It has been nearly 40 years since my 2 years of Greek in Bible College (this sentence alone makes me realize how much I’ve squandered). It was a strange paradox: 2 years of Greek were required for my major, but there were subtle undercurrents that lead us to believe that it was not really relevant to “red hot, evangelistic preaching.” And since the world was going to hell with unprecedented rapidity (it was the early 70’s, after all), there was no time to waste in seminary. Souls needed saving and God needed us on the front lines. Needless to say, Greek was something I had to do, but not something I relished. I purposely steered clear of the difficult instructors (who may have actually taught me something) and found the easier ones that would help me land a decent grade.
It wasn’t until sometime later that I came to myself and realized the importance of the Biblical languages and adequate preparation for a lifetime of study and exposition. If I had it to do over again, I would be proficient in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and German. But then I would probably be living alone surviving on a diet of Hot Pockets and Froot Loops.
If you need help or motivation to rediscover New Testament Greek, The Minister and His Greek New Testament by A.T. Robertson will motivate you to make Greek a daily part of your ministerial life. Keep Your Greek by Constantine Campbell will give you practical tools that will help you keep what Greek you have learned and recover part of what you have forgotten. This little book is a great help for those of us who remember just enough Greek to get into serious trouble. The road back is often steeper than it was the first time, but Campbell can help – after all, “it’s the climb” (I know, fewer things are more pitiful than an old guy quoting Miley Cyrus – in fact, anyone quoting Miley Cyrus is pitiful. Chalk it up to a pathetic attempt at being cool).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of their Keep Your Greek blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The King James Bible
Arguably the most significant literary work in the English language celebrates its 4ooth anniversary in 2011. Of course, I refer to the publication of the King James Version of the Bible. It has influenced our language in ways that many do not realize. It may surprise some to realize that this Bible translation is responsible for phrases still used today: “skin of your teeth,” “apple of my eye;” “cast the first stone,” and a “two- edged sword,” among many others.
It is unfortunate that the anniversary of this great translation is not given the accord that it is due, at least among some of my evangelical brethren. I recall last year that significant celebration went into the recognition of Calvin’s 500th birthday. Many of us read through his Institutes together and enjoyed numerous articles and blog posts examining his contribution to systematic theology. I do not see the same level of celebration for the KJV.
I think that part of the reason for this is that this great translation has become a polarizing factor in some parts of the Christian world. On the one side stand the “King James Only” adherents who cast all manner of scorn and abuse on any translation of the Bible that is not KJV. For many of them, the KJV is the only trustworthy Bible in existence today. All subsequent attempts at translation derive from flawed documents wielded by unspiritual men who have an insidious agenda: dilute, distort, and destroy the pure Word of God.
On the other side stand the champions of modern language translations. They promote versions that are known by an almost endless list of initials: RSV, NRSV, ASV, NASV, NASB, NAS, NCV, LB, NLT, NKJV, ESV, TCV, NIV, TNIV, MESS, HCSB; and I think I am omitting some. Some of these new translation zealots take a condescending tone toward those who still prefer the KJV. To them, anyone still reading from the KJV is a hayseed that needs to be enlightened for his own good. It is almost a Gnostic attitude.
Thus, in the words of Buffalo Springfield on their debut album that I was not permitted to play in my dorm room in the fundamentalist college I attended, “The battle line’s being drawn. Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.” It’s like saying something good about Richard Nixon because he brought an end to the Vietnam conflict and opened China to US trade – but he was still Richard Nixon.
Let’s not let this infighting prevent us from paying homage to a great translation of the Bible. Yes, it is a great translation in many ways. I may have more to say later.
It is unfortunate that the anniversary of this great translation is not given the accord that it is due, at least among some of my evangelical brethren. I recall last year that significant celebration went into the recognition of Calvin’s 500th birthday. Many of us read through his Institutes together and enjoyed numerous articles and blog posts examining his contribution to systematic theology. I do not see the same level of celebration for the KJV.
I think that part of the reason for this is that this great translation has become a polarizing factor in some parts of the Christian world. On the one side stand the “King James Only” adherents who cast all manner of scorn and abuse on any translation of the Bible that is not KJV. For many of them, the KJV is the only trustworthy Bible in existence today. All subsequent attempts at translation derive from flawed documents wielded by unspiritual men who have an insidious agenda: dilute, distort, and destroy the pure Word of God.
On the other side stand the champions of modern language translations. They promote versions that are known by an almost endless list of initials: RSV, NRSV, ASV, NASV, NASB, NAS, NCV, LB, NLT, NKJV, ESV, TCV, NIV, TNIV, MESS, HCSB; and I think I am omitting some. Some of these new translation zealots take a condescending tone toward those who still prefer the KJV. To them, anyone still reading from the KJV is a hayseed that needs to be enlightened for his own good. It is almost a Gnostic attitude.
Thus, in the words of Buffalo Springfield on their debut album that I was not permitted to play in my dorm room in the fundamentalist college I attended, “The battle line’s being drawn. Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.” It’s like saying something good about Richard Nixon because he brought an end to the Vietnam conflict and opened China to US trade – but he was still Richard Nixon.
Let’s not let this infighting prevent us from paying homage to a great translation of the Bible. Yes, it is a great translation in many ways. I may have more to say later.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Samson Agonistes
I have been bringing the morning devotions at the Mission where I work/minister. I try to take a passage from each book in the Bible, in canonical order, and bring out some devotional thought as an encouragement or exhortation to our staff. My next session takes me to Judges where I land on chapter 16. This, of course, is the final chapter in the life of Samson, probably the most well known figure in this book. As we read of the last days of his life as a Judge of Israel, I find several warnings. And since Judges is mostly about warning, I will phrase these as cautions.- Don’t imagine that usefulness in the past builds up credit that will cover foolishness in the present. Serving Christ is our daily duty. Doing so well does not accrue merit points to offset demerits later. Our attitude in serving Jesus is best expressed in the parable found in Lk. 17:7-10: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (v.10).
- Don’t assume that the reasons for one’s usefulness by God will always be apparent. It seems that there was nothing about Samson that would give a clue as to the reason for his astonishing strength (Judges 16: 5-6). In fact, God delights in using the foolish and diminished things of this world so that He might receive the maximum glory (1 Cor. 1:26-31).
- Don’t expect to be fireproof when you play with fire. Samson may have enjoyed the “pleasures of sin for a season,” but it was only for a season. Sin is deceptive. Even believing people can be deceived by sin. It is true that our sins have been paid for by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as “he (God) made him to be sin, who knew no sin” (2 Cor. 5:21). It is also true that for those in Christ, there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1). But though there is no condemnation, the life of Samson shows us that there will yet be consequences for sin. Those who play with fire are sure to get burned.
Although there is a morbid word of commendation upon his demise (Jud.16:30), he did not end well. May we take heed that we might end well.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Think
Many have taken pen in hand examine the dismal record that we evangelicals have regarding the life of the mind. Mark Noll’s The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, Os Guiness’ Fit Bodies, Fat Minds, and Love God with All Your Mind by J.P. Moreland and Dallas Willard are notable among these treatments. John Piper throws his hat into the ring with Think, the Life of the Mind and the Love of God.
Piper challenges us to think clearly, deeply and accurately about God and His Word. His aim, however, is not to produce a generation of evangelical theologians who can pontificate on matters of deep theology. Instead, he encourages deep intellectual exercise to the ultimate end of knowing, loving, and delighting in God.
When it comes to the life of the mind, we Christians love to castigate ourselves. Certainly, when like lemmings we follow every fad, gimmick and innovation that parades itself before us without even considering whether or not it is doctrinally sound; when the perceived leaders of our movement are those whose primary qualification is that they have a great media presence; and when we announce Armageddon every time a camel blinks in the Middle East, then there is certainly room for criticism. But I wonder if some are critical of “the evangelical mind” solely on the grounds that, by and large, evangelicals are not taken seriously in academia.
In one sense, should this not be expected? How can people who, for good and sufficient reasons, hold to the inerrancy of Scripture expect to find themselves taken seriously at Harvard or Yale? We can see the reasonableness of believing in a God Who has revealed Himself in His Word and His world; but if we understand His Word, we know that the unregenerate mind will not and cannot grasp what makes sense to us.
This is not an endorsement to return to the days of a stick-your-head-in-the-sand, retreat-from-the-culture fundamentalism. Nor does Piper insist that advanced degrees are required to adequately serve God. He is not arguing for academics as such. He does argue that the time has come for Christians – those who display the mind of Christ – learn to really use their God-given ability to think hard on God and His Word. Good advice, and well worth the read.
Piper challenges us to think clearly, deeply and accurately about God and His Word. His aim, however, is not to produce a generation of evangelical theologians who can pontificate on matters of deep theology. Instead, he encourages deep intellectual exercise to the ultimate end of knowing, loving, and delighting in God.
When it comes to the life of the mind, we Christians love to castigate ourselves. Certainly, when like lemmings we follow every fad, gimmick and innovation that parades itself before us without even considering whether or not it is doctrinally sound; when the perceived leaders of our movement are those whose primary qualification is that they have a great media presence; and when we announce Armageddon every time a camel blinks in the Middle East, then there is certainly room for criticism. But I wonder if some are critical of “the evangelical mind” solely on the grounds that, by and large, evangelicals are not taken seriously in academia.
In one sense, should this not be expected? How can people who, for good and sufficient reasons, hold to the inerrancy of Scripture expect to find themselves taken seriously at Harvard or Yale? We can see the reasonableness of believing in a God Who has revealed Himself in His Word and His world; but if we understand His Word, we know that the unregenerate mind will not and cannot grasp what makes sense to us.
This is not an endorsement to return to the days of a stick-your-head-in-the-sand, retreat-from-the-culture fundamentalism. Nor does Piper insist that advanced degrees are required to adequately serve God. He is not arguing for academics as such. He does argue that the time has come for Christians – those who display the mind of Christ – learn to really use their God-given ability to think hard on God and His Word. Good advice, and well worth the read.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Abortion – A Rational Look at an Emotion Issue
Tomorrow marks the 38th anniversary of the Roe v Wade ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. As most know, this was the landmark ruling that defined a woman’s right to abortion in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. This ruling opened the flood gate of abortion on demand and fueled one of the most volatile and enduring controversies in the history of our country.
It is safe to say that Christians have been somewhat less than unified in their position on this ruling and its implications. Some liberal Christian denominations have favored the ruling, while the Roman Catholic Church has been consistently and vocally opposed to it. For the evangelical, the one who adheres to the authority of the Bible, the issue is not open for discussion. If that statement seems to be too dogmatic, too presumptuous, or too absolutist, then the one who objects needs to read Abortion – A Rational Look at an Emotion Issue by Dr. R.C. Sproul. The 20th anniversary edition has been revised and reprinted by Reformation Trust.
In his forward, Dr. George Grant notes:
In his usual fashion, Dr. Sproul approaches this issue from the perspective of logic, history, theology and Biblical exposition. After reading the book, I am persuaded that one could be convinced to re-examine his or her views relative to the pro-abortion position based upon the logical arguments alone. In other words, this is not an issue that requires commitment to evangelical faith to know the truth. Of course, as one of the leaders in the evangelical movement, Sproul is careful to cite Biblical evidence for the pro-life position. Nonetheless, the arguments from logic and natural law are convincing in themselves.
What is absent from Dr. Sproul’s work is the vitriol that often flows from advocates of the pro-life position. Sproul does not demonize the opposition. Certainly, this is an issue that arouses passionate debate. In Sproul’s case, there is not more heat than light. Both are in sufficient quantity.
I understand that Reformation Press will send a copy of this book to every member of the new Congress. I pray that many will read it. I am sure that some will. I am sure that some will throw it away. If read objectively, the book has the potential to change a lot of the thinking on Capitol Hill
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
It is safe to say that Christians have been somewhat less than unified in their position on this ruling and its implications. Some liberal Christian denominations have favored the ruling, while the Roman Catholic Church has been consistently and vocally opposed to it. For the evangelical, the one who adheres to the authority of the Bible, the issue is not open for discussion. If that statement seems to be too dogmatic, too presumptuous, or too absolutist, then the one who objects needs to read Abortion – A Rational Look at an Emotion Issue by Dr. R.C. Sproul. The 20th anniversary edition has been revised and reprinted by Reformation Trust.
In his forward, Dr. George Grant notes:
In the two decades since this landmark book was first published, four different presidents have occupied the White House, seven justices have come and gone on the Supreme Court, and eleven sessions of Congress have held sway in the Capitol … Through it all, the divisiveness of the abortion issue has remained constant. The many and varied political turns of events during the past twenty years have done nothing to ameliorate it—much less, to resolve it. If anything, the divide over abortion has become more pronounced, more acrimonious, and more entrenched. While political gridlock on nearly any and every other issue ultimately has been overcome, no rapprochement on the issue of abortion is anywhere in sight.
In his usual fashion, Dr. Sproul approaches this issue from the perspective of logic, history, theology and Biblical exposition. After reading the book, I am persuaded that one could be convinced to re-examine his or her views relative to the pro-abortion position based upon the logical arguments alone. In other words, this is not an issue that requires commitment to evangelical faith to know the truth. Of course, as one of the leaders in the evangelical movement, Sproul is careful to cite Biblical evidence for the pro-life position. Nonetheless, the arguments from logic and natural law are convincing in themselves.
What is absent from Dr. Sproul’s work is the vitriol that often flows from advocates of the pro-life position. Sproul does not demonize the opposition. Certainly, this is an issue that arouses passionate debate. In Sproul’s case, there is not more heat than light. Both are in sufficient quantity.
I understand that Reformation Press will send a copy of this book to every member of the new Congress. I pray that many will read it. I am sure that some will. I am sure that some will throw it away. If read objectively, the book has the potential to change a lot of the thinking on Capitol Hill
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Monday, January 17, 2011
Unbroken
So, I have joined the ranks of those who can read electronically. For Christmas, I received a Kindle. Actually, it was a combined gift for both my wife and me, but I imagine I will get the most use from it. The books she reads – and she reads a lot – are readily available at the library.
The 1st book I read on my Kindle was Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand. I had meant to purchase the book after Christmas, but thought that this might be a good way to test drive the device. I must admit that I enjoyed reading this book on the Kindle. But, it is a great book that I would have enjoyed reading in any form. I couldn’t wait to snatch a few moments to read.
Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, a member of the US Olympic track team in 1936. It is a story of human endurance in the most desperate of conditions. As a bombardier in a B-24, his aircraft crashed in the Pacific. He endured nearly a month and a half at sea in shark infested waters. Finally spotting land, he came ashore and was immediately made a prisoner of war by the Japanese. The trials spent as a POW made the hardships of shipwreck pale in comparison. Without disclosing all of the details, Billy Graham’s famous crusade in Los Angeles in 1948 makes a significant contribution to the end of the story.
Zamperini’s treatment as a POW speaks volumes about human depravity and the power of hope. That the Japanese could so brutalize their prisoners and that the Nazi’s could deal so inhumanly with Jews, Slavs, and all they considered to be inferior, testifies to the Biblical doctrine of total depravity. As the book shows, not all of Zamperini’s captors were harsh and brutal. In fact, after the war he went to Japan to try to locate one who claimed to be a Christian and treated him with dignity. Yet, as I read this book, I took these thoughts away for further development:
• Unlike John Lennon who accused religion of being the chief propagator of warfare in history, it was non-Christians, both in Germany and Japan (not to mention Russia) who were the most sadistic and inhumane.
• What was going on in the world that at the same time in history, such brutality could emerge in both Europe and Asia?
• Germany and Japan were both civilized and technologically advanced societies. Yet their achievements did not save them from themselves. Our culture and society likewise cannot save us from ourselves. The remedy for depravity is not found in education, politics, or economics. It is found in the gospel of Christ.
The 1st book I read on my Kindle was Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand. I had meant to purchase the book after Christmas, but thought that this might be a good way to test drive the device. I must admit that I enjoyed reading this book on the Kindle. But, it is a great book that I would have enjoyed reading in any form. I couldn’t wait to snatch a few moments to read.
Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, a member of the US Olympic track team in 1936. It is a story of human endurance in the most desperate of conditions. As a bombardier in a B-24, his aircraft crashed in the Pacific. He endured nearly a month and a half at sea in shark infested waters. Finally spotting land, he came ashore and was immediately made a prisoner of war by the Japanese. The trials spent as a POW made the hardships of shipwreck pale in comparison. Without disclosing all of the details, Billy Graham’s famous crusade in Los Angeles in 1948 makes a significant contribution to the end of the story.
Zamperini’s treatment as a POW speaks volumes about human depravity and the power of hope. That the Japanese could so brutalize their prisoners and that the Nazi’s could deal so inhumanly with Jews, Slavs, and all they considered to be inferior, testifies to the Biblical doctrine of total depravity. As the book shows, not all of Zamperini’s captors were harsh and brutal. In fact, after the war he went to Japan to try to locate one who claimed to be a Christian and treated him with dignity. Yet, as I read this book, I took these thoughts away for further development:
• Unlike John Lennon who accused religion of being the chief propagator of warfare in history, it was non-Christians, both in Germany and Japan (not to mention Russia) who were the most sadistic and inhumane.
• What was going on in the world that at the same time in history, such brutality could emerge in both Europe and Asia?
• Germany and Japan were both civilized and technologically advanced societies. Yet their achievements did not save them from themselves. Our culture and society likewise cannot save us from ourselves. The remedy for depravity is not found in education, politics, or economics. It is found in the gospel of Christ.
Friday, January 14, 2011
With All Your Mind
Jesus’ counsel to “love God with all your mind” is recorded in 3 of the gospel accounts (Matt.22:37, Mk. 12:30, and Lk 12:27. Dr.Albert Mohler describes what this looks like in a Christian worldview:
Read the entire post here.
A robust and rich model of Christian thinking—the quality of thinking that culminates in a God-centered worldview—requires that we see all truth as interconnected. Ultimately, the systematic wholeness of truth can be traced to the fact that God is himself the author of all truth. Christianity is not a set of doctrines in the sense that a mechanic operates with a set of tools. Instead, Christianity is a comprehensive worldview and way of life that grows out of Christian reflection on the Bible and the unfolding plan of God revealed in the unity of the Scriptures.
A God-centered worldview brings every issue, question, and cultural concern into submission to all that the Bible reveals and frames all understanding within the ultimate purpose of bringing greater glory to God. This task of bringing every thought captive to Christ requires more than episodic Christian thinking and is to be understood as the task of the Church, and not merely the concern of individual believers. The recovery of the Christian mind and the development of a comprehensive Christian worldview will require the deepest theological reflection, the most consecrated application of scholarship, the most sensitive commitment to compassion, and the courage to face all questions without fear.
Read the entire post here.
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