5 BLOGS you should be reading & 5 PODCASTS that you should listen to!

Being a BLOGGER is not easy, and getting an audience is almost as difficult. I appreciate the effort of those who choose to lay their thoughts (and hearts) out there. I'm constantly searcing for new BLOGS and other content to keep me engaged. So, I've got you 5 BLOGS you should be reading and also 5 PODCASTS that should be on your I-Tunes list...

BLOGS:

1) 'Hope for the Journey' (http://myhopejourney.co/) Kevin Small writes an interesting and personal BLOG about prodigals. Kevin talks alot about addiciton and those who have left their faith journey, he calls prodigals. I'll quote his reasoning for his BLOG, "So, here is the “Hope for the Journey” blog. You are not alone. Others have walked the path you are walking, felt what you are feeling, and prayed what you are praying. Hopefully, as we share our journey, you can find Hope for your Journey." If you are dealing with a struggling child, parent, sibling, or anyone you know, check out this very thoughtful BLOG.

2) 'Apologetics 105' (http://apologetics105.com/) This Blog is the work of Rob Johnson. It is a well crafted site on apologetics, which happens to be one of my passions. He does apologetics in the 'classic' sense, using logic, evidence, and classical arguments in defense of the Gospel. The title comes from 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" This site should be your go-to site for defending your faith.

3) 'The Poached Egg' (http://www.thepoachedegg.net/) This site is, what I would call, a Clearinghouse BLOG. It is a site with articles, BLOGS, and essays form all over the Internet. Greg West, editor and founder said, "The Poached Egg derives its name from the famous C.S. Lewis quote from, Mere Christianity. “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -- on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg -- or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.”" Greg takes the approach that Christ is who He said He was. Follow this BLOG for great content.

4) 'The Gospel Coalition' (http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/) This BLOG is in its tenth year of work. Two of the great Christian thinkersofour day serve as President and Vice-President, Don Carson and Tim Keller. Some of the most thought provoking articles on the Web can be found on this BLOG. The BLOG is not one writer, but a multitude of different writers. So, this brings a fresh voice each time a new BLOG is posted, check them out.

5) 'Reasonable Faith' (http://www.reasonablefaith.org/) Dr. William Lane Craig is a profeesional philosopher. He is also Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University. His intelligent defense of the Bible and God are breath taking at times. On the site it states the goal as, "Reasonable Faith aims to provide in the public arena an intelligent, articulate, and uncompromising yet gracious Christian perspective on the most important issues concerning the truth of the Christian faith today." This has quickly become one of my favorite sites for defending the faith.

5 very influential PODCASTS that I would recommend are (all can be subscribed to on I-Tunes):

1) 'The Gospel Friends' (http://www.thegospelfriends.com/) This podcast, usually new episodes are published on Monday, is a unique Christian voice. David, Chase, and Nick (with various guest host and guests) start each episode with (tongue firmly planted in cheek), "n a world where heresy blankets the airwaves, religious stuffed-shirts suck the life out of Sunday morning, and prosperity teacher rob grandmothers of their pensions, three unassuming ministers endeavor to shine the light of Biblical theology and put the fun back in fundamentalism…" It is funny, irreverant (not to the Faith but almost everything else), and very serious (at times).

2) 'Unbelievable?' (http://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable) This is a Brithish radio program that pits Christians and non-Chritians or opposing theological bents, defended by experts in their fields. Justin Brierley, host, brings atheist, agnostic, and great Christian thinkers together to discuss various subjects. To quote their site, "Unbelievable? engages in fundamental questions on Christianity with the intention to openly discuss different opinions between Christians and non-believers. Each Saturday, in the award-winning programme Unbelievable, Justin Brierly asks questions like: Is there evidence for God? Can we trust the Bible? Did Jesus rise from the dead? Justin tackles these and other issues, on a show that gets Christians and non-believers talking to each other." It doesn't hurt to have a British accent, either.

3) '5 Minutes in Church History' (http://5minutesinchurchhistory.com/) Maybe the only thing more fascinating to me than apologetics and theology is Church history. Well, if you are like me, here is the PODCAST for you. Stephen Nichols, takes us back to the foundation of our Christian heritage. Taking well know, and some less-known, early pioneers of the faith, he tells our story thru the historical events of our past. As the name implies, it is a five minute sketch, but full of info.

4) 'Christ is All: Frank Viola Audio' (http://ptmin.podbean.com/) This is Frank Viola's unique PODCAST. By that I mean, it may be a sermon, a discussion, or a hilarious comedy routine. A Best Selling Author, Frank is someone who will challenge your ideas, notions, and even your theology. I take the time to listen what he says, because what he says makes me think. I think you will find his wit, humor, and take on things, engaging.

5) 'Agape Fellowship Podcast' (http://agapepinson.com/) This has become my favorite site for preaching. Chase Thompson serves as Senior Pastor of this church in Pinson, AL. His sermons, including those of other staff and guest speakers, are featured in the PODCAST. Solid biblical exegisis is found in the sermons, as well as unique takes on familar Bible passages. Listen in on some messages, and I think you find yourself coming back for more.

These are just my own personal favorites, and highly recommend them all. Hopefully in the near future, I'll be adding a PODCAST to my ministry as well as this BLOG, stay tuned.

GOD BLESS