24 February 2009

Bookworm activities in 2009

I am quite a slow reader (I like to chew long) but there's nothing I like to do more on these winter evenings after getting the children to bed, than to turn off the computer (to resist the compulsion to constantly check my in-box), put some logs on the fire, make a cup of German Jakobs coffee, switch on the reading light, grab the highlighter and pen and sink into the double sofa to disappear into a good read. Good intentions often end in my eyes closing on me after 30 minutes or so but I am getting better at keeping awake and staying concentrated.
Above is the pile of books that I hope to get through this year! They are mostly theological books which I read both devotionaly and for the purpose of keeping abreast with current trends and winds of doctrine.
I also read in order to sharpen my skills in areas of interest. For example the book slide:ology is written by one of the worlds leading design agencies and focuses on making good PowerPoint presentations. This is something I often have to create as I both teach and promote the work of CEF. I have also had opportunity to teach other CEF workers and future workers on this subject. The book on public speaking from Richard Bewes is another example of reading to sharpen skills. Some of the books were given to me as gifts with the recommendation of the giver.
In addition to reading the above, I ensure that I give priority to the reading of God's Word. I have been following the 'Bible in a Year Plan' in my Explorer Quiet Time notes. For this I use the ESV study bible and often listen to it online while reading (I find this helps me to concentrate and to retain more). If I continue to keep up with the readings, I will have completed this in September.
In between I pick up Grudem's huge Systematic Theology and read a chapter of that.
I also subscribe to the monthly Evangelical Times and Evangelicals Now, and the quarterly Gemeindegründung. On top of that are all the blogs which I find impossible to keep up with! There's just so much information and good solid material out there (can you ask for a Sabatical after two years service :) )???
As well as all of this reading, I listen regularly to sermons I download on my iPod. They are normally sermon series or Pastors/Leadership conferences. On my playlist you would find, John Piper, Don Carson, John MacArthur, Mark Driscoll, Mark Dever, C.J. Mahaney, Alistair Begg and music from Sovereign Grace Music.
Perhaps I will post the odd review and recommendation over the coming months.

23 February 2009

The wrath of God that I deserved

I'm currently reading Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution. The song below contains excellent theology on this subject and has helped to restore to me the glory of this doctrine. (Isaiah 53:5)

His Forever

From Worship God Live. Words and Music by Pat Sczebel, © Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Jesus, friend of sinners
Loved me ’ere I knew Him
Drew me with His cords of love
Tightly bound me to Him
’Round my heart still closely twined
The ties that none can sever
For I am His and He is mine
Forever and forever

Jesus, friend of sinners
A crown of thorns You wore for me
Bruised for my transgressions
Pierced for my iniquities
The wrath of God that I deserved
Was poured out on the Innocent
He took my place, my soul to save
Now I am His forever

Jesus, friend of sinners
I love to tell the story
Redeeming love has been my theme
And will be when in glory
Not death nor life nor anything
Can ever separate me
O love that will not let me go
Yes, I am His forever

Download it here or get it on iTunes

14 February 2009

Text revision of the next JYC manual completed

Together with David Crutchley, I have just completed the text revision of the next JYC manual 'The World'. We are very excited about how this project has developed and we think this could be the best manual yet!
Please pray for Sarah as she now edits and proofreads and for Brent as he works on the layout and design.
We praise God for giving us the strength to reach this important milestone. The finished product should be out in May.