Online Bibles have given us an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between a Bible reference and the idea or concept that it supports. A simple HTML link can help get the point across without forcing the reader to thumb through their physical Bible. Unfortunately, it can be cumbersome to manually link a reference to an online Bible resource. However, a new tool from Logos has the ability to automate that process. It’s called RefTagger, and it’s a free tool written in JavaScript.

Once RefTagger is installed, it will automatically transform Bible references into JavaScript mouseovers and links. It identifies references in a variety of formats (John 3:16, John 3:16-17, etc.) and is even intelligent enough to determine which translation to use (John 3:16 (KJV), John 3:16 (NIV), etc.).

The RefTagger code is customizable and can be installed by pasting it right before the </body> tag on your website. Plugins are also available for major blog, forum and wiki platforms. Check it out!

In the second half of the book, Platt explores the implications of the unadulterated Gospel. He makes the case that we should be more generous, using our amazing wealth and resources to help others. He also emphasizes the need to follow the Great Commission, getting out of our comfort zones and spreading the Word of God to all corners of the earth. Some might criticize this book for labeling these principles as “radical”. After all, they are really just basic tenets of our faith. However, Platt uses the word “radical” to emphasize the fact that these ideas are in direct opposition to the standards of the American Dream.

For those interested in leading a genuine Christian life, the author presents a year-long program consisting of specific activities. Each activity is meant to tear you away from your comfortable, worldly standard of living and put you on the path to following Christ. The list is remarkably simple, but challenging at the same time. If everyone in Christian America were to try this program, it really might change the world.

Memorable quotes from Radical:

“The cost of nondiscipleship is profoundly greater than the cost of discipleship. For when we abandon the trinkets of this world and respond to the radical invitation of Jesus, we discover the infinite treasure of knowing and experiencing him.”

“…we have actually turned away from Jesus. We have in many areas blindly and unknowingly embraced values and ideas that are common in our culture but are antithetical to the gospel he taught… We need to return with urgency to a biblical gospel.”

“The message of biblical Christianity is not ‘God loves me, period,’ as if we were the object of our own faith. The message of biblical Christianity is ‘God loves me so that I might make him – his ways, his salvation, his glory, and his greatness – known among all nations.’ Now God is the object of our faith, and Christianity centers around him. We are not the end of the gospel; God is.”

Who? The church’s name and a brief “who we are” blurb.

What? The church’s mission statement and religious affiliation.

Where? City, state, and street address.

When? Times and dates of worship services, Sunday school classes, etc.

Why? A statement of faith, clearly defining theological distinctives.

How? A concise overview of some programs and ministries the church offers.

Visitors

Say you’ve just moved to a new town, and you’re looking for a church to attend. How do you go about this task? Years ago, you would have picked up a phone book and thumb through the yellow pages. These days, you’d probably open a browser and perform a Google search.

It is very important for churches to understand the role of their online presence. With the pervasiveness of the Internet, church websites are often responsible for a visitor’s first impressions. Outdated, clumsy, confusing websites will frustrate a first-time visitor. If the experience is particularly bad, people might reject the church without ever setting foot inside the building! On the other hand, a clean, clear, and welcoming website may encourage a potential visitor to make plans for a Sunday morning visit.

If you’ve never done so before, take a look at your church website and assume the role of a first-time visitor. You might be surprised by what you see. What sorts of things stand out? In a separate post, I explore some suggestions for essential church website content.

Members

While visitors will navigate to a church website seeking general information and an overall impression, current church members will be interested in more detailed particulars. They should be able to regularly check the site and be presented with current events and opportunities. When is the next church potluck? What are the current Bible study and home group topics? Which passage of Scripture will the pastor be covering this week?

A church website should allow members to remain connected throughout the week. It should help encourage them to participate in the Body of Christ.

It seems that most church websites do a relatively good job when it comes to serving the needs of visitors. However, most of them fall short when it comes to the audience of current members. Where are the features that allow user interaction or real-time participation? In this age of social networking, churches have a great opportunity to build online communities that can supplement and strengthen the real-world relationships of their members. There is so much that can be done in this area! In future posts, I will explore some of my specific ideas. What are your thoughts on the church website member experience?

For the past few weeks, I’ve been quietly working on a new project. Along the way, I’ve been considering these questions and more. Hopefully I’ll be able to share more information with you soon. In the mean time, what are your thoughts regarding these issues?

This detailed diorama was part of a traveling exhibit at this year’s Fort Walla Walla days. There was even running water in the model’s river!

Border Radius, a service by Jacob Bijani, allows users to design their rounded corners with an easy-to-use web-based interface. The corresponding CSS code is generated on the fly, ready to be copied into the target stylesheet. This neat little tool is perfect for casual website designers like me.

The goal of Alma 42 is to explain the relationship between God’s mercy and justice. The missionaries alluded to this fact, assuming that this was a new concept found nowhere in the Old or New Testaments. However, this is no new revelation to the Bible-believing Christian:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

As our atonement, Christ paid the penalty for our sins. As a result, God’s wrath was satisfied and we have the gift of His mercy. The Mormons promised that their scripture provided special, exclusive insights into God that can’t be found anywhere else. This was their flagship example, and it left me unimpressed with their claim.

Perhaps they can point me toward a better example, but there are some more interesting things to note. First of all, Alma 42 mentions that mortality is “a probationary time” for mankind on the earth. Verse 10 states, “this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.” The idea is that humans need to turn from evil and obey God to earn their salvation. Just as an ex-convict is monitored by a probation officer, Mormons are always a few short steps away from “being cut off from the presence of the Lord.” This contradicts what the Bible teaches.

“I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28

“…he [God] who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Both of these verses clearly state that a believer can never lose his or her salvation. They directly refute the Mormon view.

I’ll just address one more issue for now. Christians believe that God is the creator of the universe; He is all-powerful and He answers to no one.

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, 
and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power 
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, 
for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; 
you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11

However, Alma 42 is inconsistent with this view of God’s sovereignty. In this chapter, the Almighty is characterized as subject to Justice and Mercy. Verse 13 claims that “God would cease to be God” if justice was not satisfied. He is obliged to “appease the demands of justice” in verse 15. Both justice and mercy are personified in verse 24, portrayed as higher authorities than God Himself. The Old and New Testaments plainly show that God defines justice and mercy. He is not defined by them.

I can’t say that reading Alma 42 provided me with any kind of radical spiritual enlightenment. However, it did help me understand a little more of Mormon theology, and it gave me some good questions to ask the missionaries during their next visit. I pray that God will be glorified as I speak to them, and that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts.