EPHESIANS INTRODUCTION & 1:1-2 (Ephesians 1:1-2, ESV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul for the churches around the city of Ephesus. Paul had briefly stopped in Ephesus during his first missionary journey, and during his second journey he stayed there for over 3 years (about A.D. 54-57) and had an impact on both Ephesus and the surrounding area, over which the city had a large potential influence. Ephesians was written by Paul while imprisoned (probably in Rome) around 3-6 years after his extended stay in Ephesus(A.D. 60-63). The focus of this letter is to highlight what God has done for us through Christ, to reveal the ramifications of that for our identity and purpose, and then tell us what relationships in our Christian communities can and should increasingly look like in

The official podcast of Christian Geek Central!  ( http://www.christiangeekcentral.com ) On the Show Today: Some thoughts on improving Christian Fiction and observations about our identity as we begin the book of Ephesians. Plus after the closing credits, spoiler-filled reactions to the Walking Dead Season 7 premiere and some thoughts on justice. DONATE TO "EXTRA LIFE"- (Choose a team member and click "Donate" on their page): http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=29743 The Spirit Blade Underground Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen, with additional segments produced by their credited authors. Copyright 2007-2016, Spirit Blade Productions Music by Wesley Devine, Bjorn A. Lynne, Pierre Langer, Jon Adamich and Sound Ideas. Spazzmatica Polka by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Freesound.org effects provided by: FreqMan

In my previous examination of Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, I spoke much about Farmer and very little about his setting. I'm afraid I find Farmer's work tedious, but the Riverworld setting incredibly fascinating. In particular, I'm fascinated by Farmer's depiction of Riverworld as an archetypal paradise and mankind's inability to accept this paradise as the Heaven it is meant to be. Heaven ought to be a place where all of your needs are met and you can be at perfect peace with yourself. On Farmer's Riverworld, no one is ever at peace. Fiction relies on the ability of the reader to accept as reality the foundational postulates of the setting. In the case of exploratory literature, this has a tendency to blur the lines between axiomatic philosophy and the literary arguments which necessitate the presence of a straw man fallacy. The author presents his conclusions as incontrovertible because he controls both sides of the argument. It is therefore vital

Check out our new t-shirt designs! Available now in a variety of colors and sizes in our spreadshirt store! UPDATE: The prices of all shirts have dropped a bit since this was posted yesterday. (I forgot to turn off my commission collection, so the prices are now 20% less!)

The official podcast of Christian Geek Central!  ( http://www.christiangeekcentral.com ) On the Show Today: Thoughts on Nintendo's new console reveal and World Of Final Fantasy, plus some news on Christian Geek entertainment releases and some thoughts on emotions and pursuing perfection. Feedback For New T-Shirt Design: http://spiritblade.forum-motion.com/t2080-new-cgc-t-shirt#11803 DONATE TO "EXTRA LIFE"- (Choose a team member and click "Donate" on their page): http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=29743 Join our Extra Life Team: http://www.extra-life.org/team/christiangeekcentral The Spirit Blade Underground Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen, with additional segments produced by their credited authors. Copyright 2007-2016, Spirit Blade Productions Music by Wesley Devine, Bjorn A. Lynne, Pierre Langer, Jon Adamich and Sound Ideas. Spazzmatica Polka by Kevin MacLeod

"That Dragon Cancer" is a video game that chronicles the experience of a Christian family dealing with their son's tragic battle with cancer. Ryan and Amy Green, the creators (and subjects) of the game, recently announced news of a "making of" documentary about the game being scheduled for PBS air time: While we were creating  That Dragon, Cancer  we were contacted by a pair of filmmakers from Brooklyn. David Osit and Malika Zouhali-Worrall wanted to tell the story of the creation of T hat Dragon, Cance r.  They spent time filming our family and captured many precious moments during the last two years of Joel's life.   Thank You for Playing  is the documentary film they created. It gives viewers a glimpse into our family and real life story behind the video game.   Thank You For Playing Airs Monday, October 24th on PBS. Will you host a viewing party? Invite a few friends or family members over to watch the Documentary on television with you. Serve

(Hebrews 13:18-25, ESV) Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with all of you. v.18 The letter becomes more personal as the author prepares to conclude. He asks for prayer on his behalf from his readers, appealing to his

The official podcast of Christian Geek Central!  ( http://www.christiangeekcentral.com ) On the Show Today: Some early impressions and thoughts about Dragon Quest Builders on PS4, closing thoughts on the book of Hebrews and a brief comparison of online friendships with "in person" friendships. Feedback For New T-Shirt Design: http://spiritblade.forum-motion.com/t2080-new-cgc-t-shirt#11803 DONATE TO "EXTRA LIFE"- (Choose a team member and click "Donate" on their page): http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=29743 Join our Extra Life Team: http://www.extra-life.org/team/christiangeekcentral The Spirit Blade Underground Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen, with additional segments produced by their credited authors. Copyright 2007-2016, Spirit Blade Productions Music by Wesley Devine, Bjorn A. Lynne, Pierre Langer, Jon Adamich and Sound Ideas. Spazzmatica Polka by K

Sally Slick and the Steel Syndicate visits a 14-year-old Sally Slick in the years before she grows into her role as a Spirit Centurion. It introduces us to Sally's fellow Centurion Jet Black and a host of supporting characters, both villainous and otherwise. The novel sets the stage for the Young Centurions RPG , from 1910-1916. The first time I read this book I was charmed and very impressed; the second time I was still charmed but more aware of the story's flaws. It's a good book, the content aimed solidly at a teen and pre-teen audience with high-school reading skills. The story: The title promises a story centered around Sally's conflict with the Steel Syndicate, but I think a more accurate title would be “Sally Slick and Her Marvelous Racing Tractor”. Sally's older brother has gotten involved with the organized crime ring known as the Steel Syndicate, and when he falls into their clutches it's up to Sally to rescue him. It's the kind of adventu

Our classic T-Shirt Design (pictured above) isn't going away, but I'd like to add a new option to the mix... with your help! The idea for the new shirt is simple: add a caption to this image: The final version will actually be all white against a solid color (as in the original T-Shirt), but the design will be the same. What can you imagine this character saying? What would you like to say to represent Christian Geeks at your local church, hobby store or game night? I'd like the text to avoid being combative, defensive or preachy. The aim is to be light-hearted and fun and represent Christian Geeks in a humble and possibly humorous way. Here are the current ideas: Volleyball? Let's KILL DRAGONS after youth group!  We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall. - Prov. 16:33 (NLT)  Someone finally made a T-shirt for us!  Seek the truth!  Men's Retreat? I thought we were LARPing?  Women's Retreat? I thought we were LARPing

(Hebrews 13:17, ESV) 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. As the author of Hebrews nears the close of his letter, he gives some final instruction about how we ought to run the race of faith throughout our lives. The Greek word for "obey" in this verse doesn't simply refer to a cold, robotic compliance. Two of its three core uses refer to persuading or being persuaded, with the latter being intended here. The third use of this Greek word means "to trust" or "have confidence" in. The Greek word for "keeping watch" means "to be sleepless, keep awake, watch" and "to be circumspect, attentive, ready". As someone who served as a church leader before starting Spirit Blade Productions (and as someone in a different form of spiritual leadersh

The official podcast of Christian Geek Central!  ( http://www.christiangeekcentral.com ) On the Show Today: An interview with the creator of the Land Of Zion tabletop game, a review of the anime  Library War, Ten Characters from fiction you might wish were on the US Presidential ballot this November, and cool goodies you can get if you donate to our Extra-Life fundraising! PLUS, a look at geeks and our interactions with church leadership as we continue in the book of Hebrews! Feedback For New T-Shirt Design: http://spiritblade.forum-motion.com/t2080-new-cgc-t-shirt#11803 DONATE TO "EXTRA LIFE"- (Choose a team member and click "Donate" on their page): http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.teamParticipants&teamID=29743 Join our Extra Life Team: http://www.extra-life.org/team/christiangeekcentral The Spirit Blade Underground Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen, with additional segments produced by

To cut to the chase and help them win the contest, follow this link, scroll down and select "That Dragon Cancer" to enter your first name and e-mail. Done! fost.org/prize "Thatt Dragon Cancer" is a video game that takes players along one Christian family's journey through their son's battle against cancer and the resulting heartache and suffering for the whole family. Here's the whole story about the contest from Ryan Green, the creator of "That Dragon Cancer": That Dragon, Cancer is a finalist for the Future of Story Telling Award.  20 projects that displayed innovation in interactive storytelling were selected by judges out of a pool of about 300 entries.  The final winner will be chosen by you. The grand prize winner will receive a lot of attention for their project and a $10,000 prize.  If you have just two minutes to spare, will you vote for us?  All you do is click on the link, scroll down to That, Dragon Cancer (it is alpha

(Hebrews 13:15-16, ESV) "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." The author of Hebrews has been detailing what it looks like to more fully engage in a life-long commitment to Jesus and his coming kingdom. In previous verses he stressed the importance of not adopting false views that would lead us away from the undeserved favor that God continually offers. He contrasted the obsolete sacrificial system with the strength and help that now comes from ongoing unity with Jesus. v.15 This contrast continues as the author reveals that New Covenant believers (those who believe in what Jesus taught and who have trusted him for forgiveness of all their sins) continue to offer sacrifices, which express our love for God and commitment to him. But our sacrifices take a different form now. They are

The official podcast of Christian Geek Central!  ( http://www.christiangeekcentral.com ) On the Show Today: A review of Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, an interview with David Arington, the host of the Helix Reviews podcast, fighting legalism and why Paeter only plays single player games and some thoughts on inviting God inward as we look outward!  Join our Extra Life Team! http://www.extra-life.org   Search for "Christian Geek Central" when selecting a team during registration, or visit our Team Page: http://www.extra-life.org/team/christiangeekcentral The Spirit Blade Underground Podcast is written, recorded and produced by Paeter Frandsen, with additional segments produced by their credited authors. Copyright 2007-2016, Spirit Blade Productions Music by Wesley Devine, Bjorn A. Lynne, Pierre Langer, Jon Adamich and Sound Ideas. Spazzmatica Polka by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Freesound.org effects provided by: FreqMan