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'10 Bible Themes

Submitted by Alex Sims on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 22:58

For the first time in my life, I read through the Bible in 2010. I wanted to get a better sense of the patterns and narratives and themes in the Bible. In honor of the year 2010, I’ve written 10 patterns I found repeated in the Bible; let me know any additions, thoughts, or corrections you have for this list.

1. Faithful patience over long periods of time is rewarded. Old Testament characters get promoted to greater responsibilities after proving themselves faithful in trials. For instance, Joseph faithfully endures slavery and prison, and both trials result in gaining great honor. The same is true for Daniel and David who are tested and prove themselves faithful before gaining great esteem in their respective cultures. Read more

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The Perfect Older Brother

Submitted by Alex Sims on Wed, 10/13/2010 - 19:51
I heard this perspective on Jesus as the perfect fulfillment of the Older Brother in a sermon somewhere recently, and I want to share it because I find it challenging and compelling. 

In ancient times the oldest son had a position of power and status over his siblings.  I can’t think of many good older brothers in the Bible; it seems that many of them were busy manipulating and exploiting their positions of power.  For instance, Esau foolishly sold his birthright and then tried to steal it back; Joseph’s older bros sold him into slavery; and Solomon's older bro Adonijah tried to seize the throne.  Older brothers had rights to more power and status than their siblings, and they tended to use this power for self-promotion. Read more

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Christian Advertising

Submitted by Alex Sims on Wed, 08/11/2010 - 21:01
I’d like to pose a question: What do God-honoring advertisements look like?
 
Let me state a couple disclaimers upfront: First, I know nothing about the advertising industry. I’m writing this question as someone who enjoys watching creative ads, but I don’t pretend to have any special insight. Secondly, I take it as a given that every one of us is deeply influenced by marketing, so I consider advertisements a big deal in our culture. With that said, I’d love to chat about the pitfalls and opportunities of the advertisement industry.
 
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The Psalms

Submitted by Alex Sims on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 10:00

 I recently read through the Psalms and was blown away. A few thoughts struck me. The Psalter includes every range of emotion imaginable: grief, joy, angst, triumph, etc. The songs were more historic, specific, and interactive than any other worship songs I am familiar with. God's people sang prayers for specific deliverance from specific enemies, and they praised God for historic acts of intervention. It seems to me that the Psalter has fewer songs about the general traits of God than we do. Also, they include liberal use of the first person. The Psalms are perfect, and their poetry is stunningly beautiful. I'd love to hear all 150 Psalms set to music. On that note, I'll close with a Psalm that my friend Eric Priest used in his awesome album Psalms and Hymns. Psalm 46:10-11:
 
Be Still, and know that I am God.Read more

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"Dying Well" - A Tribute to Broadcasting Great, Ernie Harwell

Submitted by Alex Sims on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:04

Baseball fans know that there is something magical about the great broadcasting voices throughout the history of the sport. Legendary broadcasters like Harry Kalas (Phillies), Vin Scully (Dodgers), and Ernie Harwell (Tigers) are about as important a part of the sport’s rich lore as the players themselves.Read more

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Hippos and Theology? by Carolyn Custis James

Submitted by Alex Sims on Tue, 06/13/2006 - 02:00

Carolyn_james_8

Several years ago, I was a surgical patient at a teaching hospital, feeling the kinds of anxieties that descend as the hour of surgery approaches. On the eve of surgery, my surgeon arrived with an entourage of medical students to discuss with me the risks and possible outcomes of my surgery. Like television ads for miracle medications that end with a frightening list of warnings and potential side effects, his somber monologue didn’t ease my fears at all.

What surprised me, however, (and “surprise” hardly describes my reaction) was what one student said as the group quietly filed out of my room. With the glow of a child on Christmas Eve and completely indifferent to how I might be feeling, she paused at my bedside and said in a low but eager voice, “I can’t wait to watch your surgery!” Her bedside manner left something to be desired.

Some may wonder about God’s bedside manner when He finally appeared in Job’s story and, instead of binding up the gaping wound in Job’s soul or answering the questions that were tormenting this poor sufferer, God talked about hippos and ostriches, hawks and alligators, ocean waves and snow. What kind of “bedside manner” was that?

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