The two most significant publications for codifying the English language were the King James Bible and the works of William Shakespeare; something similar happened for the Spanish language. This feature with Dr. Galen Yorba-Gray from Point Loma Nazarene University looks at one of the most significant works of Spanish literature: Don Quixote. Publications by Dr. Yorba-Gray include: “Don Quixote till Kingdom Come: The (Un)Realized Eschatology of Miguel de Unamuno.” Christianity and Literature (Winter 2004): 165-182. “Scriptural Authority in the Quijote: Target for Subversion?” Journal of Christianity and Foreign Languages 3 (Spring 2002): 31-47.

There are times in the life of a congregation when, for the health of the body and the testimony of Christ, a member should come under church discipline. This conversation with Matt Schmucker, executive director of IX Marks and an elder at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, takes a look at this difficult topic and explores why a commitment to church discipline is crucial for the effectiveness of the local church. The March 2009 issue of Tabletalk magazine features his article on this topic entitled: Something Different.

In the Christian community today there are tens of thousands of “faith related blog sites.” Most are for staying connected with friends or family but some can be places of intense criticism of both real and perceived weaknesses in the evangelical church—often under the guise of “spiritual discernment.” This feature is an informal discussion with three bloggers who say there is a big difference between discernment and what is often behind these blogs…cynicism. Guests include: 1. Steven Wedgeworth, Assistant Pastor at Immanuel Presbyterian Church (CREC) in Clinton, MS; teaches High School Humanities at the Veritas School in Jackson, MS; and blogger ( Wedgewords) 2. Steve Walden, Freeland Writter and blogger ( Waldenswits) 3. Scotty Smith, Pastor of Preaching, Teaching and Worship at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN.

Over the next few days a team of researchers in Oslo, Norway, are reopening a Viking grave in hopes of learning more about thier genetic background. They also hope to use the latest preservation technologies to prevent further decay of the remains for future study. This feature looks at the suprising legacy of this often misunderstood civilization. Colonel John Eidsmoe, a historian and member of the Lodge of the Sons of Norway, is the featured expert.

When situations don’t unfold the way you planned, or when someone doesn’t do what you think they should have, how do you respond? Are you gracious and kind, or do you struggle with the impulse to criticize? I think if we’re honest, most of us would admit that we too often give into a critical spirit. This conversation with Pat Baker focuses on how to address this spiritual problem and get true victory. Pat’s article: “In Critical Condition” was published in the March/April 2009 edition of Discipleship Journal.

Deuteronomy 6 charges us to train up our children in the ways of God, teaching them diligently as we sit in our homes and walk by the way. Families and churches across the country take this seriously. There are hundreds of Bible Story Books, Youth Curricula, websites and recordings marketed to help us do that, but how do we discern which ones to use? Dr. John Walton recently wrote an article on 5 common problems to look for in Bible Study Materials for children that served as the backbone to this feature. Allen Wolfe, author of Balancing the Sword, reminds us a fathers to set aside some of those resources and open up the text, and God will lead and direct us as we seek to train up our kids.

In Psalm 51, David confesses his sin to God, acknowledging that what God requires is not more sacrafice, but rather, a broken and contrite heart. This feature with Dr. Jerry Benjamin takes a look at the importance of brokenness in the believer’s life.

There are many resources available for us today to help us share our faith. From wordless books to The Four Spiritual Laws, tracts and pamphlets have been an important tool in evangelism for generations. This feature looks at one such resource that has been available in Europe for many years and is now being made available in the U.S. The author is Dr. John Blanchard, Apologist and Evangelist from England.

Sunday is Mother’s Day; while many women find great fulfillment in motherhood, there are times when it can be discouraging as well. One challenge many mothers face is bringing a sense of peace into their home. This feature is a conversation with Nancy Campbell, an experienced mother, grandmother and editor of Above Rubies Magazine. She brings some helpful advice on how to ”plant seeds of peace in the home.” The conversation is based on her article: Help! How can I have Peace in my Home? from the October 2008 issue of the magazine.

During most church services today there is a time when one or more short passages of scripture are read, usually immediately preceding the sermon. But for the first century church it appears that the public reading of the scriptures was a much more significant part of their gathering. This conversation with Rev. Terry Johnson, Senior Minister of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savanna, GA, takes a look at what that might mean for us today. “The Public Reading” by Rev. Terry Johnson is featured in the July 2009 edition of Tabletalk Magazine from Ligonier Ministries.