Extracurricular Activities — October 5, 2013
How Did Calvin and Wesley Differ on Scripture? Scot McKnight Explains
John Calvin and John Wesley differed on Scripture, not on its inspiration (a divinely-produced Book) or its authority (it stands over all humans and their endeavors), but on how that Bible is to be read and interpreted. Don Thorsen, in his exceptional book Calvin vs. Wesley: Bringing Belief in Line with Practice. And Don raises another issue that complicates our spectrum: What you think about the Bible can be measured by how often you read it. You may say it is inspired, etc, but if you read it once a week you are saying you don’t need it that often. If you need it daily you may be confessing all you need to confess.
Tim Challies Helps Us Pray Like a Puritan
Over the past few weeks Dr. Joel Beeke and I have been teaming up to work our way through a portion of his massive new work A Puritan Theology. We have not been reading the whole book, but just the final eight chapters which deal with practical theology, the “so what?” of systematic theology.
This week we read chapter 54 which discusses the Puritans and prayer. I asked Dr. Beeke a few questions related to the Puritans and the way they prayed.
6 Reasons to Dig Into Calvin's Commentaries (Derek Rishmawy)
Recently, I've set myself to the task of slowly reading through some of Calvin's commentaries as part of my devotional time, commenting on them week by week. After a few months, I've become convinced it would be a tragedy if these texts were neglected, especially by younger newcomers to the Reformed tradition like myself. They are a treasure trove for the life and ministry of the pastor as well as the lay believer. Tim Keller gave us a few reasons to read through the Institutes a few months ago, and I couldn't have agreed more. I'd like to simply piggy-back off of that and offer six reasons why you ought to dig into Calvin's commentaries as well.
Ben Witherington Continues Series on The Problem with Preaching
Part 5—A word on the ethos of preaching: A bad ethos can nix a good sermon.
Part 6—The real job of the preacher is to point away from themselves, not to pander.
One Of The Greatest Directors In Cinematic History Believes He's Going to Hell (Andrew Barber)
Martin Scorsese believes he is going to hell. And not in a "I'm going to hell anyway so who cares" rock 'n roll kinda way. This is a serious, soul-level conviction. "I am living in sin, and I will go to hell because of it."
Many of his interview have indicated Martin Scorsese believes he is doomed for eternal torment. He also happens to be one of the greatest directors in cinematic history.
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