While at ETS I was able to pick up a copy of this new commentary– the initial volume of a new commentary series- by Grant Osborne. Grant was my supervisor in my masters work so I was delighted to hear that he had started this project- a verse by verse commentary through the NT in …
We had a great session at the Pastoral Epistles study group at ETS last week with four strong papers. I was pleased to announce in our session that the latest issue of the Southeastern Theological Review has been released and is devoted to the Pastoral Epistles. Most of the articles came from papers previously presented …
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Yesterday I had the privilege of preaching on Romans 3 for Reformation Sunday at First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN. I tried to make clear the problem of humanity before a holy God and the only hope we have in the atoning work of Jesus. This clip from a TV show powerfully illustrates our need for …
Last week Grant Taylor, Union University alum and Associate Dean of Beeson Divinity School, visited our campus and was kind enough to sit down with me to discuss how and why the Reformation is important and what we can look forward to with his boss, Timothy George, coming as one of our plenary speakers at …
Over the weekend The Gospel Coalition posted an article I wrote titled, “8 Lessons Calvin Teaches Us About Preaching.” As we approach Reformation Sunday this coming weekend, it is a good time to reflect on various ways we can learn from this significant time in church history. My article draws from the time I …
No, not that Winston Churchill. I’m referring to the American novelist who was quite famous in the early 20th century. I listed his novel, The Inside of the Cup, as one of the most intriguing books I read in 2015. I had hoped to write something more extensive about the book, but as typical I …
Recently Thom Rainer posted a column titled, “FIFTEEN REASONS WHY YOUR PASTOR SHOULD NOT VISIT MUCH.” I first heard about it from a former student who recognized that this column argued the direct antithesis of what I teach in my pastoral ministry class and what I advocate for at this site. Thom has been helpful …
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I’m reading one of Samuel Rutherford’s letters each morning and am richly benefiting from it. What beautiful, powerful examples of pastoral care and counseling! This morning I read his letter to Marion M’Naught from Anwoth, on July 21, 1630. Rutherford refers to the fact that she is suffering in some way due to her allegiance …
Over the years many scholars have suggested that the Reformers had little interest in the task of world missions or evangelism. I have countered this idea concerning Calvin at this site and in several different publications (one, two, three). Here I’d like to address Luther. I have not encountered among lay people as much the …