But I’m still up to some good, you know. I’ve been doing a lot of writing, just not here.
- My cousin has written a piece about the Iraqi attack on the USS Stark during the Iran-Iraq war
I wrote him a pretty good review, I think. I pointed out a couple things, but after the military jargon, I found it a compelling read. It really provides some insight into some of our politics in the region, especially considering that many officials at the time are in office under somewhat different titles. Gotta love the Bush recycling program.
- Assignment for pre-marital counseling
2500+ words on what I expect from our marriage, that’s enough to keep anyone busy. Granted, I wanted to write more, but for some reason, I really couldn’t. I think I’m being really naive.
- Going to MOAC 2004
Thanks to a friend that’s in town on work-related business, I have a place to stay. I had thought about not going because of the expense, but assuming that it’s okay with my fiancee, I should be on my way. I apologize to my friends that asked me to make a MOAC shirt.
- No Deacon Payne
I was nominated by a fairly strong margin, but I felt I wasn’t qualified. I wrestled over this for some time, but after discussions with the Adivsory Group and my minister, is was decided that now is not the right time – and I wholeheartedly agree.
- Road Trip to Sioux City, IA
What’s in Sioux City, Iowa? The closest Chick-Fil-A(r) to Omaha, Nebraska, that’s what. I realize that a road trip to go to Chick-Fil-A(r) sounds silly, but it’s bonding time, dude! My good friend and I haven’t had a road trip in a long time. We’re due.
- The latest from Thomas
Two things:context and method.
1. Confessing sins is necessary – to the one you sinned against and God, not just to a given person, certainly not one that has been assigned to be your best friend. James 5:16 does not say confess your sins to someone, anyone, pick a person, any person. In context, it talks about confessing to the one who you sinned against.
2. You can deal with sin by telling the Bible Talk leaders that they need to discuss this with their group. I realize that it steals thunder away from the lead evangelist and could take longer, but it leads to real repentance and not a manipulative control tactic. It’s not being soft on sin to delegate and it certainly isn’t soft to give people a healthy environment to share in. Besides, it might teach the Bible Talk leaders to think for themsleves a bit.
- Disciple as a verb
Disciple is not a verb, it’s a noun. The word is matheÌ„teuoÌ„ – it’s a verb meaning “to make a student”. Linguistically, English uses phrases and word order to inflect meaning, not word endings like Greek. In English, it has to be two words, in Greek, you can say it in one. Teach is an active verb but the Greek word is passive. A fine distinction, I know, but teach is not an exact match, but close enough to convey the meaning. Anyway, the NIV didn’t translate spoudazoÌ„ (literally ‘make haste’) as “effort” in Eph 4:3. We don’t say ” Effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The noun is spoudeÌ„ as used in Luke 1:39. If Eph 4:3 was meant to have the noun form, God, Luke, and Paul certainly know Greek well enough to use the right word.
Don’t believe that it’s a linguistic issue? Check the Spanish – every translation I can find online (Reina-Valera 1960, Nueva Versión Internacional, Reina-Valera 1995, Dios Habla Hoy, Reina-Valera Antigua, Biblia en Lenguaje Sencillo, La Biblia de las Américas, Castillian) translates it into two words. hagan (o haced) discupulos.