From Pastor Jason: Every Gift Points Us to Jesus

It never failed. At some point, after football had been played, turkey had been passed around and devoured, but before the pecan pie had been enjoyed (pronounced “p-can” by the way), my mom or dad would break our Thanksgiving momentum. As I’m sure is the habit of many of your families, before dessert could be enjoyed we were invited to share one thing from the previous year for which we were thankful. It could be anything. A new bike. A new discovery. Or the simple ongoing blessing of family, health, and western democracy (every kid loves democracy, right?). You know what I’m talking about. At first it was frustrating–I just wanted some pie. But despite my pecan pangs this tradition always took on special meaning and life.

Books & Blogs for Helpful content on the reliability of the Bible

On how the books of the Bible made it into the canon:
FF Bruce, The Canon of Scripture

    This is a classic book that essentials walks chronologically through how the Bible came about. The last three chapters are the most important and where he gives his conclusions in light of the evidence. The rest in merely an overview from Moses to the present day. Despite being 20 years old and dated areas and more recent debates in scholarship, it is still a very good book.

Michael Kruger, Canon Revisited

   This is a more recent book that addresses different interpretations on how the Canon came to be. It gives more detail than Bruce on the basic content of some disputed works and early debates surrounding them. His argument is that the canon is self-authenticating but he still uses the tried and true criteria of "apostolic, catholic, and orthodox."

Craig Blomberg, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels

    This book was recently updated and one of the best out there on the subject. Jason and I studied under Blomberg but that isn't why we recommend this book. We recommend it, because its excellent scholarship. Blomberg is always fair and clear. He goes over many issues like supposedly contradictory passages but his main concern is demonstrating the gospels do present an accurate view of who Jesus really was.

Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses

    I have heard this one is really good, and if serious scholars who question the truth of the gospels respect it - it must be good.

One of the foremost experts on NT manuscripts these days is Dan Wallace.
    This is a great summary article of the major issues and some great recommendations for introductory books on the subject.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/03/21/an-interview-with-daniel-b-wallace-on-the-new-testament-manuscripts/

Dan Wallace also has an extensive blog that goes into a TON of nitty gritty.
http://danielbwallace.com

From Pastor Jason: It's About to Get Crazy

Are you feeling it yet? I know I am. It’s November 19th. That means it’s almost Thanksgiving … Christmas … and then the new year. Yikes. It seems like right around the last week of November life kicks into warp speed. At Dwell there will be great opportunities to love our city, the CRC and Saratoga Subacute, and the folks in our gospel groups. Not to mention all the activities, traditions, and delicious meals there will be to enjoy with friends and family. And I’m sure things even pick-up at some of the places you all work. 

Five More Questions from "The Good News and Marriage"

A few weeks ago I spoke about marriage, the gospel, and how the church ought to love and consider our LGBTQ neighbors and friends. In response I took your questions. The first five questions and answers can be found here ... the second set of five questions and answers are below. Thanks so much for your thoughtful questions about an extremely important subject. Let me know if you have any follow-up thoughts or questions!

From Pastor Jason: A Few Big Thank Yous

Thank you to all those helped with another incredibly successful and generous evening of Harvest Carnival festivities. It was so good to watch you all love on our city.

From Pastor Jason: A Couple Updates

Thank you all so very much for all the congratulatory texts, cheerful Facebook comments, and most of all your prayers. Laura, Glori, and I were thrilled to have welcomed Jedidiah David Helveston into the world on Sunday morning (8:30 AM, 7 lbs 12.8 ounces, and 20 inches). I am also grateful that my son chose to show up on a Sunday when the Forty-Niners had a bye. Laura is doing very well and we're still not sure if Glori thinks she is now a big sister or a mommy. All answers to our prayers. Our hearts are full. Thanks for all the ways you have been in it all with us. Can’t wait for Jeddy to meet the Dwell family!