God's Faithfulness

There are 4 guys that I have been praying for daily for the last 3-4 years. Two have never known Christ, one walked with Christ during his youth but then turned away, and the other made a decision for Christ but within months turned back to the ways of the world (Matt 13:20). I don't live near these guys anymore, but try to keep in touch with them through phone calls. I am a Calvinist, so I believe that in God's timing, he can overcome the hardest of hearts, but honestly I was beginning to doubt. But the last one mentioned above, text messaged me Friday night. This is what it said: "I need u, ive backslid 2 much and now im ready, this will be hard and impossible on my own, ive committed my life 2 god and want 2 change 4ever, i love u man and need ur prayer 4 help and strength." I immediately called him and he is genuinely repentant. I was extremely encouraged and reminded that we 'ought always to pray and not lose heart' (Luke 18:1-8). God is faithful.

The Drama of Scripture

"This restoration of the creation will be comprehensive: the whole of human life in the context of the whole creation will be restored. Too often our view of the future has emphasized solely the salvation of the individual person apart from the full creational and relational context in which human beings live their lives. Often the whole of the biblical story seems to revolve around 'me.' Yet the vision of Revelation, indeed, tho whole story of the Bible, leads us to look forward in hope to a creation restored to wholeness. Every facet of it is to be brought back to what God has intended for it. And within that glorious fullness and perfect wholeness, there is a place for us. Redemption is cosmic in its scope." (212)

From "The Drama of Scripture" by Goheen and Bartholomew. Short review here.

Dawkins on God

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Dirk gets MVP

Despite the disappointing effort by the Mavs in the playoffs, Dirk is still the most valuable player in the NBA. Congrats Dirk, see you next year.

Momz

Just wanted to shout out to the best mom in Texas, and to all the moms that love Christ more than their children. Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you.

Semester in Review

I just finished my last final, and I must say if feels nice. My first year of seminary has flown by. It has been a very, very good experience so far. I am truly grateful that we have the opportunity to be here at Southern. My expectations were very high, and they were exceeded in all regards. I had a pretty demanding Spring semester, but it was excellent:
-Intro to Philosophy - This class was phenomenal. It has been foundational, as my undergrad philosophy background is non-existent. I am very thankful I took this class with Wellum, who sees philosophy as a handmaid to theology. Both of these disciplines are vital. It has been great to see how interdependent they are. It is amazing how much secular philosophy has influenced Christian theology. I also really appreciate his presuppositional approach to apologetics.
-Intro to Biblical Counseling - This class was very insightful, although I think my expectations were too high going into it. Dr. Scott loves the Word, and that is always edifying. I was particularly helped by 4 lectures: one was a DVD on chemical imbalances, one was a DVD of actual counseling sessions, and the other two were on methodology. Tripp's "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands' is must-reading for all believers (peep the book sale at WTS this week). Counseling tends to take on such an expert/professional kind of attitude. "Oh, he is a counselor!" I appreciate how Scott tore down this straw man and emphasized that there is really nothing special about biblical counseling. It is simply ordinary believers who love Christ and his word, helping other believers grow towards Christ-likeness (intensive discipleship).
-Systematic Theology 2 - Dang. We covered Creation, Providence, Man, Sin, Person of Christ, and Work of Christ. Wellum's lecture was fantastic, as usual. Frame's "Doctrine of God" is a great book. We only had to read part of it for this class though. His redemptive-historical focus is always enlightening.
-Systematic 3 - Cash Money. We covered the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Church, and Last Things. Wellum is great with the details, but also a big picture guy. He does a great job of putting it all together. He has the ability to focus on the trees while not losing sight of the forest. For example we do not see enough 5 point Calvinists focusing on the cosmic implications of the cross. This semester, I was able to read all 3 of Hoekema's theology monographs. They are all three must-haves. Ferguson's work on the Holy Spirit is also a great book, although I remain unconvinced of cessationism. Wellum keeps the focus on union with Christ, where it should be. Also, with eschatology, he stays centered on the life, death, rez, and ascension of Christ, and a biblical view of history as the heart of eschatology. It was a very Christ-centered class.
Now its time for some pleasure reading and a couple of summer classes. We head to the great nation on Friday. We are looking forward to some family, friends, Chicken E, and half-price bookstores. Be sure and pick up Derek Webb's new stuff.
Also, check out the Booked Blog. Yesterday I posted a review/summary of Frame's "Apologetics to the Glory of God." For future references, you can access that blog by going to my profile.

ETS President goes to Rome

Interestingly, Dr. Frank Beckwith, the president of the Evangelical Theological Society, has stepped down due to his return to the Roman Catholic Church. He discusses the move here.

Stewardship

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt 6.21). Many have said that your checkbook is a good 'spiritual barometer' for your love for Christ. Give more, eat out less. Compassion and blood:water mission are worthy organizations. Fight poverty.

Piper is taking a writing leave to write 2 books: one on marriage, and one on Justfication. Praise the Lord for places like Bethleham and their willingness to let him serve the broader church.

Driscoll on Church Planting