Friday Five: The Far Side, The Gospel Project, Adventures in Odyssey, Verdict with Ted Cruz, Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here’s a quick recap how the Friday Five is formatted for your viewing/reading pleasure.

1. The Far Side is still hilarious.

2. The Gospel Project. Last month, I began leading Soldiers in my battalion through the Gospel Project Bible study curriculum (available from Lifeway). I love this Bible study series for a few reasons. First, my big brother Trevin helped craft it. It’s theologically robust and grafts in words of wisdom from church fathers. Second, I love that they have kids and students versions, so a church can implement the study enabling the entire church to go through the study together. Third, I appreciate that they’ve developed the study by emphasizing the overall hopeful message of the Bible–the Gospel. I’ve enjoyed teaching from several different Bible studies: Bible Studies for Life, Explore the Bible, series on Right Now Media, etc. However, my favorite is the Gospel Project for the reasons aforementioned.

3. Adventures in Odyssey. I grew up listening to Adventures in Odyssey as a kid, and it’s brought Bethany and me great pleasure to introduce our children to it years later. Focus on the Family is still producing great radio drama for kids “of all ages.” Highly recommend purchasing these if you have kids between the ages of 5-13. You can listen to them on cd or on mp3. If you’re wanting to check them out to test whether your kids will enjoy them, I recommend purchasing the Bible Eyewitness Collector’s Set. It’s $33.08 on Amazon. It’s a great discipleship tool to reinforce the truth of God’s Word.

4. Verdict with Ted Cruz. I’ve enjoyed listening to the nation’s #1 podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz hosted by Michael Knowles. I particularly found episode #15, “A Firsthand Look at Socialism” enlightening. Senator Cruz’s interview with his Aunt Sonia who escaped Castro’s communist regime in Cuba is an important contribution to the political discourse, especially as a self-professed socialist Bernie Sanders led the Democratic party nomination contest for several weeks. Highly recommend giving it a listen to hear what it was like battling the socialist, tyrannical regime.

5. Emerson on Inspiration. “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson