Should You Preach from a Full Manuscript?
When it comes to the question of how to preach, there is no shortage of books, articles, and blog posts offering advice and guidance. And once you start sifting through these materials, it becomes apparent that there is no shortage of disagreement about the particulars of the preaching task.
With that broader context in mind, I am hesitant to jump into the fray over preaching methodology. But, there is one question that my students keep asking me, so I thought it would be worth addressing. And that question is, “Should I preach from a full manuscript?”
By “full manuscript” they mean they write out their sermon exactly how they would … Continue reading...
New Book Announcement: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament
Over the last year or more, I have been involved in a number of publishing projects, including several academic articles (as chapters in books), and a volume on Christianity in the second century. But, I am particularly excited about the forthcoming volume I am editing entitled, A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament (Crossway, 2016).
This introduction has multiple contributors, all of which are current or past professors at Reformed Theological Seminary. The NT volume (along with an OT counterpart) are being written in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of RTS coming up in 2016.
I am blessed to have such a fine collection of scholars in this volume, including … Continue reading...
Where Are They Now? RTS Charlotte Alumnus Jake Hunt
When students graduate from RTS Charlotte, they head out into all sorts of ministries–they become pastors, counselors, missionaries, professors, etc. In addition, they head into all sorts of locations. We have alumni all over the world, in places like Malaysia, China, Japan, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, and beyond.
One of the most exciting examples of international ministry from our grads is the work being done in Prague, Czech Republic. Jake Hunt (class of 2007) is doing some great work in this needy city (along with Charlotte grads Phil Davis and Cody Janicek). This is a strategic place. On the one hand it was the home of the great 14th century Reformer … Continue reading...
Tolkien, Lewis, and the Blessing of a Messy Desk
Last week I finished a key portion of one of my research projects. And then I did what I normally do during such times (indeed, it is coming a bit of a tradition)–I cleaned up the colossal mess that I had made.
Before it was all said and done, books were strewn all over my desk, across my computer table, on the floor (on both sides of my desk), and up against the wall.
My wife stopped by the office with the kids and was so aghast at the chaos that she snapped the picture below and sent it out on Twitter.
After I had finally cleaned up my desk–and … Continue reading...
Is It a Waste of Time for Seminary Students (and Pastors) to Learn the Biblical Languages?
Note: I post the article below every year as seminary students arrive. I hope it will prove helpful for a new crop of readers (or maybe even prior ones!)
In another month or so, a new crop of seminary students will begin the grueling month-long experience of Summer Greek. And, like all seminary students before them, they will begin to ask the question of why studying these ancient languages even matters. After all, a few years after graduation all will be forgotten. In the midst of a busy pastoral life, who could possibly maintain proficiency in the languages?
As a result of these questions, some students decide (very early on) … Continue reading...