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I picked the picture at the top of this blog because it suggests adventure. There on the picture before you is the open sea suggesting unending exploration. To the right is a land mass that looks untouched, uncharted, undiscovered.

I have been a Christian all my life, but it wasn’t until I was in college during the “Jesus Freak” years that I started to make Christianity my own. I was a football player so I had not bought into the hippie/drug scene and since the Jesus Movement was closly aligned with all of that, it didn’t attract me. But I had always loved God and with all the talk about God and the Bible back then, I had to look closer.

Instead of looking to my Grandfather (a Methodist Minister) or the church we went to in our hometown, I started looking for myself. I started actually reading the Bible and asking questions. That started the qwest which has had it’s ups and downs but always moving forward, always an adventure.

As you can see, this site will be a lot of things–hopefully never boring or religious. If you want even more from me, check out our newsletter “Finding God” . You can also see other products we offer at www.TheThinkingChristianInstitute.com .

When I look at the picture of the ocean in the header, I am reminded of a quote from Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1520)
“The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore…unlike the mediocre, the intrepid (courageous, fearless) spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible..it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors..to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unkown.”

God’s best to you on our adventure,
Duke Clarke

Here is a video from St. Phillips Park in downtown Tucson, AZ. This short videos will be about just one verse or concept from the Bible to get you to think about it. Hope you enjoy it. Duke

 

 In the Park Psalm 118 [1:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I read an article recently about some conflict between two groups that I will not mention, but if you want to read the whole story check out the recent issue of Christianity Today.

According to the story, there is a group in the Midwest that is trying to reach people who have soured on Christianity (that’s a pretty big market), so they are going where the people are and talking with them. Sounds a bit like what Christ did. But just as Christ was criticized, so are these people being attacked because they are meeting in a microbrewery to have their talks. They are getting great turn-outs and it is a successful program.

“Bring your bible and have a beer” could be the headline of the flyers passed out, but I don’t think they were that bold. You see another group funded this venture and the funding group has a big time “tea totaler” philosophy (no alcohol) so thus the conflict.

Now I’m not here to give a pitch one way or the other on alcohol. My father was an alcoholic so I know how destructive abuse can be. But I also believe in a balanced life in every category with no extremes one way or the other.

But the whole focus of the new group was to find dissatisfied Christians who wanted to talk about God. Are we supposed to say, “Live your life according to my standards and THEN when you are all perfect I’ll talk to you about God” or is it “come are you are and let’s talk”. Personally I’d rather go the later route since that seems to be what Christ did.

I guess money still has strings, so it’s better to raise your own money and do what you think is right before God. Anyway, I thought finding God with a beer and a bible was pretty interesting–I’d go to one of their meetings.

God’s best to you,
Duke Clarke

This past weekend my wife and I hosted a Women’s Conference here in Tucson, AZ. We had 65 women come to the event which was a great success. The title was “It IS about You!” That may sound like an odd title for a Christian Woman’s Conference, because most Christian women have either been taught or at least think they should be last–but it’s not true.

How can you help anyone or have anything to give if you are always last? When you just think logically, who was the world created for? YOU! Who is salvation for? YOU! Who was the Bible written for? YOU! Who did Christ die for? YOU! If it is not about you, then who is it about?

Most people think it’s all about God, but God doesn’t need this Universe, He doesn’t need Salvation, He doesn’t need the Bible, He didn’t need Christ to die for Him. God made all of that available for YOU! So yes, it is about you.

Here are some of the happy women who learned about it this weekend.

Our beautiful Sonoran Sunset. When it got dark last night, I went outside and recorded a short show for you so check out the podcast-Stars of the Desert Night.

 

 Stars of the Desert Night: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (83)

In the summer of 2005, I decided that for my further spiritual growth and for the benefit of my family, it was time to begin a new adventure.

Before I got too old or too timid to make such a daring move, I packed them all up and we moved to Tucson, Arizona. Like Abraham leaving all he had ever known, we made the move.