Current Reading List

I’m tempted to assume that if I just start a book, I’ve tackled half the battle… Not So. Thus, I’ve had to adopt a new approach… I cannot start a new book until I finish what I’ve already started.  Seems simple, let’s hope it’s effective.  Also, jsut reading when I have a “free minute” doesn’t seem to be working like I thought it might. So new plan: read a portion at the beginning of each day (doesn’t have to be a lot, but I need to keep moving forward).  Here’s my current reading list (and I can attest to the fact that each one is proving to be a great read):

Why not skip around?

If you attend Lakemont Presbyterian Church, then you are aware that we just finished a sermon series that started over a year ago, and took us all the way through the book of 1 Corinthians. If you do not attend Lakemont, now you are up to speed. Just as a heads-up, this Sunday we begin a new series… this time we are working through the book of 1 Peter. I am assuming some may think: “ok good, that answers my question.” Others may think: “ummmm… seriously? We just finished one book and now its time to tackle another??” So a good question to ponder is: why? Why immediately move from one book to another?

1 Peter Collage

As one that prepares sermons, and preaches with some regularity, let me be honest… “deciding what I want to say and then going to God’s Word to back it up” is a constant temptation. The intention behind preaching through a book of the Bible consecutively is not to keep the preacher from having to figure out what he is going to “preach on” each Sunday, but is instead (in part) TO KEEP the preacher from figuring out what he is going to “preach on” each Sunday.

We talk a lot about desiring the Holy Spirit to guide and lead, but then we hang on tightly to the reigns. If you attend Lakemont Presbyterian Church, I would encourage you to come to worship on Sunday morning with no hands on the reigns, and lets set out together to see what the Lord would have us learn from the letter he had Peter write (under inspiration) to the early church. God’s Word is for His people… His whole Word, in it’s entirety… I look forward to studying through 1 Peter as we seek to be students of His whole Word.

Quick Read

Just finished an excellent book (and quick read). Judas and the Gospel of Jesus – N.T. Wright.

The book was incredibly well written and insightful. If you are at all interested in manuscript issues and canon debates related to New Testament Studies, pick it up and read it! Wright takes, Ehrman, Meyer and Pagels to task with excellent clarity. I highly recommend this book!

Next book on my list: Misquoting Jesus – Bart Ehrman.  I am very interested to see Ehrman’s perspective firsthand: his bias and agenda (which we all have). Wright refers to the movement, of which Ehrman is a figurehead, as the New Myth. It’s time for me to interact with the “New Myth” unfiltered. Should be interesting, no doubt!

Want to listen to more than one sermon this week?

You may very well have answered the above question with a resounding “No!” @ which point you can stop reading this post.

BUT…. if you answered with, “Yes” or more probably “Maybe”… I am attaching a link to our Church’s sermon/podcasting site… I had the opportunity to preach last Sunday, and a few folks have asked for the link… so here ya go:

L’chaim: To Life (Click Here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wyatt is One. Unbelievable.

It is hard to believe that our little man is already a year old. God is good, and we are blessed. Thanks to everyone who prays for us, and for him specifically. Here are a few pictures from his 1st birthday. (Note: we were all over the place that weekend and since he had a cake at his party with his Grandmom Carolyn, we decided [after a well crafted pitch by yours truly] to celebrate his 1st birthday with his first dunkin donut!)