I am an Alpha lovin' Amerasian TCK Hoosier who is married to an Omega lovin' WASP Hoosier, and we are blessed to have three beautiful Chinese children - Rose, Grace, and Josiah. This mixed bunch called the Wickershams live a most amazing life in the Middle Kingdom's Heavenly Ford. To Him be the glory.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Reviewing Mez McConnell's Is There Anybody Out There?: A Journey From Despair To Hope
After listening to Pastor McConnell's testimony several months ago and seeing his autobiography for three bucks, I dropped the Washingtons for this incredible account of how the Father radically tranforms people's lives. Is There Anybody Out There? is not your typical Christian story, and there is very little reference to God in the first half of the book. Pastor McConnell had an extremely troubling upbringing that led to a life behind bars yet God got a hold of Him and changed him forever. Pastor McConnell hails from the UK and uses slang when he writes of his younger years so some of his language might be slightly unfamiliar to American readers. Initially the first-person point of view is written in a very direct and choppy manner much like what we might expect from someone who is living a life of disorder. After Pastor McConnell becomes a Christian, he continues to write honestly, but we also read how he lives boldly in a new way. This book is a reminder that a Christian is not only one whom Christ has saved, but one whom Christ has regenerated. I highly recommend this book for both believers and skeptics.
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27
Reviewing John MacArthur's Found: God's Will
Although I have listened to my share of Dr. MacArthur's sermons and have frequented his Grace to You site for the answers to various questions, this is the first time I have read one of Dr. MacArthur's books. The 75-page Kindle version of Found can easily be read in no time, and it is solid material that is thoroughly supported with Scripture. Dr. MacArthur's seven-chapter book does not use complex theological language, but it does contain profound truths in words that any layperson can understand. Found is organized in the following manner:
1. Is God a Cosmic Killjoy? - The will of God is clearly revealed in His Holy Word.
2. The Crucial First Step - God wants people to be saved.
3. The Fizzies Principle - We must be filled with the Spirit.
4. The Priority of Purity - Be sanctified (pursue holiness).
5. Silencing the Critics - Submit to the Lord and submit to others in the Lord.
6. Facing the Flak - Suffer for Jesus.
7. You're It - If you are the right you, you can follow your desires and you will do His will.
If you want to better understand God's will for you, it is not as complicated as many people make it out to be. Dr. MacArthur helps us understand that in a succinct and straightforward way. I wholeheartedly give Found my Wickersham stamp of approval.
1. Is God a Cosmic Killjoy? - The will of God is clearly revealed in His Holy Word.
2. The Crucial First Step - God wants people to be saved.
3. The Fizzies Principle - We must be filled with the Spirit.
4. The Priority of Purity - Be sanctified (pursue holiness).
5. Silencing the Critics - Submit to the Lord and submit to others in the Lord.
6. Facing the Flak - Suffer for Jesus.
7. You're It - If you are the right you, you can follow your desires and you will do His will.
If you want to better understand God's will for you, it is not as complicated as many people make it out to be. Dr. MacArthur helps us understand that in a succinct and straightforward way. I wholeheartedly give Found my Wickersham stamp of approval.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Reviewing Brian J. Walsh's & J. Richard Middleton's The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian Worldview
The Transforming Vision was a book I was assigned to read for a Cedarville University education class I took several years ago. It is divided into four parts and consists of twelve chapters:
Part 1: What are Worldviews?
Chapter 1: Worldview and Culture
Chapter 2: Analyzing Worldviews
Part 2: The Biblical Worldview
Chapter 3: Based on Creation
Chapter 4: Acknowledging the Fall
Chapter 5: Transformed by Redemption
Part 3: The Modern Worldview
Chapter 6: The Problem of Dualism
Chapter 7: The Development of Dualism
Chapter 8: The Rise of the Secular Worldview
Chapter 9: The Gods of Our Age
Part 4: The Biblical Worldview in Action
Chapter 10: A Christian Cultural Response
Chapter 11: Worldview and Scholarship
Chapter 12: Toward a Christian Philosophical Framework
The premise of this 215-page book is that society is a wreck and only through a Christian worldview can it truly be transformed. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Middleton desire to see every facet of life transformed - families, schools, businesses, governments, and more. They explain how the Christian worldview is the key to that transformation.
The Transforming Vision is a good book that is well-documented and biblically sound, but it reads very much like a college textbook. It is not a challenging read, but it definitely requires some reflection. I have read a few books pertaining to the topic of worldviews, and The Transforming Vision is not at the top of my list of most enjoyable worldview reads. I recommend Chuck Colson's How Now Shall We Live? for something that is both engaging and thought-provoking. James Sire's The Universe Next Door provides a better overview of major non-Christian worldviews. Although I have recommended reading other worldview books, I did benefit from reading The Transforming Vision and believe it will continue to bless many others.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Treasure on Earth or Treasuring Jesus?
Jesus' Encounter with the Rich Ruler from Mark Wickersham
*Unfortunately formatting issues take place on the first three slides during the upload.
*Unfortunately formatting issues take place on the first three slides during the upload.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Reviewing Glen Schultz's Kingdom Education: God's Plan For Educating Future Generations
I was given Kingdom Education by a fellow administrator a couple of years ago, but I just finished the 180 page book. It is required reading for one of my last M.Ed. classes this summer at Columbia International University. This 16 chapter book is divided into five "Kingdom Education" sections:
1. Its Definition, Purpose, and Result
2. The Role of the Home
3. The Role of the Church
4. The Role of the School
5. The Future
Dr. Schultz's main message is that parents must ensure that their children receive an education that is biblically based. The local church must work with parents and teachers so that every child has the opportunity to receive an education that is Christ-centered. Some of what Dr. Schultz shares about public schools will likely be a surprise to many, and opinions will definitely be formed.
I believe Dr. Schultz's book has a good message. It is loaded with Scripture, and it is evident that Dr. Schultz desires the best for young people. I do think more practical solutions as to how to make Christian education a possibility for everyone would make this book even better. Church buildings definitely need to be more than a Sunday and Wednesday meeting place as Dr. Schultz stated, but much needs to change about our thinking in order for all young people to have the opportunity to receive a Christian education. Getting a Christian education is expensive, and there are many who simply cannot afford it. What can we do to make Christian schooling affordable to all? There are many Christian schools that are lacking creativity and a challenging curriculum. How can we better engage our minds and be producers instead of imitators?
I would have also liked for Dr. Schultz to write his book with a more international mindset and provide more information concerning some of the statistics he used and statements he said about America's youth. I do not want these minor criticisms to come across as if Kingdom Education is not worth reading. I am thankful to have read the book and feel Kingdom Education is an excellent book for Christians to discuss if they have anything to do with teaching today's youth. If you are a parent struggling with the schooling issue, I recommend checking out John MacArthur's Grace To You site and gotquestions.org.
1. Its Definition, Purpose, and Result
2. The Role of the Home
3. The Role of the Church
4. The Role of the School
5. The Future
Dr. Schultz's main message is that parents must ensure that their children receive an education that is biblically based. The local church must work with parents and teachers so that every child has the opportunity to receive an education that is Christ-centered. Some of what Dr. Schultz shares about public schools will likely be a surprise to many, and opinions will definitely be formed.
I believe Dr. Schultz's book has a good message. It is loaded with Scripture, and it is evident that Dr. Schultz desires the best for young people. I do think more practical solutions as to how to make Christian education a possibility for everyone would make this book even better. Church buildings definitely need to be more than a Sunday and Wednesday meeting place as Dr. Schultz stated, but much needs to change about our thinking in order for all young people to have the opportunity to receive a Christian education. Getting a Christian education is expensive, and there are many who simply cannot afford it. What can we do to make Christian schooling affordable to all? There are many Christian schools that are lacking creativity and a challenging curriculum. How can we better engage our minds and be producers instead of imitators?
I would have also liked for Dr. Schultz to write his book with a more international mindset and provide more information concerning some of the statistics he used and statements he said about America's youth. I do not want these minor criticisms to come across as if Kingdom Education is not worth reading. I am thankful to have read the book and feel Kingdom Education is an excellent book for Christians to discuss if they have anything to do with teaching today's youth. If you are a parent struggling with the schooling issue, I recommend checking out John MacArthur's Grace To You site and gotquestions.org.
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