-back-away-from-the-remote movies includes “Gladiator,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “The Outlaw Josie Wales,” and just about any 007 film. Oh, and don’t forget the Mad Max trilogy starring Mel Gibson. One of my favorite scenes in the third film features Max squaring off against a brutal, masked bodyguard named Blaster in Thunderdome, a caged orb in which the only rule is: “Two men … [Read more...]
JOHN YEATS: Suggestions concerning end-of-the-year giving
The sands in the annual hourglass have just about made their way into 2013. The end of 2012 may be one of the best years ever for end-of-year giving. Those with modest or significant assets are insecure about changes coming to the world of personal finances due to the friction in Washington, D.C. However, this year there are some great opportunities to invest in spreading the gospel and receive the maximum benefit. For example, there are always bold opportunities to give to your local … [Read more...]
DON HINKLE: Give others Christmas gifts, give money to Lottie Moon
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 My wife, Bernadette, and I were recently debating what to give family members for Christmas. Of course, one of the options is always money, something no doubt people could use as they please, particularly in these difficult economic times. By doing so, the reasoning goes, they can buy whatever they want or need. After all, it is the thought that counts. Perhaps I am becoming … [Read more...]
When the clothes make the man?
Glass-half-full person. Glass-half-empty person. I tend to be more of a dribble whatever’s in the glass down my shirt person. It’s always best if I try to coordinate whatever I’m wearing with the meal of the moment. That’s one big reason I so want a chocolate suit. My husband? We should always buy him shirts made of ink. Spots under the pocket wouldn’t be spots. They would just be, well, more shirt. They say the clothes make the man. If that’s true, Richie’s clothes make him … INK MAN. Yet … [Read more...]
What a Christian worldview of politics looks like
Editors’ note: This is the first of a four-part series on a Christian worldview. The series will hopefully inform, provoke thought, generate feedback and serve as a call to action. This first article briefly attempts to define “worldview” and then examines the importance of having a Christian worldview when it comes to public policy (politics). I have heard younger evangelicals, the Gen Xers and the Millennials, declare their frustration over being defined as “one-issue Christians” (that … [Read more...]