Sunday, January 27, 2008

Two Ways to Live

[kristie here]

Have you ever come across something and thought "where has this been all my life?" You know, something that makes you wonder how you managed to live without it for all these years?

Here's a recent one for me: Two Ways to Live. I'm telling you, it's the best kept secret (unless you already know about it of course). In brief - Two Ways to Live is the greatest evangelistic tool on the planet.

John recently brought home a Two Ways tract, and I read it one night before bed. And then I felt really stupid. How could I have lived the Christian life so long without a clear way of presenting the gospel to others? Yes, I know the Romans road. Yes, I've shared my faith before and it hasn't been disastrous. But I've just always felt inept when it comes to articulating what it is I believe and why someone else should believe it as well.

Put out by Matthias Media, Two Ways combines sound theology with simple explanations and helpful graphics that move the presenter and the listener along in the most beautiful story of all time. It assumes no previous biblical knowledge and leaves behind confusing terms. Bascially, it's awesome.

The other night, we watched the DVD that gives the background for Two Ways and shows examples of how it can work in normal conversations...all done in Australian accents. What more could you ask for? :)

At the very least, we'd love for you to check out this link:

But we would also highly recommend getting your hands on some Two Ways tracts, as well as the Two Ways dvd (John bought it cheaper at Lifeway). I know John does a lot of recommending around here, but this is one shameless plug I join him in.

Now, on a lighter note, here are some other things that have made John wonder what the world was like before their discovery:

Frank Caliendo's Bush impression, Tom in the Box satire

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Billy Graham

So, my new favorite thing to watch is old Billy Graham crusades on TBN, Saturday nights at 10:00. We can barely get reception with our rabbit ears and sometimes we can't get it at all, but I have become hooked whenever I do have the chance to catch it on Saturday nights.

I attended a Graham crusade in the mid '90s in Charlotte. Even then, he was very old and slow in his delivery. The contrast with his early days is marked. Watching old crusades from the '60s is a treat for anyone who loves bold, authoritative, clear preaching.

I had a friend here at Southern Seminary several years ago tell me that he was a huge Billy Graham fan, and he mentioned his early preaching. I must admit that I was surprised. Surely a Reformed brother could find a better role model.....I now see what he was saying.

Of course, there are legitimate issues to consider when giving an overall assesment of Billy Graham......inclusivism, decisionism, etc. (reading Iain Murray's excellent book Evangelicalism Divided will cause much frustration with Graham's ministry). Yet, I am only grateful to God and riveted by his powerful preaching when I watch this evangelist 50 yrs. ago. If you ever get the opportunity to watch or listen to a Graham message from '50s-'70s don't pass it up.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Back at the Ranch

[kristie here]

There's nothing like 14 degree weather to remind you that the holidays are over and winter is in full blast. It's actually colder here in L'ville than it was at any point during our northern holiday travels...even Canada!

This year's Christmas road trip included a weekend in Niagara Falls, a week in PA, and a trip to NYC in between. It was all so much fun, and it's hard to believe Christmas - and 2007 for that matter - is now behind us. Here are some shots from our trip.

Niagara Falls...



It was really scary when John
almost jumped over into the falls.



The 1,000 mph winds from the tall tower
made getting a good picture very difficult,
but this was great in person.

Christmas day in Pennsylvania...


Look who showed up...
Marion Barber of the Dallas Cowboys!


New York City the day after Christmas...



Waiting for the Christmas Spectacular
to begin at Radio City Music Hall.


My immediate family, along with those
who married into the craziness.

The masterminds behind the big apple trip.
Thanks Dad & Mom!