News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–The newest update to the New International Version (NIV) Bible is now online, and scholars, pastors and everyday Christians are debating the changes to what has been the most popular modern English translation. The NIV was first released in 1978 before being revised in 1984, and in September 2009 Biblica, Zondervan and the Committee on Bible Translation announced that another revised NIV was in the works. It won’t be available in print until 2011 but can be read online at BibleGateway.com.
An article in the October 22nd Orange County Register asks about Steve Arterburn, “Is This Radio Host the Christian Jerry Springer?” Touching on some of the topics discussed on Arterburn’s daily radio program–a lesbian bipolar mother, a baby born out of wedlock, a husband’s pornography habit–the article suggests the content sounds similar. Liz Osborne, the executive director of the CareNet Pregnancy Center of Dane County, has never heard Arterburn’s radio program. But she has heard him speak and says that he has a very compassionate way of addressing people’s most serious problems. Arterburn is the guest speaker at CareNet’s 25th Anniversary…
About six years ago Steve Saint and his friend Mincaye visited Madison and wowed a church audience with their blow-gun skills by popping several balloons high above the congregation with their darts. They also told the story of the Waodani tribe, including Mincaye, who had killed Steve’s father and four other missionaries in Ecuador in 1956. Mincaye and many other members of the tribe eventually became followers of Christ. At that time they were promoting a documentary called Beyond Gates of Splendor, that told the Waodani story. In 2006 a dramatic version of the story was released called End of the…
Christian families sometimes face difficult choices when it comes to Halloween. While the idea of dressing up in adventuresome costumes and getting access to almost unlimited candy supplies appeals to kids, parents are concerned about issues like nutritional balance, cavities, and some of the more pagan and demonic influences of certain Halloween themes and costume choices. What to do?
The biblical standard for giving, the tithe, is ten percent. But at most American churches the tithers are in the minority. And the recession we’ve been experiencing the past two years has not helped. The authoritative source of information on church giving is the annual State of Giving report put out by a small ministry based in Champaign IL called empty tomb inc. An article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy has a short summary on the latest State of Giving Report, released October 15th, which covers 2008.
Now there are two names you don’t typically see in the same headline. George Beverly Shea and Jon Foreman are both Christians who sing and travel and make recordings. Beyond that they would appear to have little in common. Their fans are of two widely separated generations who may scarcely be aware of the other artist’s existence. But one other dubious honor they both share. They both disappointed me.
NFL quarterback Brett Favre’s wife, Deanna Favre, has seen a lot. She chose not to abort their out-of-wedlock baby, she watched her husband battle an alcohol and pain killer addiction, she fought breast cancer, and she has experienced the spotlight again in recent weeks. Brett Favre met with NFL officials on Tuesday over allegations that he sent sexually explicit text messages and pictures to a woman who worked for the New York Jets. Deanna Favre declined to address the allegations against her husband, but she spoke with Christianity Today on how faith has helped her through the current news cycle…
Vatican City — Former La Crosse Bishop Raymond Burke is among 24 new cardinals that Pope Benedict XVI named Wednesday, putting his mark on the body that will elect his successor.
An international congress taking place in Cape Town South Africa this week is expected to to chart the course for the global evangelical church for years, even decades to come. It’s called the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. Among the 4,000 invited participants are a number of Madison residents, most of them associated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. That includes InterVarsity president Alec Hill; Lisa Espinelli Chin, director of InterVarsity’s International Student Ministry; and Helyn Luisi-Mills, director of InterVarsity’s Global Projects Ministry.
A group of volunteers from a number of Madison churches come together on a weekly basis to be a part of another fellowship, The River Food Pantry, located in a giant warehouse at 2201 Darwin Road. Every Friday evening The River volunteers serve a meal to anyone who comes. The River also provides groceries, clothing, household goods and furniture to needy families. On Thursday evening, October 14th, many of these volunteers gathered at The River for a different purpose: to celebrate a half decade of outreach, enjoy a great meal, and share the experience with their friends and other community…