Children and Baptism

Pulpit magazine has an interesting article concerning the appropriate age to baptize children.

A Tale of Two Sons

Last night I had the privilege of attending a special promotional event featuring John MacArthur sponsored by KCBI, a local Christian radio station. MacArthur was promoting his latest book entitled A Tale of Two Sons. The book is basically an exposition of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32). As might be expected, MacArthur’s sermon was a condensed version of his exposition on this parable. Although the sermon was longer than typical (about an hour), he did a nice job with the text. In particular, he highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural background. He noted in particular the work of Kenneth Bailey, and the importance of understanding the honor/shame context. MacArthur also stated that he has spent ten years preaching through the Gospel of Luke, and projects the entire series to be eleven years (nine years in Matthew)! He also noted that he preached five messages (five hours) on this parable. Overall, it was an informative and edifying evening. Thanks Sam and Joy.

Hebrew and Greek Anyone?

Eric Sowell on his Archaic Christianity blog has a practical list of questions about whether one should study Hebrew and Greek.

· How Much Longer Do You Plan On Living?

· Do You Want To Use The Better Tools?

· Have You Learned A Second Language Before?

· Can You Carve Out A Significant Portion Of Time, Work Hard, and Stay Focused?

· Do You See Value In More Direct Exposure To Scripture?

· Do You Want To Be Able To See Through The Translational Interpretive Grid Better?

· Do You Have Access to a Class?

· What Is Your Place in the Church?

Make sure you read Eric’s post for an explanation of each of these questions.

Advantages of Series Preaching

Peter Mead has an insightful blog post on the advantages of series preaching. In sum, Mead notes five advantages.

A series of sermons has greater leverage than a solo sermon.

A series of sermons can create momentum beyond the moment.

A series of sermons allows messages to balance each other.

A series of sermons allows for longer lead time in preparation.

A series of sermons allows for overlapped or deeper exegetical work.

Make sure to read the entire post by clicking the link above.

Worship

Paul Dean at Crosswalk.com offers the following observation concerning worship.

While lost persons can and should be saved during a worship service, and while the gospel must be preached every Sunday (in the course of bible exposition), worship is not an evangelistic tool. To adapt a worship service to appeal to lost people in effect is to worship them and not worship God. It is to steal His glory. True worship is about Him and not them.

Latest Issue of the Review of Biblical Literature

The latest issue of the Review of Biblical Literature is out. Reviews that may be of interest to those interested in Bible exposition include:

John Barton
The Nature of Biblical Criticism
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5957
Reviewed by James D. G. Dunn

Roland Boer
Symposia: Dialogues concerning the History of Biblical Interpretation
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=6128
Reviewed by Henning Graf Reventlow

A. Andrew Das
Solving the Romans Debate
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5772
Reviewed by Don Garlington

Tremper Longman III
Proverbs
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5585
Reviewed by Timothy J. Sandoval

Edward P. Meadors
Idolatry and the Hardening of the Heart: A Study in Biblical Theology
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=6077
Reviewed by Thomas J. Kraus

James W. Watts
Ritual and Rhetoric in Leviticus: From Sacrifice to Scripture
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5976
Reviewed by Hanna Liss
Reviewed by Mark McEntire

Paul R. Williamson
Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God's Unfolding Purpose
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5817
Reviewed by Matthew S. Harmon

Rejoicing With Those Who Rejoice

Although I do not intend to blog frequently about personal matters, in this case I feel that it is appropriate to rejoice with those who rejoice. Namely, two friends and fellow Bible exposition Ph.D. students just passed their oral comprehensive inquisitions exams. Congratulations Dennis and Yohannes!

Passover Sacrifice

Todd Bolen on his Bible Places blog has a video link to a Passover sacrifice performed in Jerusalem this month. I think Todd's explanation is worth reading even if you elect not to watch the video. The video might be difficult for some to watch.