My new office (which I’m solidly convinced can beat up your office) is graced with the presence of a beautiful Siamese Fighting Fish. These fish are more commonly called Betta Fish. Since it is pronounced “BAY-tah” and not “BETT-uh,” one can often find the name of this fish spelled “Beta.” Let’s talk about “Beta.”

Last year, we launched the Kids 4 Truth Clubs in a “Beta” format. For any self-respecting techie out there, you’ll immediately know that the concept of “beta” is an already/not yet concept, often used to describe functional software that is available for use already, but with the understand that it is not yet in it’s final form. Here’s an example of what I’m describing: Explorer 7 Beta.

Perhaps this word could find a new use in eschatology: betamillenial (BAY-tuh-mill-EN-ee-ul)— the belief that God’s Kingdom is already established on earth, but it is not yet in it’s final manifestation. I can hear all the Covenantalists groaning. I can hear all the Classic Dispensationalists loading and cocking their Remington Wingmasters.

Okay, back to the fish. This is a special fish. It’s no ordinary “beta” fish. In celebration of our upcoming official release of the Kids 4 Truth Club materials in a non-beta format, it’s a “Version 1.0” fish.

And I need your help to name him. I am sending a free copy of Tom Nettles’ book: “Teaching Truth, Training Hearts” to the winning name winner. The winner and winning name will be announced July 1, 2006. Hopefully, the Version 1.0 fish will survive until then.

Please send your entry here: namebobsfish@hotmail.com

Entrants should consider name length, creativity, syllable/vowel ratio, and if it sounds good in a Cockney accent.

Entries will be judged without prejudice. All ages are encouraged to participate in this family-friendly event!

More about the new Kids 4 Truth offices next post.

Download the Version 1.0 Fish, big edition.

namebobsfish@hotmail.com