Do I stick with the M.Div, or do I change to the M.A. in NT? What do I dooooo???!?!??!

Hot Readings, part 1

Here's a smattering of things that I've read recently that kicked my butt (in the most delightful way).

In the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, David Instone-Brewer wrote an article on the apostolic letter in Acts 15. He contends that of the four commands in 15:29, the third command (a reference to 'strangling') has to do with the killing of babies and infants, not with animals and dietary customs. He builds his case by culling evidence from intertestamental and rabbinic writings (his area of specialty). A very convincing article on what at first (to me) sounded like a bland topic.




This book has become the most important biblical studies book I have ever read. But I'm getting ahead of myself. This book deals with the questions of why and for whom the Gospel of John written. I'll devote a longer post to it soon, so that I can explain it better and to make my joy complete. All that to say: if you are a deeply-thinking Christian and have a background in biblical studies, read it.

More to come!

Seminarians: how then shall we church?

'Church'--verb; the act of attending and being involved in a local ecclesiastical establishment.

Now that I'm in seminary (or have been for the past year), what should I expect or look for in a church? Now that I'm well on my way to being authorized (at least on paper)to teach and hold positions of authority in a church, and I'm looking for a church to regularly attend, what should I look for. I am being trained to preach and think deeply and theologically about the world, which puts me on par with most local pastors. So what do I need?




I realize my tone is borderline boastful/prideful, but do know that I have a very humble heart behind this post.

Finished!

Almost one year later, I finally finished Larry Hurtado's "Lord Jesus Christ," the definitive book on the worship of Jesus in early Christianity. It's an immensely thorough and thought-provoking book (746 pages should do that for you), so I happily join the ranks of those who commend it to others.

My friend's wife is dying

Over the past year I was blessed to get to know Dr. Te-Li Lau at TEDS? A few months ago, his wife was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. And tonight I heard from a friend that she maybe has a few months left. I can't really process this, so I'm going to end the post here.