The Bible Gets a New Modern Twist: First of Three in Series to Simplify Bible Stories

/PRNewswire/ -- Using modern language and phraseology, author Bill Stahl retells the ancient stories of the Bible in his own words in "The Bible's Story of Salvation" (published by iUniverse). He incorporates the contributions of Bible scholars, historic, archaeological, and pertinent scientific data to "make the stories more understandable and to make them come alive, particularly the people of the stories," says Stahl. "They were real people with real lives, having many of the same goals and ambitions, concerns and fears we have today."

"The Bible's Story of Salvation" is the first of a three-volume series from Bill Stahl. It covers the Bible from Genesis through Second Chronicles. For some 21st century readers, it's hard to understand the Bible because the ancient writers were writing for the people of their own time. Many are unfamiliar with the places they speak of and the stories are not always in chronological order. There are numerous inconsistencies and even apparent contradictions in the Bible. Some of what the Bible authors state doesn't square up with historical or archeological records. Usually, to understand the Bible, further study is essential. Bill Stahl has done this further study and researched the Bible scholars' contributions, historical and archeological records, and scientific data to simplify the complexities of the Bible and help modern readers understand its essential message.

"The Bible is the story of the birth and growth of the Hebrew religion (Old Testament) followed by the story of the birth and early development of the Christian religion (New Testament). Looking at it another way, the Bible is the account of the unfolding and execution of God's plan for the salvation of the human race."

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Charles Barkley Makes Bigoted Anti-Christian Remarks -- The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission Calls for Apology

Standard Newswire/ -- "Charles Barkley revealed an unfortunate lack of understanding of the Bible and Christian morality by attacking pro-life and pro-family conservatives as 'fake Christians,'" said Dr. Gary Cass, Chairman and CEO of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission.

"Barkley rips one phrase of the Bible from its context, and then asserts that anyone who is opposed to abortion or gay marriage is a 'fake Christian.'"

Dr. Cass continues, "We respect Barkley as an expert on basketball, but he is obviously not an expert on Christian moral theology. The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission calls on Barkley to apologize for his hateful remarks. We are hopeful that he will do the right thing."

Former NBA great Charles Barkley made his remarks in an interview on CNN with Wolf Blitzer. When Blitzer asked Barkley to clarify his remarks, Barkley made it clear that he did not misspeak. According to Barkley anyone who judges another person's actions is wrong.

"For Barkley to think that Christians cannot have an opinion about matters of public policy and personal morality is astonishing," said Cass. "Jesus forbids judging by hypocritical double standards, but he requires Christians to make just and sound judgments everyday according to biblical precepts."

"Ironically, Barkley engaged in the very activity of judging others that he condemned in conservatives. Barkley's words reveal an unfortunate, irrational anti-Christian bigotry."
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Lovelink Mission Continues in El Salvador

What do you say when you are looking at over 350 prison hardened gang members?  Sam Hawkins, founder of Lovelink, says the first thing that pops into his heart. "I love you, and you, and you."  Such was the scene at one of El Salvador's prisons last fall.

Hawkins answered the call with other missionaries to start a new prison ministry in the Central American country.

Hawkins said, "I'm always looking for more challenges to serve the Lord.  It broke my heart to see these boys, some as young as 16 who are in prison because they joined a gang. They wanted to belong to a family."

The day of Hawkins first visit to the prison, which houses the meanest gangs in El Salvador, was also the day a prison lock down occurred. The prison officials had received word of a riot that was planned inside the prison. The prison directors did not want the missionaries to enter.

After Hawkins and the other missionaries finally received permission to continue and had passed through several checkpoints, the last guard, who had fear etched onto his face. said, "I won't be responsible."

The missionaries, accompanied by ex-gang members who have since given 
their lives to God, entered the block where more than 350 gang members waited for them. Hawkins recalled the massive intensity of the hostility he felt. He recounted that he "walked with the authority and in the Spirit of the Lord."

"I love you," he said as he looked into the prisoners' lonely eyes. These men all know the power of the law and of judgement. They watched and listened as Hawkins continued, "I love you. Who is this white haired man standing in front of you? I have white hair. I'll be your grandfather, your family."

Hawkins and the other missionaries had to then explain how it was they could love these men through Christ.

The prisoners who have found forgiveness and the Lord are mighty worshippers. They raise their tatoo filled hands, sing songs and praise God as the tears course down their faces. They understand judgement. They understand forgiveness.

Hawkins continues to cross the line in faith and find what he knows. God will always provide for him when he does.

The First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City is sponsoring a mission trip to Lovelink in El Salvador in February.