Francis Chan

From a nice little article on pastor and author of Crazy Love & Forgotten God, Francis Chan:

Despite what is clearly a flourishing ministry, Chan remains an anomaly. He lives in a tract house in one of Simi Valley's down-and-out suburbs with his wife and four children. He rides a 1995 Honda Elite scooter to work. An avid surfer, he emits a laid-back Californian coolness.
According to one comment he made in a sermon, Chan gives away about 90 percent of his income (though his church administrator preferred the phrase "most of his income"). Chan doesn't take a salary from his church, and his book royalties, which total about $500,000, mostly go to organizations like International Justice Mission, which rescues sex slaves in foreign countries. The Chans often open their home to families who need a place to stay. One of Cornerstone's community pastors, Bill Lucas, lived with Chan for nine months, and says he "lives out what he says."

N.T. Wright & Rome

Francis Beckwith is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society. I recently read his book, which is kind of interesting. A couple of weeks ago, Collin Hanson wrote a piece on the justification debates, and I thought this little bit was very interesting: Beckwith told Christianity Today, "I have met several former evangelical Protestants who have told me that Wright's work in particular helped them to better appreciate the Catholic view of grace."
Also, Taylor Marshall, director of the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., said he speaks with new Catholic converts every month, about half of whom have been "deeply influenced" by Wright. Isn't that interesting?

Keller in the Ville

Peep it. Monday November 16 at 7. Be there.

(Props: J Ham)

Free Desiring God Audio

This month's freebie from Christian Audio is Piper's Desiring God. Grab it.

Good Lookin' Out: Collision

Alicia and I just finished watching the DVD "Collision," with Douglas Wilson and Christopher Hitchens. It is well done and worth purchasing. Buy it here. Watch the first 13 minutes here.

Embrace Accusation - Piper/Shane's

Take 7 Minutes

Rob Bell's Evangelicalism

A while back, I posted a link to an interview where Rob Bell defined the gospel as:

"I would say that history is headed somewhere. The thousands of little ways in which you are tempted to believe that hope might actually be a legitimate response to the insanity of the world actually can be trusted. And the Christian story is that a tomb is empty, and a movement has actually begun that has been present in a sense all along in creation. And all those times when your cynicism was at odds with an impulse within you that said that this little thing might be about something bigger—those tiny little slivers may in fact be connected to something really, really big."

In another interview, he was asked to define an evangelical:

Q: What does it mean to you to be an evangelical?
A: I take issue with the word to a certain degree, so I make a distinction between a capital ‘E’ and a small ‘e.’ I was in the Caribbean in 2004, watching the election returns with a group of friends, and when Fox News, in a state of delirious joy, announced that evangelicals had helped sway the election, I realized, this word has really been hijacked. I find the word troubling, because it has come in America to mean politically to the right, almost, at times, anti-intellectual. For many, the word has nothing to do with a spiritual context.
Q: OK, how would you describe what it is that you believe?
A: I embrace the term evangelical, if by that we mean a belief that we together can actually work for change in the world, caring for the environment, extending to the poor generosity and kindness, a hopeful outlook. That's a beautiful sort of thing.

Where is the evangel?

You've Been Left Behind

The eternal salvation of your friends and family is very important. So, just in case you are too busy or ashamed to share the gospel, and just in case Rapture Letters drops the ball, you better have a back-up plan. Here is where You've Been Left Behind comes in. It is similar to Rapture Letters, but with these guys, you get to write the letter to you lost friend or family member. But you should know that it will cost $40 per year. From their website:

"We all have family and friends who have failed to receive the Good News of the Gospel.The unsaved will be 'left behind' on earth to go through the "tribulation period" after the "Rapture". You remember how, for a short time, after (9/11/01) people were open to spiritual things and answers. (We are still singing "God Bless America" at baseballs' seventh inning stretch.) Imagine how taken back they will be by the millions of missing Christians and devastation at the rapture. They will know it was true and that they have blown it. There will be a small window of time where they might be reached for the Kingdom of God. We have made it possible for you to send them a letter of love and a plea to receive Christ one last time. You can also send information based on scripture as to what will happen next. Each fulfilled prophecy will cause your letter and plea to be remembered and a decision to be made."

Pastor Piper

I was heavily influenced by John Piper during my college years. Who wasn't? The first Piper book I read was "The Pleasures of God." My view of God was small before that book.

At the beginning of this semester, my preaching professor (& dean - Dr. Moore) asked the class to introduce ourselves and name one very influential sermon. I was struck by how many people mentioned sermons by John Piper. If you have listened to much of Piper, I am sure you can recall a sermon where the Spirit moved your heart to love Christ more and love sin less. If you have never heard Piper, peep this.

Justin Taylor has a great post celebrating Piper's 30th year at Bethlehem by recalling how God called him there. Check it out.

Rapture Letters

Once you have made sure that Toodles will be taken care of during the tribulation, you may now want to consider your lost friends and family. This is where Rapture Letters comes in! So the rapture comes and you haven't quite got around to being faithful in sharing the gospel with those you care for, don't worry. Its not too late! From the website:

"After the rapture, there will be a lot of speculation as to why millions of people have just disappeared. Unfortunately, after the rapture, only non believers will be left to come up with answers. You probably have family and friends that you have witnessed to and they just won't listen. After the rapture they probably will, but who will tell them?
We have written a computer program to do just that. It will send an Electronic Message (e-mail) to whomever you want after the rapture has taken place, and you and I have been taken to heaven.
How is this accomplished, you might ask. It's a dead man switch that will automatically send the emails when it is not reset.If you wish to do something now that will help your unbelieving friends and family after the rapture, you need to add those persons email address to our database. Their names will be stored indefinitely and a letter will be sent out to each of them on the first Friday after the rapture. Then they will receive another letter every Friday after that.This rapture letter service is FREE and will hopefully gain the person you send it to an eternity in heaven."

Here is what the letter will look like. So don't worry about being faithful in evangelism now, after all, that could have negative consequences. Instead, let Rapture Letters do it for you. Besides, they are more likely to convert during the tribulation anyway, right?

It's a Boy!!

(See Video Here, Here, & Here)

Toodles & the Tribulation

Are you a dog-loving dispensationalist? Do you enjoy cuddling with your kitten while watching Kirk Cameron? Have you ever wondered if you could grab Toodles the poodle as you are being raptured so you can bring him with you? If so, "Eternal Earth-Bound Pets" is for you. From their site:

"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind? Eternal Earth-Bound Pets takes that burden off your mind. We are a group of dedicated animal lovers, and atheists. Each Eternal Earth-Bound Pet representative is a confirmed atheist, and as such will still be here on Earth after you've received your reward. Our network of animal activists are committed to step in when you step up to Jesus.We are currently active in 22 states. Our representatives have been screened to ensure that they are atheists, animal lovers, are moral / ethical with no criminal background, have the ability and desire to rescue your pet and the means to retrieve them and ensure their care for your pet's natural life.

Our service is plain and simple; our fee structure is reasonable. For $110.00 we will guarantee that should the Rapture occur within ten (10) years of receipt of payment, one pet per residence will be saved. Each additional pet at your residence will be saved for an additional $15.00 fee. A small price to pay for your peace of mind and the health and safety of your four legged and feathered friends."

Now, I must admit I am jealous I didn't think of this idea first. If I had, my seminary tuition would have been easily covered, sadly. Wow.

(Props: Beebz)

Contentment

"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Tim 6.6-10)

"Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you and I will never abandon you'." (Heb 13.5)

D-Rob Hall of Fame Speech

Related to the last post, Voddie Baucham points out how much different David Robinson's hall of fame induction speech was compared to MJ's. He notes that:

David Elevated Others... Mike Elevated Mike
David Honored His Family... Mike Honored Himself
David Was Brief... Mike Was Indulgent
David Honored God... Mike Honored Basketball
David sees His Legacy in His Family... Mike sees His Legacy in His Highlights

The two speeches are strikingly different. Watch D-Rob's speech here.

(Props: JT)

MJ Hall of Fame

I was a big fan of Michael Jordan. Real big. But I really wish he would have never tried to play baseball, and never came back with the Wizards. It would have been nice if the last thing we heard or saw from Jordan was the famous push-off, jumper, hand hanging in the air after the j. But it didn't and if that didn't leave a bad enough taste in your mouth, now this.

Michael Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this year. You can watch the speech here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. It was quite sad. Everyone was there to celebrate him as the best, and he still had to remind everyone that he is the best. Dominating the game was not enough for him. The speech revealed a deep insecurity. It was more of a childish rant than a speech. What a way to end a career. He called out everyone from his high school coach (he even flew up the cat who beat him for the spot), to Dean Smith (for not letting him in on an SI cover), to Buzz Peterson (NC player of the year when MJ thought it should have been him), to Pat Riley, and more. He pretty much told his kids, "Sucks to be you and have to live in my shadow" He even knocked the NBA for charging to much to attend the event. He mentioned a comeback at age 50 and almost seemed offended when the crowd laughed.

MJ wasn't happy about being inducted because it shows that his career is definitively over. He doesn't want to "graze," because he thinks he can still "run with the young horses" (see this interview) I have watched several interviews and it seems that he actually thinks he can still dominate. Doubtful. You can just see him graping for glory. Basketball was his life, his refuge, his place to go to seek peace. He was used to lots of glory, but it's only looking back from here though. All is vanity for MJ. How sad.

As sad as all this was, you still have to admit, the dude could put on a show. Here are his 23 top memorable moments. My favs are 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, & 15. God bless Craig Ehlo. I wonder what Craig is doing now. My guess is he is happier than Michael Jordan.

Today in chapel, pastor Al Jackson said that the SBC took in around 12 billion total from all offerings and gifts and only gave 2.5 cents on the dollar of that to missions. Where on earth does all that cash flow go? That's disheartening.

NIV 2011

For those interested, you can now watch the press release concerning the 2011 NIV update here.

End of the Law Interview

Justin Taylor asks Jason Meyer, author of "The End of the Law," three questions about the law here.

Christ is the One We Need

"I can't argue with the bits of science cited, but here's what history reminds us. When the gene mapping is complete, when the folks on Prozac still can't get along with their spouses, when the fountain of youth still does not arrive in a bottle, when money and achievement fail to satisfy, and when your clone grows up to hate you. . . sinners will yet find Christ to be the one we need."

-Powlison in Seeing With New Eyes, 247-48

A New Way

A while back, I posted the following quote from Herman Ridderbos: "[The Gospel] teaches man to understand himself in a new way, with respect to God as well as to the world and history surrounding him." I was recently reflecting on how true it is. Repentance is a change of mind, first about your evaluation of self. You drop your agenda and follow Christ's. You turn from sin to the Father through Christ by the enabling of the Spirit. Repentance doesn't stop there though. We change our view of everything and let the Story of Scripture frame our thoughts and inform our minds. Faith and repentance in the gospel brings a new view of God, a new view of self, a new view of others, a new view of community, a new view of the beginning, a new view of the end, and a new view of purpose. And praise be to Christ that this view, in the words of Justin, is "sure and fulfilling."

Attn: Seminarians

If you are in seminary, or live near a theological library, I want to point you to a chapter in a book that is must-reading for ministers (I use that term carefully and rarely). It is a chapter called "The Eschatological Conception of New Testament Theology," in a book called Eschatology in Bible and Theology: Evangelical Essays at the Dawn of a New Millennium edited by Kent E. Brower and Mark W. Elliot. It is 40 pages of goodness. Eschatology begins in the first verse of the Bible. Beale is currently working on a New Testament theology which will have "new creation" as its center that should be coming out in the next couple of years. If the 40 page essay is too much, there is an abridged version called "The New Testament and New Creation" in Scott Hafemann's Biblical Theology: Retrospect and Prospect, 159-172. So hit the copy machine and be enriched.

NIV Update

Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society) has announced that they will revise the NIV, and when it is out (2011), the TNIV and the 84' NIV will no longer be published. Although the hundreds of English Bible translations annoys me, I am actually glad about this. I was never fond of the NIV for various reasons and found the TNIV to be a tremendous improvement on it. However, instead of looking at each gender-related verse on a case by case basis, the TNIV seemed more like a systematic agenda to make all that they could gender-inclusive. I am curious to see if they will retain the TNIV's translation of singular's to plural's to avoid "he." For example, "Blessed are they that...." rather than "Blessed is he who." I am looking forward to reading through this new translation.
Read about it here or here.
(Props: JT)

Not Being Able to Do it All

Have you ever heard a preacher or read an author who spouts statistic after statistic about the dying world and then charged you to do something about it, and then just felt worthless, not sure what exactly you are supposed to do next? Kevin DeYoung recently wrote a blog-post that is worth reading if you ever feel guilty that you don't have time to do more for the kingdom. It is long, but full of pastoral wisdom. If you are rushed, at least read the last two sections. Here is the conclusion:

"I’m not for a minute advocating a cheap grace or an easy-believeism. But the yoke still is easy, right? And the burden still is light, is it not? The danger–and it’s a danger I’ve fallen foul of in my own preaching–is that in all our efforts to be prophetic, radical, and missional, we end up getting the story of Pilgrim’s Progress exactly backwards. “Come to the cross, Pilgrim, see the sacrifice for your sins. Isn’t that wonderful? Now bend over and let me load this burden on your back. There’s a lot of work we have to do, me and you.” A cross, yes. Jesus said we would have to carry one of those. But a cross that kills our sins, smashes our idols, and teaches us the folly of self-reliance. Not a burden to do the impossible. Not a burden to always do more for Jesus. Not a burden of bad news that never lets up and obedience that is always out reach.No doubt some Christians need to be shaken out of their lethargy. I try to do that every Sunday morning and evening. But there are also a whole bunch of Christians who need to be set free from their performance-minded, law-keeping, world-changing, participate-with-God-in-recreating-the-cosmos shackles. I promise you, some of the best people in your churches are getting tired. They don’t need another rah-rah pep talk. They don’t need to hear more statistics and more stories Sunday after Sunday about how bad everything is in the world. They need to hear about Christ’s death and resurrection. They need to hear how we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. They need to hear the old, old story once more. Because the secret of the gospel is that we actually do more when we hear less about all we need to do for God and hear more about all that God has already done for us."

(Props: JT)

Restless Rest

"Christians ought to be at one and the same time the most contented and yet dissatisfied people in the world, for they want something this world cannot offer."

-Brian Rosner in Beyond Greed, 99-100.

"The soul that loves God is at rest in God yet at the same time in restless movement toward God."

-Robert Wilken in The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, 309.

True Authenticity

In this week's Towers Magazine, Jim Hamilton writes,

"Do you want singles in their late 20s and early 30s confessing anxiety about finding a mate, asking you to pray for them to trust the Lord's providence in their lives? Do you want guys confessing their struggles with pornography as they seek to join the church? Do you want people with real problems (homosexual urges and the fallout from past sexual sin, whether lingering STD's or guilt from an abortion) joining the church and coming for counsel in their struggle against sin? Do you want guys coming to you because they're afraid of the way they've been rough with their wives and they don't want it to go any further, so they're seeking accountability?

You don’t get this from wearing cool clothes, having a trendy name for your church or learning to preach from comedians. If it comes—and if the authenticity about “big” sins is accompanied by authenticity about “acceptable” sins—it will come by the power of the Spirit through the preaching of the Word. The Bible convinces us to quit playing games. The Bible shows us the beauty of holiness. The Bible convicts us of the worth of this treasure, and we sell all we have-or risk exposing our sin- to buy the field in which the treasure lies."

Fall 09 Chapel

Southern has posted this semester's chapel schedule. It looks great. I am particularly excited about: Moore, Mohler, Ware, panel on the new perspective, Hamilton, David Prince, panel on multi-site churches, and Matt Chandler.

Will the Devil be in class with you this week?

Here are Dr. Moore's insightful thoughts.

More Seminary Reading

Related to the last post, here is a list of books that Dr. Hamilton thinks every seminary student should have read. Ouch.

Seminary Reading

This week starts, Lord-willing, my final year at Southern Seminary. Our time here has been invaluable. I have loved the vast majority of my classes. I have been formed and re-formed by the Scriptures. I realize that a seminary education is merely meant to be a foundation upon which to build for the rest of one's ministry. I fear though, that many students do not sufficiently value life-long learning. Having said that, I am a little disappointed in what we have not been required to read. Granted I still have a year left, but as of yet none of my classes have required any of the following 'classics': Justin Martyr's Apology or Dialogue with Trypho, Athanasius' On the Incarnation, Irenaeus' On the Apostolic Preaching, Augustine's Confessions or City of God or On Christian Teaching, Thomas A' Kempis' The Imitation of Christ, Luther's Bondage of the Will, Calvin's Institutes, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Packer's Knowing God, or anything by John Chrysostom, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil the Great, very little of Aquinas & Jonathan Edwards, Whitefield, Wesley, Boyce, Owen, Lewis, Stott, or Lloyd-Jones. In my humble opinion, there are a few contemporary books that could be replaced by the older stuff (Lewis would probably agree). I don't intend this post to be a knock on the school, but an exhortation to future preachers to join me in adding these classics to your reading list if you graduate without having read them. We will have no shortage of good stuff to read throughout the rest of our lives.

Ministry Lessons from Chrysostom

This ended up being the summer of the "Fathers" for me and I have gained an immense appreciation for John Chrysostom (349-407), also known as 'Golden-Mouth" because of his eloquent preaching. He was raised by a single Christian mother, converted around age 20, became a monk, then became a deacon, then an elder at Antioch. In 397, he was forced to leave and become bishop at Constantinople, where he was faithful in his work until he stepped on the toes of the empress and was eventually exiled (in large part due to Theophilos, patriarch of Alexandria). He was old and sick and ended up dying on the journey. His dying words were, "In all things, glory to God." Here are some ministry lessons from the bishop:

• He felt unworthy of the task of ministry. Early in life, he bailed on a ministry opportunity to head for the hills. He viewed the priesthood with awesome dignity and terrifying responsibility.
  
• John was an "expositional" preacher, so much so that historians wonder if what we have are his sermons or are just written commentaries. Bryan Litfin writes, "There is scarcely any biblical book, moral topic, theological point, or issue of his day, that John Chrysostom did not tackle" (197). John preached through books of the Bible, verse by verse. The first of many such records we have are 67 sermons on Genesis, verse by verse, from beginning to end. This forces the preacher to tackle all sorts of things he normally could avoid.


• He was a dynamic preacher. The comment above may make it sound like he was simply a running commentary, but John, unlike some Fathers, was a favorite among the lay people. His illustrations were colorful and is topics timely (Litfin, 201). He was very concerned about making the literal meaning of Scripture relevant to his congregation's needs. As Wilken writes, he was "ever mindful of the limitations of his hearers" (47).
  
• Chrysosotom practices what we would call "grammatical-historical exegesis." He was a "stickler for literal exegesis" (Kelly, 60). Seeing the Spirit as the true author, he sought to explain Scripture in the plain historical sense and make application based off of that. As Kelly writes, he was always ready "to go beyond strict comment on the text and draw out whatever useful lessons he thinks he can discern in it" (Kelly, 95).
  
• John avoided allegory but pursued typology (what they called theoria). He writes, "One thing is to be watched: theoria must never be understood as doing away with the underlying sense; it would then be no longer theoria bu allegory. For whenever anything else is said apart from the foundational sense, we have not theoria but allegory." We would say that typology must have textual warrant.


• John set out to reform the clergy immediately upon arrival in Constantinople. He enforced higher standards for worldly clergy. Ministers are to be above reproach.


• He loved the poor and marginalized. He sold church treasures to help the poor and build hospitals. Kelly says he was indignant against conspicuous affluence. He was a champion for the poor. A person's true glory does not consist in things, but in gentleness, humility and charity.


• He showed no favoritism. Regardless of office, all were in need of the gospel, and were subject to the rule of Christ. In a memorial service to Emperor Theodosius I, John remarks that he deserves respect, not because he was royal, but because he had been a devout Christian. While many would have done all they could to stay on good terms with the imperial family, John referred to the emperor's wife as Jezebel.


• John was a practical theologian. Chris Hall writes, he had "an amazing ability to bring Scripture to life, both in its theological richness and practical implications" (94). He loved to explain and apply deep truths of Scripture to his people.


• John was a biblical theologian. He was equally at home in either the Old or New Testament, and understood the progressive nature of revelation (to my surprise). He argued that one must read the OT in light of the fuller revelation that Christ brings. Though I need to read more of his stuff, his comments on Galatians 3 and Matthew 5 is sympathetic to New Covenant Theology.


• He memorized vast portions of Scripture. Master the Bible. John believed that the cause of all evils was the failure to know the Scriptures well. He strove to see all of life from a biblical perspective. Calvin would say he never removed the "spectacles of Scripture."


• John accepted suffering as a gift from God. The gospel had effectively sucked the poison out of the Christian's suffering and now was used by God to conform us to Christ.


• John was an ascetic. He took self-control and discipline very seriously, and wasted little time on "vain" activities. He warned against the corrupting influence of the theatrical shows which "conspires to undermine moral standards, make men discontented with their wives, and break up homes" (Kelly, 97).
  
• The bishop was also characterized by an "incurable optimism." He was quick to give a favorable interpretation of providence and believed that the tomb is empty and that makes a world of differences.

Sources:
Getting to Know the Church Fathers - Litfin
Golden Mouth - Kelly
Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers - Hall
The Spirit of Early Christian Thought - Wilken

10 Weeks!!

The top one is the back of our baby, and the bottom one is the head and hand. Amazing.

Good Lookin' Out: Presuppositional Apologetics

Covenant Media and American Vision have come together to publish a book that the late Greg Bahnsen had written, but lost in a move!! They waited until now to publish it. It is 289 pages, and sure to be helpful stuff. American Vision writes: "This magnum opus of apologetics lays out the Biblical presuppositional method, provides rigorous Biblical proof, and defends the uniqueness of the method. This is the work we all longed for Bahnsen to write, yet never knew that he already had written it! Now rescued from the dustbin of history, this monument of apologetics will provide must-reading for Christian defenders of the faith for generations to come." Here is a link to some short posts I did on presuppositional apologetics.

From the website: Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen (1948-1995) provided perhaps the clearest, most faithful, and most powerful advancement of Cornelius Van Til's presuppositional apologetics of anyone. This statement holds true both for Bahnsen's written scholarly work as well as his practical applications in both formal and informal debates and exchanges. Those knowledgeable of Van Til's “Copernican Revolution” in Christian apologetical method will understand the enormity of this compliment to Greg Bahnsen. Those not formerly introduced to Van Til or Bahnsen will understand shortly after beginning this volume—for this book presents the most clear, systematic, and rigorous statement and defense of Van Tillian presuppositional apologetics written to date.

This volume presents the systematic counterpart to Bahnsen's earlier publication, Van Til's Apologetic: Readings and Analysis. While that previous work included a broad and topical overview and explanation of Van Til's contribution—which, though highly organized according to an outline, and much more accessible than Van Til's own massive corpus of writing, still does not fully execute the task of a systematic work—this volume gets closer to an apologetical version of “systematic theology,” as opposed to, say, “biblical theology.” Both approaches provide vital understanding, and now we have both.

Here is a John Frame's blurb: This book is an important part of the historical record. It is authentic Bahnsen, vintage Bahnsen. It displays brilliantly his intellectual gifts and his devotion to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life. Despite my differences with Bahnsen, I revere him yet today as a great blessing of God tothe church and as one of the most brilliant apologists I have known. He seeks to set forth the comprehensive lordship of Christ over the human mind as over everything else, and he does that effectively. In that goal we should all be in agreement, and we should seek Bahnsen's help to become more consistent in our commitment to the Lord. So I commend this book to all who seek to think God's thoughts after him.

Good Lookin' Out: The End of the Law

Jason Meyer is assistant professor of Religion (New Testament and Greek) at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. I just grabbed his new book "The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant in Pauline Theology" put out by B&H Academic. I have been waiting a while for this one. While I was doing research for my little book on the same subject, I read parts of Meyer's dissertation with joy and benefit. His doctoral supervisor was Tom Schreiner. I am clearing my schedule for this one. Here are the blurbs from Piper and Schreiner:

"For the last forty years of my ministry no biblical issue has proved more recurrent or more vexing than the nature of the Mosaic law as it relates to the gospel and the new covenant. The pastoral implications for how you preach the gospel, aim at sanctification, comfort strugglers, give assurance, and admit people to membership in the church, are huge. Jason Meyer is a good guide. I found myself writing 'YES!' in the margins repeatedly. And there were enough 'Aha' moments of fresh discovery to make me want to keep going. I thank God for this younger scholar. His book is a precious gift to the church." (Piper)

We will fail to understand the larger storyline of the Bible if we do not grasp the significance of the old covenant and the new covenant. Jason Meyer in this careful exegetical study unpacks the meaning of the new covenant over against the old covenant. One of virtues of this work is its elegant clarity. Meyer defines terms succinctly and clearly, so that readers are not lost in a forest of obscurity. Even more important, Meyer advances his case with in-depth and convincing exegesis. NT scholars are known for their exegetical skills, but Meyer’s exegesis is coupled with theological rigor and insight which one finds too infrequently among biblical scholars. The work concludes with the perceptive and practical and theological implications. To sum up, we can be grateful for Dr. Meyer's assistance in understanding the whole counsel of God." (Schreiner)

Theology in the Church III

"On the other hand, in the West since the Enlightenment the theological enterprise has generally been hived off to academic institutions with no connection to the church. The study of theology and the Bible has been centered in universities. The high priests of Western Christianity, especially of evangelicalism , have been scholars. By virtue of their setting in a secular environment, the Bible and Christian theology have been approached in a manner unsuited to their own intrinsic nature. God gave the Scriptures to the church. The Bible is the church's book. While its humanity justifies its being studied according to all the academic tools available, when the essential ecclesial base that God intended for it has been abandoned in the course of such study, it should be of little surprise if the results are not noticeably conducive to faith and discipleship." [from Robert Letham's Through Western Eyes]

"I know a lot of theologians, and I don't know one who wants to hide theology under a bushel. No, they want to let it shine. But far too often, the best theology is hidden under a bushel of academic jargon and myriad footnotes. Such is the life of many a professor." [Tony Jones]

"My final and most important thanks are extended to my wife Diane. She constantly reminds me that biblical scholarship is a 'noisy gong and clanging cymbal' if the church of Christ is not edified." [Tom Schreiner's Interpreting the Pauline Epistles, 12] Thanks Diane.

Theology in the Church II

"Theology is the task of the local church. . . . Theology is also the task of the church because the only theology that matters and is worthy of the name is practical theology. Theology is the stuff of life. . . . The supposed medieval concern about the number of angels on a pinhead may illustrate all that is silly about 'professional' theology, but a cursory glance at even some evangelical theological journals reveals contemporary discussions that are no less obscure. They may sound scholarly and impressive, but they is [sic] fundamentally sterile and too often irrelevant. Their irrelevance is compounded when the discourses are not driven by a desire to live life to the glory of God. Theology must be in the service of the church and its mission. . . . A significant part of the problem behind academic theology and biblical scholarship is the way in which it is, all too often, self-referential. Professional theologians often write about and for other professional theologians. . . . If the theologian's 'home' is academia, then approval from other 'family' members will be important. This can be painfully illustrated by the lives of former evangelicals who pursued academic careers with noble ambitions, yet sadly ended up a considerable distance from their evangelical roots. Theology does share certain conventions with of the academic disciplines. But if the primary 'home' of theology is the believing community, it will more likely be earthed in life and will more likely remain evangelical. . . . If true theology is the fruit of engagement with the Bible set in the context of the local church, then much of what passes for theology is not theology at all. Why do we allow such people to set the agenda?" [From Total Church, 155-56, 160-61]

"In the early twenty-first century, when many pastors have abdicated their responsibilities as theologians, and many theologians do their work in a way that is lost on the people of God, we need to recover Edwards' model of Christian ministry. Most of the best theologians in the history of the church were parish pastors. Obviously, however, this is not the case today. Is it any wonder, then, that many struggle to think about their daily lives theologically, and often fail to understand the basics of the faith? I want to be realistic here. A certain amount of specialization is inevitable in complex, market-driven economies. And the specialization of roles within God's kingdom can enhance our Christian ministries. But when our pastors spend the bulk of their time on organizational matters, and professors spend the bulk of their time on intramural academics, no one is left to do the crucial work of shaping God's people with the Word. Perhaps our pastors and professors, Christian activists and thinkers, need to collaborate more regularly in ministry. Perhaps the laity need to give their pastors time to think and write--for their local congregations and the larger kingdom of God." [Doug Sweeney in Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word: A Model of Faith and Thought]

Theology in the Church I

The Fathers argue that biblical interpretation is an ecclesiastical activity to be practiced in the church and for the church within the context of prayer and worship (9). . . . Neither Athanasius nor Gregory envisioned exegesis or theology as the academic activity of biblical scholars or theologians divorced from the life of the church or personal spiritual formation. Rather, the fathers believed, the best exegesis occurs within the community of the church (42). . . . The fathers were serious theologians, but their primary vocation was as pastors within the church. Many were leading bishops. Their theology and exegesis possesses a marked pastoral emphasis and concern and is immensely practical. . . . As shepherds of the church they theologized, prayed and preached with the needs and concerns of the church at heart. . . . theology was not seen as a profession or occupation in the first millennium. It was seen more as a concomitant of pastoral care (54-55). . . . Exegesis and theological exploration have become technical skills often practiced in separation from the life of the Christian community and the history of that community's reading of Scripture over the centuries (72) . . . . Patristic exegetes conducted their work in the church for the church, an idea foreign to many modern scholars who conduct their work in the academy and largely for the academy (195). [From Christopher Hall's Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers]

"Suffice it to say that the academy is not the only setting for the study of Scripture. Scripture qua Scripture--as opposed to merely being the literature of ancient Israel together with some early Christian writings--finds its most appropriate home in the church as the people of God in the context of the worship of God." [Graham Cole in He Who Gives Life, 110]

"Only pray that our life may be ordered to the advantage of our soul."
--Basil the Great

Quotes on Prayer

"Prayer is the breath of the new creature." (Richard Baxter)

"What a man is alone on his knees before God, that he is, and no more." (Robert Murray M'Cheyne)

"I believe that prayer is the measure of the man, spiritually, in a way that nothing else is, so that how we pray is as important a question as we can ever face." (J.I. Packer)

"What we actually do reflects our highest priorities." (D.A. Carson)

"Why is it that such authentic spirituality is lacking in our time, particularly among those set apart for gospel ministry? Other than those found within the pages of Scripture and Christian biography, most of us would sadly acknowledge that we have known few pastoral leaders whose practice of ministry could be defined, at least in part, by a vibrant and thoroughgoing experience of prayer. Such a disturbing observation, however, cannot be the sole consequence of neglect on the part of those who occupy pastoral office. Rarely, if ever, does a pastoral job description articulate the congregation's expectation that the practice of prayer be among the primary expressions of pastoral ministry. Rather than expecting a priest-prophet whose primary concern is to develop a life of prayer among the people of God, the tacit implication is that a pastor will be hired to serve as the moral errand-boy of the congregation, performing those good deeds the parishioners deem appropriate but have little time to undertake. Seminaries, as well, have done little to convince theological students of the primacy of prayer in relation to pastoral ministry. though privileged to enjoy nearly ten years of theological education, I cannot recall any intentional contribution made toward my understanding of prayer as a principal expression of pastoral labors." (Joel Beeke)

DeYoung on Calvin

As you probably know, yesterday was John Calvin's 500th birthday. In light of this, Kevin DeYoung wrote an excellent post called, "Withering and the Word." It is really worth reading. Here is an excerpt:

"Calvin’s confidence was in the Word of God, and that’s why his theology and vision of the world continues to capture the minds and hearts of people in the 21st century. That’s why five hundred years later we remember his birth. That’s why Calvin the preacher and expositor has millions more spiritual children than Erasmus the scholar and hermeneutical skeptic. Strive for relevance in your day, and you’ll may make a difference for a few years. Anchor yourself in what is eternal and you may influence the world for another five centuries.I’m all for young people dreaming big dreams. Go out and change the world. Make a difference. Discover a cure for cancer. Write a best-selling novel. Become president. But remember, your “glory” (and mine) will not last. Your great accomplishments will fall away–either in your lifetime, or in a generation, or at the end of all things.No one will care about your GPA and SAT scores in ten years. If you win a state championship, you’ll be forgotten the next year you don’t. Your beauty will get wrinkles and trim figure plump. Write a great book and it will gather dust in a library some day. Have a big famous church, it won’t last forever. Be an important person in your field, you still be unknown to over 6 billion people in the world. Build an amazing house, it will crumble some day, if it doesn’t go into foreclosure first. All of our achievements and successes are destined to be like dead grass and faded flowers.But...the word of our God stands forever. . . . So try thinking a few less original thoughts and people just might find you relevant in 500 years."

The Pastorals

I try to occasionally read through the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy & Titus). Every time, it is refreshing and convicting. That's the beauty of God's Word. It never gets old, and the Holy Spirit continually opens your eyes to new insights that you glanced over before. Yesterday I read through them and thought I'd post some things that stood out this time:

• Being a godly father and husband is bound up with being a faithful elder (1 Tim 3.4, 15, Titus 1.7)
• We are to work hard and struggle because we have set our hope on the living God (1 Tim 4.10)
• We should put our religion into practice by caring for our family and paying them back for how they have cared for us (1 Tim 5.4)
• If we don't care for our family, we have denied the faith and our worse than unbelievers (1 Tim 5.8)
• Paul was not opposed to wine (1 Tim 5.23). This week I read Chrysostom call those who insist on total abstinence from alcohol "simpler brothers" who fail to see that wine is God's creation and it is only immoderate indulgence that is condemned in Scripture.
• We should live obedient lives so that the name of God and the apostolic teaching will not be slandered (1 Tim 6.1)
• There is great gain in godliness with contentment. We came here and will leave with nothing. Greed (which is idolatry) leads to temptation, a snare, foolish and harmful desire, ruin, destruction, and many griefs (1 Tim 6.6-10)
• God's people need to continually be reminded of 'these things' (2 Tim 2.14)
• Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word because Christ is coming to judge (2 Tim 4.1-2). This should shape the content and nature of sermons.
• God's people should long for his appearing (2 Tim 4.8)
• Truth that is true leads to godliness (Titus 1.1)
• Always be gentle to all people (Titus 3.2)
• We are not saved by the deeds we do but because of God's mercy (Titus 3.5)
• A divisive person should be warned twice then avoided (Titus 3.10)
• We should be devoted to good deeds, meet needs, and not live unproductive lives (Titus 3.14)
• Self-discipline and self-control is very important (2 Tim 1.7, Titus 1,8, 2.2, 2.6)

Words of Life

Timothy Ward's new book, "Words of Life," is a helpful little book on the doctrine of Scripture. Ward did his dissertation under Vanhoozer, who writes of the book: "I have been on the lookout for a compelling and contemporary treatment of the nature and authority of Scripture for years. I ask of every promising new title, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall I look for another?' Ward's book may be the one." Here is an interview with Ward about the book. Somewhat tied to the previous post, I thought these comments were thought-provoking:

"It is the speech acts of Scripture (its units of meaning: sentences, paragraphs and books) that have their origin in divine authorship, because authors primarily author speech acts. The individual words are inspired (spoken out by God) to the extent that they come together to express these speech acts. . . . Yet if we keep in mind that the focus of the Holy Spirit's act of inspiration was the speech acts, then we can be confident that these have been accurately translated, whatever questions there may be about the translation of individual words from one language to another. It is this observation that points to the virtues of what are normally called 'dynamic equivalence' translations of the Bible, such as the New International family of versions. They are based on the quite correct notion that the basic unit of meaning is the speech act (such as the sentence or phrase), and that this, rather than the individual word, is the unit the translator needs to concentrate on reproducing in the receptor language." (86, 90-91)

Any thoughts?

Good Lookin' Out: The Books of the Bible

I have long wondered why publishers don't publish a version of the Bible without the chapters, section headings, and verses. Skimming through Half Price Books a while back (a favorite hobby), I found it! IBS has published "The Books of the Bible." The version is Today's New International Version (1). I didn't buy it, but it looks great. I especially appreciate the single column setting. Here is a sample page. Here is a review by Andy Naselli and here is a review by Trevin Wax.

______________
(1) Many of you may be aware of the controversy surrounding the TNIV (namely Grudem and Poythress). The main issue is the gender-inclusiveness. I previously mentioned how the NLT is also gender-inclusive but hasn't been bashed near as badly. I agree that the 'systematic' agenda of the TNIV is unfortunate and unhelpful in places. I also dislike the turning of singular pronouns into plurals. All agree, however, that it is a great improvement on the NIV in almost every way (see Blomberg's essay). There are great scholars on both side of the debate. For example, Doug Moo writes, "I deeply hope that the TNIV, which revises and updates the NIV in significant ways, will take its place in years to come." D.A. Carson writes, "The TNIV is more accurate than its remarkable predecessor, the much-loved NIV, while retaining all the readability of the latter. I am deeply impressed by the godliness, linguistic competence, cultural awareness and sheer fidelity to Scripture displayed by the translators. Thirty or forty years from now, I suspect, most evangelicals will have accepted the TNIV as a ‘standard’ translation, and will wonder what all the fuss was about in their parents’ generation— in the same way that those of us with long memories marvel at all the fuss over the abandonment of ‘thees’ and ‘thous’ several decades ago." Other scholars endorsing it are Timothy George, Roger Nicole, Longman, Blomberg, Stott, C. Plantinga, John Armstrong, Snodgrass, and others.

Personally I enjoy reading a variety of translations, but prefer the ESV, but it has its weaknesses, as do all translations and its good to be aware of them lest we begin to have ESV-only groups. For example, many have noted that it didn't do near enough in updating of the RSV. Many are also unaware that there was a revision in 2007. This was a poor move in my opinion. One must check the copyright to see whether you have the 01' or the 07'. Now, I am all for updates and improvements, but Crossway could have let the public know (e.g. NASB Update). Here is a list of changes. Here and here are a couple of critical reviews of the ESV. The latter, "Why the English Standard Version (ESV) should not become the Standard English Version" is particularly worth reading. Here is a comparison with the NRSV and how the ESV failed to update many of the RSV archaisms.

Do you know what this means?

Jordan & Kobe

"We're never seeing another Jordan, just like we're never seeing another Brando or Lennon. It's just not happening. They might compare statistically and stylistically, but Jordan could command a room of 10 people or 20,000 and get the exact same reaction: Every set of eyes trained on him for as long as he was there. His personality, his charisma, his aura, his passion ... indescribable. Like nothing I have ever seen. Nobody remembers this now because he hasn't played in awhile, but Jordan was always the coolest guy in the room. Without fail. He was like Doctor J. crossed with Sinatra. Remember those dopey ads when somebody said, "My broker is E.F. Hutton," and everyone else in the room froze? That was what happened to an arena when Jordan walked in. You would freeze, and you would hear screams, and then it would be a sea of lightbulbs. And everyone was saying the same thing, "I get to say I watched Michael Jordan."
Kobe always wanted people to feel that way about him. He shaved his head, made music videos, jumped cars for viral videos, changed his number, stole MJ's fist pump, created that creepy face where he stuck his bottom two teeth out ... none of it worked. He will never command a room like Jordan did. Sorry."

--Bill Simmons

Developing a Trinitarian Mind

I really appreciate the theological work of Robert Letham, and am highly anticipating his forthcoming book on union with Christ. This week I read a great article called, "Developing a Trinitarin Mind," that is about three pages long. For you, is the Trinity "merely an abstruse mathematical puzzle, remote from experience?" If so, let this article move you to think, meditate, and study to know our Triune God in a deeper way.

I have been amazed this week at the amount of time grown men, preparing for the ministry, spend on Facebook during class lecture. I guess they get so self-consumed that they forget that there are people sitting behind them who can see their computer screens. I wonder what Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Turretin, Bavinck, and Van Til would say to their 'students' if they knew how much time they were spending on such waste in their classrooms? I have a feeling Luther would cuss. Anyway.

How Much Do You Have to Hate Somebody to Not Proselytize?

Today in Personal Evangelism class, the prof showed this video of an atheist's take on evangelism.

the Way

"They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another. They despise not the widow, and grieve not the orphan. They that hath, distributeth liberally to him that hath not. If they see a stranger, they bring him under their roof, and rejoice over him, as it were their own brother: for they call themselves brethren, not after the flesh, but after the spirit and in God; but when one of their poor passes away from the world, and any of them see him, then he provides for his burial according to his ability; and if they hear that any of their number is imprisoned or oppressed for the name of their Messiah, all of them provide for his needs, and if it is possible that he may be delivered, they deliver him. And if there is among them a man that is poor and needy, and they have not an abundance of necessaries, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with their necessary food."

--Aristides, writing around A.D. 125.

Thinking about a PhD?

I'm not, but if you are, you may find this post, this post, this post, and this post helpful.

Getting to Know the Church Fathers

This week I finished Bryan Litfin's ( a Moody prof and self-confessed "dispensational, conservative, born-again fundie") book, "Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction." I highly recommend it! The book is ten chapters, and each chapter covers Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Perpetua, Origen, Athanasius, Chrysostom, Augustine, and Cyril of Alexandria. It was a very refreshing read. It is good to be familiar with those who have gone before us, particularly the church fathers. Here is a CT interview with Litfin concerning the need to reclaim our heritage. Here is a quote:

"Our focus must be on the future. And yet our focus on the future must take into account the grand story of which we all are a part. If we would only wake up and take a good look at our surroundings, we would notice that our motion is not being imparted merely by our own efforts in our local churches in twenty-first-century America. We are small figures inevitably carried forward by the weight of the holy catholic [very imp. lower case 'c' meaning universal] church, whose sails are filled by the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed a divine work. . . . To understand your solidarity with the fathers of the church - and indeed with all the heroes of church history - is to be lifted up from the mundane trivialities of the everyday world, and to conceptualize your life as a grand odyssey with your companions in Christ. So go ahead. Think of yourself in this way. Start running after the cloud of witnesses who have already run the race will. Fix your eyes on Jesus, just as they did in their day. Embrace your inner catholic, and see where it will take you!" (264-5)