Considering the NT’s Use of the OT

A recent theology exam included questions about the teolology and methodology of the Apostles’ use of the Old Testament in the New Testament.  The candidate agreed with their Christological  goal, but had some criticisms for their methodology.  This issue is part of the controversy over Peter Enns’ book Inspiration and Incarnation.  His srgument in the [...]

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Considering the Many Temptations of Jesus

As I slowly work my way through Luke’s gospel, there is a slight difference in the accounts of Matthew & Luke.  Matthew says, “Then the devel left him, and angels came and attended him.”  Luke puts it this way, “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.”  Many [...]

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Considering a Give-Away

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take [...]

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Considering the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible

Oh, happy day it is.  I learned from WTS Books that The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible is available again (hardcover, genuine leather, sample pages). 
This is my favorite Study Bible.  It uses my preferred translation (the NIV).  It provides a good balance between accuracy and read-ability.  The General Editor is one of my former [...]

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Considering Impending Judgment

Near the end of Luke 2 there is a shift from God’s mercy to the reality that the coming of Messiah also means judgment for some.  We see this in Simeon’s prophetic song:
“This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing.  But he will be the greatest joy to [...]

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Considering God’s Mercy

This week I started reading Luke.  Part way through chapter 1 I decided to take the slow road instead of my typical 3 chapters/day.  I was struck by a few things that day and didn’t want to lose sight of them by thinking I needed to finish the chapter (or 3!). 
What struck me the last [...]

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Considering A Proverbs Driven Life, Part 1

I consider Proverbs to be “preventative grace”.  It was initially written to prepare young men for adulthood by providing practical wisdom.  It was to help them avoid the pitfalls of life’s choices rather than get out of them.  So, when I saw Anthony Selvaggio’s A Proverbs Driven Life, I was interested.  When I was offered [...]

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Series on Galatians

Galatians Sermon Series
“Back to the Gospel”
January 11   No Other Gospel Galatians 1:1-10
January 18   A Gospel-changed Life Galatians 1:11- 24
February 1   Living in Line with the Gospel Galatians 2:1-21
February 8   Faith or Observance of the Law Galatians 3:1-14
February 15   The Law and the Promise Galatians 3:15-25
February 22   Sons and Heirs Galatians 3:26-4:7
March 1  Christ Formed in You! [...]

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Considering Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics Part 1

I started to see this book pop up on people’s blogs a few years ago.  The title, Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation by Graeme Goldsworthy, intrigued me.  So, using a gift certificate, I bought the book.  Recently, excited to begin reading, a friend wondered aloud why we need to read another [...]

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Considering Respectable Sins

Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate by Jerry Bridges is long overdue.  Jerry has done us a service by addressing this topic, and particularly in a way that points us to Christ in the process.  It is not a book filled with condemnation, but one that seeks to convict us while reminding us of [...]

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Advent ‘08 Sermons

Songs for the Messiah will look at some of the more explicitly Messianic Psalms (for they are all Messianic).
11/30  Psalm 2  Song of the Great King
12/7  Psalm 16  Song of the Risen Holy One
12/14  Psalm 22  Song of the Suffering Savior (Ron Smith)
12/21  Psalm 72  Song of the Righteous King
12/28  Psalm 110  Song of the [...]

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Considering 1 Timothy 3:11

One of the key passages in the discussion over women deacons is 1 Timothy 3:11.  For many people, this clearly shows that women are not to be deacons.  The Greek in this sentence is very interesting, and as a result, many translations necessarily interpret it.  The question is, do they interpret it correctly?

11 In the [...]

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Considering an Election Meditation

On the way to the office I listened briefly to talk radio- and some people see this election as a potentially a sign of the apocolypse.  Some prominent pastors are less than interested in the election- seeing no connection between the Kingdom and our nation.
Both extremes really miss the point, and ignore some significant biblical [...]

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Considering the Holy Scriptures

Here are my answers to the study notes as I prepare for my oral exam next week.  I thought some people might be interested in the types of things I must know.  Since there are over 300 questions, I’ll go chapter by chapter through the Westminster Confession of Faith.  Please …. I’m not putting them [...]

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Considering Resources on Nehemiah

As I slog my way through Nehemiah- which has been every encouraging and convicting- here are the resources I’m using.

Ezrz and Nehemiah (NICOT) by Fensham.  It’s been very helpful from an academic standpoint.  Not overwhelming at all.  Sometimes authors in this series have been influenced by the higher critical schools, but this seems to be [...]

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Considering Mode of Baptism

Many a tree has been killed over the topic of the proper mode of baptism.  I am not referring to the use of the trinitarian formula.  I am referring to whether or not one must be immersed or if sprinkling and pouring are also legitimate modes of baptism.  For some people this is pretty much [...]

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Considering My Personal Burn Notice

The other evening the wife & I were watching the season finale of Burn Notice on our DVR.  I thought it an apt metaphor for our current experience.  The main character, Michael Weston, is a spy who is blacklisted and dumped in Miami.  The show is about his quest to discover why he was blacklisted [...]

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Considering the Pulpit Masters

As a result of Paul’s discussion of his own ministry, we also learn much about his adversaries in Corinth- the “super-apostles.”  This is important because their errors are found in many pulpits today.  Just as the Corinthian Christians were drawn to the “super-apostles,” many contemporary Christians are prone to follow their progeny.
Paul’s ministry, like Peter’s, [...]

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Fall ‘08 Preaching Schedule

Here’s what I have lined up so far (all of them are at Cypress Ridge PCA):
8/31     A Trustworthy God for People Who Don’t Trust Genesis 17:1-8
9/7      A Heart for the City     Nehemiah 1
9/14     Taking Risks for the City     Nehemiah 2
9/21     The Battle for the City     Nehemiah 4
9/28     Justice & Generosity for the City     Nehemiah 5
10/5    The Battle [...]

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Considering a Model of Christian Maturity

I just finished D.A. Carson’s A Model of Christian Maturity: An Exposition of 2 Corinthians 10-13.  It was formerly published as From Triumphalism to Maturity.
It covers on of the more difficult passages of Paul’s letters, one which seems particularly appropriate in these times.  As I read the book, I could not help but think of [...]

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