My Links to Web sites and Blogs

These are my Special Links

Itinerant Idealist  by Sarah Clarkson (my niece),   Personal Blog

"In search of a soul awake"

        Sarah says this about herself:

Al and Shelly Maxey:  Reflections, biblical studies done by Al Maxey

    Reflections is a continuing series of weekly articles sent out at no cost to a private email list. At present there are several thousand readers worldwide. These Reflections are not for everybody, however. They are designed for those disciples who have a Berean spirit --- who are willing to examine afresh their convictions and practices in light of God's inspired Word.   Al is  minister of the Cuba Avenue Church of Christ in Alamogordo, New Mexico where he also serves as an elder.

Granbury Church of Christ in Granbury, Texas.  Pulpit Minister:  John Knox

    This is the "local" congregation (if 35 miles is really considered local) where Linda, and I worship.   I don't believe you can find a friendlier church anywhere.  If you live in or are planning to visit the Granbury or Glen Rose area and are looking for a church where you will be instantly welcomed and made to feel right at home,  this is the place. Granbury has around 900 members. 

Kingwood Church of Christ in Kingwood, Texas.  Pulpit Minister:  Bob Ethington

    This is the congregation where our oldest daughter, Shannon, is the Children's Minister.  It is one of the friendliest congregations I think I have ever had the pleasure to worship with.  We are able to worship with them every seven weeks when we visit Shannon, David, and River.

Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, TX.  Pulpit Minister:  Phil Ware

    Our daughters, Kristie and Kathie, are attending worship and young adult singles classes at this church and share in teaching the 3rd and 4th grade classes.   When Linda and I camp at Abilene State Park, or spend the night with Kristie and Kathie, this is where you will find us on Sunday Morning.

Whole Heart Ministries

    This is a ministry of my brother, Clay Clarkson, that is dedicated to helping parents home school their children win a Christian atmosphere.  They have published numerous books on this subject, and are in demand at home school conferences, seminars, and retreats.  Their methods work!

Followers of Chirst in Brantford Ontario  Pulpit Minister: Rick Gamble

   An independent, nondenominational church which has a long-term lease in a municipally-owned Community Centre in one of the city's most under serviced areas.   A very informal, come-as-you-are group of Christians who want to operate, not like an institution, but like a family, in which each member shares privileges and responsibilities in a way that encourages individuality, spirituality, and a sense of belonging.  The weekly newsletter is Cross Currents.

The Grace Centered Forum  This is a discussion forum on the Grace Centered Magazine web site. 

    This is my favorite discussion board. The Grace Centered Discussion Forum is a growing, friendly, and caring board where subjects relating to the Restoration Movement churches (mainly churches of Christ but also includes Disciples of Christ, and Independent Christian Churches/churches of Christ) are discussed in a grace-centered and loving environment.  You don't have to be a registered member to post but we love it when we get new registered members.  I am one of the moderators of this forum.

Hallal Music  a music ministry under the direction of Key Young.

    “Hallal” is a derivative of “halal” one of several Hebrew words used for praise.  It means to shine, flash forth light, to praise, to boast and glory. It is a word that defines praise to God with full abandon, loud voice, and great excitement. That pretty well describes the heart of what Hallal Music has been about since its beginning.  Their "Day of Praise" is a worship experience  and spiritual renewal that will lead you into the presence of the Father.

Web Sites of My Friends

Penny Kendall Photography A special friend and photographer

    I first met Penny and her family before she decided to begin a career in professional photography.  Her husband, Brandi, was hired by our church to fill a missionary position overseas that had had become vacant.  While she was over seas, she began posting some of her photography to their blog on their ministry.  It was very apparent there was real talent in her photography!  When they returned to Granbury, following the death of her son Dusty in Iraq while serving his country, she began pursuing her career as a photography and we developed a friendship that includes our love of recording images of life in digital format.  Her portrait style is very relaxed, warm and personal, especially when photographing children.  The Kendalls are a special family and Penny is a special photographer.

Some Blogs I Enjoy Reading

Thoene's Blog  Authors Brock and Bodie Thoene (my favorite historical fiction writers0

Stoned-Campbell Disciple    Bobby Valentine (an internet friend and excellent Bible teacher)

Team Tartu   Brandi, Penny, and Kayli Kendall (friends from our church)

Preacher Mike    Mike Cope (minister at Highland CoC)

MatthewandKatherine  Katie Riggs (Contributor to my web site)

Brooklyn and Beyond   Joe Hayes

GREGTAYLOR.CC   Greg Taylor

La Shawn Barber’s Corner   La Shawn Barber

Rediscovering Church, Rediscovering Jesus   Trey Morgan

Joel Clarkson on Virb.com  My oldest nephew's blog.  Be sure to listen to his music!

Newer Translations of the New Testament that I use for my Bible

    Study that are available in pdf for free.

TNIV Bible - Today's New International Version  The New Testament translation.

The TNIV Bible is a text that reflects the NIV, but also clarifies and updates passages and words to provide a more timely, contemporary English translation for a new generation of Bible readers.  While older forms of English may not present a problem for some readers, they can present barriers to understanding and fully engaging the Bible for today's generations who have grown up using more-contemporary English.  The TNIV also uses gender-accurate language only where the meaning of the original text was intended to include both men and women.  While I believe that there is still room for improvement in translation a number of controversial Greek words used by Paul that have yet to be translated properly and the most accurate meaning of the sentence they occur in obtained, the TNIV is a really fresh breath of air in a world where traditional translation tends to rule over accuracy in translation.  I use the TNIV for most daily Bible reading and study.  This site has the entire TNIV Bible available in downloadable PDF format the for those who wish to have a free computer copy that is easily printable.  I like to print off the TNIV and put it in a notebook for use in our Bible Classes on Sunday mornings instead of carrying my old NIV.  This version is great for kids and teenagers.

The Source

The Source is the only New Testament translation based on word meaning evidence from the recently discovered papyri and inscriptions. For centuries, translators had to guess the meaning of hundreds of New Testament words. After 1976, huge numbers of papyri and inscriptions were discovered containing these New Testament words in everyday documents and thus revealing their meaning. The Source is the only New Testament translation by a Classical Greek scholar (rather than a theologian) and not financed by, or translated by, a committee of a specific denomination.  A printed copy with all translation notes can be ordered through this web site

More Bible Study Sites for kids and adults

Christian Links for Kids and Teens

    This web site is designed and written by Renee Belleville and has an immense number of links to Christian sites designed for kids and teens.  There are also links for adults regarding raising their Christian kids.   This site will keep a kid or adult entertained for a long period of time chasing out the links and playing some of the games.  She has spent a large amount of time collecting high quality links.  The site is non-denominational.

The Daily Bible Lesson

    This is a new site that has been designed by Bro. Lance Wood in Midland, TX.  This site has audio lessons taught by seven great teachers in the churches of Christ from the great state of Texas.  Those teachers are Ronnie White, Golf Course Road CoC, Midland; Chris Seidman, Farmer's Branch CoC, Dallas; Doug Parsons, Spring Woodlands CoC, The Woodlands; Keith Luttrell, Southlake Blvd CoC, Southlake; Rick Atchley, Richland Hills CoC, North Richland Hills; Dan Bouchelle, Central CoC, Amarillo; and Rodney Plunket, Broadway CoC, Lubbock.  The lessons use Real Player.

Theopolis 

    Although not specifically a Church of Christ site, this animated site is designed more for adults or teens.  It has a large selection of topics and is excellent for some easy study time.

World Bible School 

    Since the 1950's, WBS has been sending Bible correspondence courses  free-of-charge to students around the world.  This same material is now available on the Web.

Freedom in Christ  Dr. Dallas Burdett. 

    This site has hundreds Bible study articles and related links.  A real treasure of information.   Dr. Burdett also writes for Grace Centered Magazine, a web based magazine for members of the Churches of Christ.

On Line Bibles   On line Bible's--many versions to choose from.

Spending Time with Jim McGuiggan

    Jim is a minister in the Churches of Christ who has published a number of excellent books over the years,  I have read many of his books and most of the studies he has published online.  Before moving back to his home in Northern Ireland, Jim was a professor at the Sunset School of Preaching for a number of years.

Church of Christ Publications and Events

(includes online publications and printed magazines)

The Christian Chronicle  (printed)

    A Church of Christ publication that is not biased in any one particular direction that covers the news and events that take place in the broad spectrum of churches of Christ.

New Wineskins Magazine (online)

    A Church of Christ magazine published in the US that I highly recommend. Managing Editor:  Greg Taylor,  Co-editors:  Rubel Shelly & Mike Cope.    The original Wineskins was purchased on May 1, 2001 by The Zoe Group and is now The New Wineskins Magazine. 

The Christian Appeal  (printed)

    This little magazine is absolutely one of the best magazines around.  Although it is a magazine that is directed to the Restoration Movement churches, it is a magazine that will appeal to all Christians, regardless of their denominational orientation.  The yearly subscription for this monthly publication is only $7.00 but would be worth the money at twice the price.  I highly recommend this magazine!

Heartlight  (email)

    A great web site run by Phil Ware, Westover Hills Church of Christ pulpit minister.  Short articles,  electronic greeting cards, music reviews, and much much more.  

Edward Fudge   (email)

    This is the home site of Edward Fudge's GracEmail. Edward serves as an shepherd for the Bering Drive  Church of Christ in Houston.  He is a well known and published writer in the churches of Christ.

Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop

Churches of Christ my wife and I have visited when traveling

    or have friends who are members

Metropolitan Church of Christ in Carson, CA:  Pulpit Minister:  Fate Hagood III

    Excerpt from their mission statement: "The mission of the metropolitan church of Christ is to help people develop into fully functioning followers of Christ".  We have never visited Metropolitan but I know the minister and based on our friendship on-line for the last several years, I look forward to the day that I can visit and worship with the Christians at Metropolitan CoC.

Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, TX:   Pulpit Minister:  Ronnie White.

    This is where we worship when we are in Midland.  They are the sponsors of Stream in the Desert.

Cross Timbers Church of Christ in Stephenville, TX.  Teaching Minister:  Glenn Boyd.  

    This web site is still under construction but I have added to list because this is the first church to hire my oldest daughter for youth ministry.  We have worshipped with them a number of times.  If you are looking for a home congregation in Stephenville that is loving, growing, and grace oriented, this is where you need to be.

Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, TX.  Senior Minister:  Dan Bouchelle

    A very active church in Amarillo and probably where we will worship when camping at Palo Dura State Park.

Richland Hills Church of Christ in Ft. Worth, TX: Pulpit Minister:  Rick Atchely

    This is a great church.  Their membership is around 4000 and are very active in many areas of ministry.

We have taken our kids to youth activities at this church during the summer months.

Alta Mesa Church of Christ in Ft. Worth, TX: Pulpit Minister:  Danny Sims

    A good church in far south Ft. Worth, TX.

Christian Music: a cappella

Hallal Music

    Hallal Music was founded by Ken Young.  It is an a cappella group composed of singers from various areas of the country singing contemporary praise and worship songs.  They are the worship team at numerous events including events such as Stream in the Desert, and ACU Bible Lectureship two name just a couple.  They are our favorite a cappella group.  If you wish to hear them live, I can't think of a better place than at Stream in the Desert 2005 the first weekend of April.

The Zoe Group

    The ZOE Group, Inc. is a not-for-profit Christian a cappella ministry dedicated to worship renewal in the lives of individuals and the churches to which they belong.

The Acappella Company

    The Acappella Company was the dream of Keith Lancaster.  The Dream cametrue and after 20 years is alive and growing.  The Contemporary Christian Music groups represented on this site are Keith Lancaster, Acappella, AVB, Vocal Union, X-Changed, and The Firemen.

New Creation 

    This singing group was performing during the 1990's.  They sand a cappella and had a unusually tight and very balanced harmony.  The group originally began singing while in college with the majority of their songs being written and arranged by members of the group.  The group consisted of Chris and Amy Carper, Johnny, Kim, and Jacob Scott.  They have placed all of their music online for free download but still have a few CD's left that can be ordered on their web site.  This is one of my all time favorite groups!

Echo 

    This is another group from the 1990's.  We took our teenagers to their concerts on a regular basis.  They disappeared from the scene a few years ago and only recently have shown back up with a new web site where one can purchase their music in CD format, something that was not available during the time they were performing.  They also have a few MP3's downloads that can be purchased.  They are scheduled to perform at Acafest 2007 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. The dates are July 4, 2007.

Scientific Creationism and other Biblical based sites of Interest

The Creation Evidence Museum   Glen Rose, Texas.  Curator:  Dr. Carl Baugh

    Dr. Carl Baugh is a friend who has done considerable research into the  human footprints found in the Cretaceous limestone formations exposed by the Paluxy River in Glen Rose.  They raise the question of whether man is 70 million years old or the dinosaurs lived with man within the Creationist time frame of about 6000 to 10,000 years ago.  This is the  same formation that the dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park tracks are found in.   Interestingly, evolutionary science totally disregards this particular fossil discovery, even though it has known about for about 100 years.  The Creation Evidence Museum is located near Dinosaur Valley State Park at Glen Rose, Texas.  Dr. Carl Baugh lectures on the 1st Saturday of each month.   Plan a family outing and go hear and talk to Dr. Baugh.  The Creation Evidence Museum is located near Glen Rose, Texas, about 1 mile from the Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Bethlehem Star  This site is a study that pretty much pins down a lot of historical and biblical facts regarding the birth of Jesus, the Star that led the magi, the date of the birth, the date of the visit of the magi, and the date of the crucifixion.  It also touches on the actual date of Herod's death, which is critical in determining Biblical accuracy regarding Jesus' birth.  Fredrick Larson has really done his homework in this in depth study.  He has a DVD available which I highly recommend purchasing!

The Institute for Creation Research

    Founded by Dr. John Morris.  This is a good source of information on Scientific Creationism.

The Center for Scientific Creation   

    The Center for Scientific Creation is a non-profit organization located in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to origins research.

Christian Answers

    Lot's of info on this site, but not restricted to just Creation Science.

Answers In Genesis

    This web site is dedicated to a creationist view of the universe based on scientific evidence that supports the Genesis account of the Creation.  The site is associated with the Creation Museum in Cincinnati, under the direction of Ken Hamm.

Creation ex nihilo Technical Journal

    This contains the archives of a number of years worth of scientific technical papers covering on-going  scientific research into the proof of a unique creation and a young universe.

One Human Race

    This site is associated with Answers in Genesis and is dedicated to the view that we are all equal.  It presents very strong arguments and teaching that show that racism is strongly supported by the evolutionary beliefs and that God always intended us to be a One Human Race family.

Restoration Movement information sites

    The term Restoration Movement as become an identifying name related to a group of churches that grew out of the Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone ideal of turning back to only the Bible, and having unity among Christians of all denominations.  That goal by Campbell and Stone was basically a reformation effort aimed at restoring unity among all Christians rather than re-establishing a church that had gone out of existence.  The term Restoration Movement came out of an erroneous view (in my opinion) that the 1st Century Church of Christ went out of existence after the 1st Century for 1700 years and  was then re-establish or restored in the early 1800's.  I don't agree with that view of church history although I totally agree with Campbell's and Stone's views of unity and numerous doctrines or understanding of Scripture.  The term Restoration Movement is now associated with several church groups that came out of the Stone-Campbell movement which include The Church of Christ (a cappella), The Christian Church/disciples of Christ, and the independent Christian Church (also know under the lesser used names the Christian Church/Church of Christ and Church of Christ instrumental).  In the Churches of Christ, there are sub-groups that include mainline, progressive, Old Paths, non-institutional, grace-centered, one-cup, non-Sunday School, and several others.  A new sub-group is presently developing in the Church of Christ  which will probably be classified as gender equal churches.  These Churches of Christ will eventually include women in all levels of church work on an equal basis with men.  This issue will eventually become the main issue in the Church of Christ as we re-evaluate our present views regarding gender.  Most other issues, including the predominate issues presently of instrumental music, baptism, Communion, and homosexuality will become secondary or even dead issue compared to the gender issue.  My family's heritage is in the main line and the more progressive/grace oriented churches, and if you have read my Where the Spirit Leads web page, you know we are strong supporters of gender equality in the Churches of Christ.  The following sites all relate to the Stone-Campbell churches.  These sites are extremely valuable sites for anyone wanting historical information regarding the churches that were an outgrowth of the movement that Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone started.  The Churches of Christ, in particular, have an extremely interesting history and were a major factor in "Restoration Movement" ideals.

 Restoration Movement

    Probably the best and most complete collection of manuscripts, history, and information on the Web about the Restoration Movement.  Has many manuscripts by Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, David Lipscomb, and others.  Also includes an online  version of Alexander Campbell's "The Living Oracles"  New Testament, which is considered the original modern translation  and the predecessor of the RSV. Very interesting site worth the visit.

Freedom's Ring

    This is another site that should be of interest to any Christian who is a member of the Church of Christ or who is interested in the Restoration Movement. This site has books and newsletters by Cecil Hook, Edward Fudge, Leroy Garrett, W. Carl Ketcherside,  Robert Roland, K. C. Moser, and others.

The Restoration Review

    This site is a collection of the writings of Leroy Garrett.

Unity in Diversity

    A collection of writings by W. Carl Ketcherside in the Mission Messenger, and some of his books that are now online.

Misc Interesting Links

Family Dynamics Institute  Joe Beam - chairmen and founder.

    FDI partners with churches, equipping them with state-of-the-art tools and techniques for powerful marriage and family ministry. Whether you're looking  for a program to strengthen your own marriage or parenting skills, or want to use the powerful principles and techniques to help others, Family Dynamics can help you and your congregation.  Joe writes on-line articles for  GC Magazine.

21st Century Christian, Inc.

    Book Store with emphasis on Church of Christ material.

CBD home page

    Excellent full line Christian book store.

HOWARD PUBLISHING

    A Church of Christ based publisher and online book store.

Full Listing Church of Christ Links Warehouse 

    Large selection of Church of Christ links.

Internet Links

    Another large list of Church of Christ links.

Material by Olan Hicks

    Source of study material on numerous subjects, especially Christian divorce.

Christian Classics Ethereal Library

    Source of classic Christian writings on-line.

Promise Keepers

    an important web site for Christian husbands and fathers.

Christian Music Artists List

     an online list of Christian singers and groups.

Liberty Counsel

    Want to find out more about the on-going fight for religious freedom?  This is the place to visit.  Contains an up-to-date listing and explanations of all on-going court battles between the government and the Christian community for religious freedom.  If you have a religious freedom issue, this site will be a valuable resource to you.

The Church of Christ.org

    This site has directories, discussions lists, etc. and is maintained by Silbano Garcia.

Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage

    Good source Jewish writings

Torah Fax in CyberSpace

    Source of daily study of the Torah.

Yeshuat Yisrael

    A Messianic Jewish congregation in Nashville, TN.  This is a fascinating site with loads of useful info for all Christians.

Zola Levitt Presents

    Zola Levitt's ministry is based out of Dallas, TX and has a TV show.  He passed from this life several years ago but his work goes on under the guidance of his son.  He has written short books on a number of subjects that clarify how the first century Jewish Christians would have seen various issues.  They are very informative and contain a lot of useful info regarding Jewish practices, beliefs, and customs from that time in history.

Gates to Jewish Heritage Welcome!

    Another Jewish religion site that I have found interesting.

Internet Adoption Photo listing

    Want to adopt a child.  This is a good place to start looking.

A few links that I consider important

Abilene Christian University

    The university my oldest daughter and my youngest twin daughter attend.

American Radio Relay League

    the ARRL web site. Up to date info for American Amateur Radio Operators

National  Rifle Association

    NRA web site. Up to date info on legislation, happenings, etc.

Amateur Radio

    online practice exams

Intellicast

    web radar updated every 30 minutes apx.

SKYWARN

    Weather chasers, etc.

Last Updated 10/21/07 by Wiley Clarkson