In this post, I want your honest opinion of the questions that I pose further down. You have to go through the imagination process first, though. Once I ask the analogy question, I’ll make my point.
OK? Ready…set…go!
JODT Conference 2011
For the next couple of days, Saralynn and I will be at the “2011 JODT Conference” put on by Tyndale Theological Seminary. Tyndale is where I am working on my Master’s degree and through whom our church hosts a Bible Learning Center.
“JODT” stands for “Journal of Dispensational Theology,” Tyndale’s seminary publication. Yes, this is a theological conference.
Dispensational Theology has three primary tenets that Oak Tree, Tyndale, and I (personally) hold strongly in our teaching:
- There is a clear distinction between Israel and the Church. Israel is still God’s people and will still receive the many promises that God has not yet fulfilled. This is key in our End Times theology.
- The only valid meaning of the Bible is found through a consistently literal interpretation. The Bible was written to be understood literally. We don’t have to search for deep meanings or find hidden truths. God did not write a “word search” book to stump us.
- God’s own glory is the overarching, central theme of God’s work and of the Scriptures. The Bible is not about you and me, not about salvation, not about prophecy or end times — even though all of those things are in there. The Bible is about God. You and I are about God. Salvation is about God. Prophecy is all about God. When we read and study the Scriptures, no matter the topic or story, we are ultimately reading and studying about God and his glory.
For more information about how Dispensationalism approaches specific topics or passages, check out Dispensationalism: Tomorrow & Beyond by Tyndale Seminary Press. This collection of teachings by several well-known authors is a tribute to Charles Ryrie, one of the greatest advocates of Dispensationalism.
For the next couple of days, we’re going to be studying with men and women who hold this highest regard for God and his Word. It’s going to be a great time!
I’ll post notes and thoughts about some of the sessions as I can, so stay tuned to increase your understanding of the Scriptures along with us.
P.S.: We will be back to kick off our new series this weekend at Oak Tree Church – “Fruit of the Spirit”, honoring God in our day-to-day lives. Don’t miss it!
Book Review: Couples Who Pray
Couples Who Pray:
The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman
Squire Rushnell, Louise DuArt
(Note: This book was provided free for review by the publisher. This did not affect the review in any way.)
As a part of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze book review program, I get to choose books that the publisher will send me to read and review here on my blog. I thought that Couples Who Pray would be good for both my wife and me and as a resource to offer to other couples.
I was wrong.
The Bible stands
I was reminded of an old hymn yesterday that I haven’t thought about for a very long time.
Haldor Lillenas wrote an estimated 4,000 songs, including one of my personal favorites, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” (Follow the link to hear the best version of this as sung by my all-time favorite group, The Cathedrals.)
In 1917, Lillenas wrote what has come to be a favorite hymn for many traditional Protestants, “The Bible Stands.”
In this age when absolutes are ignored and truth is no longer searched out; when churches are teaching everything except the Bible in order to “earn a hearing;” when even so-called pastors are to redefining the message of the Scriptures, may God’s people return to the only source of truth and absolute authority in this world.
Enjoy!
1. The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.
2. The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can.
3. The Bible stands and it will forever,
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given,
All its precepts I will obey.
4. The Bible stands every test we give it,
For its Author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it,
And to prove and to make it mine.
Refrain:
The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.
Biblical pastoring: The pastoral team
This is the last in a three-part series on the biblical theology of the pastorate: A unique role; Biblical definitions; and The pastoral team. Continue Reading…
