Michael Kruger on surviving a University Religion Course: https://vimeo.com/129253608
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The Epic of God by Michael Whitworth Michael Whitworth in his award winning book The Epic of God takes the Book of Genesis as his main textbook and outlines, brings to life, and applies God’s Word to his reader’s lives with depth and clarity. Basing his view of the days in Genesis of creation as literal 24 hour periods, Michael explains that he believes this because other passages consistently conclude that there were six days of creation and one day of rest and make up an entire week (see Exodus 20.11; 31:17) (pg. 24). in the natural way that you would see a week. He sees the day-age theory as more as a tip of the hat to modern science. I appreciate the way Michael weaves together a sense of the application of Genesis for our lives, like in his discussion of the Sabbath (23). In talking about sin, Michael points out that sin is breaking God’s boundaries but also contains an emotional element as well (79), for sin breaks God’s hearts and it g...
All Creatures of Our God and King (Trans. by William Henry Draper, Words by St. Francis of Assisi) The hymn, All Creatures of Our God and King , the English Christian Easter hymn by William Henry Draper was originally taken from the words of St. Francis of Assisi in his poem Canticle of the Sun (1225). The poem was first published in a hymn book in 1919. The poem is based upon the words of Psalm 148. Francis was born in Assisi, 100 miles northeast of Rome. Born in 1181 or 1182, Francis was born into a family of some means, they were of the mercantile stock class. Little education was given to Francis, probably by the priests of San Giorgio, he describes himself as unlettered but we know that he knew some French also along with Latin. His first biographer, Thomas of Celano recounts that early on life for Francis was one of frivolity, lewd living, and arrogance. Francis signals out his time with the lepers as one of extraordinary change, ...
The Bible Story Handbook by John and Kim Walton This new book by John and Kim Walton called The Bible Story Handbook is a great resource for those wanting to teach the Bible to children but are concerned about interpretation and application. The book is divided up into 175 stories starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation that combine sections on focus, application, interpretational difficulties, context and background. Main takeaway points are in bullet points with succinct ideas that come from the text. What is apparent in the reading of each story is that the Walton’s took time to focus specifically in interpretation difficulties that connect with the main points of application. In turn, what you get is a well thought out synthesis of the biblical story that is God glorifying and edifying for the church. One of the last sections in each biblical story that the Walton’s look at is labeled Mistakes to Avoid. In looking at Gene...
A Necessary Grief: Essential Tools for Leadership in Bereavement Ministry by Larry J. Michael What are the necessary tools in bereavement ministry and how do we minister well to others dealing with the downtrodden? These questions are at the heart of Larry J. Michael’s new book called A Necessary Grief: Essential Tools for Leadership in Bereavement Ministry . The best part of the book is Larry’s insistence on making clear distinctions between various terminology and offering a holistic view of ministry to those going through loss. In the beginning of the book, Larry helps the reader by differentiating between grief and mourning. Larry writes, “Grief is the inward process that involves our thoughts and feelings after experiencing loss. Mourning is the outward process that involves the expression of our grief. It is often referred to as “grief that has gone public (24).” Mourning is the sign that we see all around us with mo...
Dead Wake by Erik Larson Whatever Erik Larson writes, I am sure to read it. With his proverbial wit and historical detail, his new book, Dead Wake covers the travels of the Lusitania and the German U-boat that sunk it down. With a careful handling of the events that took place before and after the Lusitania’s plight, Erik gets into the momentous event and the circumstances surrounding the massive Cunard passenger boat. You get a behind the scenes look into the captains, the personalities on the ship, including a book dealer and people of some means. One of the great strengths of the book is Larson’s detailed account of Charles Lauriat, Boston bookseller and collector of rare copies of Dickens and other fine works. We get the sense that Larson was interested not only in the occupation of Lauriat, but his desire to find the most ornate copies of great author’s works and present them to others for sale. For Lauriat, this voyage on the Lusitan...
For the Love of God’s Word by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Richard D. Patterson This abridgement to their Invitation to Biblical Interpretation entitled For the Love of God’s Word is an excellent addition to the ever growing literature on hermeneutics. The focus in the book is outlining how the triad of history, theology, and literature carefully considered help us in our interpretive strategy for each book of the bible. Kostenberger and Patterson at the end of the opening chapter write, “Thus sound interpretation becomes the solid foundation for the application and proclamation of biblical truth to life (23).” Thus, the way toward solid application is in the practice of sound interpretation moving from history, theology, and literature of each biblical book. The second chapter deals with the historical-cultural background of the bible, namely looking at archaeology, cultural customs, and the larger historical milieu that the testaments were writte...