Seminary Survival Guide

There are an interesting series of posts titled: Make Sure You're Supposed to be Here over at http://seminarysurvivalguide.com. As I've recently applied to Reformed Theological Seminary in the hopes of continuing my graduate studies, this is certainly a topic that has been on my mind. Whether you're already in seminary or just thinking about applying, it'd be worthwhile to to spend some time in reflection on your calling.

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

Read the Bible this year

My family has started working through the Bible in a year. I've been reading to the family every day during breakfast or lunch. We've been using the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan from the Bethlehem Baptist Church Website. You can download and print a PDF of the plan in a bookmark format. LINK

Mahogany blend from Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee has recently released a new blend of coffee called Mahogany. You can buy it at one of their stores or order it through their web site. (LINK) Here's the description from their web site:

Mahogany is a dark brew that is rugged by nature and roasted to perfection.

Coffees from Sumatra, Guatemala, and El Salvador are combined to achieve a perfectly balanced blend. Sumatra provides Mahogany's bold dry spice and aromatic wood flavors, while the hint of floral and vanilla of Guatemala wonderfully complements the primary Indonesian flavors.

You can also listen to two of their coffee tasters describe this new blend in this short video on you tube.

More new music from Itunes

Those ITunes gift cards are no longer burning a hole in my pocket. I've been on a Christian Rap trip lately, so I've appreciated the opportunity to pick up a few albums that I've wanted for some time.

kj-52 REMIXED by KJ-52










Unique Like EveryOne Else by Deepspace 5

BIBLETECH 2008

LOGOS Bible Software is sponsoring the Bibletech 2008 conference in Seattle, WA , which will be held from January 25-26, 2008. Kudos to LOGOS for putting on such an event. The intermingling of Biblical texts and technology is becoming more and more important each year. This sounds like it would be right up my alley. I'm a long time computer geek who loves Biblical & Theological studies. I'm always looking for ways to join these two worlds of interest together. However, since we just brought home another baby & I'm on the verge of going back to school this summer.....I don't think it'd be fiscally responsible for me to go. But, if somebody would like to send me for my birthday (January 27th). I'd gladly take them up on it. : )

You can get more infomration on the conference here: LINK

Biblical Studies Carnival XXV posted at Targuman

Chris Brady has posted Biblical Studies Carnival XXV over on his blog titled Targuman. Be sure to check it out.

Coolest Christmas Gift Ever

Much to my surprise, I received a new chess set for Christmas. One of my long-time chess opponents presented me with the Lego Vikings Chess set. This is clearly one of the coolest Christmas gifts of all time. Thanks Peter!

Books and other resources for those seeking sexual integrity and purity

Books

Everyman's Battle by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey

This book along with its study guide is perfect a small group study. I taught this material with a friend for our men's ministry group a few years ago and we were blown away by the amount of relationship growth amongst the men as we shared from our own experiences in our striving towards sexual integrity.


I Surrender All: Rebuilding A Marriage Broken by Pornography by Clay & Renee Crosse with Mark Tabb
In this book, Clay & Renee share their story in the hopes that it will help other marriages torn apart by sexual sin.




At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher
This is the book to read after you finish Everyman's Battle. It takes the foundation laid there and goes much deeper.





Out of the Depths of Sexual Sin: The Story of my Life & Ministry by Steve Gallagher
In this book, Steve shares his own journey out of sexual sin and tells how he came to found Pure Life Ministries.






Internet Resources

• Pure Life Ministries
  
• Everyman's Battle
• XXXChurch
• X3 Watch - Free accountability software
• Integrity Online - Filtered Internet Access
  

How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Failure for the Glory of Christ and His Global Cause

Last year at Passion 07, John Piper shared a message titled: How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Failure for the Glory of Christ and His Global Cause. This is a message I wish I could have heard 10-12 years ago when I was struggling with the guilt of sexual sin in my own life. The guilt and baggage of it all had weighted me down for many years and left me feeling unworthy of serving the Lord wherever He may lead. I found this message to be an encouragement that in Christ, I have been able to deal with and let go of the guilt and shame I carried around for so many years. I'm confident this message will be an encouragement to others dealing with guilt and shame associated with sexual failure and sin. The main point of the message is summed up in the section of the message titled: A Dream That Faded.

A Dream That Faded

Verwer’s burden in that conference was the tragic number of young people (like many of you) who at one point in their lives dreamed of radical obedience to Jesus and were joyfully willing to lay down their lives and sacrifice anything to make Jesus known among the nations, but then faded away into useless, American prosperity because of a gnawing sense of unworthiness and guilt over sexual failure that gradually gave way to spiritual powerlessness and the dead-end dream of the middle class security and comfort.

In other words, what seemed so tragic to George Verwer—as it does to me—is that so many young people were being lost in the cause of Christ’s mission because they were not taught how to deal with the guilt of sexual failure.

Note carefully how I am saying it: They were not taught how to deal with the guilt of sexual failure. The problem is not just how to not to fail. The problem is how to deal with failure so that it doesn’t sweep you away into a whole life of wasted middle-class mediocrity with no impact for Christ.

You can get the text and audio of this message here: LINK. If you or sombody you know is struggling with sexual sin, there are a few ministries I would highly recommend for those seeking help.

• Pure Life Ministries
• Every Man's Battle

You can also get free web browser accountability software from the folks at XXXChurch.com. If you are struggling with the pain and heartache of sexual sin in your own life, I pray that you would find deliverance and freedom it. The beginning of this freedom is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to explore this further by taking this simple test.

Book Review: Called to the Ministry

Called to the Ministry by Edmund P. Clowney

This short little book is only 90 pages. Although it's small in size, it's overflowing with useful content. I wish I had read it 5-10 years ago. This book is a must for anybody who is considering going into full-time ministry. Edmund does a great job exploring what it means to have a calling. He also asks the reader to consider some difficult questions that should be asked of anybody aspiring to the ministry. This is a must read for every seminary student. Happy reading!

Pray Like This: Hallowed Be Your Name by John Piper

This past Sunday, John Piper preached an excellent sermon on prayer. The text for this message was Matthew 6:5-18. You can download the sermon here: LINK.

Happy New Year (almost)

It's hard to believe that 2007 is about to close. It's been a great year. I've found more growth emotionally and spiritually than the 5 years previous. As I look back, I can see places where God has been gently nudging me along and granting me opportunities to grow and change. I'm excited to see where He'll take me next year. Some highlights from 2007:

• Having another child
• Finding a good church (Bethlehem Baptist Church - Moundsview, MN)
• Experiencing many new challenges in my job
• Finding an opportunity to continue my graduate education

Here's my resolution list for 2008:

• Read my Bible & Pray every day
• Get to the gym at least 3 times per week
• Start school
• Reduce my overall debt
• Write 5 chapters for my first book