Nov 11
21
Has God Spoken?
Hank Hanegraaff, the “Bible Answer Man” has been sharing bits and pieces of his most recent book “Has God Spoken?” which he calls a “life work”. Based on his knowledge of the scriptures and the research he has conducted, Hank has been inspired to provide written “Proof of the Bible’s Divine Inspiration”. He uses the acronym “MAPS” to divide his book into 4 main sections.
- Manuscript Copies (the means by which the words of the original text have been preserved)
- Archeologist Spade (people, places and specific details found in our bible are being found through historical evidence)
- Prophetic Stars (God’s prophetic word predicting coming events well in advance of them taking place)
- Scriptural Lights (using the proper rules of biblical interpretation using the acronym LIGHTS for literal, illumination, grammatical, historical, typology and synergy principles for biblical interpretation)
Since I became a Christian, I have always been interested in archeology & biblical history . This book provides both areas of interest. Don’t worry, it isn’t a bunch of facts and figures. Hank provides key historical facts and the reader benefits from the authors vast ability of knowing and seeing the scriptures as a whole. A few of the interesting facts that I learned are :
- There are over 5,600 manuscripts of the New Testament that have been unearthed so far.
- The earliest manuscripts found were within a generation of when they were written.
- Even today, we continue to unearth Archeological confirmations of historical records used in the scriptures.
- External evidence (from outside the bible) confirms the Bibles claim that Jesus is the Messiah.
After reading “Has God Spoken”, I have been blessed by the insight provided by the author. He is trying to answer a huge and very important question. Organizing and providing concise, easy to understand points for each of the 4 key topical areas must have been quite a challenge. The author does a nice job with this because I wasn’t overwhelmed with facts and figures. While the topics of Manuscripts, Archeology, Prophesy and Biblical Interpretation are all very important and very different, the author was able to use them together to support his ideas and answer the question he is asking.
The book isn’t difficult to read. I took my time and read bite size pieces so I could digest and ponder all of what was written. I really enjoyed “Has God Spoken” and plan to read it again. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to see history and His-Story work together in a very real and agreeable way. This would be a great addition to anyone’s personal library.
Nov 11
15
Mike’s DC-3
Douglas DC-3
I am currently building a Radio controlled Douglas Dc-3 airplane. I made the drawings for this using Adobe Illustrator and started the construction process over a year ago. I hope to finish building the plane this spring and fly her for the first time in late April (weather permitting). The DC-3 is the same plane that helped carry our troops in World War II, delivered food during the Berlin Air Drop, Set countless records as both a cargo & passenger aircraft and is still flown today by both commercial airlines and private collectors.
The DC-3 is recognized as one of one of the greatest airplanes of all times! I plan on using a combination of foam and balsa to build a 1/14th scale version of the DC-3. “Light fly’s Right” and I hope to be able to build her light enough to fly true to scale. The airplane will have a wingspan of 86.5″ and weigh under 6 pounds. It will be an electric powered airplane powered by two motors getting their energy from Lipo batteries. Progress of the build and more pictures can be seen here.
I have included a few pictures to show some of the progress of the build:
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Traditional Public Toilet & Urinal Handle
Anyone who has traveled away from their home for any length of time will eventually have to use a public bathroom and will have a “bathroom story” to tell. I have traveled extensively over the years and yes, I have many bathroom stories to tell. For now, I wanted to share my own bathroom rating system.
Here is how Mike’s 5 - Point Bathroom Rating System works….
Every bathroom being rated starts with 5 points. Each time you are required to touch something with your hands, 1 point is removed. Toilet seats, toilet tissue and privacy door latches do not count. Toilet handles, urinal handles, soap dispensers, towel dispensers & dryers, sink faucet fixtures, garbage cans and exit door handles should not be touched. The goal is to get out of the bathroom cleaner than when you entered!
Urinal/Toilet Handle – (Touch the handle – subtract 1 point) After using the urinal/toilet, dirty hands are used to grasp the handle and flush. Everyone should flush when finished. Your hands may have been pretty clean but once you pull the handle you are completely contaminated. Because this is the first stop before the sink, everyone’s hands are contaminated. The handle is one of the most contaminated objects in the bathroom. Automated, hands-free (motion sensor) fixtures are the best possible solution.
Bathroom Sink Handles
Sink Fixtures – (touch the sink fixture – subtract 1 point) Washing hands is a must. Proper hand washing practice is 20 seconds scrubbing with soap and medium hot water. Touching the fixture after hands are washed defeats the purpose of washing hands. Automated, hands free (motion sensor) fixtures are the best possible solution.
Soap Dispensers – (touch the soap dispenser – subtract 1 point) Bar soap is a bacteria trap and should be avoided in any public restroom. Touching a dispenser to get soap means contaminating yourself even more. If you see a “store bought” soap pump bottle similar to a “Dial” type pump, watch out. Most likely these are being refilled and the outer bottle and pump are filthy. There is also a potential that these refill bottles get contaminated over time. Liquid dispensers with sealed refill bags and an automated, hands free (motion sensor) fixtures are the best possible solution.
Towel Dispenser – (touch the towel dispenser OR electric dryer – subtract 1 point) Paperless bathrooms can be a trap if the exit door opens inward (can anyone say “McDonalds”). Towel dispensers are a blessing but cranking handles or twisting knobs on the dispenser must be avoided or else you contaminate your hands. Automated (motion sensor) dispensers are the best possible solution.
Notice both the ToeOpener & Garbage Can Next To The Exit Door
Exit Door Handle – (touch the door and subtract 1 point) Touching the door handle (which IS contaminated) when leaving the bathroom defeats the purpose of hand-washing. It is best to have an open walkway with no door or an automated door to prevent contamination. For those who are designing public spaces, please, at least design the bathroom exit door to push open so we can use our feet and avoid touching the door. As a last resort, using paper towel to protect your hands while grasping the handle is helpful and protects you from being contaminated. Also, the Toeopener allows patrons to use their foot to open a door without using their hands!
As time permits, I will share a few of the worst bathrooms along with some of the best public bathrooms based on my 5- point rating system. The simple truth is that bathrooms that earn 5 points are few and far between BUT there are practical things you can do to prevent exposure. Always bring a paper towel with you into unfamiliar bathrooms. You can use this to dry your hands and open the door if you are trapped!
Posted in General Serendipity by .
Aug 11
14
The Constantine Codex – Book Review
My summer reading is almost over and one of the books I enjoyed very much was the Constantine Codex written by Paul Maier. It is the first fiction novel I have read in many years and the first “Christian” novel I have ever read. The author is the professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University and has written several books for his “Skeleton Series” that includes this book which is a little over 400 pages long. He has also written several children’s books over the years.
Without giving away too much of the story, this book introduces archeologists Jon and Shannon Weber who find themselves involved in several world changing events. These events include an international debate on the topic of Christianity vs. Muslim faith, a fantastic search for ancient biblical manuscripts and several discoveries that intertwine together to weave a wonderful story of international adventure. Biblical historical facts are used as the foundation for much of the plot and Mr. Maier does a magnificent job of creating a story that builds on these facts to make an exciting novel with several twists.
If you enjoy a little biblical history and want to read a fiction book that will encourage your faith, I believe you will like this book. I had to keep reminding myself several times that I was reading a “fiction” book all the while hoping that the events could really be true. I am keeping this author in mind for future reading.
Jul 11
25
Mike’s P-51B
Mike's P-51B Mustang In Flight
Captured Paint Scheme
The last build project that I have completed is a P-51 Mustang from Mark Rittinger plans. It is made mostly from balsa and some foam. The plane has a 42″ wingspan and flies using an electric motor and lithium polymer battery. It is a 3 channel plane with throttle, elevator and aileron controls. The real aircraft was a famous fighter plane during WWII. During the war, several Mustangs were captured by the Germans and used to understand its capabilities and shortcomings. This helped the German pilots determine tactical ways to fight against such a superior aircraft. Herman Goering, Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe said “The day I saw Mustangs over Berlin, I knew the war was over”. North American P-51 Mustangs helped win World War II. Because of this and a whole host of reasons, the P-51 Mustang is a commonly modeled warbird. So, for the sake of something different, I painted my plane in the captured color scheme. She flies great and clips along at a top speed of about 45 miles per hour.
Details including how to get the plans, canopy, foam core wings, a lumber list, all of the electronics needed and any other special supplies like music wire, hinges, covering etc.. can all be found here. There are plenty of pictures of the build as well.
Jul 11
16
The Apocalypse Code
The Apocalypse Code
With all of the excitement over the past few months about the Mayan calendar and the end of the world predictions heard in the news, television and internet, it made good sense for me to gain a clearer understanding of what the Bible says about the end times. Not surprising, there are quite a few different interpretations of the scriptures and specifically the book of Revelation. Most of my adult Christian life I had been taught the “pre-tribulation” view. As a young Christian I remember watching the movie series “Left Behind” at youth gatherings. This topic has always been confusing to me. Were the locust mentioned in Revelation really helicopters? Does the scriptures really talk about the atomic bomb? Will Christ followers be taken up to heaven while non-believers are “left behind” to live during the apocalypse? Will non-believers have a second chance to accept Christ as Lord? The popular “Pre-Tribulation” position as written about by Tim LaHaye (left behind) speaks about these things.
I recently read the book “The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible REALLY Says About the End Times…And Why it Matters Today”. The author is Hank Hanegraaff, host of the radio talk show “The Bible Answer Man”. His book claims to answer many of the questions that people like me had about the end times & the book of Revelation. As a matter of fact, he devotes the beginning of his book explaining the various positions held by many popular authors, evangelists and scholars. I can tell you that after reading his book, I am no longer confused by much of the prophetic writings found in the Bible including Revelation. I have a clearer understanding to whom, why and when the book of Revelation was written.
The author says that we cannot understand Revelation and Scriptural (New Testament) prophecy unless we view the entire Bible as a whole. Many of the New Testament passages are actual quotes from the Old Testament. I agree 100%. Reading through the entire Bible has changed my understanding and appreciate for God in many ways. The Old Testament lays out the foundation of God’s relationship with mankind (His Creation). We must be comfortable understanding the Old Testament in order for us to understand and really appreciate the New Testament including Revelation.
Just to clarify, the Apocalypse Code does not narrate or outline Revelation nor is is a commentary. The author gives the reader tools to understanding scripture in the context it was written. I enjoyed the book very much. I would recommend this book for any Christian who is interested in learning more about the Bible and how to “read it for all it’s worth”.
May 11
21
Judgment Day – Another False Prophet
As I was riding my bike this evening, a man yelled out his car window, “TWO MINUTES”. He was referring to the fact that there was two minutes left before the tribulation would begin! May 21,2011 at 6:00PM Eastern Standard Time the tribulation was to begin. Judgment day would arrive at this exact time according to Harold Camping of Family Radio Ministries. This isn’t the first time Mr. Camping has made these types of “date setting” claims. Each time he has done this he has been wrong. This time, his ministry has spent millions of dollars to publicize this prediction. TV, highway billboards, radio promotions and national newspaper ads were all used to promote his prediction. Millions of his ministries dollars could have been used to feed starving people instead of scaring them.
Campings ministry even created a special website “www.wecanknow.com” that tells us how we can know. The site says:
This web site serves as an introduction and portal to four faithful ministries which are teaching that WE CAN KNOW from the Bible alone that the date of the rapture of believers will take place on May 21, 2011 and that God will destroy this world on October 21, 2011.
As you and I are aware, the date has passed and as the bible clearly states that nobody knows , not even the angles, when Christ will return. Only the Father knows the day and the hour. Simply stated, “WE CAN’T KNOW”! Harold Camping has the new title of False Prophet. NPR (National Public Radio) interviewed people who have sold everything they had because of Camping’s prediction. They quit their jobs, sold their homes and waited for this very moment. Lives have been ruined because of the False Prophet Harold Camping. This isn’t the first time he has done this. September 6, 1994 was another date when Christ would return and no body else could be saved.
One this is absolutely 100% true. Jesus Christ will return for his followers. While we don’t know when this will be, we know that it will happen in an instant and we will be in the presence of our Lord & Savior. When we follow “man” and put their words first we will ultimately stumble. As Christians, we should equip ourselves so we can recognize anyone who is leading Christ followers in the wrong direction. By reading the bible, and becoming more familiar with God’s truths, we will quickly spot False teachings, false prophets and those who intentionally try and change God’s word to fit their needs. The Bible does guarantee “Judgement Day” but only the Father knows the day and the hour.
Posted in Religion by .
May 11
14
Mike’s P-47D
One of my hobbies is flying RC (Radio Controlled) Airplanes. I started this hobby in my early 20′s and it has been with me since. One fun aspect of the hobby is to build the airplane, not just fly it. Taking it one step further, building it from scratch rather than a kit. I did my first scratch build back in 2009 with the help of an experienced model builder. He taught me the basics of model building and used this project as my “crash course” in scratch building. Rather than starting with a simple box style plane, I convinced my mentor into building one of my favorite planes of all time, the P-47 Thunderbolt.
This WWII fighter plane, fondly known as the “jug”, was the workhorse of the war and arguably the most rugged and heavily armed. This plane did everything including air to air, ground attack, and an escort for the bombers. This plane had 8 .50 caliber machine guns that would shake and tear any plane in it’s path. It’s radial engine was rugged and reliable. It was also the largest fighter of the European theater.
I had a lot of fun learning how to scratch build and I even documented many of the steps on the largest RC discussion forum website on the planet. RCGroups.com is a central place where many RC enthusiasts go to learn, interact and share their interests in this fun hobby. You can see my “Build Log” of Mike’s P-47D here .
Posted in RC Planes by .
I began “The Bible In 90 Days” program on January 30th and completed reading 90 days later. There are actually 88 days in the reading plan as seen on the book-marker to the right. Blogging the 90 day experience took me a little longer than the reading did but it was well worth it. I was forced to better understand the content rather than breezing though the pages. The 90 day reading plan is different than reading for a personal bible study. It offers a wonderful “Big Picture’ of the events that take place.
I would encourage everyone to participate in the “bible in 90 days” program. You can use this book mark to get you through each day’s reading. There are group study materials at http://thebiblein90days.com and using the small group discussion DVD along with the study guide is a real bonus. Having others read along with you is also an encouragement as you can use group participants as accountability partners to keep you on track.
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21
Posted in Bible In 90 Days Religion by .
May 11
5
Paradise Restored – Day 88
Revelation 18:1 – 22:21
Overview
The last day of reading through the Bible in 90 Days brings us to the ending of the book of Revelation. Through a series of visions, a great battle is revealed where Satan and his followers are defeated and cast into the lake of fire. Ultimately Satan is Judged and his punishment will be eternal torment. The vision also reveals the New Heaven and New earth as well as details of the New Jerusalem where God will sit at His throne. The conclusion of Revelation reveals those things which must soon take place and the promise that Jesus will come for his followers .
Scripture Revelation 21:3-4
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Observation
John’s vision reveals that our existing earth will be restored with a new perfect place. It will be a place where God will live among us much just like it was with Adam & Eve in the Garden. God was with them in the Garden. Those who rebelled against God will be gone and only those who trusted in God & His promises will be together. We will be his people and He will be our God. Tears will be wiped away because we will rejoice with our Heavenly Father in the wonderful amazing work He has performed. We will not experience death or sickness anymore. Our bodies will be made perfect. The old way of our life and our world will be made new and perfected. In the beginning we had paradise on earth and then sin separated us from our fellowship with the Father. We lost paradise for a time. Now, when Christ returns for His followers, we will be made new and Paradise will be restored.
Application
Every person alive has a body that is dying. As we get older our bodies begin to move towards death. We are unique individuals that are created by God with our own unique DNA. When we stand in the presence of God, we will have perfected bodies that won’t decay and die anymore. We will be restored to perfection. This earth will experience the same miracle through the power of God. We should praise the Lord for the salvation He gives to those who place their faith in Him. While it might be difficult to understand what heaven will be like, know that it will be glorious and our excitement and joy will be uncontainable. God’s has promised us eternal life with Him. He is preparing a place for us right now.
Prayer
Lord I praise your Holy name. You are powerful and mighty. Thank you for the new life you give me through your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for your scriptures. Reading through your Word these past 3 months has been a rich blessing in my life.
Posted in Bible In 90 Days Religion by .