For all of you that are interested in some free theological training, I have got the websites for you. I recently became aware of two websites that would be of help for any Christian wanting to go into deeper study of scripture. These two sites seem promising and I know that the speakers are very credible. Many of them are evangelical leaders in their field of study. Remember that you can't earn a formal degree for free, but these are lectures given in seminaries. Enjoy--Dirk
First is the Biblical Training website. It has such well known teachers as Bruce Ware (The Southern Baptist Seminary), John Piper (Bethlehem Baptist Church), and Paul House (Guest Lecturing at Beeson Divinity School). I started Paul Houses OT course, but haven't gotten very far.
Secondly is the Convenant Theological Seminary funded by the Presbyterian Church of American (PCA). There is a LONG list of free courses on the right side of the page. Even if you aren't a paedobaptist these courses would serve you well. I plan on listening to a few of them during Christmas...I got too much to study now.
Lastly, I found this free course on the book of John offered by the Southern Baptist Convention. I haven't listened to it, and I don't know of the professor. Listen at your own risk, but I imagine that it will be good. It is at the very bottom of the web page. (yeah I know I said two websites and posted three, but this is just one course does it really count?)
6/30/2006
Did God Create Evil
There has been much talk of this subject in the group that I discuss theology with over the past year or so. Phil Johnson has a very interesting post on this subject, which has caused me to dive back in to the Bible for some more study. I think this topic demands our study. Read the article here.--Dirk
6/29/2006
Another reason why I don't like Rick Warren
"(Rick) Warren told Wolfson his interest is in helping all houses of worship, not in converting Jews. He said there are more than enough Christian souls to deal with for starters."
Jewish Journal of Greater Los AngelesJune 23 Edition
I tried to access the full story but the server was down. I would love to read it all--Dirk
(HT: Slice of Laodicia)
Jewish Journal of Greater Los AngelesJune 23 Edition
I tried to access the full story but the server was down. I would love to read it all--Dirk
(HT: Slice of Laodicia)
6/25/2006
Dirk's Summer Reading...and some others #3
Ok this one I did read this summer.--Dirk
The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel
By: Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Why do churches function the way that they do? Have the leaders of those churches ever evaluated their action in light of Scripture? In this book Mark Dever discusses the functioning of Capital Hill Baptist Church where he is the teaching pastor/elder and through that he challenges ministers, and laymen, to evaluate the way their own churches function.
This book is broken down into short chapter that are broken up by “think tank” sections. “Think Tank” sections are reflection questions about the topic at hand and the Scripture that teaches about that topic. This type of structure makes for a easy read because of the frequent chapter changes. Although it is a easy read it can be time consuming (in a good way) because of the probing question that are asked. It is healthy for Christians to evaluate all that is done in light of scripture and the functioning of the local church is no exception
The Deliberate Church is broken into four parts: Gathering the Church, When the Church Gathers, Gathering Elders, and When the Elders Gather. In these sections almost all parts of church life are touched. Topics range from the preaching of the Word, the music, and the elder and member meetings. Dr. Dever has a high view of Scripture and a high view of the importance of the local church. These ideas and methods are firmly defended with scripture and Capitol Hill Baptist church seems to be a healthy and thriving local body that we all could learn from.
While this may be the best books that I have ever read on practices of the local church there are a few ideas taught in this book that I am not completely in agreement with. That however does not take away from the fact that I endorse this book wholeheartedly and recommend it for all pastors, elders, deacons, seminary students, and laymen who want to be challenged to evaluate the way their churches function. Dr. Dever has done the Church a great service by being willing to teach and disciple not only those at his local church, but others in Christendom as well.
This book is available in the GRBC library and at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581347383/sr=8-1/qid=1151290964/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4833473-6924711?ie=UTF8
The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel
By: Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Why do churches function the way that they do? Have the leaders of those churches ever evaluated their action in light of Scripture? In this book Mark Dever discusses the functioning of Capital Hill Baptist Church where he is the teaching pastor/elder and through that he challenges ministers, and laymen, to evaluate the way their own churches function.
This book is broken down into short chapter that are broken up by “think tank” sections. “Think Tank” sections are reflection questions about the topic at hand and the Scripture that teaches about that topic. This type of structure makes for a easy read because of the frequent chapter changes. Although it is a easy read it can be time consuming (in a good way) because of the probing question that are asked. It is healthy for Christians to evaluate all that is done in light of scripture and the functioning of the local church is no exception
The Deliberate Church is broken into four parts: Gathering the Church, When the Church Gathers, Gathering Elders, and When the Elders Gather. In these sections almost all parts of church life are touched. Topics range from the preaching of the Word, the music, and the elder and member meetings. Dr. Dever has a high view of Scripture and a high view of the importance of the local church. These ideas and methods are firmly defended with scripture and Capitol Hill Baptist church seems to be a healthy and thriving local body that we all could learn from.
While this may be the best books that I have ever read on practices of the local church there are a few ideas taught in this book that I am not completely in agreement with. That however does not take away from the fact that I endorse this book wholeheartedly and recommend it for all pastors, elders, deacons, seminary students, and laymen who want to be challenged to evaluate the way their churches function. Dr. Dever has done the Church a great service by being willing to teach and disciple not only those at his local church, but others in Christendom as well.
This book is available in the GRBC library and at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581347383/sr=8-1/qid=1151290964/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4833473-6924711?ie=UTF8
Dirk's Summer Reading...and some others #2
Ok this book I had to read for a missions class for seminary. But, I can't stand to not tell you all about it. This one along with the previous book are must reads, and they are short. Please pick it up and enjoy.--Dirk
And the Word Came with Power
By: Joanne Shetler with Patricia Purvis
Why should Christians read and study about Missionaries? Missionary stories should encourage and inspire Christians to continue to go and support missions around the globe while teaching of the work of our God. This book tells the story of Joanne Shetler and her ministry to the Balangao people in the northern Philippines. Settling with headhunters and becoming part of their village with the purpose of translating the Scriptures was no easy task, but it was accomplished. Reading this book’s story is captivating. Over a 20 year period Joanne Shetler learned the language, proclaimed the gospel of Christ, translated the New Testament, established a church, and watched the Word come with power to change the hearts of head hunters.
While this book is encouraging to read there are some parts that challenge the thoughts of contemporary western Christians. The Balangao people worshipped evil spirits and slaughtered animals as sacrifices to satisfy the spirit’s requirement. The stories of the mediums being possessed and their salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit is not normal for westerners to see, but it shines light on the true state of man’s unregenerate soul and the power of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. These stories paint a vivid picture of how humans truly are an enemy of God without His saving grace. The progress of this small group of believers is humbling. As the scriptures were translated and they read them for the first time the elders of the village immediately changed their action to line up with the instruction from the Bible. The end of the story is most encouraging. The Balangao church started taking the gospel to neighboring villages, making missionary journeys of their own.
And the Word Came with Power is a short read at 176 pages and should not be missed. Pick up your copy today:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938978314/sr=8-2/qid=1148000430/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-6728147-3384905?%5Fencoding=UTF8
And the Word Came with Power
By: Joanne Shetler with Patricia Purvis
Why should Christians read and study about Missionaries? Missionary stories should encourage and inspire Christians to continue to go and support missions around the globe while teaching of the work of our God. This book tells the story of Joanne Shetler and her ministry to the Balangao people in the northern Philippines. Settling with headhunters and becoming part of their village with the purpose of translating the Scriptures was no easy task, but it was accomplished. Reading this book’s story is captivating. Over a 20 year period Joanne Shetler learned the language, proclaimed the gospel of Christ, translated the New Testament, established a church, and watched the Word come with power to change the hearts of head hunters.
While this book is encouraging to read there are some parts that challenge the thoughts of contemporary western Christians. The Balangao people worshipped evil spirits and slaughtered animals as sacrifices to satisfy the spirit’s requirement. The stories of the mediums being possessed and their salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit is not normal for westerners to see, but it shines light on the true state of man’s unregenerate soul and the power of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. These stories paint a vivid picture of how humans truly are an enemy of God without His saving grace. The progress of this small group of believers is humbling. As the scriptures were translated and they read them for the first time the elders of the village immediately changed their action to line up with the instruction from the Bible. The end of the story is most encouraging. The Balangao church started taking the gospel to neighboring villages, making missionary journeys of their own.
And the Word Came with Power is a short read at 176 pages and should not be missed. Pick up your copy today:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938978314/sr=8-2/qid=1148000430/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-6728147-3384905?%5Fencoding=UTF8
Dirk's Summer Reading....and some others #1
Not to be outdone by my beautiful wife I have decided that I need to review/recommend books that I have read this summer. I read part of the book during the last semester but finished it after finals. Here goes number 1 (it isn't as long as Kathy's)--Dirk
Heroes and Heretics: Pivotal moments in 20 Centuries of the Church
By: Iain D. Campbell
Dr. Iain Campbell is the pastor of the Free Church of Scotland in Back on the Isle of Lewis (UK). Dr. Campbell is the author of several other books on the doctrine of sin and on the gospel. He also serves as the Review Editor of the Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology.
Regrettably church history is commonly reserved for the seminary student or laymen who love history. Many Christians have little or no knowledge of the seven ecumenical counsels, the major impact of the reformation, or the early church fathers. If you are one of these people and want a concise overview of church history this is the book for you.
Dr. Campbell has set aside a chapter for each of the last twenty centuries in this book, which makes for an easy read. At 15-20 pages per chapter this book is great for bedtime reading, carrying around to read during short breaks in the day, or lunchtime reading. Heroes and Heretics contains a simple chart at the beginning of each of its chapters that gives important dates, events, and people of the century. The rest of the chapter expands on those topics in a way that is not overwhelming to the new budding historian.
While this book is very helpful for general information and a great overview of history it is by no means an exhaustive resource. For more specifics about church history one may find the endnotes and a further reading section helpful.
For the Christian who is just starting a study of church history, or the Christian who wants a overview book to refresh his memory this is a must read book. A copy can be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185792925X/qid=1148000565/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-6728147-3384905?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
Heroes and Heretics: Pivotal moments in 20 Centuries of the Church
By: Iain D. Campbell
Dr. Iain Campbell is the pastor of the Free Church of Scotland in Back on the Isle of Lewis (UK). Dr. Campbell is the author of several other books on the doctrine of sin and on the gospel. He also serves as the Review Editor of the Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology.
Regrettably church history is commonly reserved for the seminary student or laymen who love history. Many Christians have little or no knowledge of the seven ecumenical counsels, the major impact of the reformation, or the early church fathers. If you are one of these people and want a concise overview of church history this is the book for you.
Dr. Campbell has set aside a chapter for each of the last twenty centuries in this book, which makes for an easy read. At 15-20 pages per chapter this book is great for bedtime reading, carrying around to read during short breaks in the day, or lunchtime reading. Heroes and Heretics contains a simple chart at the beginning of each of its chapters that gives important dates, events, and people of the century. The rest of the chapter expands on those topics in a way that is not overwhelming to the new budding historian.
While this book is very helpful for general information and a great overview of history it is by no means an exhaustive resource. For more specifics about church history one may find the endnotes and a further reading section helpful.
For the Christian who is just starting a study of church history, or the Christian who wants a overview book to refresh his memory this is a must read book. A copy can be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185792925X/qid=1148000565/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-6728147-3384905?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
6/14/2006
Al Gore Wrong??? NO WAY
I found this link on drudgereport about Al Gore being wrong about global warming. How does a former vice president get that wrong....I mean doesn't politics qualify you for scientific research??--Dirk
Read it here
Oh yeah, I'll be posting some book reviews too...I can't let Kathy do more than me--Dirk
Read it here
Oh yeah, I'll be posting some book reviews too...I can't let Kathy do more than me--Dirk
6/05/2006
Summer Reading #1 : Quo Vadis
I thought since I lack inspiration for posting that I would try to keep a running list (complete with synopsis and critiques) of books I read this summer. I'm doing thise for a few reasons: 1) Accountability--to make sure I really do read what I started out this summer with a desire to read. 2) To Summarize what I read and write down my a few of my thoughts about it--causing me to reflect on and evaluate on the work(keep in mind that I'm not much of a writer and my musings will not be long) 3) Possibly spark some discussion on various works.
First installment: Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Quo Vadis is a historical novel by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz first published in 1896. The setting is 1st century Rome and contrasts the decadent, pagan lifestyle of Nero and the other influential figures in his court(complete with references to the various philosophies prevalent at the time) with the underground Christian community in Rome--mostly made up of the poorer classes with a few exceptions. The story centers on a wealthy Roman tribune, Marcus Vinicus, and his obsession and eventual love for a Christian woman, Lygia, who eventually plays a part in his conversion to Christ--all around the time of the burning of Rome and the following Christian persecution(the scenes of Christians in the coloseum are pretty graphic) .
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was an interesting interpretive look at the personality of Nero, and of Rome as a whole. I especially appreciated the development of the various characters and his ability to portray various characters and their competing philosophies in Nero's court. However, there were a few faults that I found with the book. First, were the several historical inacuracies. For example, the author puts Paul in Rome ministering to the Christians there multiple times even though the New Testament makes it plain that the only time that Paul was in Rome was during his trialand execution. Also, I felt that the portrayal of Christianity was extremely incomplete. The scant explanations of the theology of Christians was grossly incomplete. Lastly, the heavy bent of Catholicism was a little problematic for me. The author seems to be laying his case for Peter as the first pope throughout the story and especially near the end where Peter accepts the heavenly mandate to build the 'city of God' in Rome and his assignment to be the 'viceregent of Christ' on earth. It is more of the author's commentary and tribute to his own faith than a historical novel that instructs about the time period. But then, that would explain Dirk's complaint with the whole genre of 'historical fiction': It should not be used as a replacement for the actual study of history.
So thats my take on Quo Vadis in a nutshell. (I've decided the rest won't be this long)
--Kathy
Side note: "Quo Vadis" is a Latin phrase meaing "Where are you going?" In the novel Peter starts to flee when he hears that he was wanted by the Roman pretorians and on the way out of the city, he receives a vision of Christ asking him where he was going (quo vadis) and why he was leaving His sheep. Peter returns to the city to complete his work as establishing Rome as the future 'holy city'.
First installment: Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Quo Vadis is a historical novel by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz first published in 1896. The setting is 1st century Rome and contrasts the decadent, pagan lifestyle of Nero and the other influential figures in his court(complete with references to the various philosophies prevalent at the time) with the underground Christian community in Rome--mostly made up of the poorer classes with a few exceptions. The story centers on a wealthy Roman tribune, Marcus Vinicus, and his obsession and eventual love for a Christian woman, Lygia, who eventually plays a part in his conversion to Christ--all around the time of the burning of Rome and the following Christian persecution(the scenes of Christians in the coloseum are pretty graphic) .
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was an interesting interpretive look at the personality of Nero, and of Rome as a whole. I especially appreciated the development of the various characters and his ability to portray various characters and their competing philosophies in Nero's court. However, there were a few faults that I found with the book. First, were the several historical inacuracies. For example, the author puts Paul in Rome ministering to the Christians there multiple times even though the New Testament makes it plain that the only time that Paul was in Rome was during his trialand execution. Also, I felt that the portrayal of Christianity was extremely incomplete. The scant explanations of the theology of Christians was grossly incomplete. Lastly, the heavy bent of Catholicism was a little problematic for me. The author seems to be laying his case for Peter as the first pope throughout the story and especially near the end where Peter accepts the heavenly mandate to build the 'city of God' in Rome and his assignment to be the 'viceregent of Christ' on earth. It is more of the author's commentary and tribute to his own faith than a historical novel that instructs about the time period. But then, that would explain Dirk's complaint with the whole genre of 'historical fiction': It should not be used as a replacement for the actual study of history.
So thats my take on Quo Vadis in a nutshell. (I've decided the rest won't be this long)
--Kathy
Side note: "Quo Vadis" is a Latin phrase meaing "Where are you going?" In the novel Peter starts to flee when he hears that he was wanted by the Roman pretorians and on the way out of the city, he receives a vision of Christ asking him where he was going (quo vadis) and why he was leaving His sheep. Peter returns to the city to complete his work as establishing Rome as the future 'holy city'.
Piper Quote
Piper Quote of the Day from Desiring God Ministries
"If God were not committed first to vindicate the worth of his own glory, there would be no gospel and no hope, for there would be no glorious God."(Pleasures of God, pg. 166)
Think about that one for a while today--Dirk
"If God were not committed first to vindicate the worth of his own glory, there would be no gospel and no hope, for there would be no glorious God."(Pleasures of God, pg. 166)
Think about that one for a while today--Dirk
6/03/2006
Any Answers
So I was pretty excited that I figured out how to add in to the code my links on the side bar. The problem is I don't understand a thing about code and some how I got the last two sections to indent. I don't want them that way, but it looks exactly like the rest of the code that I have been copying in from the help section of blogger. Any smart internet people out there know how to fix that?? I'm scared to do too much, I'm afraid that I'll loose the entire blog. PLEASE HELP--Dirk
UPDATE:
I don't know why but my problem is now fixed. I'm not sure why it decided to fix the problem....I wish I understood how all this internet html code worked!--Dirk
UPDATE:
I don't know why but my problem is now fixed. I'm not sure why it decided to fix the problem....I wish I understood how all this internet html code worked!--Dirk
6/01/2006
WOO HOO
I have finally figured out how to get links to show up in the sidebar. It has been a long frustrating process for me, but tonight it worked! The blogs are some of my favorites to read, friends, and sometimes both. Also check back I will be adding more. I have also posted a couple of ministries that are helpful and links to the church I attend along with the pastor's sermons (they are very good!). Enjoy. --Dirk
Tom Ascol's newest blog
Today I found this blog by Tom Ascol. Dr. Ascol is a pastor, theologian, and director of Founders Ministry. He is also an Aggie! This blog article addresses the attacks that have been thrown at pastors in the SBC that believe the Doctrines of Grace. If you agree with Reformed Theology or not, this article is worth the read. --Dirk
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