TSF Blog

Is Intelligent Design Enough?

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-02-15T08:52:13-06:00

For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

This past week, there has been a lot in the media about the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin who were born on the same day - February 12, 1809. Perhaps it is a “providential coincidence” that these two men with such different legacies should be born on the same day.

As Darwin’s legacy has been discussed, a couple of shows have focused on the battle between the Evolutionists and the Creationists. The latest form of the Creationist side is being spearheaded by the “theory” of Intelligent Design. This is simply a counter to the Darwinist position that everything just came into existence by chance. Intelligent Design says that the Universe shows evidence of intelligence that points to a creator. Many Christians (and even non-Chrisitans) are using this new “science” as a means to refute the Story of Evolution. But is the theory of Intelligent Design really enough?

"What will they do without us?"

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-01-13T08:53:17-06:00

One of the things that fascinates me about life is when different experiences come together in a moment to give an “epiphany” that opens up a new, clearer way of thinking. Most of my “epiphanies” are more like blinding flashes of the obvious. This is the story of one of those “epiphanies.”

For the past several months I have been teaching on the Spiritual Gifts, particularly the gifted people listed in Ephesians 4 - the Apostles, the Prophets, the Evangelists, and the Pastors and Teachers - who are given to the Body to equip the individual members for service. At the end of this passage Paul brings the whole section to a point in saying, “As each one does its part, the Body grows in love.” Every individual member of the Body of Christ plays a unique and indispensable role in Christ’s work among His people and in the world. This may be true and good theology, but do we really apply it?

The Life Transforming Power of Story

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-12-05T10:38:20-06:00

“Ivan Illich was once asked, ‘What is the most revolutionary way to change society: is it violent revolution or gradual reform.’ He gave a careful answer: ‘Neither. If you want to change society then
you must tell an alternative story,’ he concluded.”
(Tim Costello quoted in Organic Church, 123)

Story is central to our lives. We live in a “story” that we call life - it has a beginning, a middle and an end. We tell stories along the way as our lives unfold in order to make sense of things. In the modern era, story as a means of passing on our faith and values was replaced largely by “information transfer.” This has proved disastrous. Information alone can never captivate or transform the human heart and mind. Story, however, has the power to transform. In our times, many are returning to the use of story as means to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). This post will explore some key ideas and key resources related to understanding and using story as a means to think about and talk about our faith.

The ESV Study Bible

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-12-02T11:18:53-06:00

I am often asked to recommend study bibles and in the past I have suggested either the NASB or NIV study bible as among best. Now there is another excellent resource to add to the list - The ESV Study Bible.

The ESV Study Bible was just released in October of 2008. It is the most comprehensive study bible released to date with over 20,000 notes, 50 articles, 200 charts, 200 full color maps and many excellent full color illustrations. I have been scanning the introductions to the books and looking through the helpful articles and I have to say that this is one of the best study Bibles I have ever seen.

Ministry follow up

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-06-01T10:06:58-05:00

I had a fantastic time in San Antonio working with the students at His Hill. I think I learned more than they did! I was able to give a broad overview of the MilktoMeat curriculum in about 12 hours. This has really helped clarify what to do for a 12 hour “bootcamp” introduction to MTM. I would encourage you to check out His Hill and the Torchbearer schools. They are doing an awesome work training students in the Word, equipping them to live life for the glory of God in Christ. You can find out more about them here.

I appreciate all your prayers for this. Keep on praying for the opportunities that are still ahead to spread the truth of the Gospel. / ST

What is new on the Website?

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-09-07T09:12:31-05:00

Over the past several weeks, we have been working to improve the website. We have had several of you say how much you have enjoyed being able to listen to the classes online and download them to your computer or iPod. Here a several new things that you may want to check out:

what is happening in 2008

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-01-26T11:41:50-06:00

We have a lot going on in the first part of 2008. In February I will be teaching a four week overview of the Book of Daniel at First Evan here in Memphis. I have to cover 12 chapters of some of the most difficult material in the prophets in four weeks! I am praying for wisdom on this one. I will also be speaking at the ECS chapel on Thursday February 7. In May I will be teaching for a week at His Hill in San Antonio TX.

Larry Crabb's Seven Questions

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2007-07-23T10:45:47-05:00

I recently rediscovered a message that Larry Crabb delivered at Dallas Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2006. The title of the Message is "Chess Players or Poets: To Whom Does God Reveal Himself?" In this 30 minute presentation, Crabb gives a "big picture" overview of what God the Father working in Christ the Son through the Holy Spirit is seeking to do in and through us. This is one of the best messages I have ever heard on the "big picture" of God's desires for us. I wanted to share this with you because I know that you will be encouraged by this message as well.

To go to the DTS website and watch, listen or download this message, click here.

Kristen Thornton / Lessons from the Master Gardener

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-05-07T20:14:38-05:00

On April 21st, Kristen Thornton (Tom and Jeannie’s daughter) gave a talk for the women’s ministry at First Evangelical here in Memphis. She shared much of the wisdom that her father Tom cultivated in her life about raising kids and shaping the heart. Kristen did an awesome job and we wanted to share this with you.
>>Listen to or download the audio here.