RoTM: “The Reformers” Part I: How Much for that Bible?

In the Western world, and for nearly two centuries, Halloween has occupied the limelight of October 31st. Few are aware, however, that October 31st marks another important event that has shaped our world far more than clever costumes and excuses to eat candy. I am speaking, of course, of Reformation Day. On October 31st, 1517, [...]

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Book Review: Jesus Made in America

Note: This book review originally appeared on my old blog on 6/26/08. Thanks to Adrianna of IVP for the review copy of this book.   A few weeks back I posted some thoughts on the Introduction of Stephen Nichols’ book, Jesus Made in America, published this year by IVP. To be honset, I wish I [...]

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Random Thoughts on the Book of Joshua

Recently one morning I read the entire book of Joshua in one sitting while my wife slept in (being with child is a unassailable excuse to sleep as late as you want).  As I was reading, I had a few random thoughts that aren’t really “full post worthy.”  Hence, this random thoughts post. Dating Joshua (not [...]

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Test Case for Applying OT Laws: 1 Corinthians 9:9 & Deuteronomy 25:4

One of the confusing things for many Christians is figuring out what to do with Old Testament laws, specifically those ones that seem completely distant to our culture.  Can we apply them to our lives in our cultural context? The way I see it, the best way to learn to apply OT laws is to [...]

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RoTM: Historical Background of Leviticus 19

Believe it or not, one of my favorite passages in the Pentateuch to teach is Leviticus 19.  I can think of a couple reasons, including the strong correlation between theology and ethics.  But, I’ve found that this is a good place for a Bible teacher to show how historical background can help us understand the [...]

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Seriously Maher-ulous, Part II

As promised, I wanted to continue exploring some of the issues brought about by the recent release of “Religulous,” starring Bill Maher. To be clear, the intention in my first post was really to bring up some of the issues that surface when we consider the premise of Maher’s film. I cannot review the film [...]

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Fireproof: some thoughts on the movie

On a whim, my wife and I saw Fireproof last night in the one few theaters in the Boston area to show it.  I would highly recommend you go see it.  I’m not going to pretend it’s Oscar worthy or anything like that, but as far as a movie that keeps you engaged, connects the [...]

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Witherington & Fee on the Holy Spirit & Sin in Romans 8

Note: We, along with everyone else in our missions training school, are memorizing Romans 8 this fall semester.  Since our desire is not simply to recite words, but to understand and implement what Paul is teaching in this chapter, we will be periodically posting thoughts, insights or questions from a variety of sources to provoke thoughtful [...]

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Wanted: Prayer

At the risk of overposting this week (if there is such a thing), I found it convincting running across two different posts regarding prayer in the church this week.  As someone who is not a pastor or elder, but is in a leadership position consisting mostly of Bible teaching, I needed to hear (or read) both of these encouragements. [...]

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Church without a Building

I’ve had a few years to think about what church life is like without a owning a building.  Our church rents a school gym on Sundays, uses the basement of another church for our training school, and meets in members’ homes during the week for our small groups.  We do have a building fund, and [...]

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