Slacker No More... At Least for Today

After being a slacker for several weeks, I have finally updated the Amazon.com book widgets in the sidebar. For the first time in a while, “What I’m Reading Right Now” is actually what I’m really reading right now. I’m no Oprah, but you still might want to check out my “Book-o-the-Month” recommendations.

Maybe—just maybe—I might be able to start posting reviews again soon!

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12

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You're Invited to Deep Riches

I invite you to one more extension of The Banner. Make no mistake about it, I am not a theologian—I don’t even play one on TV. Even though I am not a theologian, I realize that everyone has a theology. My desire is to hone mine while at the same time stimulating the thoughts of anyone who happens to read these postings.

Understand that these postings are based on my current, incomplete understanding of Biblical teaching. As a finite, fallible man, thanks to the continual blessing and illumination of the Holy Spirit, my understanding of Scripture will grow. As a result, my dogma likely may shift. By God’s grace, any dogmatic modification will be fueled by increased scriptural illumination rather than personal circumstance.

With that understood—enjoy Deep Riches (Romans 11:33-36)

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What Is Ex Libris?

Today, I'm kicking off an exciting new addition to The Banner. Ex Libris is Latin for "Out Of Books" which is what this site is all about. In an effort to keep things more accessable and organized, this page will now hold all the book reviews. I also intend to include links to other beneficial reviews on other blogs and sites. Basically, this space will be reserved for one of my life's passions--books!

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Where's the Banner?!?

Come on people... you really need to get on the ball! The Banner's not even in the Top 60 Church Blogs? I'm crushed...

But seriously, there are some very good blogs listed here—several that I have linked to in the sidebar. Check them out!

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Book Giveaway!

Trevin Wax is giving away a stack of good books on his Kingdom People blog. Check it out!

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What in the World is RSS?

Do you like reading blogs (especially this one), but don’t want to take the time to constantly check back for new postings? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something that could alert you to new postings without you having to go find them yourself?

Your wish is my command! Well I didn’t invent it, but maybe Al Gore did. Anyway… the technology is available and it’s called RSS. Sound’s impressive, doesn’t it? It stands for Real Simple Syndication and is a real simple way to keep up with new postings on my blog and others.

This video from The Commoncraft Show will show you everything you need to do to get started.




Education is a beautiful thing….

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Why a New Blog?

Here it is just a few days before Thanksgiving, I have a million things to get done before Thursday, and what am I doing? I’m starting a blog. Now, the question I have to ask myself is why. Is it because my thoughts are so profound that it would be an injustice to keep them to myself? Hardly. Is it because there aren’t enough blogs on the internet that are worth reading? No, there are hundreds of blogs, the quality of which I can never hope to attain. So why do I feel the need to start one?

1. It’s available
   What a wonderful medium the Lord has given us to use for His glory. If this is a means for me to interact with and encourage others concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then I need to take advantage of it. I see this as one more tool the Lord has given me to glorify Him.
   
2. I’m available
   As the full-time pastor of a Southern Baptist church tucked away in the beautiful mountains of Southern West Virginia, God has given me a pulpit to proclaim His Word. He’s also given me more to talk about than can be said in three weekly services and all of the affiliated activities. So, this can be an outlet for the overflow. If He wants to use me in this way, then I intend to be available.
   
3. God is good
   There is nothing more important to God than His glory. Nothing pleases Him more than when His Son is made much of. If nothing else, this blog will afford me another opportunity to make much of Jesus. May the richness of His goodness and glory shine through in every posting and comment.

What will the content be?

We shall see. The possibilities are endless, but the postings will undoubtedly follow my interests—and nothing interests me more than the Gospel. I will include links to articles and postings that have impacted me in one way or another. As a bibliophile, one thing I look forward to is sharing what I’m reading in the form of reviews and critiques. I also intend to post links to my latest sermons. Regardless of how the content falls into place over the life of this blog, the central focus will remain the same. All things posted will have to pass the Ephesians 4:29 filter. The only thing I ask of you is that if you leave comments, please use the same filter.

So, with the Lord as our Banner, we will press on by His grace and for His glory!

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