Latest Entries »

Guide to Israel – Research

Filed Under: Israel Guide by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 27, 2010

Saturdays are technically my day off. I didn’t intend to write a lot.

At the same time, I just came back from an incredible trip to Israel and really want to share not only some of the amazing things that happened, but I’d like to setup a portion of this site as a packing/preparation guide. Things I’m glad I did and things I wish I’d known.

Today’s post is titled: Research. Simply put, do your research before you come to Israel. You’ll get much more out of it.

That being said, I had a great resource in my new Hebrew professor at Central, Tom Keiser. Knowing that he had led several trips to Israel himself, I asked him for advice and he generously provided me with a binder full of information; magazine and journal articles including some handwritten notes.

This becomes really helpful for some of the archeological sites. For example: Masada. Masada is not explicitly found in the Bible. (Some believe there may be various references to the fortress as far back as David’s day.) Rather, our information comes from Josephus’ records. Thus, the historical nature of a place 2,000 years old is immense.. Furthermore, this location is extremely important to the Jewish people. You can read more about it here, at the Jewish Virtual Library, a helpful resource. I had seen the 1981 film while in high school and after reading Josephus’ account, found that it squared up reasonably. But this is one site that you’ll definitely want to do some background research on.

But your studying shouldn’t stop here. The setting for a majority of the Bible is in Israel. Looking ahead at your itinerary will allow you to search before hand and find the biblical references to the places you’ll be seeing. Personally, I had my iPhone on the trip and various bible software programs allowed me to search for the places before or as we went to them. A great deal of the New Testament (or New Covenant) centers around Galilee, as that’s the region where Capernaum is located. Capernaum served as a home for Jesus after he left Nazareth (Matt. 4:13) and is the location of many of his miracles, including walking on the sea of Galilee.

Doing some research ahead of time will increase your understanding while on the trip as well as your enjoyment of the sites you visit.

Tags:
Comment

Love Wins

Filed Under: Uncategorized by JWatson — 1 Comment
August 27, 2010

I don’t mean to post so much today, but things keep hitting me, and I can’t help but share. While on a trip to Israel, I met some people from a different background than myself. GREAT opportunity! If the only people you interact with agree with you, you’re probably not thinking a lot. One guy had logos or patches on his shirt and bags that said “Love Wins.” That’s it. Love Wins. While searching for that sticker, I came across this blog. Love Wins. Can I endorse everything this ministry says, does, produces? Of course not! That’s not the point. The point is, I came across this post here.

If this doesn’t make you cry out to God, either your heart’s busted or your god isn’t there (intentionally not capitalized).

When I met them several years ago, they were homeless. She had delivered five children, all of whom had been taken by the state. He was a crackhead living off her food stamps, who made spending money by turning tricks for the white-collar types that cruise the homeless camps looking for sex.

He has several kids by different women. She has a two pack a day habit. They had a baby together – his family was fostering that kid for the state while they “got things under control”. Then they found out she was pregnant. Again.

Luckily (!) about this time, they were on a city bus that hit a car. As a result, they got a small settlement. They paid a year’s worth of rent on a place infested with fleas & roaches & moved in just in time for her to deliver the baby. The state let her keep this one.

They still had no money, no job. They had food stamps & whatever church they were stringing along for help that week. He was still turning tricks & she was selling her food stamps and WIC allotment. Apparently, the state was impressed by their industry & let them have custody of their other child, who is now three. The last time I was over there, the kid was watching a VHS tape of New Jack City & eating a cold hot dog while a roach ran across his foot.

Last week, I get a phone call the day before I go out of town. He ran off with the neighbor, with whom he has been having an affair. The neighbor is HIV positive. And the lease on the apartment runs out at the end of August.

Her mental health caseworker & I talked to her for hours, encouraging her to file for child support & get a restraining order. She said she will. While I am out of town, he moves back in with her. And why not – it’s almost time to get food stamps again. It’s hard to blame her – the thought of being alone with two kids has her terrified.

Loving these people is not easy for me. It is easy for me to say that they are where they are because of the choices they have made, or their moral failures, or whatever. But if I only love people who are lovable – well, even terrorists do that.

My Evangelical friends complain I don’t talk enough about my faith in these letters. Well, understand that the only thing that keeps me answering the phone when she calls is my belief that she is valuable to the God I profess to believe in. And the only reason I am not filled with total despair for those babies is the assurance found in the ancient prayer that one day it will be “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Luke 7:47 – “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

HT: Love Wins Ministries

Comment

Central Baptist in Minneapolis Ethos Statement on Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism

Filed Under: Uncategorized by JWatson — 1 Comment
August 27, 2010

The statement includes these excerpts:

We are both evangelicals and Fundamentalists according to these definitions. We all believe that, as ecclesial movements, both evangelicalism and Fundamentalism have drifted badly from their core commitments.

and,

We wish to be used to restate, refine, and strengthen biblical Fundamentalism. The process of restatement includes not only defining what a thing is, but also saying what it is not. We find that we must point to many versions of professing Fundamentalism and say, “That is not biblical Christianity.” We do not believe that the process of refinement and definition can occur without such denials. The only way to strengthen Fundamentalism is to speak out against some self-identified Fundamentalists.

My current mindset leads me to the question: Is there value in holding to the name “Fundamentalist” rather than assimilating with Conservative Evangelicalism while holding to the fundamental doctrines?

You can read the entire post here: Ethos Statement on Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism

Tags: ,
Comment

Book Review: The Gospel and Personal Evangelism

Filed Under: Book Reviews by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 26, 2010

This Friday’s Book Review is “The Gospel and Personal Evangelism” by Mark Dever.

Dever presents a modern primer on evangelism in a clear and impacting way. He clearly outlines his book with:

1. Why Don’t We Evangelize?

2. What is the Gospel?

3. Who Should Evangelize?

4. How Should We Evangelize

5. What Isn’t Evangelism

6. What Should We Do After We Evangelize

7. Why Should We Evangelize?

There are too many insights of value to mention here, but two that stuck out to me.

First, under the topic of “Who Should Evangelize” he touches on an often ignored aspect of the church.

One of the main reasons that the local church is to be a community of love is so that others will know the God of love. God made people in his image to know him. The life of the local congregation makes the audible gospel visible. And we must all have a part in that evangelism.

We can all contribute to evangelism simply by building up the local church….

Far to often, we focus on our evangelism programs at the expense of our people. But our people are the good news! The love that we share among the body is external evidence of the love that God has for us. Perhaps we need to stop focusing on “sharing” the good news and start focusing on “being” the good news.

Second, I appreciate Dever’s perspective which is decidedly Calvinistic. He gives a clear and reasoned explanation why Calvinism should not hinder you from evangelizing, but should actually encourage you.

Have you heard it said that the doctrine of God’s choosing some for salvation (the doctrine of election) undercuts evangelism? It didn’t in Paul’s life. As he later wrote to Timothy, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10). Romans 10 contains Paul’s clearest and most impassioned plea for Christians to send out pepole to preach the gospel because it is the only way people are saved; but this impassioned pleas comes after what many consider Paul’s plainest teaching about the doctrine of election in Romans 9. He didn’t see any inconsistency that a sovereign God is also a saving God.”

At times the label “Hyper-Calvinist” has been thrown about far too loosely. Here we find an example of a man, passionate for ministry, who holds to a calvinistic theology. May God grant us the same passion regardless of our theological leanings in this area.

For those of you not familiar with Mark Dever, he’s the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC and president for 9Marks Ministries. You can read more about them here: About 9Marks. One of the highlights of the ministry is their free eJournal which is in addition to the volumes of helpful articles found on their website.

Comment

Soapbox Thursday – And Can It Be?

Filed Under: Soapbox Thursdays by JWatson — 6 Comments
August 26, 2010

While trying to create some new structure here, I wondered when I’d fit in little things that just kinda bug me. Small theological eccentricities, hymns that really aren’t quite right, passages of Scripture that get taken out of context. In short, these are things that I wouldn’t stake my life on, but make me shake my head.

Today’s Soapbox centers around the Hymn “And Can It Be” by Charles Wesley.

Overall, great hymn! Love it! But there is a point in the hymn, when I get to verse which includes the phrase “emptied himself of all but love…” that I have to stop singing. Why? Because I don’t believe it!

Congregational singing, worship, whatever you want to call it is many things. But among them it is an affirmation of our faith, our beliefs, our creed (Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16). Nothing new there to most of us. So why should I sing something I don’t believe? If I wouldn’t stand up and preach it why should I sing it?

Background Theology: while no one is certain what was on Charles Wesley’s mind when he wrote that line, some have suggested it refers to Philippians 2:7 which modern translations (and some older, see Young’s Literal) rightly recognize translate as “but emptied himself”(NASB and NET). There are frequent theological discussions around this passage to such an extent that it has become known as the Kenosis passage (from the Greek root kenow). The problem is that many views on this passage can lead to a deviant Christology. What did Christ do to empty himself? Did he remove all his God-attributes? Certainly not. The simplest (and most complex) answer is that Christ poured himself out into human form the same way a pitcher of water would be emptied into a glass. Nothing essential changed, merely the vessel. (By way of disclaimer, no analogy to God is perfect, please don’t distort the illustration.) From this, we reinforce the hypostatic union, Fully God, Fully Man.

So now we turn our attention to the hymn. Did Christ empty himself of all but love? I don’t think so. I believe Christ emptied Himself into human form and by doing so included all his divine attributes including love. This now begs the questions, what do we do with the hymn?

1) “Throw it out and never sing it again: Theological heresy should not be permitted.” I think this is a little overboard, especially since we can’t judge the motive or intent behind the single line.

2) “Sing it as is: People won’t know the difference.” A poor practice of pastoral reasoning here. We are responsible for the members of our flock as they that watch for their souls (Heb. 13:17 [also on the list for next week's soapbox]).

3) “Skip the verse pending possible rewrite.” The third choice is my option. When it comes up? I just don’t sing. Remember, I only sing things I believe. But that doesn’t mean that there’s not room for a good poet or song writer to come up with an alternative line for use in a local church. “Emptied himself and came in love” is simple enough to correct the theology and yet still rhymes!

So the next time you’re singing a theologically aberrant song, don’t make a fuss! Just smile, meditate on the passage of Scripture that God has given you for that moment and continue singing when the time comes. There may be opportunity to speak with your music pastor or worship leader sometime after, but this requires a great deal of humility, and possibly another post on the topic. For right now, let’s just focus on the great sacrifice made by our great God.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Comment

How to Install DVD Programs on a Netbook

Filed Under: Techno-Tuesdays by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 24, 2010

Welcome to Techno Tuesdays! Here I’ll highlight something, a little techy for some, but hopefully helpful to many. Today we’re going to look at installing programs or applications that install from a DVD on a Netbook (which typically has no DVD drive).

I love my Netbook. It’s the greatest tool for class. To be able to carry a portable “mini-laptop” anywhere and still get 6 hours of battery life is amazing.

(Note, this isn’t the actual Netbook I own. I have an older model, this is the newer version.)

But how do you install programs such as Bibleworks or (in some cases) Microsoft Office that only come on DVD? Of course, if you happen to have an external CD/DVD drive, you can plug the USB cable in and go. But what if you don’t?

You’d need:

1) a Desktop or laptop computer with DVD-rom drive.
2) Two freeware programs: ImgBurn and CloneDrive
3) A decent size Thumbdrive (4GB or more, in most cases)

Install ImgBurn on your computer with DVD-rom drive. Then, place the DVD you want to install on your netbook into the drive tray. Run Image Burn selecting the “Create Image File from Disc” option. Select the Destination location (I suggest your desktop for easy location) and start the copy job. The file you save should be an .iso file, a standard disc image format.

Move this .iso file from your desktop to your thumbdrive, and then from the thumbdrive onto your netbook. Meanwhile you should have installed CloneDrive on your Netbook.

After installing Virtual Clonedrive you should now have the option to right click on the .iso image file, select “Open With” and choose “Mount Files with Virtual CloneDrive.” This mounts the DVD image as a virtual disc drive.To your computer, it’s the same as having the actual disc in a drive.

Now, just run the installation as normal. You can tweak settings to allow you to automatically reload an image on startup (helpful with some installations that require reboot) and other things. You’ll just need to dig around to find this setting, as well as a few other tweaks that might be useful to you.

Now, sit back and enjoy running previously unavailable programs on your Netbook!

Comment

Seminary Monday – Exam Time

Filed Under: Seminary-Mondays by JWatson — 1 Comment
August 23, 2010

For many of us, classes are just starting. I thought since we’re starting a new Semester and Year I’d start a new bit of structure here at Elementary… My Dear Watson. So, from now on, Mondays will be Seminary Mondays: Practical Tips on Seminary. These are things I’ve discovered (sometimes the hard way) to make life easier. Today’s topic, Texts or Exam Time.

Why the topic of Tests and Exams? Well, even though the semester has barely begun, believe me, the tests will come soon enough. In fact, the real reason I’m focused on this is that I have my Hebrew Proficiency Exam today. And yes, I REALLY need to pass! So, what steps can you take to do well on your tests, especially the day of?

1) Start studying BEFORE the day of the Exam!

This really should be a no-brainer, but hey, let’s all be honest. Life can get complicated, you forget about things, etc. Lots of things will try and take your attention away from an impending test, but repetition aids learning, and repetition takes time. For Language exams where vocabulary is an integral part, you’ve really got to start several weeks ahead; one week minimum.

2) Get a detailed breakdown of the test and create a study guide.

Your teachers really want you to succeed. Really. Okay, well most of them. To that end, most will give you a breakdown of the test, if you ask them. Find out how many questions are on the test, what type of questions (Multiple choice, Fill in the Blank, True/False, Matching) and if the sections are weighted (i.e. a 70 point vocab bank is only worth 50% while the 35 point translation section is worth the other 50%). These things can help you study in a more informed way.

For example, when I took my M.A. Comps, I noticed that for a 200 question test, 100 questions were from two classes! Furthermore half of those 100 questions was hard-core verses. There really weren’t that many hard-core verses to memorize. Then I saw that the Chapter Content (over 200 facts) only accounted for about 20 questions. What do you think I spent my time studying? That’s right, the easy verses that would count for a quarter of the total grade.

3) Write out Study Cards.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I live on study cards. They are small enough to carry with you anywhere and are incredible aids to learning; especially for Bible Verses, Vocabulary, and specific Facts. Why not go over to WTS Bookstore and buy a box?

4) Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

I’ve done the all-nighter, trust me. Sometimes, you do just have to stay up all night and re-read the textbook. But in most cases, you will be better served by simply studying through the week and getting a good night’s sleep the night before. Now, this doesn’t mean 12 hours (as you’ll see in a minute). This just means that you’re not up till 3am cramming in facts about Pey-Nun verbs.

5) Get up early the morning of.

Several techniques that have helped me are as follows. 1. Set two alarms on separate sides of the room. 2. Go running/walking first. 3. Take your vocab cards and some music with you while you exercise. You’ll be waking up while you refresh the content you learned last night. This is essential! I have seen too many students who have studied diligently the night before, but fail to refresh what they’ve learned the morning of the test, and they end up bombing.

6) Eat a good breakfast.

You don’t want to eat a huge meal, but you’ll want something healthy and substantial. Nothing is worse for me than sitting through an exam with my stomach gurgaling from hunger. Look for a breakfast high in protein; add some fruit and possibly yogurt. If you drink OJ remember to eat something solid (carbohydrates such as pancakes, waffles, or toast) prior or else you are likely to get indigestion.

7) When it’s over, it’s over.

When the exam is done, let it go. Is your God sufficient for the test? Certainly. After the test is finished, there’s nothing else you can do. Just trust Him to do His part as you’ve already done yours. If you didn’t do your best in preparation? Learn from your mistakes and ask God to help you as you prepare for the next time. Very few things in life are simply pass/fail. Many times God presents us with opportunities to learn from the past so that by seeking Him, we can do better the next time. So, no matter how the test went, learn from your mistakes and move on.

These are my 7 best tips for Test Day or Exam Time. Do you have something that you do on test day to help you out? Practical tips to share with others? Post a comment and let them know!

Comment

Book Review: The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission

Filed Under: Book Reviews by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 20, 2010

Zondervan recently provided me a copy of The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission by John Dickson.

The easiest summation of this book is that we have a problem with evangelizing. We consider Evangelism an action that occurs once a week in specific bursts, in detailed outlines, and most dangerously, in word only. John Dickson brings to light the curiosity of our self-conscious ministry of words and explores another option. A life-lived mission of sharing Jesus with the world.

The book begins with Dickson’s personal testimony: a young man converted and sharing the good news with everyone with whom he came in contact until the fateful day that he took an evangelism class. After that, he became “self-conscious about reaching out to others with the news of Christ.” I’m sure many of us who have been saved for any length of time can relate to the “‘evangelism mode’ – where the heart beats faster, the palms get sweaty and you feel the pressure to steer the conversation in a most unconventional manner.” But what can be done to cure these symptoms?

Not so fast. First you’ve got to know why we’re doing this. And in chapter one Dickson explains “The Bible’s Most Basic Doctrine.” This chapter alone is immensely valuable for anyone looking for a theology of evangelism which spreads, not only through the New Testament, but the Old Testament as well. Chapter two answers the questions of those who would present the devil’s advocate that all religions that worship a “god” have secured the necessary salvation (nullifying our need to minister). By exploring the contradictions and philosophy behind pluralism, Dickson exposes the lie for what it is and sets us on firm ground to begin our study of how we can begin truly living the gospel. We live the gospel by becoming the “Friend of Sinners.” Both Jesus and the apostle Paul had in-depth relationships with those who were sinners. Dickson succinctly details the exegetical evidence for our continuation of this method with little room for argument.

Inside are multiple chapters focusing on what we “promote.”

  • Promoting the Gospel with Our Prayers
  • Promoting the Gospel with Our Money
  • Promoting the Gospel through the Works of the Church
  • Promoting the Gospel through Christian Behaviour
  • Promoting the Gospel through Our Public Praise
  • Promoting the Gospel in Daily Conversation

Each and every one of these chapters is filled with valuable insight into passages that clearly present a foundation for their applicable principles. Yet, Dickson keeps it engaging and involved with frequent illustrations and modern day application. One small note: I was really impressed by his ability to include small text boxes which addressed variant exegetical views on certain passages. For example, in his section on Evangelists and the Local Church, Dickson provides reasoning, background, and endnotes for his position on Ephesians 4:11 and Philippians 1:14-17. Quite a valuable resource indeed.

Dickson concludes by “Bringing It All Together”: “flexible social relationships, financial support of the gospel, prayer, good works, the praise of God in church, answering for the faith and, of course, the work of evangelists.” He finishes with the story of James; a man who needs Jesus and finds him through consistent and loving influence of Christians through all these described means. Just reading through this chapter makes you want to imagine that through our lives could be impacting for Christ in such an amazing way. And that’s the best part. They can be.

This book should be at the top of your list for education, personal or church wide on evangelism. It will impact the way you think of missions, and the way you evangelize. It has truly been a blessing to me.

Comment

NICOT on Sale until Tomorrow

Filed Under: Uncategorized by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 19, 2010

The New International Commentary Old Testament Series is one of my favorite. It provides a broad spectrum of scholarly views. As such, they can be expensive, though worthwhile, Commentaries.

Fortunately, WTS Books has their entire set on sale until tomorrow. Check it out here. It’s an additional 10% discount of their already low prices.The only catch is that you must order two commentaries at the same time to get the 10% off.

The BIG DEAL however, is the new series volume on Hosea. It is available at 45% off the list price. This volume looks to be incredible. I just ordered my copy. So what’s stopping you?

Tags: ,
Comment

Shalom! Welcome to Israel!

Filed Under: Uncategorized by JWatson — Leave a comment
August 12, 2010

This is the first of (hopefully) many posts with updates for my Israel trip. Let’s just start out by saying that this Trip has been AMAZING! (Is it too early to sign up for next year? Probably not! Live The Land)

Since wifi is spotty here at best, it’s best to just 1) follow on Twitter jwats287 , 2) check out the Tour Blog , or 3) if you’re my friend on facebook, check there for iPhone photo updates that I’m posting along the way.

HI-LIGHTS include:

  • Masada
  • Dead Sea
  • Ein Gedi
  • Qumran
  • The Sea of Galilee

Be sure to check back for more updates! Or get info on the afore-mentioned media.

Shalom!

Comment
Powered by WordPress | Theme: Motion by 85ideas.