I translated my text earlier this afternoon, but I just felt like I wasn’t grasping the core message of the text, so I started to fiddle around with the diagraming tool in my Accordance Bible software. (This is Mac only, but I believe Logos has a tool for this too). Here is a picture of what my diagram looks like:

Now don’t think I’m smart. The color coding was already there. I simply laid the text out logically, not in some secret scholarly way. I was literally absent the day they taught that in seminary-really! I could never figure out all the stuff about where to put the prepositions and whatnot. I just move stuff around in a way that helps me think more clearly about what is being said.

For example, in the text I’m working with Paul says he, “did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.” In the next verse He tells them why. He decided to focus on Christ and his cross. In my diagram I lined those things up to show the contrast between what he didn’t do, what he did do, and why he did it. Simple, intuitive, and easy to remember when I’m yelling about it tomorrow morning.

Don’t think you need Greek to do this. Working through a text this way with a solid, literal translation is extremely helpful.

Don’t think you need the software I used! I used to do this in Word all the time. Some people just write it out, but that doesn’t work for me. Accordance makes it extremely easy, and fast, but Word, pen and paper will yield the same results.

There are some big benefits to diagraming a text. I couldn’t help but stop for a minute to commend this to you because within a half hour or so I had the core of my message laid out! And I didn’t really write anything save a couple of key phrases to track what I discovered. Why so few notes? Because the message of the passage is so clear to me, it doesn’t seem necessary at this point. I’m not done yet, but when I go to make my oultine I have a much clearer idea of where the message needs to go, what words and ideas I need more study on etc.

Dr. Duane Garrett once remarked that if you don’t have much time to prepare for a message, the best thing you can do is spend your time in the text itself and let if flow from there. This is a great way to spend some quality time with a text. Preaching is not about cute illustrations and alliterated points! It is about God building a fire in you so you can burn in the pulpit on Sunday morning. Being full of the text itself makes for a more glorious fire than some warmed over antidotes, cute outlines, or clever quotes. Nothing against them, but you know what I mean. ;-

2008 was a year of bridges being built.  God blessed my family with a new home, some solid growth in our church, a disease that helped me lose weight and more, but these are just bridges. I’m seeking God for the strength, knowledge and wisdom to take me, my family, and our church across those bridges to whatever God has prepared.

I’m eager to move forward, to get to the next level, not just in ministry, but in life in general. I want to see my home experience Christ in a deeper way. I want to see the Gospel come into contact with areas of my life that I’ve thus far been sheltered from it. I want to let go of all the things that blind me to Christ and what He wants me to see, what He wants to transform (not that I know what all those blinders are). I want to see the Savior Community Church become a place of power where seeing lives transformed becomes routine.

I hunger for authentic, New Testament, Christianity. I want to follow Christ not as a second generation, evangelical American, but as a true disciple. This will require a hard look at my life. As a Pastor, I’m surrounded by people who think I’m an authority on what it means to be a Christian. In some ways I feel I have no idea. I’m committed to the uncomfortable task of rethinking everything Christologically and Christocentrically.

I want to find a balance between lovingly/patiently listening, and ripping into people for how stupid and/or sinful their ideas or actions are. This may sound weird, but as a Pastor/Teacher I feel I have let people off too easily far too often. I feel I have often failed to confront people who needed to be confronted because of their sin or unbiblical ideas. Why? Probably a few different things. First, I was way to confrontational in my early 20’s, and have way overcompensated in my late 20’s. Second, at times I have a false sense of humility. I shouldn’t be afraid to tell someone that their ideas or actions are wrong when I absolutely know they are. I’m not saying that I need to be brash or rude, just that sometimes I fail in my responsibility as a Pastor and Christian brother to correct the uninformed and confront the unrighteous. (I’m speaking primarily in terms of Christians in both instances, especially those that God has in some way put under my care.)

I want to blog more here on WPH. I’ve struggled for a while with what to do with this blog. I feel that in the past it has been unfocussed, a bit all-over-the-place. I’m still working out what I want it to be, but I feel sure that I need a place to dump some thoughts. I think the personal and theological tone of this post is a taste of where I’ll take it this year, along with all of my rants about the latest Bible apps and whatnot.

Finally, I want me and Erica (my wife) to be happy, happy, happy together. No, we don’t have problems in our marriage. In fact, we’re closer than ever. Still, I want more for her. I’ve taken her through some difficult times in the last 10 years (wow, almost 10 years married). I think we have a touch of burnout, and need God to make some space for us to recuperate.

Erica’s attitude over the last last 4 to 6 years (which have been the hardest) has been amazing. She has proven herself to be a person who loves God and me more than comfort, or clothes, or houses, or anything that this world has to offer. Paul wrote that, “the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided (1 Corinthians 7:33-34).” I believe the scriptures are the inspired, inerrant, infallible word of God, but I also think Paul didn’t know Erica. Not that I’ve neglected her and her needs in the name of ministry. (Men who do that are worse than dogs and should be beaten in public.)  I just mean to say that she has acted as if I gave her the world when I was actually taking her on one difficult adventure after another. She has only ever asked me if I thought a thing was God’s will or not. If I believed it was, she was on board with no questions asked. I’m asking God to reward her with a time of refreshing. Rewards are not earned, they are granted, and I’m asking my gracious God to bless my beautiful wife.

Trinity Notes for Students.pdf

Exam 2 Study Guide Fall 08.pdf

Yes, here are some unboxing photos followed by a few comments.

The ESV

I’ve touted the greatness of the ESV as a translation for almost the whole life of our young church. The ESV is what is known as an “essentially literal” translation, meaning that the translators made every effort to translate word for word from the Greek and Hebrew Manuscripts. With that as the basic translation philosophy, the team also paid special attention to beauty of language, and readability. It strikes an almost perfect balance between literal accuracy and readability. Whereas the NIV is extremely readable, it often sacrifices precision. I have also noted in the past that the New International Version (NIV) makes questionable translation decisions that can have an effect on the interpretation of certain important texts–the absence of the word “propitiation” from 1 John 4:10, and Romans 3:21-26 are a couple of glaring examples. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) preserves accuracy, but seems to sacrifice readability for precision. The English Standard Version (ESV) was masterfully produced to be both readable and precise. As J. I. Packer, who was the General Editor over the translation team, said the goal of the team was to produce something that could in essence serve as the new King James for the 20th century.

The Problem
So, I’ve been encouraging all of our people at Savior and all of my students at the AGBI and now at Nyack College to use the ESV. A lot of people have hesitated because of the lack of a good study Bible that uses the ESV text. A study bible of course is a Bible with a running commentary along the bottom of the page that helps the reader understand the text better. Until now there was only one study Bible that used the ESV text, the Reformation Study Bible. It is great, but the title gives away the fact that it is written from a strongly Calvinist perspective. You know I love Calvin, and that I’m a closet Calvinist in the AG, but the truth is, its theological bent wasn’t in line with our church and movement in the Assemblies of God. Moreover, it simply did not match the quality of what most people were using–the NIV Study Bible.
The NIV Study Bible has been recognized by many as the standard for excellence in Study Bibles. It’s editorial team and contributers were first rate. It is solidly evangelical, but didn’t seem to grind any theological axes in the notes (as far as I ever noticed). The NIV Study Bible really only had one flaw–the NIV! (NOTE: I think the NIV is great, but the existence of the ESV leaves me no reason to put up with its shortcomings, so don’t think I’m hating on it. I just don’t see a reason to continue to use it when we have something far better available.)
So, now that the ESV Study BIble is here, that problem is more than taken care of. Furthermore, from what I’ve seen in the articles, notes, maps, timelines etc., the ESV Study Bible surpasses the NIV Study BIble in quality. Again, I’m not beefing with the NIV or those who love it. I’m just offering my pastoral perspective on what would benefit your spiritual life more.

My Review

Awesome. It is a comprehensive resource for Bible Study.

In the time I’ve spent flipping through, looking at articles, and looking at the notes of some of my favorite passages, I’ve been very impressed. The articles at the back of the BIble cover everything from the reliability of the Bible to an overview of Christian ethics, to an overview of Christian Doctrine. My early impression is that we truly do have the best all-in-one Bible resource ever produced.

Those who have gone through the Savior Core Course know that I recommend that every Christian have 4 books: a good study bible, a Bible Dictionary (IVP’s New Bible Dictionary, 3rd edition is always my recommendation), a single volume Bible commentary, and a book on Theology. I would say that this study Bible relieves the need for two of those: the commentary and the book on Theology. The notes and book introductions are so extensive that it matches what you would get in most 1 volume Bible commentaries. The articles in the back are so well written (particularly on Doctrine and Ethics) that they would meet most people’s needs. Of course, better to have more books than less. I’m just trying to make the point that this book will fill a huge gap in your personal Bible Study library all by itself.

If this sounds like a commercial, you got it right! I do want you to buy it, not because I make money off it (I certainly do not-this blog is not monetized at all!), but because as your pastor I want you to have one! You can get a hard cover for $30 from ChristianBook.com. I went for hardcover because I don’t think I would carry it around.

Here are just a couple of endorsements from their site:

“The ESV is a dream come true for me. The rightful heir to a great line of historic translations, it provides the continuity and modern accuracy I longed for. Now the scope and theological faithfulness of the ESV Study Bible study notes is breathtaking. Oh how precious is the written Word of God.”

John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

“The ESV Study Bible is the most important resource that has been given to the emerging generation of Bible students and teachers. The ESV Study Bible is the best. Period.”

Mark Driscoll, Preaching Pastor, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network

Whole Text Online

When you purchase an ESV Study Bible you get a code that unlocks the online version. The online Study Bible has everything that the print Bible has and allows you to keep personal notes. I think this is the way I will be using it most of the time.

Try it Free Online

You can demo the online Study Bible here. They have allowed access to the entire book of Matthew for the public. (As I said, you need to purchase a hard copy to get a code to use the full online version.) Check it out.

Cons?

Only con I can come up with is pure hugeness. The thing is giant, though not as big as I feared from the early advertisements. You’re not going to want to have one in your backpack or briefcase. The web version does work on my iPhone, but it isn’t optimized for mobile browsing. All of this would be made up for if they release an iPhone version–we can pray!

The site meets three needs:

First, it is informational for prospective students, partner churches, and professors.

While we regularly update all of our literature and promotional videos, it is not easy to keep it all up to date and available. Being able to direct pastors and potential students to a content-rich site will be a big help.

Second, it will aid in Institute-wide communications.

The site is set up as a Wordpress blog (as is the site you’re on right now), which means multiple users can post content quickly and easily from any computer (or iPhone!) connected to the internet. Anyone who subscribes will get automatic updates via email or feed reader. So what will that look like? Well, any professor can post content, such as class notes, helpful links, due date reminders, etc. They can also post devotional thoughts, reports of what God is doing, prayer request etc. Perhaps most helpful, we can post news, scheduling details, and event details. You will no longer have to rely on info you sort of remember hearing someone mention during a busy class!

We will be requiring all students to sign up for a free email subscription to the site (all subscriptions are free of course). We will also invite all of our Professors and some students to participate in adding content to the blog.

Third, it will provide another forum for students and teachers to interact.

While not everyone will be authorized to post, anyone can heard and interact via the comments section for any post.

So, check it out. This site is just one of the many improvements, big and small, we will be making to the institute this fall. (That rhymed.)

The truth is when something is cool I usually find a great way to use it for Jesus! In fact, I’m using the subjet of my first Ministry Tech post right now. I’m actually blogging via my iPhone from Starbucks right now! Magic. Just moments ago I dowloaded the new wordpress for iPhone app from the App Store (free too). I’ll try to toss in a couple of screen shots. With this app I can now do all of the things I really hoped to be able to do with my iPhone.

Since I got my iPhone 3G on July 11th (yes I waited in line early in the morning, and I’m glad I did since they are very scarce now) - since then I have been impressed almost daily by how useful it really is for ministry. I suppose most of the stuff I use can be done from any PDA, Blackberry or whatever (calanders, to dos, email etc.), but I find that it comes in handy constantly. I’m constantly thinking, “good thing I have my iPhone”. Maybe the facination will ware off, but for now I’m confident that it was well worth the investment. I could easily see purchasing them for the whole pastoral staff (when we have one that is)!

One down side that you may have already noticed. NO SPELLCHECK!!!! If you didn’t know before, you know now–I can’t spell. Oh well, one more reasons to be humble.

Hi Pastor Frank

I’m the author of The Jesus Storybook Bible and I came across your blog via a google alert thing and thought I’d stop by and say Hi.

Thanks for your review–I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book. It’s God’s Wonderful Story–and i’m so honored to have a part in retelling it for children.

Anyway, my best to you all and to your ministry

Sally

sallylloyd-jones.com

PS you may be interested to know about some cool resources on my site connected with the book, including audio of me reading the stories, downloadable stories, interviews and reviews–as well as other new children’s books

Its in the comments of course, but I figured most would miss it there. Check out her site here. Get the Jesus Storybook Bible here. We got ours at Barns & Noble in the Palisades Center. Blessings.

Hey everyone. My daughter Julia and I have been working our way through the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is excellent. I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Tim Keller who recommended it for all believers, not just kids. The subtitle says it all, “Every story whispers his name.” I have often found that writers of children’s material are great with kids and lame with theology. Not the case here. The author gets the Gospel.

You can get it Amazon here.

If you look closely, most overnight successes took a long time. - Steve Jobs