psalm 19 [introduction]

by Mark Lafler | Aug 1, 2012 | bible literacy, READ, theology and worldviews

This psalm is one of the more popular psalms of David.  It is a popular choice for meditative readings.  And for good reason as the psalm is full of rich poetic imagery.  Many will recognize the opening line, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above...

book review: the five love languages [the secret to love that lasts]

by Mark Lafler | Jul 18, 2012 | book reviews, READ

I recently read for the first time the popular book, The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing, 1995).  The easy-reading book has a phenomenal concept on how people express love toward and how they receive love from one another.  The concept is...

surpassing knowledge [ephesians 3:14-21]

by Mark Lafler | Jul 11, 2012 | bible literacy, READ, theology and worldviews

Ephesians includes two prayers by Paul concerning the readers of the letter.  Ephesians 3:14-21 is the second  of those prayers. [1]  It’s an extraordinary prayer asking Father God to strengthen his people by the power of the Holy Spirit and to have power to...

book review: to america [personal reflections of an historian]

by Mark Lafler | Jul 4, 2012 | book reviews, READ

As we celebrate the independence of the United States of America today with hotdogs, apple pie, fireworks, etc. it seems right to do a review on a book concerning American history. Stephen E. Ambrose, the famed historian and author of Band of Brothers, wrote a...

book review: an introduction to the study of paul

by Mark Lafler | Jun 27, 2012 | book reviews, READ, theology and worldviews

In An Introduction to the Study of Paul,[1] David G. Horrell introduces the reader to many of the current approaches and thoughts on Pauline studies. The book includes subjects such as the influence and life of Paul (chapters 1-3), Paul’s undisputable letters (chapter...