Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"It's...About...Leadership"
Alex Knapp gives one of the best essays on leadership I have read in a long time. That I am an aging "trekkie" may have someting to do with it. Read "Five Leadership Lessons From James T. Kirk."
Monday, March 5, 2012
Book Review: Invitation to Biblical Interpretation
Invitation to Biblical Interpretation is a toolbox for the Bible student and teacher. Andreas Köstenberger and Richard Patterson have provided a tool that is an essential volume to any Biblical library.
Subtitled, Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology, the authors attempt to show the important interplay of these features of Biblical interpretation. Since it is a book about interpretation, the bulk of the attention is given to the literary aspect of Scripture. However, even in this, the authors are careful to direct the reader’s attention to the story line of the Bible, the salvation history through which the literature must be understood.
Köstenberger and Patterson touch issues of canonicity, genre, discourse analysis, and even discuss the elements of good preaching. My contact with these subjects was spread over several college and seminary courses. Here is a book that ties them all together.
This is designed to be a textbook. Each chapter ends with a glossary, study questions, assignments, and a bibliography. Each chapter begins with objectives and an outline.
The only disadvantage to the book is its length; and that is a disadvantage only if it is considered as a textbook. Modern seminary and upper level college courses on hermeneutics usually last 1 semester. At 849 page (before indices), it would be quite a chore to do justice to the work within the confines of a semester.
Having taught college level hermeneutics, I wish I had this book as a resource. Regardless of one’s experience in preaching, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation will challenge you and make you re-examine your approach to sermon preparation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications 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
Subtitled, Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology, the authors attempt to show the important interplay of these features of Biblical interpretation. Since it is a book about interpretation, the bulk of the attention is given to the literary aspect of Scripture. However, even in this, the authors are careful to direct the reader’s attention to the story line of the Bible, the salvation history through which the literature must be understood.
Köstenberger and Patterson touch issues of canonicity, genre, discourse analysis, and even discuss the elements of good preaching. My contact with these subjects was spread over several college and seminary courses. Here is a book that ties them all together.
This is designed to be a textbook. Each chapter ends with a glossary, study questions, assignments, and a bibliography. Each chapter begins with objectives and an outline.
The only disadvantage to the book is its length; and that is a disadvantage only if it is considered as a textbook. Modern seminary and upper level college courses on hermeneutics usually last 1 semester. At 849 page (before indices), it would be quite a chore to do justice to the work within the confines of a semester.
Having taught college level hermeneutics, I wish I had this book as a resource. Regardless of one’s experience in preaching, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation will challenge you and make you re-examine your approach to sermon preparation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications 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
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Theodicy
"You must take heed of making God to have a hand in men’s sins. Is it likely that God is the author of sin and the avenger of it? Is it a likely thing that God should make a law against sin, and then have a hand in breaking his own law? God permitted their sin, which he never would, if he could not bring good out of it." - Thomas Watson
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Book Review: Every Body Matters
Gary Thomas has entered a risky arena in his Every Body Matters. Many evangelicals voice considerable objection over the current cultural obsession with body image. Conversely, some Christians have fallen prey to the mindset that “image is everything.” In this book, Thomas adds his input in a way that brings us back to the center.
The premise is that God has given each of us only one body through which we live to the glory of God. Stewardship of this resource is as important as any other aspect of life. Thomas states his position clearly: “Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or forties – or facing your fifties, sixties, seventies, or beyond – one thing is certain: you’re doing it in a body, a body that not only contains a soul but affects your soul as well. We are not angels, pursuing God without physical covering, and if we try to pretend that we are – living as though the state of our bodies has no effect on the condition of our souls – all the proper doctrine in the world can’t save us from eating away our sensitivity to God’s presence or throwing away years of potential ministry if we wreck our heart’s physical home.”
The intent of this book is not to produce marathon runners (although Gary Thomas runs in marathons), bodybuilders, or swimsuit models. It is to encourage the Christian to seriously consider the totality of the individual created in God’s image.
The premise is that God has given each of us only one body through which we live to the glory of God. Stewardship of this resource is as important as any other aspect of life. Thomas states his position clearly: “Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or forties – or facing your fifties, sixties, seventies, or beyond – one thing is certain: you’re doing it in a body, a body that not only contains a soul but affects your soul as well. We are not angels, pursuing God without physical covering, and if we try to pretend that we are – living as though the state of our bodies has no effect on the condition of our souls – all the proper doctrine in the world can’t save us from eating away our sensitivity to God’s presence or throwing away years of potential ministry if we wreck our heart’s physical home.”
The intent of this book is not to produce marathon runners (although Gary Thomas runs in marathons), bodybuilders, or swimsuit models. It is to encourage the Christian to seriously consider the totality of the individual created in God’s image.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Living in the Light of the "Hour"
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly spoke about “his hour.” This is a reference to his impending death on the cross. In John 12:23-26 that “hour” had finally come. Everything would be different. The world became a different world.
Up to this point, the disciples were clueless about the events of the coming days. They would be taken by surprise at Jesus’ crucifixion and suffer crushing despair, unaware that the Savior would rise from the dead.
In John 12: 23-26 Jesus prepared his disciples by telling them how to live in this different world. He would show them in concrete ways by his death and resurrection.
In a series of paradoxical statements, Jesus left instructions for his disciples, the Twelve and those who would follow their teachings down through the centuries.
One must die if he is to Live – 24
All who heard Jesus were familiar with this agricultural analogy. The seed goes into the ground and “dies” so it can germinate. If it doesn’t do this, it cannot take root and bear.
Jesus’ was about to do this very thing. He would die and go into the tomb, but He would come out alive. His resurrection would bear fruit that still has yet to be gathered.
In all likelihood, you and I are not called upon to die – yet! Tertullian said that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” But if not called upon to die for the sake of Christ, we are certainly to die to self for the sake of Christ. This is amazingly difficult. Yet we discover that the only way to truly live without fear and without hesitation is to die to this life and live to the glory of God.
One must lose his life if he is to keep it – 25
Most of our lives are spent providing for this life, making ourselves comfortable, attractive, healthy, safe and secure. It’s all about living in the now.
Jesus says that to keep our lives we must lose them. There is more to life than “now.” And while we know there is a life to come that will overshadow this life, it is true that so few of us prepare for that life because we are so consumed with this one.
To lose our lives means to lose them in following Christ. All of the things we do to maintain life here is good and right – but not if it consumes us; not if life becomes our life.
One must be humble if he is to be honored – 26
We would expect Jesus to have something to say about serving God and following Him. This is right and proper. At the end of the statement he adds this: if anyone serves me the Father will honor Him. This is consistent with Jesus had said previously about seeking the most prominent positions at a feast. In the kingdom of God the way up is down; the first shall be last; the last shall be first.
This is counter-cultural to a “me-first” culture. But it is only being Christ-like.
Up to this point, the disciples were clueless about the events of the coming days. They would be taken by surprise at Jesus’ crucifixion and suffer crushing despair, unaware that the Savior would rise from the dead.
In John 12: 23-26 Jesus prepared his disciples by telling them how to live in this different world. He would show them in concrete ways by his death and resurrection.
In a series of paradoxical statements, Jesus left instructions for his disciples, the Twelve and those who would follow their teachings down through the centuries.
One must die if he is to Live – 24
All who heard Jesus were familiar with this agricultural analogy. The seed goes into the ground and “dies” so it can germinate. If it doesn’t do this, it cannot take root and bear.
Jesus’ was about to do this very thing. He would die and go into the tomb, but He would come out alive. His resurrection would bear fruit that still has yet to be gathered.
In all likelihood, you and I are not called upon to die – yet! Tertullian said that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” But if not called upon to die for the sake of Christ, we are certainly to die to self for the sake of Christ. This is amazingly difficult. Yet we discover that the only way to truly live without fear and without hesitation is to die to this life and live to the glory of God.
One must lose his life if he is to keep it – 25
Most of our lives are spent providing for this life, making ourselves comfortable, attractive, healthy, safe and secure. It’s all about living in the now.
Jesus says that to keep our lives we must lose them. There is more to life than “now.” And while we know there is a life to come that will overshadow this life, it is true that so few of us prepare for that life because we are so consumed with this one.
To lose our lives means to lose them in following Christ. All of the things we do to maintain life here is good and right – but not if it consumes us; not if life becomes our life.
One must be humble if he is to be honored – 26
We would expect Jesus to have something to say about serving God and following Him. This is right and proper. At the end of the statement he adds this: if anyone serves me the Father will honor Him. This is consistent with Jesus had said previously about seeking the most prominent positions at a feast. In the kingdom of God the way up is down; the first shall be last; the last shall be first.
This is counter-cultural to a “me-first” culture. But it is only being Christ-like.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hmmm...
"Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or forties – or facing your fifties, sixties, seventies, or beyond – one thing is certain: you’re doing it in a body, a body that not only contains a soul but affects your soul as well. We are not angels, pursuing God without physical covering, and if we try to pretend that we are – living as though the state of our bodies has no effect on the condition of our souls – all the proper doctrine in the world can’t save us from eating away our sensitivity to God’s presence or throwing away years of potential ministry if we wreck our heart’s physical home." – Gary Thomas, Every Body Matters
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Determinations
I gave up on New Year's resolutions long ago. Instead, I have composed a list of "determinations," things that are continual goals for my Christian life.
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Tim. 4:16)
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2Pet. 3:18)
Principles:
I am responsible for my own progress in holiness.
My own sanctification takes priority over ministry to others. 1Tim says that I will not be able to be an instrument of salvation to others if I do not take heed to myself.
Being is more important than doing.
Therefore, in order to better take heed to myself, I have composed these determinations:
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Tim. 4:16)
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2Pet. 3:18)
Principles:
I am responsible for my own progress in holiness.
My own sanctification takes priority over ministry to others. 1Tim says that I will not be able to be an instrument of salvation to others if I do not take heed to myself.
Being is more important than doing.
Therefore, in order to better take heed to myself, I have composed these determinations:
- I will say fewer prayers, but pray more.
- I will read the Bible, and allow myself to be read by the Bible.
- I will be less critical of others and more critical of myself
- I will be ruthless in the sin I see in myself; gracious in the sin I see in others.
- I will be ready for the worst and anticipate the best
- I will take the work that God has set before very seriously; I will not take myself seriously.
- I will be a better husband, father, grandfather, and friend; I will be an enemy of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- I will declare war on pride, arrogance, conceit, and Phariseeism – beginning with my own.
- I will approach the work of God with the same attitude that David had in 2 Samuel 24:24 "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen."
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