Where does the Bible come from?

Have you ever wondered how the copy of the Bible you have today was discovered, put together, and translated?

An important manuscript (ancient copy of the Bible) connected with your Bible at home is called Codex Sinaiticus. It is described as "a manuscript of the Christian Bible written in the middle of the fourth century" that is "the earliest complete copy of the Christian New Testament."

A historical occasion is occurring as it is being scanned and released to the public progressively over the next year or so...want to see it? Check it out HERE!

If you want a short explanation for the documentary evidence of the Bible, chapter three of The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is a great place to start.

If you want a more in-depth explanation, to include references, photos, and a detailed history of discoveries, you should check out Journey from Texts to Translations: The Origin and Development of the Bible by Paul Wegner.

Several great pamphlets are also available (from Rose Publishing, an awesome producer of Church-quality charts and pamphlets) called "The Bible Translations Comparison," "How We Got the Bible," and "Why Trust the Bible?"

Good Bible-related questions are available at gotquestions.org as well....

• "Is the Bible truly God's Word?"
• "Textual criticism - what is it?"
• "How and when was the canon of the Bible put together?"
• "When were the Gospels written?"
• "Does the inerrancy of the Bible only apply to the original manuscripts?"
• "Why is it important to believe in Biblical inerrancy?"

Age of Opportunity - A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp

Paul David Tripp is an outstanding author and counselor. Here is a book and its table of contents on parenting teens. The images are linked to his website where you can find a heavily discounted price and also an audio book version.

Crosswalk.com - Parenting Teens - Articles

The teenage years are difficult ones and often parents of teenagers struggle with communicating with their children about difficult issues. I want to HIGHLY recommend the articles available at Crosswalk.com on Parenting Teens. Here are some examples of their wealth of archived articles....

• Teaching Your Daughter Modesty by Shannon Ethridge
• Help Bring Your Prodigal Home by Whitney Hopler
• Self-Mutilation: Teens and Cutting by Mark Gregston
• Are You Controlling Your Teen Too Much? by Mark Gregston
• Parents of Teens Must Adapt by Mark Gregston
• Shame-Free Parenting by Mitali Perkins
• Are You Provoking Your Teen to Anger? by Mark Gregston
• How Can I Set Healthy Boundaries for My Teen? by Mark Gregston

Tough Questions

In recent months I have fielded a lot of tough questions on issues that can easily become controversial or divisive if handled without a Biblical foundation and Christian love. Here are some good resources/links for some of those topics/areas of interest: Within each of these websites are links to a plethora of rich & Biblically-based resources! Gotquestions.org (a GREAT starting place for all tough questions) Answers in Genesis Institute for Creation Research Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood The Danvers Statement (stance on Biblical manhood and womanhood) Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth by Wayne Grudem 50 Crucial Questions by John Piper & Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem Baptist Faith & Message (comparison of 1925, 1963, & 2000 versions) International Council on Biblical Inerrancy - Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy & Biblical Application (Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals) 9Marks Ministries (Church Health/Polity issues) 4Truth.net (Apologetics - Defending the Faith, Answers to Cults, Sects, & World Religions) Together for the Gospel Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (EXCELLENT counseling materials, resources, & books for life issues)

Unselfish Children

Read a good article titled "Raise Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World." The author's (Jill Rigby) main points are based off of her same-titled book:

1. Take a hard look at yourself.
2. Accept responsibility and make a plan.
3. Take charge of your kids.
4. Meet all of your children's needs, but not all of their desires.
5. Encourage your kids to place their confidence in God rather than in themselves.
6. Cultivate compassion in your children.
7. Build family togetherness.
8. Help your kids learn how to forgive.
9. Cultivate generosity and gratitude.
10. Give your children opportunities to serve their community.
11. Help your kids make a positive difference in the world.
12. Parent with eternity in view.