This is good stuff, and I am so glad GTY is taking this on.  It reminds me of the biography I read of Adrian Rogers.

‘In an ironic turn of events, John left those meetings—where the Word of God was faithfully exalted—only to fly back to California sitting next to Robert Schuller, a well-known televangelist and one of the fathers of the seeker-sensitive movement. During the flight, Schuller told him, “I can say I believe the Bible and make those words mean anything I want them to mean.” That attitude and approach to Scripture sums up the need for this event.’

http://www.gty.org/blog/B150304

I saw these two articles today, and thought that they betrayed some disagreement between the Graham family.  One son and one grandson of Billy Graham, have two opposing views of the position the pulpit should have on political issues.  Who is right?

http://www.wnd.com/2015/02/franklin-graham-weighs-in-on-alabama-marriages/

http://www.wnd.com/2015/02/once-fiery-coral-ridge-sermons-hit-new-low-key/

Neither of them appear wiling to be liberal in their interpretation of the scriptures, but I bet the family reunions can be tense given their totally opposing views of our proper role in politics!

In Luke 12, Jesus defines a hypocrite not because they do one thing and say another, but because they apply skill to earthly things and neglect a similar spiritual truth.

“⁵⁴ He also said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and so it does. ⁵⁵ And when the south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It’s going to be a scorcher!’ and it is. ⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don’t you know how to interpret this time?”

So how many people watched the weather channel this morning to prepare for the day, and neglected to read the Bible to prepare for eternity?

http://cities.barna.org/2015-bible-minded-cities/

So in addition to being post-christian http://cities.barna.org/the-most-post-christian-cities-in-america/  we are also not bible-minded.

The mission field is here! 90% of your neighbors are it.

http://www.citizenlink.com/2015/01/13/a-teacher-a-bible-and-an-investigation-2/

A teacher gifts a Bible to a student, and legal action begins.  This reminds me of Peter and John being arrested and threatened in Acts 4.  No, he was not imprisoned like them, but that behavior is bound to happen in our the USA, and probably in the not-so-distant-future.  He is being persecuted for his faith, both in losing his job, and being threatened with legal action.

It is important to note how the disciples responded to this threat in Acts 4:

²⁷ For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy ^[t]servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the^[u]Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. ²⁹ And ^[v]now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,³⁰ while You extend Your hand to heal, and ^[w]signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy ^[x]servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were allfilled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

We offer a similar prayer for all those who suffer today.

Lord, truly You are the one who made the heavens and the earth, and the government and the people are gathered against this and other educators, just like in the time of the apostles, and just as you have ordained to happen.  Please take note of their threats, and grant each and every believing teacher today, that they may speak Your word with all confidence, despite the threats against their jobs, their livelihood, and their position before the law.  We pray that just as you provided signs and wonders by the Apostles, that you would put words in their mouths, and use them mightily to heal the hurting children.  May we all, like them, follow the examples of Jesus, Peter and John, and speak the truth of the gospel with boldness, despite the opposition by the world.  Amen.

I haven’t seen the movie yet, but was concerned over the reports I have seen of the seemingly intentional cuts.  I think Mr. Zamperini may have been correct, as many people will read his book after seeing the movie, or be curious enough to ask questions.  It is fantastic that Billy Graham is releasing additional video for those who are curious, but won’t read it. I will also say that many unbelieving people have already been exposed to the gospel through this book. While the author does not appear to be a believer, I think she did a fantastic job capturing what Jesus did in his life.  God continues to use Zamperini’s story in a mighty way.

http://www.wnd.com/2014/12/the-rest-of-the-unbroken-story-part-2/