A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Faith

In Times Before

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In times before
The end of the world.
People stood in wonder.

Never before had they seen such a thing.
People rising into the air.
The dead being gathered up.

A booming voice
like one of thunder.
Not a quite rapturous event.

And suddenly people
All around were surprised
And in awe.

That hidden aspect of God
Contained within all
That they had so zealously surpressed.

They knew
Without a shadow of a doubt.
It was all true.

God did exist.
Here he was coming down.
In the air. Calling his own to him.

And those left standing
Had no answer.
They knew he was Lord.

This once in a world’s time event.
The end of it all
Was something never seen before.

In times before…..

Never Seen Before

Scripture Speaks

So I wrote this in somewhat less than three minutes.  It just kinda popped out of me as soon as I saw Kate’s word prompt.   I hope you like it!  If you don’t, please be kind anyways!  🙂 Just maybe you might decide to join in on the fun!

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thess 4:13-18

Review: The Unbreakable Faith Course

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Conversation, it’s one of the things I love best as my lad grows older. Conversations about God, life, purpose, people and whatever else he (or I) am learning about.  It is absolutely fantastic.  Recently we’ve been reviewing an apologetics program called The Unbreakable Faith Course.  It’s been put out by Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC… and it is causing lots of conversation in our household and I love that.   I can’t wait to tell you all about in this review for the Homeschool Review Crew. 

The Unbreakable Faith Course

What I am Reviewing

Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC is the designer of the The Unbreakable Faith Course.   With this course you’ll receive online information as well as two books.  These books are called God the Reason and The Box.  I received these books as PDF’s but there is an option to get the physical books as well.    This is a credited Christian apologetics course.  Their goal is to help teens, young adults and families take on a biblical worldview so we can show and talk about God’s infinite excellence to those around us. 

viewing The Unbreakable Faith Course

How we used it

Our goal was to do The Unbreakable Faith Course with the whole family.  My son wanted dad to be involved.  My husband works long hours into the early morning hours, which made working out the logistics a bit of a challenge.  🙂  What we ended up planning was two-three days a week we would read “The Box” together, and watch one video. We ended up missing watching videos since life sometimes get complicated with later than normal shifts and a need for sleep!  🙂   

The first thing I did was connect with Staples and get them to print off the PDF’s.  These are fairly large books and I didn’t want to print them all off at home.  My son and I read hard-copies of books easier than using e-readers.  

How far did we get?   We’ve watched three videos, and I’ve read the first two chapters of “God the Reason”, and have finished “The Box”.    My son has been steadily reading one chapter a week.  The Box is mostly finished, and he’s about to start on God the Reason.  

The Box

The Box book cover

The Box, written by Craig Biehl, is covered in the first lesson.  17 chapters, much of which is a conversation between Mr. A and Mr. C.   It is broken up into three sections.

  1. Answering the Faith of the Atheist (9 chapters)
  2. Answering the Faith of the Agnostic (5 chapters)
  3. Concluding Remarks (3 chapters)

The book closes with acknowledgements, about the author and resources for parents.    The Box demonstrates how to have a conversation with non-believers.  The conversation is at times stilted but that’s to be expected when you are “setting the scene”. I did find it to be a bit repetitive at times. My son sometimes struggled with the authors not taking everything thought into account.  Many of his questions were about “what if this” and “what about that”. He’s a bit of a perfectionist so wording matters to him.

Presuppositional apologetics are a big part of The Box.  If we get to the root of a person’s thought process, the better we are able to ask questions to help them see truth and deception. 

God the Reason

God the Reason

God the Reason is the larger of the two books.  It has 15 chapters with distinct sections.

  1. God is Eternal (6 sections)
  2. God Needs Nothing (5 sections)
  3. God Cannot be Known unless he reveals himself (five sections)
  4. God is Boundless perfection (7 sections)
  5. God Does not Change (2 sections)
  6. God is Undivided (3 sections)
  7. God is Spirit (3 sections)
  8. God knows everything (4 sections)
  9. God is Wise (3 sections)
  10. God is True and Truthful (3 sections)
  11. God is Good and Love (4 sections)
  12. God is Holy (4 sections)
  13. God is righteous (4 sections)
  14. God is infinitely powerful (6 sections)
  15. God Rules over all (8 sections)

There is a conclusion, two appendices, acknowledgements, works cited, and two indexes.

This book was very much appreciated.  Easy to read and understand.  I love the short sections contained within each chapter with the clear headings of what they were about. This book was also written by Craig Biehl and really helps people understand the nature and majesty of God.

The more we understand the nature of God, the more we are enabled to import worldview truths to those around us. 

reading from God the Reason

Course Set Up

This is a self-paced course.  Take it at your own speed, but if doing it for a credit needs to be finished within 36 weeks of start. 

self-paced

One of the many helpful aspects of Pilgrim’s Rock is they give you a tour of your dashboard. Helping you to understand the many different parts in this presuppositional apologetics course.

dashboard tour

Your lesson work is set up in such a way that you need to complete each section before heading into the next one.  This ensures that you can’t jump ahead, though… if you really want to.. it is possible. 🙂

Unbreakable faith course lay out

We haven’t gotten to the point of taking a test yet.  It is important to note that these tests are timed.  You have 36 weeks to complete the course from the time that you start it.  

Pilgrim's Rock, Timed Tests

The structure of the course is to read chapters of God the Reason and The Box. These readings and chapters are followed up by a quiz.  These quizzes can only be taken once.  I loved the questions that my son came up with, they showed he was understanding the chapters he read.  I do regret that the course itself asks no questions to help you understand what you are reading or how it all fits together into a cohesive unit. 

unbreakable-faith-course-calender

Watching videos is a great way for my lad to learn.  He’s generally audio-oriented so having video just adds.  He did mention that he would like to have a transcript of the videos as well.  His intention is to watch the videos again, and if he had the transcript he could circle the parts of the transcript he wanted to remember for the quiz. 

pilgrim's rock - unbreakable faith course

They have different pricing options depending if you need credit or not.  The course is designed for individuals 15 years or older.  As I read through it and listened to my 14 year old, I think the age range is pretty good.  My son didn’t seem to struggle with it at all, but it’s definitely not geared for elementary students. 

pilgrim's rock logo

So What Did we Think?

My thoughts: “I really like how God the Reason is done. Short chapters with smaller sections that reinforce the main topic. The videos do a good job of supporting this book.  I would really like if the test could be printed out and wasn’t timed.  I absolutely adore the fact that my son asks great questions with this course.  That in and of itself makes this an excellent course.”

My son’s thoughts: “It’s okay.  I don’t like the conversations in The Box, I like just straight-forward writing. I like the videos.  I like when mom can read God the Reason to me and I can listen and ask questions.“

Dad’s thoughts: “They approach apologetics from a different perspective then I would, but they don’t do a bad job.  It would be good if it came with questions, or at least conversation starters.”

watching unbreakable faith

35 members of the Homeschool Review Crew have taken a look at Pilgrim’s Rock, The Unbreakable Faith Course.  You can check out their reviews at this link or by clicking on the image below.   

The Unbreakable Faith Course {Pilgrim's Rock, LLC Reviews}

I love thy kingdom, Lord

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I love thy kingdom, Lord I also know as a shorter song I love your church, O Lord. In the lyrics below I red texted the verses normally found in the shorter song (just change the thee’s and thou’s to you/your).  🙂  It’s a good song of praise, give it a listen!  🙂

i love thy kingdom Lord

Lyrics to I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode.
The church our blessed Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand.
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And written on Thy hand.

If e’er to bless Thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skills forsake,
This voice in silence die.

Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.

For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be given
Till toils and cares shall end.

Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

Jesus, Thou friend divine,
Our Savior and our king,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.

Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of Heaven.

Author

Written in 1800 by Timothy Dwight, I love thy kingdom Lord is believed to be the oldest hymn written by an American still in regular use.

Massachutsetts born, this Congregationalist preacher was a grandson of Jonathan Edwards.  Contracting small pox (from receiving an inoculation) affected him all his life, particularly with pain in his eyes.  He could only read for 15 minutes at a time.  Despite this, he wrote songs and manuscripts, served as a minister, was president of Yale, helped found the Andover The­o­lo­gi­cal Sem­in­a­ry, learned Latin, and gained his doctorate of Divinity.   Wiki has much to say about him. 

The tune below I have sung this old hymn too as well, but it is a much less common version. 

Looking Deeper

When I read about Dwight’s handicap and saw all that he had accomplished I was simply amazed.  What a determined fellow he must have been. Dealing with that ever present pain, and yet still doing so much.  Very good of God isn’t it?

As I read the words of this hymn, it was apparent how much Dwight loves the church.  He sees it as the kingdom of God… well that might not be quite right.  He sees God’s kingdom, and the church is a distinct part of it.  Perhaps he could join in with those who mock the church, but doesn’t.  Instead he sees the good of the church. 

It makes me think.  With all the divisions that are in the church do we pray for her?  Do we see the good or do we scoff at the differences?  How do we see the church?  As part of the God’s kingdom as it surely is?  Consider carefully the group of believers that the Lord calls his own.

He Is Lord

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I grew up only singing one verse to this song.  Imagine my surprise when leafing through Lift Up Your Hearts, I saw that there are four verses to He is Lord.   I thought, oh, wouldn’t it be fun to share this old campfire song.  🙂

He is Lord

Lyrics to He is Lord

He Is Lord; He Is Lord
He Has Risen From The Dead
And He Is Lord,
Every Knee Shall Bow,
Every Tongue Confess
That Jesus Christ Is Lord.

He Is King; He Is King
He will draw all nation to him, he is king
And the Time shall be,
When the world shall sing
That Jesus Christ Is King.

He Is Love; He Is Love
He Has shown us by his life
That He Is Love,
All his people sing,
with one voice of joy
That Jesus Christ Is Love.

He Is Life; He Is Life
He Has died to set us free
And He Is Life,
And he calls us all,
to live evermore
For Jesus Christ Is Life.

History

Now it’s known that Marvin Frey is the author of the first verse, who wrote the last three no one really knows. 

Rev Frey, an Oregon native, wrote over 2000 spiritual songs over his life. He was active in the nondenominational Independent Assemblies.   Many of his songs were used in evangelistic meetings.  If you would like to know more about his life, I found an obituary in the NY Times. 

Learning from He is Lord

Sometimes simple songs are more profound than you think they are eh?   Just to remember the Lordship of Christ.   He is Lord and that means something.   The unknown author of the next three verses fill in some of what that means to him.

What does Jesus Christ being Lord mean to you?  It’s a good thing to ponder don’t you think?

Experience Tells

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Recently we just finished the Canadian Online Homeschooling Conference.  Experienced homeschoolers spreading their knowledge to those coming up new.  Reminding of schedules, the ability to do it, and how to curricula pick. This experience of others, the need to be one who tells.

And recently at bible study, this experience again shows.  The stories of others who’ve gone on before. Listen, experience tells.  Showing up God’s grace in ways unexpected.  It’s a marvellous thing, this spreading of knowledge. 

I hope you will join us as we gather around Miss Kate’s Five minute Friday word prompt. 

Experience Tells

Experience Tells

Experience Tells
Older mom to younger
Don’t mind that mixed up speech
Younglin’s sometimes time will take
Their speech to straighten out.
If help is needful you will know
The patterns they will stay.
But mixing consonants will happen.
Don’t worry now this day.

Experience Tells
Homeschooler 9 years says
To brand new one venturing
On a journey to unknown lands.
Do not buy every shiney thing
That shows up on your door.
Learn your children well is first
Curriculum is second.

Experience Tells
A mom in shock soon learns.
Ask a parent more experienced.
If teen behaviour normal is.
How preteen hormones rage.
As defiance rears a head.
What to do, how to say,
Experience lends a hand.

Experience tells
How grace received is given.
Patience as you rear a Child
Reflects the Lord’s long-suffering.
Take your time.
Offer hugs, and even more grace beside.
Let the Holy Spirit
Always be your guide.

But use experience.
Lean on those gone on before.
Because Experience Tells
And acts as guide.
To more than just ourselves.
In turn your experience
A guide you soon will be.
Giving out to others
As was oft given out to thee.

experience tells

Recently in the homeschool review crew I was offered a chance to mentor others into the SchoolhouseTeachers.com website. A chance to share my experiences to benefit others.  It’s great to share knowledge don’t you think?  Even one homeschool mom helping another navigate sticky sciences experiments.  I love it!  🙂

schoolhouseteachers

Via Dolorosa

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So I have this medium sized CD collection of music that’s been sitting on my shelf for ages.  I used to listen to music when cleaning or doing random stuff around the house but since my CD player broke they’ve just been shelved.  Anyways, I decided the other day since the CD player works in the car I had no excuse!   I’ve been going through my collection and deciding what I still like and don’t.  I have this Sandi Patti CD and Via Dolorosa is one of the songs on it.  It’s been running through my head since then, now I’ll let it run through yours.  🙂

Lyrics

Down the Via Dolorosa in
Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the
narrow street
But the crowd pressed into see
A man condemned to die on
Calvary.
 
He was bleeding from a beating –
there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown upon his
head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those of those of
those who cried out for his
death.
 
Down the Via Dolorosa called the
way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah
Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road
out of His love for you and me
Down the Via Dolorosa all the
way to Calvary.
 
Por la Via Dolorosa, triste dia en Jerusalem
Los saldados le abrian paso a Jesus
Mas la gente se acercaba
Para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz.
 
Por la Via Dolorosa, que es la via del dolor
Como oveja vino Cristo, Rey, Senor
Y fue El quien quiso ir por su amor por ti y por mi
Por la Via Dolorosa al Calvario y a morir
 
The blood that would cleanse the
souls of all men
Made its way through the heart of
Jerusalem.
 
Down the Via Dolorosa called the
way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah,
Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road
out of his love for you and me
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the
way to Calvary
cross on hill, text via dolorosa

Author and History

Sandi Patty was born 1956 in Oklahoma.  As a child, she sang her first song at age two, and in the summer, she and her siblings sang with her parents nationwide. They were known as “The Ron Patty Family”.  Her higher education was in vocals and conducting.  She has made several audio recordings over the years.

She was a highly popular singer in the 1970-80’s but a divorce sidetracked her career.  Using pop concert performances with symphony orchestras she slowly built up her career again.   You can find a list of her music and writing on this wiki page.

Meaning in Via Dolorosa

I don’t pretend to understand what I think is the Spanish.  Listening to the words though… the suffering of Jesus on his way to the cross.  Such a hard trip for him. Such a hard choice for him to stick through.  Can you imagine his love for us, and his loving obedience to his Father?  He is our saviour!

Thou Art the Christ

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Are you looking for a devotional that will walk you through the life of Jesus?   Jonathan Jenkins has put together a devotional where you can use any translation of the Bible that you are comfortable with.   Let me tell you call about it in this review. 

Thou Art the Christ - jonathan jenkins

What I am Reviewing

Thou Art the Christ: a devotional on the Life of Jesus by Jonathan Jenkins was written in 2019 and published by Westbow Press.  At 380 pages this softcover book does a good job at walking people through the life of Christ. 

Thou Art the Christ provides a nonbreaking narrative of Jesus’s life, connecting it to Old Testament prophecies about God’s promise to send the Messiah for the whole world for any whosoever believing him. (from cover)

The Details on Thou Art the Christ

Thou Art the Christ is divided into 11 parts, they are: 

  1. Incarnation
  2. Offer of a new life
  3. Sermon on the mount
  4. Trains the twelve
  5. The turning point
  6. Trains the seventy
  7. Point of no return
  8. Passion week
  9. Last supper
  10. Our Good Friday
  11. His resurrection commissions us
Thou Art the Christ table of contents

One of the things I really appreciate in this devotional is that each devotional reading is directly applicable to the scripture reading.   It’s one of the reasons I dislike reading devotionals.  You read the passage, then the devotional reading and wonder how one connects to the other.  I did not have that with any of the devotionals I read. 

Thou Art the Christ - sample page

With each devotional came 2-5 questions to answer.  Again, directly related to the scripture passage and the devotional. These weren’t empty minded questions, but ones designed to make you think. 

Thou Art the Christ - jonathan jenkins

Would I recommend?

Though I haven’t read every single devotional in this book, I like it.  I love that the author was clear about what he wanted to accomplish.  A devotional about the life of Christ.  He deals with the various aspects of Jesus’ ministry, from birth through resurrection. 

Each scripture reading is small, most of the devotions filled one page, the odd one going to a page and a half. Easy to read, good follow up questions, AND you can use whatever bible you fill most comfortable with. Instead of quoting scripture he provides the scripture reference so you can look it up yourself.  

Thou Art the Christ - jonathan jenkins