Author Archives: Clark Bunch

Academic Discussion: Young Earth Debate

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earthWe started our academic discussion series by defining terms. One of my favorite sayings is “Don’t make the Bible say something it doesn’t say.” I enjoy a hearty discussion and even a little bit of friendly debate as much as the next guy, but we must be careful to build up not tear down other believers. There are many things that we simply cannot know. There are mysteries that will only be revealed to us when we come into God’s Kingdom. The ancient Greeks were occupied with continuous discussion and debate, but Paul encourages us to keep our eyes on the prize so to speak, focusing on what is of most importance.

In the 17th century an Irish bishop named James Ussher worked out a chronology of biblical events, based on male lines of lineage presented in scripture. His work is the basis of many young earth creationists, which it might be noted, was his particular bias when he started the started task. Continue reading →

Academic Discussion

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word weapons An academic discussion is a theoretical consideration of an issue. Perhaps it’s a debate of values. In the end, the discussion is academic if it takes place in rhetoric and there can be no practical application.

There are debates going on among Christians that I consider to be purely academic. There are many undeniable truths presented in scripture. There are also, however, statements made in scripture that are subject to interpretation. Continue reading →

Happy Monday

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First of all, Happy Veterans Day. 

The Soldier.

Despite the holiday, it’s still gonna be Monday. So here’s your weekly dose of inspiration and smiles. Have a Happy Monday! 

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Elvis Presley, King of… Gospel?

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Our minister of music sang Who Am I during this morning’s service (the Elvis Presley one, not to be confused with a Casting Crown song of the same title). Elvis was known in the 50’s as the King of Rock and Roll and later in his career simply as “the King.” But despite all of his success in music and movies, all three of his Grammy awards were for Gospel music. He sang Peace in the Valley on one of his historic appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Back in the day everyone from Andy Griffith to Dolly Parton also recorded Gospel music. Pat Boone, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash all have Gospel albums.

Try to Imagine Justin Beiber or Miley Cyrus adding a Gospel tract to their next album.

Believing is Seeing

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Screenshot 2013-11-04 at 7.40.27 PMAnd as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them,“See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. (Matthew 9:27-31, ESV)

Seeing is believing refers to the undeniability of events witnessed first hand. In other words, we believe because we see. The two blind men professed their belief that Jesus could heal them, and his response was “According to your faith be it done to you.” Their healing was based on their faith. Thus these men could see because they believed.

Today we walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Someday our faith will be our sight. Oft quoted Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the evidence of things not yet seen.” Without faith those things will never be seen. So for us, like the two blind men, believing will be seeing.

Happy Monday

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Romans 8:18 happy monday signageSufferings of this present time? Seems relevant on Monday morning. Here comes your weekly installment of verses, cartoons, inspiration and funny pics. So pour a second cup, spend a minute at the Master’s Table, and have a Happy Monday.  Continue reading →

Happy Monday

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coffee and GodHappy Monday truckIt’s Monday, time for that thing we do. You know, a few scriptures, couple of quotes, maybe a funny cartoon. Or two. Sometimes we have cute animals, on occasion a pic or two I took myself. Monday’s are tough, we get that, and The Master’s Table is here to help. In our own, quirky little way. So smile, and have a Happy Monday.

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Little is Much

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Little is much when God is in it. This is a well-known saying thanks to the Gaither Vocal Band, the Statler Brothers and countless others, and there have been many sermons by the same title. While these exact words are not contained in a verse of scripture, the idea is certainly found throughout the Bible.

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